Hibernation

Hey there,

How are you?

I'm glad it's Friday although I don't have a commitment-free weekend coming up. Tomorrow is J's confirmation, so my day will be spent with extended family--which should be fun, although also a little awkward.

I'm looking forward to an extra hour sleep on Saturday night, but not at all to shorter days. I struggle every year with hibernating (and SAD, I think). I get in a bad habit of getting in the house and not leaving again once I do. If I have errands to run I take care of them on the way home or they don't get taken care of. Once I'm comfy and cozy, I hate to go out again. Honestly, I'm already exhibiting that behavior a bit and we haven't changed the clocks, and it hasn't gotten really cold, yet.

I know part of it is that I don't have a lot of extra money, so it's a tease to be out and about. It was nice to go out with C after our meeting, without prior planning, and without needing a lot of money. I had a coupon for a free appetizer in my purse and knew I could afford a drink, so at some point in the meeting, when the stress level was getting high, I make eye contact with her and made a drinking gesture. She smiled and nodded.

I guess that's what I feel like I haven't been able to do lately--be spontaneous. I have to plan and budget so much that it's just been easier to go home and do my thing. I don't hate it, don't get me wrong--I love cooking and writing and reading...it just becomes unhealthy, I think, at some to spend so much time alone. And I know that pretty soon I'll be even more tempted to be reclusive.

So, Sunday, even after a day with extended family, I'm going to try to get out on an artist's date. I've been showing up at the page and now I need to fill the well. I haven't decided what yet, but I think I may head up north to a quaint town with some antique shops just to poke around. Maybe I'll come home and make a nice dinner for myself. (By the way, my salmon was excellent.)

I wonder what you have going on and wonder if we might be able to catch up on the phone. I hope all is well and that today is better than yesterday.

Love, Barb

PS Do you have The Artist's Way?...