#relationshipisart

I pushed too hard... may have acquired a cold, or maybe I am just shaky from irregular sleep and food in the last several weeks. I quit rushing to finish making a set of intended gifts. Switched gears to simple but authentic love notes instead. As in "I love you." That's all. I even gave up on handmade cards... I did print each envelope in its own design, using a simple hand-carved eraser stamp I made over a decade ago. (One envelope was made by Mommy years ago from an advertisement.) Tied them in real fabric ribbon. Stayed home from Mom's, and from a favorite party. My voice can't handle singing even if I were feeling stronger... and **not** singing is too hard. Going to bed early is on the agenda. #tootired #loveisart #relationshipisart #loveisagoodenoughgift #restingisessential #slowingitdown #selfcareishardsometimes #artasaneverydayattitude https://www.instagram.com/p/B6UJ6qwpe_R/?igshid=s55q8cugks8b

Samy and I went out for creme Brûlée dessert today. I had promised her dessert a month ago after we went to @riverwalk_theatre for Hairspray. By the time we got to @soupspooncafe , they were closed. I finally made good on that promise. Yay! #yum #cremebruleeismyfavorite #relationshipisart #friendshipisart https://www.instagram.com/p/B1FfMicpwlL/?igshid=u3qzi5z81x0v

"We are all good fellows — except the bad ones, of course. Yet, I shall observe in passing that among us, perhaps, there are no bad people at all — maybe, only wretched ones." -- Fyodor Dostoyevsky ================== I went on a wander through the abundance of inspiration curated by @brainpicker and found this quote. I have long felt that if all humans had been happy, history would be less bloody. In that same vein, how many awful events have happened because the instigator felt unseen, unheard, and un-valued? Misery has a lot to do with what we label evil. Dostoyevsky had a point. For my part, I make a point to listen and let loved ones know that I see and hear their pain. I'm not perfect by any means, and I don't know that I listen to people I don't know when they need to be heard. You know, the guy who starts spouting off at the grocery store? He likely needs to be heard too. It's easy to look the other way. I'm not sure that engaging is even safe at times, but it's something to ponder. #RelationshipIsArt #kindnessmatters #BigThoughts #believeinhumanity #artasaneverydayattitude https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw2U_5ZJQDr/?igshid=1grvxujxo4ppw

My dear, dear friend, Tony. He doesn't usually like photographs of himself. He really loves this one, and has okayed sharing it. Tony's cousin came from California to see him. He was delighted. She took this photo when they had lunch at Brody cafeteria at MSU. (Tony is one of my three guys… My husband, my brother, my Tony. So grateful I have three excellent men in my every day life. I know that some women have zero.) #ilovethisfriendship #myfriend #relationshipisart https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw2OnyKJlz3/?igshid=1446aionkwz0y

Two cats having a very nice purring moment. They don't always get this close, boundaries help them co-exist well. I was honored. #catsofinstagram #catsitter #catsitting #purringcats #relationshipisart #artasaneverydayattitude https://www.instagram.com/p/BuzIal1FXwI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1rm9ixi5coww3

"My" Rachel @michiganbean was at tonight's party. I hadn't seen her in months. Sooo good to connect with this rockstar of a MFA student. She is cranking amazing new work at Chicago @artinstitutechi - an incredible honor that she had to earn. Her work is evolving so quickly! So happy for her, and proud that she loves me. One of "My Kids." #relationshipisart #artasaneverydayattitude https://www.instagram.com/p/BsFSoXJlhZD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=11d7h20ci0qmv

Fancy lunch date with my beloved. A day of things that feel normal but special. Grateful for my brother @troldahl who steps in on weekends to hang out with mom. #sweettimetogether #lunchdate #relationshipisart https://www.instagram.com/p/BoRyozQnGaj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=hgihupxmjqws

Got this a good while ago at @oldtowngeneralstore - I need to remember it today. Go forth and be your magnificent, flawed, human self! The world needs you. (And me.) #youmakeadifference #imakeadifference #relationshipisart #ImperfectIsStillValuable #artasaneverydayattitude https://www.instagram.com/p/BoHg3G1Ha8S/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1usddfej2mg66