My brain has been on stuck mode the last couple of weeks. Author Mccloskey Speaks wrote in her post last week “I Got Nothing”, I had to commiserate. I’ve been in that same frame of mind. It’s like swimming through Jello. My mind is mush.
Two weeks ago, I started two new writing classes at a neighboring senior center. My local center didn’t have one. On Wednesday afternoon, it’s a creative writing class and I’ve discovered that I don’t do well with 3 minutes to write on a prompt. It’s the Jello again. Even the weekly assignments leave me with a vacuum where my brain once resided. The second is a memoir writing class. Should be easy enough, right? The prompts once again left me struggling for any memory of that particular experience.
The challenge is good for my brain that is slowly repairing itself from years of intense stress that ended with the Bells Palsy. For the first two years after I came down with it, I could not complete a simple sentence. Everyone around me played charades. I pointed like a two-year old or beat my head looking for a simple word. These writing exercises are just that; brain exercise.
The other reason I signed up for the classes is that I am new enough in the area that I have yet to make friends. There seems to be a large turnover of young people in my apartment complex and though I’ve become acquainted with my neighbors, four of the apartments right by mine, have been vacated. Winter is over. Spring is making things lush and lovely once again. Here in Oregon, it’s really lovely all year. I’m hoping warmer, drier weather brings everyone out to get acquainted. I met one lady here who seems nice enough. She asks a lot of favors and doesn’t say thank you, so I’m giving the friendship some thought.
In the meantime I’ve done a little container gardening trying my hand at a fairy garden. The outcome is irrelevant to the process. I got hooked after reading Gardening Nirvana’s post on Fairy Garden Frivolity.It has been so much fun and next week when there is real sunshine once again, (I can hardly wait) maybe I’ll do a little more playing in the dirt. Hopefully, I can then sit on my upstairs deck and see more than ducks go by. It really is hard making new friends when you are old, single, quirky and have moved too much. But I will persevere. My daughter needs a break.
“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” ― Mark Twain
From my heart to yours,
Marlene Herself
Comments on: "In Search of New Friends" (16)
Look at you go! These are delightful. I love the way you used the pinecones and that sweet,peanut-shaped pond. Great photos of your work, too.
Those succulents are looking healthy with Buddha and the temple. Are these indoors or on your patio?
Marlene, they’re charming. Thanks so much, too, for your lovely comments and ping back. xox
As for the writing class, good for you for getting out there. I hope you’ll give it more time. Writing in a short time from a prompt is hard work. Next time, just inhale slowly and deeply, and go. You’re a great writer. The words will flow.
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Thanks so much. Writing is like any exercise. Now that my blog is done, on to the homework. The gardens are still indoors but go out when it’s nice. Next Week:) Figuring out how to link back to you took a half hour but managed it all by myself. Do I sound two years old? 😉 I enjoy your blog so much.
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You do not sound two years old. We all struggle through with this stuff. One of the benefits of my year of writing every day, was that I was practiced in a lot of the technical aspects of blogging. It often took a long time to figure things out at first. Good for you.
Thank you, Marlene.
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That is just an adorable collection of fairy garden frivolity! Love ‘Tumpta’s’ mailbox and the little turtle too. Does his name translate to something? Magical Marlene, I love your use of so many textures too, like the rock walk and plants. I’d think it’d be kind of nice to have only a few neighbours, it must be nice and quiet.
Congratulations on joining a writing class and meeting up new friends. That’s something I should make more time for. I already love your posts but it’s good to expand our minds (and social circles).
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Thank you Kelly. Making new friends is on top of my priority list. The writing class was a good place to start. No luck so far but there is the new spiritual center I’ve started going to as well. I’ll try anything. Tumpta may not be spelled correctly but my Swedish mother-in-law call gnomes, tumpta gnomas. She introduced them to me. You inspired the gnome. I showed my daughter your fairy garden and Alys’.I’m hooked.
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Alys inspires wondrous things, doesn’t she? (Yes; reference intended)
Marlene, I was the editor of my college newspaper and won awards for my articles. Many days I feel as if my literary skills are on par with a six-year-old. It takes practice to get those kinds of skills back, especially after long lapses or serious illness. You tell a very good story right here – keep at it.
Beware of “takers” disguised as friends. I’ve known plenty in my life and you’re better off without them.
Spashionista (Alicia)
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Thanks Alicia. Your writing skills reflect your higher education.I love reading your blog. Learning to set boundries is one of the many lessons in my new life. I agree with you. I’d rather be alone than abused.
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Lovely words and fairy garden 🙂
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Thank you. Much appreciated. Your words help keep me on track.
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Marlene, Love Love Love your “gardens” they are so sweet! I know the fairies are going to bless you for your presents for them!!
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Thank you so much. I can always use a blessing. Love you sweet lady.
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Beautiful little gardens! Beautiful heart!
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Why, thank you so much. I keep trying and learning.
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HI Marlene,
You have a friend in me. Thankyou for being mine.
Aspen
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Thank you dear heart. I hope we are always the best of friends.
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[…] In search of new friends […]
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