Playing Catch-Up

Hi Sparklers! I've missed you.

I thought we'd play a little catch-up today, because it's been pretty quiet here. First there was Christmas, which I spent with my mom and David at Kalahari in Sandusky, OH. It was amazing! Then, being a spoonie, I had to spend a week in bed to recuperate from a few days' fun. Then I go a cold, and spent who-knows-how-long in bed because of that. And now I'm finally starting to get back to normal. My normal, anyway! 

Other stuff:

-I'm working on an article about coping with especially bad episodes of Trichotillomania. Have something to say? Comment below, or email me! If I use your tips, you'll be credited (of course).


-I've been pinning a lot! Join me on Pinterest. You'll especially like these boards: Travel and Coping With Chronic Illness.

-I'm also trying to be more active on Instagram. Join me? I post inspiration, travel snaps, and of course selfies, catstagrams and food pictures.

-I love (and intend to use!) this Seasonal Intention Calendar from Jess Lively.

-I can't help but daydream about these 10 weird and wonderful swimming pools.

-My fellow SAD-sufferers: this free ebook from Yes and Yes will make this time of year a little cheerier. I can't wait to finish reading it!

Oh what a wonderful morning!

Good morning, Sparklers!

I'm having my best morning in ages. Months! I am so happy I'm probably glowing.

I slept a lot yesterday, so I was up by 5:30 this morning. I curled up beside my mom and cats (all of whom were fast asleep) and read a bit of Jane Eyre (which I'm rereading for the first time since I was 16), played around on Tumblr, and just relaxed. My mom had to leave for work early today, so I left with her around 7. I went to a diner near my house and had eggs florentine and coffee while reading and writing. Then I ran errands, went for a walk (it felt so good to exercise!) and came home.

Now I'm sitting on my bed, listening to HIM, about to get to work on some social media tasks. My cats are sitting with me again, both probably surprised by how alert I am, or the fact that I'm actually wearing pants (not pyjama pants) and a bra.

So I just thought I'd type out a quick blog post to you, my darlings, because I've learned something this morning:

A good day can just happen, out of the blue. And you can make it happen. Even if the weather isn't great. Even if it's still winter and you have SAD. Even if you were depressed yesterday. Every day is an opportunity to create a good day. And even if you don't succeed, doing your best with the spoons you have is what matters. 

Seize the day, mes chรจres!

Image Via

The Truth About Chronic Illness: A Poem


There will be times when you have to live off ramen, poptarts and take-out because you don't have the strength to cook.
There will be nights you can't sleep because the pain is so bad, and days you can't stay up because you're so tired.
There will be days you'll wish the ground would open up and swallow you whole.
There will be years you have to rely on welfare, or savings, or the kindness of others.
There will be times you feel guilty for that.
There will be countless doctor's appointments. You'll be weighed and questioned and pricked with needles. You'll have x-rays and blood tests and ultrasounds. Lots of meds. Lots.
There will be invitations you'll have to turn down, parties you'll have to leave early, brunches you'll have to cancel at the last minute.
There will be times people won't understand. And you'll feel awful about that.
There will be weeks you can't leave bed, days you can't leave the house, mornings you can't shower or brush your teeth. You'll feel unkempt and pathetic and ugly.

But

You'll think to yourself, 
"I'm stronger than ever before.
Other spoonies understand me.
My family-- my true, chosen family-- has never left me.
And I am not my illness."

And somehow, you'll survive.

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