Agate Collage & Taking a Short Break (+5 insets!)

(+5 insets!)

For the first time in my 55 years, I am experiencing what it's like to deal with two world-wide catastrophes: a real pandemic and the worst world-market crash in history. On top of that, it's an election year. That's a lot--it translates to be a very disturbing brew of anxiety, stress and fear. We joke, "the world is going crazy" but right now it's actually the reality in many places. Stores are devoid of cleaning, disinfecting and many medical supplies. People are hoarding. The populace is warned not to gather--the entire country of Italy is on lockdown…it's almost unbelievable!

It stands to reason that everything going on right now is very disturbing--and from what I can tell it's not going to get better for a long time. It feels very overwhelming because there is horrible news on so many levels, in so many directions. Even by limiting my exposure of news, it's still hard to see even the headlines as the world seems to figuratively crash and burn around us.

Although this coronavirus is really more like a bad cold to the overwhelming majority of the population, I know a lot of older folk who I love dearly, and this virus has a field day with anyone who has respiratory problems and/or those who are over 60. It's very hard for me to deal with this fear for the people I know who are susceptible.

My natural inclination in this circumstance is to run and hide, something I've always done. Maybe it's not the best way to deal with situations but it's how I tend to be.

The way I choose to "check out" is to disappear into a game for a while until I feel like the coast is clear. So that's what I'm doing right now and it's helping a lot. I'm not worrying as much anymore about everything, all day long, and the waters are calming down.

That being said, I'm not going to be around ipernity for a little while…could be a few days, could be a few weeks. I don't know. I did want everyone to know that Steve and I are fine and very happy to be on our rural oasis on 26 acres!

Today's Pictures
When I took pictures of my second batch of tumbled stones last week, there was one rock that I loved but which didn't fit into my 9x9 grid, so I'm sharing a triptych of it today! It's an agate which I found on our property and though it's not a really fabulous example of agate, it's totally spectacular in its own right, and so I've presented it to all of you to enjoy too! :) You'll find an enlarged inset for each of the views and I hope you love this pretty rock as much as I do! :)

I am also sharing two insets which show the incredible bed and drawers that Steve built for me!! Our RV has two bedrooms--the master and another bedroom which is quite tiny but perfect! This little room came with a couch and fold-out bed but we never intended to keep it. Instead, we pulled out the couch, Steve built me a bed frame and we ordered a custom mattress to fit the space (the mattress was surprisingly affordable at $130 and is the most comfortable bed I've ever had!). Then Steve built me three deep drawers with soft-close slides and spent quite a while to get a blended stain which went with the trailer. He finished last week and I am absolutely over the moon with joy. The whole unit is so professional that it looks like it came that way to begin with! I'm so happy!! YAY STEVE!! :) (By the way, the reason Steve and I sleep apart is because he snores and this way we both get a good night's rest.) :)

*****
Pam, I loved your comments about my rocks, thank you so much! And I have to admit…*blush*…I too, have licked rocks to see what they look like when wet! LOL…I'm actually going to bring a spray bottle with me when I go hunting so I can get an indication whether a rock is worth picking up or not. I'm glad you enjoyed my show, it has been very gratifying to know that so many people really liked seeing all of my rocks. :) Anyway, I hope you are doing ok! You've certainly been in my thoughts lately. Stay safe my dear! *BIG HUGS from my oasis in southern Oregon*

Explored on 3/11/20; highest placement #14.