I'm a foster parent! I never thought I'd say those words. I don't give things up easily and it seems to me that fostering is all about eventually giving something up that you've grown attached to. I suppose i was a foster parent before, now I think of it. We looked after my step-daughter Nessa's dog, Sally, while Nessa was away at school. It was that or she had to give Sally away and we couldn't see that happening. But I never let myself get too attached to Sally although she was tremendous company and comfort when our old dog, Trixie, died around the same time. Dad and Sandy are now in Florida for 5 months but before they left Dad asked if I would look after three plants for them until they got back. I said I would so long as they wouldn't be too upset if I managed to kill the plants in that time. One of the plants happens to be a Christmas cactus in flower (red) so I placed it next to my ancient flowering Christmas cactus (pinkish white) for support. So far so good. It's been less than a week but all the plants are still healthy. Today my counselling appointment was cancelled. I'd been feeling a little off this past week--hard on myself, critical of the state of the house and the state of myself. Bra shopping last night didn't help. One of my cousins, about 13 years younger than me, died over the weekend. I only knew her as a toddler when I left England and we'd never been in touch but I still felt upset, especially for my aunt. When I said bye to Dad, I cried a little.. Dane had planned to call on Sunday but those plans fell through So I was looking forward to seeing my counselor, Lisa, and felt disappointed when the session had to be cancelled. I had gone to tai chi this morning which always helps everything but I was still feeling a mite sorry for myself when I got home. I dabbed nag champa oil on myself to help lift my spirits. I made myself a special tea and for lunch I went to open a can of chicken noodle soup then decided to make myself some home made soup. Home made soup gets me back on track. Everything about it smacks of health and self care and I had lots of time. So I made a big pot full, some for Rob when he came home if he wanted, and a few bowls for me. The discovery of bok choy in the fridge delighted me no end. I watched The Great Canadian Baking Show and an old episode of Vera while eating my soup then I fell asleep on the couch for about half an hour. All just what I needed. I always feel very adult when I make soup, as it is such an act of self care (and nurturing others if I'm sharing!). Years ago i recall sitting in my doctor's office on the white crinkly paper across the bed and reading a big poster, you know the kind, one of those with commands and suggestions on it. One in particular tickled something in me. "Pick your own wild flowers" it read. That stuck with me. Even on days when plans with others fall through or others disappoint us, hell even when we disappoint ourselves, we can still pick our own wild flowers. Or make ourselves a pot of healthy, home made soup.
How do you foster your self-care? What can you do right now to buck your spirits? (haha. Halloween--no pun intended! Below is an ATC that I made on the theme of Halloween)
1 Comment
maggie p
11/6/2019 03:27:29 pm
snap I am also fostering some of Kathryns plants until they have a place for them in the spring, palms don't want to tell her mine died off last year.
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWelcome! I'm Sue Blott: a writer of all things, a poet at heart, mom, wife, daughter, step-mom, grandma, tea drinker, tai chi-er, mystic, artist, dreamer...and now a blogger! This is my world. Categories |