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Guilty Pleasures
Psalm 32:7 says: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Was the author of this passage addressing dementia caregiver, too? I would like to think so: Surely, the presence of "the Lord" or some other higher power is working through this incredible support group.
Many of us start our mornings by checking new postings in this forum. Sometimes, George will call me a dozen times before I get a chance to scroll through the headings--or to finish composing a post.
Consequently, I feel guilty about not giving him my undivided attention. So when he calls and asks what I'm doing, I tell him that I am looking at my "Mayo porn"--one of my guilty pleasures ("guilty" because I'm enjoying myself without his participation and because I should be more attentive to him--or be doing chores, like beginning the process of döstädning).
The other guilty pleasure is my glass or two of wine every evening, and occasionally, a martini. My "happy" hour--but it's without George because he can't mix alcohol with his meds.
For me, a guilty pleasure is a get-out-of-jail-free card. It's a notch above self-care, because indulgence can create a sense of fun--real or imagined.
You don't have to share your guilty pleasures, if you wish to keep them private.
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@georgescraftjr I think attitude is really important and how we view things every day. This isn't easy, we're all at different stages, which makes the view so much different for each of us. I may be upbeat, but there are days, I get overwhelmed, frightened and feel exhausted. I haven't felt anger, just fearful of what could come. I think for me, viewing it as positive as I can places the fear on the back burner. And then, there's my daily mantra I haven't said in a while: Courage to face the day, clarity to know what to do and when, and God's light, shining down helping lead the way. Best, Karla
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5 Reactions@kjc48
Thanks for this, which I read AFTER sending you a private message. I am changing my attitude about my guilty pleasures!
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3 Reactions@georgescraftjr Listen to For King and Country "World on Fire" ... "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine bright, bright.....This heart got power I'm finally alive, I'm going to set my world on fire" This will get you going every day. Promise. As for your guilty pleasures....just feel the music in in your veins, dancing every day. In spite of our daily craziness.......
Your grateful-for-you Connect bud, Karla
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3 Reactions@georgescraftjr Thank you so much. I paint with oils.
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3 Reactions@grandmajoan
I am partial to oils, and most almost all of the paintings in my collection are oil. Occasionally, I will buy an acrylic painting--but only when my puchase will help support a "starving" artist with whom I have formed a special connection
Do you have a website?
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3 Reactions@georgescraftjr Sorry but I don’t have a website.
@kjc48
I just read the lyrics. Can't wait to listen to the song when George is asleep. Thanks
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1 Reaction@georgescraftjr You will love For King and Country. Ever and ever before is a romantic ballad they also just did with their spouses; So good. Get earphones, then you can listen when George is awake!
My best, Karla
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4 Reactions@georgescraftjr I too love the song and the be group that sings it!
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1 Reaction@kjc48
Nice try, Karla. Too upbeat for me. (I'm lugubrious, and I like melancholy music. I once stood in line in the rain to go to attend "Melonchia," an exhibition at the Petit Palais in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Whenever I need a lift, I play the double-disc CD I purchased from the exhibit.)
Getting back to guilty pleasures, I'm drinking a nice glass of Cab and eating salami and cheese. (I love salami--a taste I developed durimg my travels to Italy and France.) The combination reminds me of the good old days.
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5 Reactions