I have entered my sixth week away on tour of the UK and Europe. Glen and I had a blast in Belfast with the folks from IKON (read some and see pics at Little Bird’s blog). From Belfast we flew to London then headed to Wales where we stayed with John Henson and his partner, Valerie. John recently published Good As New, a Radical Retelling of the New Testament
. From there we had a romantic day in London visitng the Tate Modern, walking around in PERFECT weather and just enjoying each other’s company. I left for the airport early yesterday morning and shared a shuttle with the Columbian golfer Camilo Villegas. Of course I played it New York cool and gave him his space, but I really wanted to know where he got his jeans. (although I doubt I could afford them from the looks of them).
I would write more, but I have given myself a complete day off. I landed in Northern Sweden yesterday exhausted and spent. It’s been a lovely time in the UK, but I did far too much, particularly towards the end. I feel grateful that Glen was able to join me for the last leg of the UK trek–I needed lots of hugs and cuddles. But this is typcial of how I work. I am introverted in nature. I love people and enjoy their company but the more time I spend with groups of people, the more drained I get. Perhaps that is why I enjoy going to Quaker meeting for worship so much. Although I am with a group of people, it is a very internal sort of activity for me, restorative.
It is not uncommon that after a string of performances, trips and conferences that I take a day or two to simply crash, to find myself again. The day usually includes doing laundry, eating my favorite foods, watching brainless TVs, movies and YouTube videos, reading, writing and sleeping (lots of sleeping!)
Today I have the flat to myself as my Swedish friends are off to work, and their children are at school. I already did my laundry. They have the coolest heated cooling rack instead of a tumble dryer (well the dryer is broken). You just hang up the clothes in this thing, turn on the timer, choose the temp and BAM dry clothes. Okay, come out looking a little like they have been in a smoke house, but nothing an iron can’t remedy.
I wonder about other folks who read this blog. What do you do when you feel overwelmed, spent, in need of finding yourself? What rituals or activities (or lack of activities) do you do to renew and refresh?
Peterson Toscano's A Musing 
I pull weeds, putter in the yard. Nothing strenuous, and I don’t like it if it’s terribly hot, and then I sit outside with something to read. I sometimes transplant something – and it all feels like I accomplished something that isn’t work. I pet the dogs who are two golden retrievers. I fill the bird feeders – all these are things that need to be done, but that I find are very relaxing to my mind.
Ooo, I can see how yardwork could be very relaxing and grounding. I’ve been saying for two years that I want a garden. I want to grow veggies though–food will be a great motivator.
Must be nice to have the dogs.
My boyfriend and I normally go out to hire a movie or book that will leave us thinking, debating and inspired. Lazying on the couch also helps, don’t rush to bed yet!! The couch has a way of letting you get into yourself somehow and reflect…think… And when I say hire a movie or a book, I don’t just mean any kind of movie here. It has to be one that helps us understand our true calling and purpose. Just the other day, I was so lazy to cook (glad my boyfriend comes to the rescue) lol. So, I decided to switch on the telly and to my pleasant suprise, Dr Myles Munroe was speaking! Oh, what a blessing it was, what a wonder this man is!! I have never heared such wisdom before in my life…
He was talking about his new book, In charge.
Now this is a must read for me and I encourage you to get it, PLEASE. Guaranteed, my hands will be on this book VERY soon. Just from the review, i could tell it such an inspirational book. And oh, if you drive and it is a weekend, leave those cars home and take a walk to the nearest mall with your other half and talk about everything including poverty. Yes, poverty has a way of reminding us of those in need, and when you have made a difference in their lives, even if it is small, only those in need know just how much “a little” changes their world and how they look at our world.
Other than that, a lot of hot chocolate also helps, plus a lot of LOVE and CUDDLING! Hot chocolate makes me fall asleeeeep…Take care
Now I want hot chocolate! Yeah, I eat lots of choclate when I feel weary (and happy and hyper and…) Thanks for the book suggestion!
First I stay up half the night to get some real quiet possibly with a season of some tv-series I like. Then I sleep for a few hours and wake up and cook something fancy and usually after that I walk the dog and teach the old dog new tricks.
The pleasure is all mine Peterson, and your welcome!
I have just discovered the joy of being read to. I’m talking books on CD or tape. I got two right before Memorial Day and spent the weekend in a cabin listening to the books. My mind wandered and refocused and the voice on the CDs was smooth and comforting. And sleep. And chocolate. And really delicious food. No alcohol. That was my recent recuperative strategy, and it worked wonders.