Thank you all for your suggestions in yesterday’s post. They have galvanised me somewhat for next weeks sub committee meeting which was running the risk of being overwhelmed of what we can’t do instead of looking of what we can do.
I’ve reflected long and hard over this recently .
That’s why I’m attracted to warm “ can do” personalities
The negative ones, walk to the beat of my mother’s “can’t do “ old drum
That’s why I’m trying to distance myself from those with negative energy
You know the sort….people that can suck the life blood from a lemon without really trying.
I just don’t want to deal with it .
Anyhow, Tonight I’m off to the theatre clwyd to see the play When Darkness Falls.which is described by the Guardian as being able , to leave you cowering in your seat!
Ooh arhhh
I’m going on my own , which is fine.
I need to get out tonight and can’t always rely on the company of friends.
I will leave you with the above song by November Ultra
A song which was playing this morning on the radio, when Mary was sat on my knee bumming toast crusts.
She’s getting on now, and is slower, slightly arthritic and more cranky than her pack mates.
And for a couple of minutes we danced slowly around the kitchen together to this tune ,
Her head tucked under my chin, like a puppy
John, avoiding the energy vampires is definitely one of my self-care practices! You are drawn to the can-do people because you are one, too.
ReplyDeleteI agree
DeleteGood on you John - we need 'can do' so much more than 'no you can't (my mother's mantra too...). The sponsorship of window panels is a good idea. When I worked in Oz it was so much more' can do' and 'let's make that happen' than here (the climate helped I'm sure! ). Having just survived what I can only describe as the most negative experience in my life, involving solicitors and barristers and more money than I've ever earnt, I'm still positive. The motto has to be, 'semper prorsum' - ever forward!
ReplyDeleteOnward and upward x
DeleteI know what you mean about negative "can't do" people sucking the lifeblood out of plans instead of making positive or creative contributions. Mix too much with the "can't do" clan and you become one yourself. I enjoyed the accompanying song - never heard it before.
ReplyDeleteMe neither , it’s rather sweet
DeleteDon’t scream during the play.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t even fart
DeleteThe mental image of you dancing around your kitchen with Mary will inspire me all day long today!
ReplyDeleteIt was rather sweet
DeleteYou want to avoid the "negatives" and yet, you are off to see a play that will certainly affect you in a negative way! SMH
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day the very best way you can!
Oh being scared IS fun
DeleteAs in the words of the song, accentuate the positives, eliminate the negatives! Will there be a sofa for you to hide behind when the play gets too scary? Lol. I can picture you cuddling Mary and dancing gently together. Sweet. xx
ReplyDeleteIt didn’t get that scary!,,
Deleteleeches I call them - they suck you in and drain you of your positive energy if you let them - I put up a barrier now - Have to - Anyway onwards and upwards John - don't poop your pants tonight x👻
ReplyDeleteYes flis you are right, you have suffered more than most here, and I must say you have never deserved it.
DeleteYou share your thoughts , true, but always do in a positive, funny way albeit centred about your life
I will always defend u from their bile
Oooh, make sure you park in a brightly lit area tonight and check the backseat before you drive off. :o
ReplyDeleteNo need, not even a shiver
DeleteNot like when I saw BLAIR WITCH in Sheffield and I ran up my back ally like a loon
I do like people that creatively solve problems. Naysayers have a way of putting an unnecessary damper on things. That said, some do not realize that they come across this way. I am glad you have lots of good ideas to put forth at your upcoming meeting. Give sweet Mary an extra hug from me.
ReplyDeleteShe’s on my knee now
DeleteDogs break your heart as they get older don't they?
ReplyDeleteI’ve played this game too many times but they do
DeleteI so enjoyed reading everyone's ideas for how your community might better serve everyone and turn sufficient cash to stay afloat.
ReplyDeleteIt is good protection for yourself to kindly leave behind the naysayers.
Hope you enjoy the play tonight.
What a precious, charming picture I have of you and Mary dancing after your shared breakfast.
Hugs!
Leave them to wallow in their own sad juices and lack of self awareness
Deletepeople that can suck the life blood from a lemon without really trying
ReplyDeleteoh the irony
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ReplyDeleteWell I’m happy to have constructively critical comments debby, they are always welcome
DeleteI agree we need a two pronged approach which covers short term money used for upkeep and long term grants and donations which keep us going long term
The TCA can back out of the responsibility of the hall if the trustees vote that way. But it’s an important asset to the village and needs money and support.
We want to to succeed … the building is owned by the village which is basically the community council
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DeleteWell I’m happy to have constructively critical comments
Deleteha ha ha
words escape me
I bet U and others were screaming at you to comment on this post lol
DeleteI deleted any comments without reading them properly
DeleteThe vision of you and Mary dancing around the kitchen made me smile, and will linger in my mind; strange how the simple fact of a member of the family ageing catches you by surprise, and with a profound gentle sadness. Enjoy the play: I have always preferred to go to the theatre alone so I can concentrate on what is in front of me rather than what/who is beside me.
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention yesterday what turned out to be a good fundraiser with minimal energy and effort; a 24 hour relay sponsored croquet match; my husband and I did a two hour stint from 3am, and it was great fun and a brilliant experience!
It was a rather indulgent but sweet moment
DeleteWhen dancing we are all young pups.
ReplyDeleteLol or we think that we are x
DeleteOh my word, that song.
ReplyDeleteDebbie in London
Looking at yesterday’s large number of suggestions and your above comment of a two prong approach I started think of ways to organize the suggestions (can’t help myself, been a data analyst for nearly 40 years). You probably already have this in hand but might I suggest a mind mapping tool or something similar to organize the possibilities by things like long-term, short-term, level of effort, level of outside resources needed, initial standup cost, potential income, etc. Then a separate list/map of the same lists that touches on the emotional/community side of it - skills in the village, level of fun in executing, emotional impact (Like the memorial windows). Just some top-of-mind thoughts. There are free mind mapping programs (freemind is one). I use xMind which offers a free demo version that is decently featured. Hope you all have a great time choosing and hold events!
ReplyDeleteCan you email me , I feel you are a good resource
Deletejgsheffield@hotmail.com
Email sent 24 Feb. Would be happy to help.
DeleteDancing with your girl ..
ReplyDelete'I'm not alone', said the boy. 'I've got a puppy' .. (Jane Thayer)
'I'm not alone', said the boy. 'I've got a puppy ..' (Jane Thayer)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet, sweet song ..
It’s quite beautiful
DeleteAm currently reading a book called the body keeps the score, and to be fair to the can't dos, that is childhood conditioning that can be hard to shake. It's still in me, but back in the 80's I read a book called Zen and the Art of Motorcyle Maintenence and found out about learned helplessness, and have been battling mine ever since with varying success and some huge wins to keep me at it. It can also be a product of available energy levels, whether from health, age or a very busy time in someone's life. It made me instantly tired to think of making the above very good suggestion of mind maps, for instance, though I'd probly feel up to tackling them if I had other keen people around me to help carry the energy. :D
ReplyDeleteThat was tina in west oz, John.
ReplyDeleteI was quite shocked when you said Mary was getting old....I still don't understand why it affected me but I thought Mary was still young? How old is she? Lovely picture in my head of you dancing around with her though.
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland
She’s 8 this year
DeleteI felt exactly the same as you, Jo. Shock that Mary could be one of the older ones. I always picture her sitting in that fruit bowl as a pup and she's just stayed that way in my mind. Even that naughty Roger is gradually growing up . . but Mary, sweet Mary, who enjoys a cuddle with her Dad and a slow dance, can never seem like a matron.
DeleteI too can relate to finding it draining to be around people with constant negative energy. There are days when I feel strong enough to overcome it with positivity and others when I just feel I need to protect myself from it.
ReplyDeleteVery precious moment slow dancing with your Mary.
I’m going to keep the image in my head all day of you and Mary dancing around the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about people who suck the life out of any situation. I grew up in such a situation and left home as soon as I could. I love, positive, can-do people and always will.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog. As I sit here next to a cozy fireplace in a snowy morning in our very small Northern California town I'm reminded of all the beautiful dogs my husband and I have shared our lives with over our 43 years together. They each taught us how to live life to the fullest, run & hug and let go gracefully when the time comes. Nothing but loving memories now that we're two old men next to the fire. Bless you and your little ones. Bill in Willits
ReplyDelete