Thank you

Some weeks arrive with a bundle of puzzles to solve, a few problems to fix, and a dose of weariness as a result. The kind of spell that happens just because, and results in you feeling bumped and tattered and just a tad blue. Last week was like that for me, and I was trying to find balance again, knowing that I was approaching burnout.



I went for a ride, which usually helps, but I was just too tired to muster the usual excitement. I tried to photograph a favorite garden in the rain, but that didn’t work either. A nap, reading inspirational messages, talking to my mom and my sisters. I even attempted a new art project, but my creative muse must be taking a break. My husband had helped around the house all weekend, helping to catch up on laundry and errands. My daughters were helpful and pleasant and I got to spend time with them. But still, nothing seemed to pull me out of the weariness...I think I was just feeling too too sorry for myself.



Then this morning I stopped by a few of my favorite blogs. Celeste made me cry when I read her wonderful story about never tiring to give, because God always replenishes us with more. Mary Ann made my smile at her beautiful post about her lovely hankie collection and I was reminded of her sweet generosity and never ending energy to create all kinds of special things for others. Kathy wrote such nice words on her post about receiving my giveaway. And my special friend Suze who always makes everything more special, gave me an award.



I sat down and the sadness drifted away. Why, because in the middle of my woes I had forgotten that I am not alone and my basket of burdens pale in comparison to others. Perhaps that is why I am so in love with blogging and the connections that are made. It is a peek into so many lives across the globe. You can spend an entire day with people and be pleasant, have lovely company but still feel a hunger for connection.



Perhaps, blogging lets people cut to the chase. It is difficult to hide your excitement, sadness or curiosity when you are writing and showing images that speak to your heart. You can travel from one group to another in this virtual world, without worrying about the cost of gas, or how much time it will take to get there. You have all the time to spend in your studio creating, accomplish the things on your "To Do" list, spend time with your family and still have time to visit your friends in Blogland.



Ahhh, but the heart of it is, the heart connections are the special thing about this lovely place. People contribute to create wonderfulness to raise money for research, like Terisa. Karla is collecting 100 cards for her Great Aunt's 100th birthday, Lisa who truly is the keeper of the hearts, hosts an amazing One Heart One World giant giveaway each year. And that is when I remember like today, that I need to step outside of myself when burdens become too bothersome. Blogland is a constant reminder of purpose.



You laugh with people you have never met, you cry when someone you blog with loses a dear one, has a medical concern, or drifts into a creative slump. You are challenged to take your creativity to another level when you dance with the Creatives and accept their invitations.



My sadness has been melted this morning like a gentle rain. My self-pity seems to have taken a vacation, and I can feel my energy returning. The ability to connect to other’s hearts, a reminder of purpose, being rewarded for creating, and smiling at beauty. Perhaps this is the recipe for getting rid of weariness and feeling sorry for oneself. All I know is that I am so grateful that I decided a year ago to begin the art of blogging. I created this post to say thank you, and just like Celeste's story, share the cup that she helped to fill for me this morning.

Thank you,

Blessings, Karen


The song for this post is Garden In The Rain, sung by Perry Como.