If you’re a blogger, do you ever feel like you’ve got some things you’d like to share, but you’re not sure it would take up a whole post?
Do you ever have a snippet of information you’d like to explore, but you’re not sure where it will go?
That’s me today as I link up with Nancy’s A Rural Journal for Random 5 Friday.
Here are five facts about me and my week. I may expand on facts two through five in later posts.
One
I got out into the yard on Sunday to capture some spring in photos. It felt good, even though I had to be careful on the uneven ground.
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| Our backyard |
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| Azaleas |
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| Azalea bloom |
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| White blooming bush (I don't know its name. Do you?) |
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| Close-up of white blooms |
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| My trusty boot went along for the walk |
Two
The depression that I struggled with in January and February has gotten a lot better. The medication change my psychiatrist made seems to have helped. I’m also doing a lot of talking to myself and soul searching about worry, anxiety, expectations and contentment.
And the writing that I do for this blog helps me tremendously. I had an appointment with my psychiatrist today, and one of the things he told me to do was to keep up my writing!
Three
I seem to meet a lot of dogs when I go on interviews for work. I met a sweet Cocker Spaniel this week.
I also seem to forget that some dogs might not like me. I tend to reach out and pet a dog before I’ve given him or her a chance to sniff me and judge me as OK. My husband says he’s afraid I’m going to lose an arm that way.
Four
Speaking of dogs, sometimes it’s easier for me to talk with an animal than a person. I enjoyed that interview that I had, but I still get nervous beforehand, even though I’ve been a reporter for over three years. Maybe it’s about being so introverted.
Do you find it easier to talk with animals?
Five
My husband and I went to a bookstore in Lynchburg Thursday. One of the books I bought was The Omnivore’s Dilemma, by Michael Pollan. I’m trying to find a way to eat that supports me nutritionally and ethically. I’m looking forward to reading this book. Have any of you read it?
Your white blooming bush is known as May Bush here in Australia, although it doesn't flower in May here as this is our autumn time.
ReplyDeleteKaren, thank you of identifying the bush and for stopping by and commenting.
DeleteThe blooming bushes are lovely! My grandmother had a white bush like that but as to the name, I have no clue :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debra. I think we had the same or similar bush on the farm when I was growing up. Even without being sure of the name, I like it!
DeleteWe have a similar bush, (south of france) that looks so much like yours it is an'Oranger du Mexique/ choisya ternata', I wonder could they be of the same family? I haven't read the MP book but have a Canadian friend who was impressed by it, I talk to animals, trees, birds, bees, and people without too much difficulty, but CANNOT speak in front of a group of people, this terrorizes me.
ReplyDeleteLynn, what a lovely name for a bush! I am not comfortable speaking in front of a group, either. I really have to psyche myself up for it. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
DeleteI believe your bush is Bridal Wreath Spiraea. We had a neighbor growing up that had a row of them in her side yard and I would "steal" a little branch to put in a vase in my room. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nancy. That word "Spiraea" sounds familiar. The blooms look like they would make for a lovely bridal wreath.
DeleteLooking forward to hearing what you think of this book - Before i give it try . .
ReplyDeleteI often think Dogs are better people than humans . . .
Your photos are lovely . . . AND, those boots seem like a miracle to me . . you can walk while healing . . amazing.
-g-
Thank you, Georgy. I'm really looking forward to reading the book.
DeleteI sometimes enjoy the company of animals more than people!
Your flowers are beautiful. I find the spring sun helps with any emotions or depression that comes and the writing OH YES that is the secret.
ReplyDeleteI have no problem talking to animals or people I think of them a lot alike strange but true.
Take care of your foot and smile it is going to be a sunny weekend and you will have lots to write about. Hug B
Thank you, B. I think the beautiful spring weather helps, too. And yes--writing is so important to me.
DeleteI don't think it's strange that you can talk so well to animals and people. I think you have such an open heart.
I love your flowers! I often forget that a dog might not like me - I just love them so much that I forget. I'll be interested to hear what you think of the book. I've been thinking about reading it, but haven't gotten to it. Have a nice day!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen. I've been wanting to read the book for a while, and when I saw the author (Pollan) had a new book out, I thought I'd go back and read this one first.
DeleteI'm the same way with dogs. I like them, so I don't think about them maybe not liking me!
Neat spring flower pictures! I have struggled with anxiety and depression as well. I am glad that your meds and counseling are working for you. Keep up the blog!
ReplyDeleteI have read The Omnivore’s Dilemma, by Michael Pollan. From the perspective of someone who makes their living in production agriculture this book is full of MISINFORMATION. Please do some unbiased research before you form your opinions on ethical eating. There are a lot of excellent blogs and books out there that speak the truth about where our food comes from.
Thank you, Robyn. Anxiety and depression are not fun, are they?
DeleteThanks for your input on the book. I've done a lot of research before, and I'll read beyond Pollan's book. I think it's important to read widely, too. It makes for a better perspective.
Love the spring photos Tina. And I am glad to hear that your depressive symptoms are getting better. I bet spring helps some as well! And I am totally with you no being able to sometimes talk with animals easier than people. I have some of my best conversations with my cat Ruby...they're one-sided of course but still :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Keith. I am feeling better, and spring is helping, I'm sure. Cats are such good listeners, aren't they? And I love their attitudes.
DeleteFrom one Virginia gal to another.... it's nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diane. So glad to meet you!
DeleteHappy to hear that your depression is better. Love the azaleas and I believe, Bridal Wreath. Also happy you are out and about with your boot! I've always thought animals were much better listeners than people! Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Snap. It's good to feel better. Bridal Wreath seems such an appropriate name for the bush. Yes, our animals seem to understand, don't they?
DeleteOh My Goodness what a beautiful yeard you have!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad the depression is getting (feeling) better!
hope you find out the name of the mysterious flower:)
~Deanna
Thank you, Deanna. We enjoy the yard, though it is a lot for my husband to mow. We've talked about putting some raised beds back there and growing some veggies. Maybe next year.
DeleteBEAUTIFUL yard!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your depression is better!
Thank you, Elizabeth. It's good to see so much green in the yard now, after the brown winter.
DeleteBeautiful yard! That pink azalea is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. The pink is a favorite of mine, too.
DeleteI've heard good things about that book. So glad the depression is better!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa. I have heard good things, too. I want to start it tonight.
DeleteYou know I just adore this entry......your yard and flowers are so pretty!! Great news about your depression and I'm not a reader, so I am no help with the book!!
ReplyDeleteI think the white flower is a type of spiraea, but I'm not sure!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie. My husband works hard to make the yard pretty. I can't take any credit!
DeleteI think it must be spiraea. That name sounds familiar to me. I think that's what my mother called a bush we had on the farm when I was growing up.
inspiring photos of nature, thanks for sharing! what I love about animals is their unconditional love - something not often found among humans. glad you're getting "back on your feet" (so to speak)!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Becky. I love that about animals, too. And they are so honest.
DeleteI'm glad your depression is getting better! Writing is so good for us in so many ways. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous azaleas. Especially the pinks. They're my faves.
What fun to meet so many wonderful animals. They love us so much. And i adore them with my whole heart and soul. Have a beautiful weekend, Tina!
Thank you, Mary. Writing has been a lifelong blessing to me.
DeleteI do enjoy meeting different animals. Of course, my kitties don't want me to bring any other animals home with me! :-)
I hope you have a great weekend, too.
gorgeous azaleas. nice boot, so stylish. is that easy to walk in? they look so uncomfortable. i sure hope you will improve quickly. ( :
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth. Yes, I'm very stylish with my boot, don't you think? :-) I've gotten used to it. In fact, I may have difficulty in wearing shoes on that foot again!
Deletebeautiful blooms and lovely yard. i like most animals more than i like humans. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tex. I have so much more patience with animals than with humans. :-)
DeleteI used to do interviews for the college paper when I was in school. I found it a good opportunity to talk with boys I liked. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you for making me smile, Kristina! :-)
DeleteYou have a very nice yard! Azaleas are one of my favorite flowering shrubs. I think that shrub may be called a spiraea (I could be very wrong, though)
ReplyDeleteI usually find myself battling some type of sadness (depression) right around fall and throughout winter. I'm not sure what it is...but, last fall, I painted my darker walls all bright white, got rid of drapes, bought daylight bulbs for my overhead lights and it honestly seemed to help me. This is the first winter that I have not felt the overwhelming feeling of gloom.
Glad you are feeling better and was able to get outside.
Thank you, Marissa. You've helped me identify the shrub! I like knowing the names of things.
DeleteI'm very sensitive to light and tend to keep the house dark. That's probably not a good idea for me in the winter. Thanks for sharing what you've done!
That's a good book Tina. I hope you enjoy it. It looks like your azaleas are a couple weeks ahead of ours here in the Pacific Northwest. I'm glad you are feeling better this month. Have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Veronica. I'm looking forward to reading Pollan's book. Our spring has been odd this year--snow in April, cooler weather than expected for this time of year. It was kind of nice for me, though--I dread the hot weather coming!
DeleteHi Tina, I definitely find it easier to talk to animals. They don't judge us, just love and want to be loved....unconditionally. I am very sensitive to light and noise and need down time with absolute quiet and dim lights...to think, pray, meditate and rejuvenate. Love the photos here, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. Animals are special to me, too. And I can't stand a lot of light and noise either. I always need a little downtime after being in a crowd.
DeleteBeautiful flowering bushes . . . I think the cascading bush is in the Spirea family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting me at the garden house today . . .
Thank you Lynne. I'm glad I posted a photo of that bush. You and others have helped me identify it.
DeleteHi Tina. Nice to meet you. Thanks for stopping by my blog and your nice comment.
ReplyDeleteYou Azalea is beautiful and the Spirea brought back memories when we had them when I lived on the farm many years ago.
Thank you, Barb. We had one of those bushes beside the farmhouse, my first home. I remember playing with the pretty blooms.
DeleteThanks for stopping by, and for your comment. I tend to assume also, that dogs will be friendly. That's what I'm used to, except for one time that an Amish neighbor's dog was too friendly, and got a little too close to my leg in his excitement. That hurt for a long time! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, my, that sound painful! I'm hope you're OK now. I need to be more careful. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
DeleteI'm extremely socially phobic in ways, and my cats are far, far easier to talk to.
ReplyDeleteI love talking to my cats. With people, I'm much better one-on-one or in small groups than in large crowds. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
DeleteLOVE the azaleas. They are so pretty! Once again, I enjoyed reading your random 5!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sunny. I hope it's more spring-like where you live now.
DeleteI am very much an introvert. I spend a lot more time enjoying the company of nature and animals than people. Haven't read that book, but I've also been a vegetarian for ten years. I always struggle during Jan. and Feb. when the days are shorter. I do need my sunshine. You really took some lovely photos on your walk.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I'm an introvert, too, and I find myself very comfortable in the company of nature and animals, too. I think I need sunshine more than I thought I did!
DeleteI think the beauty of nature and being outside does lots of good things for us both physically and mentally. Your walk certainly included some beautiful flowers. I am so glad you are feeling better now that spring has finally gotten here.....
ReplyDeleteMy constant companion, Simon a cat (he doesn't know he's a cat) is my therapist and always listens to my problems while never judging or scolding...I would be lost without him.....
Thanks for dropping by; I hope you will come again...
Thank you, Nancy. Aren't cats, and animals in general, wonderful? I can tell from photos on your blog that Simon is a beauty.
DeleteLovely photos, and I've heard good things about that book!
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way about dogs. :)
Amanda, thank you for visiting and for commenting.
DeleteI sometimes have a random assortment of topics for my blog posts. You 5 things held yours together nicely.
ReplyDeleteI tend to relate better with little kids - especially shy ones - than with adults. I don't fear them judging me the way I fear adults will.
Thank you, Abigail. I hadn't thought of that, but I can see where talking with little children can be easier than adults. You're right--kids are generally more accepting and more honest in their perceptions.
DeleteI've heard so many great things about that book. My professor swears by it! She says that she reads it every single year. One of my favorite quotes of his is something along the lines of "If you're not hungry enough to eat an apple, you're not hungry." It puts things in perspective when I head to certain foods. His most recent book is the one I left as a gift to my professor (26 acts of kindness) about a month ago. That too, is pretty fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that the veil of depression is lifting - and hope that it continues to do so. And I've been meaning to mention that I love these five facts you create every Friday! I may just have to jump in when school is complete!
Thank you, Amanda. Now I'm really looking forward to the book! I still haven't had the chance to start it. Hope to in the next day or so.
DeleteYour 26 acts of kindness were awesome!
Beautiful pictures of your yard! :)
ReplyDeleteAmber
Thank you, Amber, for stopping by and commenting.
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