“We See What We Want”

I’ve hit another afternoon slump on a day off. Not as bad as yesterday’s, DEFINITELY better than the day before that, but still rather formidable.

The pic isn’t mine, but I dig the vibe. I was feeling “the blues” and searched “blue” on Pexels. I like what this implies about gratitude. As they say, if you focus on your blessings, you’ll always have more than enough. If, instead, you think only of what’s lacking, you’ll never be satisfied. Never have enough.

Maybe the pic was actually intended to be more about self-perpetuated illusions, but I’m choosing to take a positive spin on it.

I don’t for a second imagine a grateful attitude is easy to maintain on a permanent basis, but it is a useful exercise. So, I thought I would try to stretch those gratitude muscles here. Maybe help lift myself out of this anxiety-induced phunk.

And don’t get me started on the cat. I love her like crazy, but it’s like living with a maniacal toddler who can jump up onto the counters. She spends a lot of her free time trying to get into things she shouldn’t. I keep the bread in the fridge now, whereas I used to stack it in a neat little bin on the top. But she got up there and chewed through the plastic.

I digress. At the moment, she has ceased her shenanigans and is resting in my presently-unused Vera Wang purse. Purse-cat.

Earlier today, I asked her if she’s secretly a dire wolf, even if she’s tiny.

Have y’all read up on that? Apparently, it’s more of a select dire wolf genes added to gray wolves scenario. But people I had formerly played D and D with got a kick out of the idea.

Again. Distractions.

SO… I was actually already thinking of things that are like commonplace miracles. The first few I had come up with (without consciously thinking “Gee, I should try to be more grateful”) were food-related LOL. But here they be:

That first drizzle of honey out of the honey-bear bottle, when there’s still plenty left, and it pours out so readily and thick.

Opening a fresh jar of peanut butter. The smell of roasted peanuts. That first swipe into its immaculate surface with knife or spoon.

I think also, the first swig of an ice-cold can/bottle of soda. The top shelf in the fridge at work gets things cold enough that there are sometimes small chunks of frozen soda at the top. So, so good. Amazingly refreshing.

Really, even enjoying ice water. The pleasure of my spill-proof water bottle, that I take almost everywhere. With its cute Hello Kitty design rubbed clean off from daily use.

One more step removed, enjoying my myriad flavored lip balms. I even found a way to mention them without naming the brand, in my current vampire story in progress.

One of the vamps mentions how much her guys seem to love them on her & said she’s caught them having borrowed some without asking. Said-guy (one of them) says it’s the next best thing to getting to eat actual food again.

I suppose I’m thankful to be writing again, even if at times it feels sporadic. I’ve definitely written more days than not. Some days a little, others rather a lot.

Also still having fun exploring New Orleans lore.

I’ve written up to the edge of a scene where the centuries-old vampire is about to entertain his partners with another story, to pass the time. There was a murder on their train, not far from the door to their suite (but the body could have just been deposited there… we will see).

They’ve been told to wait inside their suite for the police to give the all-clear, and take them aside, to collect their statements.

I’ve been debating if I want him to talk about a scene from his own life? He’s pretty old, and we don’t know much about him yet, pre-fairly-present times.

Otherwise, I’ve also been poking at my library finds and online resources for more spooky-cool things to mention about New Orleans.

I suppose one of them could ask him where HE was during the era of the “Casket Girls,” maybe follow up there with questions?

But then, it feels like the characters kinda do their own thing as I write, less a bit of editing afterward.

One of my library books, the one I am currently borrowing through Libby, was written by a psychic/medium. I remain a bit skeptical. She goes into lengthy detail about conversations with ghosts, and even mentions a run-in with a vampire. Regardless, it makes for interesting research.

I also got a big kick out of one of the websites taking a dig at Nicholas Cage. I happen to like his work, but I guess he’s rather polarizing?

Anyhow, I have more tidying up to do, and yet another physical hold waiting for me at the library. Not sure if I will ask for a ride there today or grab it before work tomorrow. Car is presently out of commission. But I have faith that SOMEHOW SOME WAY that will be resolved.

Either way, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to check in with the fam. My mom texted since they haven’t heard from me since the day before yesterday, and that day was NOT good LOL.

But at least I got my library book okay, and some needed cat supplies. It was just at the grocery store and pharmacy that I’d run into problems. And my mom nearly drove off with my groceries, thinking I’d already unpacked everything from the backseat. In retrospect, I guess that part is almost funny. I had to chase her down outside.

On the bright side of ALL of that, I now have groceries. And I think all the med refills I am due for this month, if I’m not mistaken.

And SO much zero sugar Pepsi. Caffeine for days.

I have often said if adequately caffeinated, I could maintain a good mood indefinitely. Probably not the healthiest way to try to achieve that goal, but hey… lol.

Wishing you all a sense of appreciation for any and all of the little things, and a plentiful helping of whatever your equivalent is, to my love of caffeine. (I’ve actually told coworkers to remind me I have soda in the fridge, if I seem to get cranky).

Have a fanciful photo. Another “blue” find. Peace!