#SoCS: The Signals to Get Up and Do

Oh, the life of Gibbs, the cat.

To sleep, to eat, to play, to visit the litterbox whenever he wants; to whine consistently for food; to lounge around on a dog bed that is not his, no matter that it smells like a dog. Gibbs doesn’t have to get up and do anything if he’d rather not. His life may not be as long as a human’s, but it’s a good and non-demanding life.

Being retired, I could follow the life of Gibbs (human style) – relax on the couch all day, watch TV or the birds outside, eat cookies, take naps, etc. In truth, though, I still have to “get up and do” as a breathing, upright, human adult. It’s part of being responsible for self and not turning into a hermit.

Since January, though, I’ve received a number of signals – whether it’s from divine intervention, a spark in the brain, a self kick in the pants, or a reflection in the mirror – that I had to get off the couch and do something to keep active until biking season. It may be “in my head,” but the gym has always been difficult for me. I know it’s a good thing to build upper body strength, and I feel good after a workout, but lack of motivation is what kills determination. To ward off the “lack of” this year, I signed up for five sessions with a personal trainer that I have used on and off for a number of years. This time, workout routines were needed so that when I visited the local YMCA, I didn’t stand in the middle of the gym, wondering what to do next. It’s been going well: Yesterday was my last session with the trainer; however, in the meantime, I have been visiting the Y, going for walks outside, and even jumped back in the pool to swim laps. Am I as fit as a female Rocky or Arnold? God no…will never be… but as long as I’m upright and moving, it’s all good.

Speaking of signals or motivation or divine guidance, I’ve also resumed the crafty and somewhat artistic side of myself the last month. It started with a friend (a long-ago art major in college) asking if I would go to a “paint and sip” class with him. Hmmm…

I agreed with trepidation (I draw stick figures), went to class, and found out I wasn’t half bad with acrylics. Not a Rembrandt, but not half bad. Maybe better than a 5th grader.

Friend’s half of the painting is on the left, mine is on the right.

Then, my Monday night ladies’ group organized their own “paint and sip,” which was an opportunity to improve (or to just be messy and eat the yummy food everyone brought). I don’t “sip” when painting because an outcome under the influence of an unsteady hand might be somewhat questionable.

I’ve since returned to a second local painting class with said friend, but he also helped me paint the background for a button project that I came across on Facebook. Couldn’t stop thinking about it.

This was the original, artist unknown.

The following gallery contains photos of the various steps I took to create my own version of the original. It is not quite the same (that’s okay) and not quite complete, but very close.

This project has been so enjoyable, although gluing everything onto the canvas was a bit time-consuming. I’m debating about doing a smaller version for a possible Christmas gift, but that may wait until later in the year. In the meantime, the painting and art project has me eager to get back to scrapbooking and bible journaling as they give me joy and peace. Most likely, I will join my friend again for another “paint and sip,” but have to keep in mind that there is not a lot of room to store paintings in an apartment, especially the ones I deem not suitable for display.

And then…

The only other signal I have listened to lately is the one that says, “Go Mary. Go for a bike ride. Go for a walk. Be outside, enjoy the sun, and smell the coming of spring!”

Oh yeah, I absolutely will!

---

Stream of Consciousness Saturday is the brainchild of author Linda G. Hill. Every Friday, Linda provides her followers with an inspiring blogger’s prompt. It can be a word or words and sometimes bonus points are involved (my favorite). Linda asks us to write without editing, other than correcting spelling errors.

Just go with the flow.

Like a babbling brook or rain drops. Click HERE if this type of writing floats your boat or helps with your decision-making. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “signa…” Find a word that starts with “signa” and use it in your post. Enjoy!