Today's Miracle Mind ?

*Hugs and Snugs* to you, too! You've got a lot to deal with and a lot of different things to do, so you need to take whatever time is needed to take care of yourself and all of that before you can worry about blogging. But, you know we are here, we're all good listeners, and we love to read your stuff, hear about what's going on, and get updates on how things are going. So, we miss you and want you here, but we also understand that we may have to wait a little longer. We appreciate you coming in to say hello and giving us some latest news and we look forward to your next visit. In the meantime, please take care and I hope things will get better.

It isn't easy to get night shots, especially when the subject is far away. And, hey, Martin, you can't get much further away than the moon, now can you? I think you did rather well. The sun, moon, and stars are not the best models for a still picture...I've had a whole pile of bad pictures pile up on me...so most of the time they don't really capture all of the beauty the photographer's eye sees, but they are pretty nice pictures and it's nice to see the moon out so clearly.

You know, depression in any form and at any level is not something you just turn off and on like a light switch. It takes some doing to get that switch to turn off, but it somehow knows how to turn itself back on! You don't see it coming, you figure the on position is a thing of the past, but the darn switch does it's own thing...and, I swear, it does it when nobody is looking! That's why certain things can trigger it...not necessarily all the time and not necessarily the same things...but certain things at certain times are in cahoots with that switch, trigger it with a nudge, and the darn switch flips to the on position. It even knows how to do that when things should be ok, but it's even easier when it knows something is wrong. So, just like before, regardless of whether all is good, all is bad, or if there's a mix of things, you have to acknowledge that the depression is there, it will take a little time and work to figure out how to turn that switch off again, and you will do it once you've mustered about the strength that's required. That strength, though, has nothing to do with muscle or brawn, it has to do with all the "tricks" you've learned and have at your disposal...faith in your higher power, trust in G, the thrill of intimacy, the joy of your children, the pride of your success, your honesty about your feelings, and the love you give to and receive from all who truly love you, appreciate you, and care about you. Yes, talk about it with G and don't be afraid to ask for (or tell him) what you need, but you'll also feel better if you make sure that there HAS to be just good ol' together time with him and/or with all to laugh, watch a movie, bake cookies, or go on a hike. Balance is what you need, but don't cheat yourself out of the discussions and actions you need for your personal self. You're still dealing with a lot, so these regressions, as you call them, are to be expected. But, if you could punch your way through it when things weren't as good as now, you can certainly punch through any regressions now. And, look at the great support system you have right there in your home! You've actually got a team on your side now, so let them be your team and you can make this fight against that darn depression switch a lot easier and a lot less frightening.

Most of the boats are out of the water around here now, as you have probably guessed. There were still a lot of boats this year, though, although I noticed they were used a lot less...cost of fuel played into it. Boating trips were less frequent and shorter, but there were a lot of just sitting on the boats in dock or just going out a short way to fish or to just sit. With the price of fuel going down (too late for boaters around here to enjoy), maybe things will keep going along fine for boaters in your area.

Yep, I figure you must be feeling the crunch because just about everyone I know, including myself, is feeling the crunch. Gas prices may have come down, but gas is still a major expense for many people who rely on their cars for work and even more so for those who must travel any real distance to get to work. And, not much of anything else has come down...gee, I can't really think of anything that has come down in price, now that I'm trying to...so I think a lot of people are struggling and there will be more as time goes on. But, as you said, we still do have a lot to be thankful for.

I'm a big fan of Sykes, loved her on past shows, love her on "The Old Christine", knew she was a lesbian before reading this but only knew after suspecting she was for quite awhile, and, yes, I do care and am very proud of her, too. She can be a "harsh" talent, but she can be blunt about things when someone should be blunt about them. I give her credit for having the b**ls to speak out and for being a part of the addressing of some different social issues that pop up in the New Christine series from time to time, such as the look at racial discomfort in reverse on a recent episode.

Bananas? Are you serious? More than birthday cards, chewing gum, jeans, and DVD's? More bananas than medicine or milk? Oh, my, everybody's gone bananas!

Oh, annie, things have gotten better! I also have given an update in my latest post that pretty much explains how and why things are better. Thank you for being so encouraging and hopeful!

Can't say that I've ever seen a gay-themed play, noticed a theater known for gay productions, or anything that comes close to what you have posted ... not around here, anyway.

It's all part of history now and, well, the rest is yet to be seen. I guess we'll just have to wait for it.

That's a great story. Imagine the surprise for the Wahlburgs!

I was going to say what Martin said!

As for the book, you make it sound like it is really a well-written story that tells a good story and is capable of holding the reader's attention. Sounds good to me!

It sounds ok, but I don't think it's ok enough for me to want to read it.

Oh, by the way, I just love the ad that's appearing above your post.

I hope your friend knows that a lot of people feel for him and what he is going through. His friendships will be very valuable to him now, so your support is most appreciated by him and all of us. Please let him know that I also wish for things to improve and that he'll find some comfort in knowing that others care.

I don't think I'd want to trade my day for yours! It sounds like it was pretty rough. You made it through, though, good for you! And, with a delicious meal with the best darn whipped potatoes ever!