Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Don't Post When You Have Nothing To Say

LIFE

Life around Harmony Cottage is boring a lot of the time so from time to time I run out of anything to say. Old Husband is clicking along, keeping me on my toes.

It is raining a lot here but this is the season it rains a lot in the Pacific Northwest, nothing new about that. March seems to be hump month here when it rains until you don't think you can stand another day of it. Very soon though spring will burst forth in all its color and we'll forget how tired we were of the rain.

Our daughter-in-law and grandson are in Japan for a month to visit her parents. Unfortunately since their arrival her mother has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, with six months or less to live. I feel really bad for Naomi. It must be especially difficult to live in another country at a time like this. She is an only child. We stand ready as a family to do anything we can to help. Daughter has volunteered to fly to Japan to accompany grandson home if Naomi should decide she needs to stay in Japan with her mother.
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POLITICAL

I continue to be encouraged about the Democratic Party's future. Good changes are being made, the needed excitement remains, things are looking good. 

I encourage you to read the following article. 


In spite of the good things happening among Democrats it is only realistic to admit we had dug ourselves quite a hole, one that's not likely to be corrected by one election but 2018 should make a big difference toward putting us back in the game in 2020.
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I smiled to myself on the day it appeared the House would vote on Trumpcare. As you can guess I was hoping it would be defeated. Never could I have imagined I'd be on the same side of a vote as the House Freedom Caucus (most conservative group of Republican Party), but there we were, both of us hoping for defeat of the bill.

A closer look reveals we had very different reasons for wanting the bill defeated so that's not likely to happen again.
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PENCILS

For years I've looked for something to take the place of my obsession with politics but never found anything. Recently in an effort to break my habit of checking political news every five minutes I decided I'd give coloring books for adults another try. I'd tried that once before and found the whole process exceedingly boring. If you think knitting socks sounds boring, try coloring books for adults.

As expected it didn't take much of that until I knew my career in that field was limited. What I had not expected was an interest in drawing to develop! Wow, what a concept, pencil and paper. 

I'm having a blast drawing, then using colored pencils and watercolors to complete my drawing. Who knew? Grandma Moses maybe?

23 comments:

  1. I tried the coloring books for adults, too, and got bored but I do like drawing freehand. One day you'll have to post one of yours.

    I can't imagine how hard it would be to be in another country when a parent is in her final days. My thoughts are with your family.

    Glad all is otherwise well with you and Bob. I was beginning to wonder when you hadn't posted in so long. I'm a fairly new follower of yours and didn't realize you don't post if you have nothing to say...unlike me who posts twice a week even if all I've been doing is sitting in a corner staring at the wall. LOL

    Life was good last week for those of us in The Resistance.

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    1. No doubt the coloring books for adults will fade as a new fad takes its place. Hopefully it will have birthed a few artists.

      As much as I hate to see our country suffer, the 2016 election may have been a blessing in disguise for Democrats.

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  2. sometimes the topic well runs dry for bloggers. However it soon fills up again.

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    1. You are correct. Occasionally the well runs dry. Best to remain quiet until it fills again.

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  3. Sometimes no big happenings is a good thing. Back years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer, I remembered going to the doctor for a routine visit. I was in and out in no time. I was not on any medications, no health issues of any kind and it took longer to get dressed and go to the doctor than it took to complete the entire visit. I wrote in my journal - "Oh, the blessing of an ordinary check up." I continue to thank God for the blessings of ordinary days as they are actually EXTRAODINARY days! I'm happy you and Bob are having some.

    I can't imagine your daughter in law's relief that she was THERE when the diagnosis was made. That must be a comfort to them. I am saying a prayer now for the family.

    Drawing??? I do so hope you will share! I can paint but I cannot draw!!!

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    1. I cannot tell you how many artists I've heard say "I can paint but I can't draw." I've decided that's the reason I'm a lousy artist. I'm too bound to lines.

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  4. You should try watercolor colored pencils. They are really fun. You draw, using really intense strokes, and then go over the work with a watercolor brush.

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    1. I have watercolor pencils and am working to learn to use them. I have trouble with mediums I can't control, and watercolor is one of those mediums.

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  5. I was going to recommend the watercolor pencils. I see those adult coloring books every where now and libraries are hosting group times for people to come and color. I have not tried it, but I do like drawing and painting,

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    1. It is my hope coloring books for adults will spawn some artists. I don't think I'd last long using only coloring books. Currently I'm playing with colored pencils, watercolor pencils, and pencil sketching. So far pencil sketching is my favorite but that could change.

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  6. How sad for your daughter-in-law. I'm glad she was there with her mother at a time like this. I've been tempted to buy one of those adult coloring books. I used to enjoy coloring with my granddaughters. Problem now is there is so much I want to do, sewing, gardening, I can't sit still long enough to color.

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    1. If I lived your life I doubt coloring books would hold much interest for me. You have a wonderful interesting life as it is.

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  7. I got one of those adult coloring books and 92 colored pencils for my sister. She loves doing them. I find they make me nervous--especially with the hand tremors. I always had a hard time staying within the lines--now even more. Such devastating news from your DIL. I would imagine she would want to stay with her Mother to the very end.

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  8. So sorry about your DIL's mother. How awful that they are so far apart. It will probably be disrupting for the family but it might be best for all if she stayed over there as long as possible.
    I never learned to paint but I can draw a bit. Have fun with it.

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  9. My intense desire to know every political detail is waning. I'm glad about that. As spring approaches there will be more to do outside, and that will make me happy.
    I think it's wonderful that you have discovered drawing. Do show and tell when you have a piece you are proud of.

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  10. Nuthin' is sumthin'! Sorry about your DIL's mother -- really difficult situation. Glad you're enjoying your drawing. Coloring books seem to be another tool some people find relaxing. Who'd a thunk it!

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  11. I admit to a small addiction to Huffington Post the lat, checking every morning for the latest outrageous Trump news. Congratulations on the drawing. My husband discovered painting three years ago and is having a ball with it. And it's good to find something you can enjoy just for you.

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  12. Hope you will be back soon, real soon!
    I admire your outspoken style....

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  13. Yay for your new artistic career! I'm glad you can think of something to say often. I agree with you completely on your politics. It kind of aggravates me every morning to see the #45 news though.

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  14. Ohhhh.... You wrote that on March 29th? I haven't been able to visit lately, so I didn't know you were taking a break. Breaks are good at times. I take them occasionally too.

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  15. Hi Linda, This is also a first time visit to your blog and I really liked the title and its description and many of us have owned a house like that too! Sorry to read about your DIL's mother, a relative received a similar diagnosis several years ago and various treatments later she is doing very well, so there is always hope. Coloring is something I have done the oast couple of years after receiving books and pencils as gifts. It is enjoyable, but not on a daily basis for me. Hope it continues to be enjoyable for you.

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  16. I've been reading your blog for a while now and I really enjoy it. We're of the same political bent, you and I, and I very much like your editorials...including the thoughtful links. I keep checking back to see what you're thinking about Syria! N. Korea! Ivanka! Jeff Sessions! and more. I'm also hoping you and your husband are well. Just wanted to let you know you've been missed! Robin

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  17. You should try watercolor colored pencils


    เย็ดสาว

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