Monday, January 17, 2011

Sabbatical/Retreat


Happy belated New Year. Where have 16 days gone? After a lot of pondering I came to the conclusion that I didn't have a breakdown last November when I was ill enough to spend a couple of nights in the hospital; I had a breakthrough. Though, at the time it felt like I'd fallen into the deepest dark hole imaginable. I've been taking a personally designed sabbatical or what I'm referring to as Gail's Retreat 101. To that end I haven't been doing anything creative including reading favorite blogs, though, this morning I did stumble upon this blog.  So,  Gail's Retreat 101 involves inner work, deep and heavy, and much needed. My days are finally feeling pretty darn good which is a miracle in itself. After a long year of grief and despair to finally find joy again without it feeling fake is the goal for 2011. My word for the year is Possibilities, apropos to the collection of quotes I collected for my book. (I have 3 copies available for a lower price than Blub offers, if anyone is interested.)
I find it difficult to not create, but when I work with fabric or paint that's where my energy goes. So, after I put away the fabric and paints I didn't have a clue what to do to fulfill the need to create. During the 6 week long recovery from the hospital stint I started watching cookingchanneltv and got re-hooked on cooking shows. I love to cook. So, every couple of days I try out a  new recipe; better than going out and trying a different restaurant. Organizing the recipes in a spiral bound journal has been somewhat creative.


And then there is always the garden. I took the camera outdoors last week, don't hate me but the temps have been in the 70's to 80 today, and shot some photos  using the macro lens. The top photo of a spider web cactus was revelation to me; I hadn't noticed that the 3-4 inch tall plant was blooming. The tall skinny cactus had hit the roof of the patio and needed to be moved. What a chore that turned out to be. I knew that I couldn't possibly remove it from the pot and expect it to survive so I dug a hole to the middle of the earth and sunk the put into the ground. The pot will eventually crumble apart. The cactus grew 6 feet last year so I'm wondering how tall it will get this year. It has a tiny sprout growing from the bottom that is exciting.

That's it in a nutshell. I'll be back eventually. Take care until then.

5 comments:

Julie said...

I'm pleased you popped in Gail, I was wondering how you were just the other day and I'm sorry I haven't been in touch myself. It's good to take some time out and not put pressure on yourself to be particularly creative and blogging and the internet take up so much time. Keep looking after yourself, that's the important thing. xx

Your spider web cactus is beautiful, the big spines look a bit fierce though!

Penny said...

Gail, so glad you came to your senses and decided to take time out for you.I meant to email to say your lovely card arrived, not sure where the time has gone but post New Year is always busy as it is summer holidays here, no excuse but I have it and love it.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos! So glad you are taking care of yourself.

queenopearls said...

You go girl! Whatever it takes.
You remind me of the Abraham Hicks saying "There is nothing more important than that I feel good." Sounds selfish but how can one give away what isn't there? I know you know. :)
Enjoy your retreat!

Kim Palmer said...

So glad you're feeling stronger Gail. The cactus shot is so lovely, it almost resembles lace. Just don't touch of course, LOL!