
Happy May! I hope this month brings you nicer, calmer weather, some flowers pushing up confirming Spring, and lots and lots of smiles.
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Two latest painted sketches. I tried to show in this one that it doesn’t matter what kind of shop it is, the people use lots of plants to make it inviting.
I’m into a fun pattern now, where I paint some sketches at home, then take them to the cafe to add details and finish them, then do more sketches.
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Yesterday at the cafe they were taking pictures of drinks for some kind of promotion. I wasn’t in the way and they allowed me to watch. They would make a drink – for example, a pretty one with purple froth on top. Then they would go outside and find some tiny purple flowers and greenery to add to the top of the drink before photographing. It was beautiful and fascinating. They saw I was taking an interest, so they started looking at me for at thumbs up when I liked what I saw. 😁
I used Google Translate yesterday to thank the lady server there who has been so kind to me. She watches for ‘my spot’ to open up, for example. She came and got me recently and helped me move my stuff! Anyway, I thanked her for being so kind. I told her I had made some wooden earrings and wanted to give them to her as a gift for her kindness. I thought she was going to cry. It was a really nice moment.
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We are going to visit Harvey this morning. The nursing home sent Brian a picture of him READING! He wasn’t using the reading light (it was in bed with him) but he was reading again for the first time in a long time. We’re hoping to encourage that today, show him how to use the light again, if needed, and hopefully brighten his day.
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I’m practicing with my guitar – though progress is painfully slow – and learning one chord at a time now. I’m learning “A”, picturing it in my mind rather than referring to diagrams, and doing as well as I can placing my fingers as near the frets as possible, continuing to work at it until I get a good, clean sound. I do this several times before my fingertips start yelling at me. I’m building callouses as I practice. 🎸
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Notable Quotes
This is all fantastic news, Linda! I love that your server lady is watching for your favorite spot to open up and helping you move to it, etc. sweet!
And Harvey reading!!! Yay!
Love that translate is coming in so handy!
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Thanks, Sheila. today’s visit wasn’t as good. He didn’t know who I was and kept asking where Linda was.
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well, shoot. Ugh! I’m so sorry to hear that! I guess that’s the nature of what we’re dealing with here though. Similar to mood swings. Or walking in multiple dimensions. But ugh for those of us watching it happen. Big hugs my friend!
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Needed and received, Sweet Sheila. Thanks. The rest of the day was good.
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Again, what pretty pictures. You are so talented, and the pictures you sketch and paint are incredible.
What a nice and thoughtful server to let you know when your favorite spot was available. I have always heard like draws/attracts like, and you are such a nice and thoughtful person, that is shown by the actions of others that you meet.
I know it was a pleasure to see the pictures of your Harvey reading. I was reading this morning about the mental effects of listening to Mozart Sonata for 2 pianos in D major K448 and how it helps to calm and has helped with memory loss. I wonder if your Harvey would benefit from listening to that or any other classical music. It may be worth a try.
I do wish you a peaceful and enjoyable day/evening. (Donna)
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I don’t know if listening to classical music would be helpful or not. It’s certainly worth a try. He didn’t know me when we visited today…
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I did not see your comment about your visit with your Harvey. I know that must have been so hard for you. I hope your next visit will be better. Stay strong, and I know you are doing your best to get through those visits. I am glad that you have your son and other interests to help. (Donna)
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Having other interests helps keep the focus with Harvey where it needs to be – on HIM – what he needs, whether we can give it, or brighten his day in any way.
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You are so inspiring.
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I’m glad you think so, Linda. I’m just plodding along trying to live the best life I can. Today was a challenge. Harvey didn’t know me, so it was difficult. Staying busy otherwise helps me keep my head on straight.
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Thinking of you with appreciation!
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Thank you! The same comes right back to you from me.
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Art, music, learning, and the presence we bring to others. That’s a life well lived right there. Thank you for inspiring these thoughts.
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Thank you for your nice message! I appreciate you.
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Likewise.
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😁
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