Kathy:

doing courses are great idea. I started my recovery journey by taking water color classes though I did not enjoy them. but then I discovered I enjoy learning new subjects like accounting,real estate, financial investments. you see where I am going once a nerd always a nerd. my hubby calls this courses my happy pill. he says he will pay for this courses then pay for antidepression pills who does not resolve the underneath problem.

I'm glad that you had such a good time with your art classes. It sounds like you accomplished more then learning to paint a picture, you gained some confidence. Post a picture of one of your masterpieces if you can. :artist:

Hmmm turkey, stuffing and pies.... i can't wait.

Like you , Dave's ex will be with us for thanksgiving, so I can understand where you are coming from.... espically the good hair day. :pullhair I'm sure it will be fine, and I'm sure they feel the same way we do.

hugs Anne

You go girl, I bet it is a masterpiece. Definitely try to take a pic and post it in the gallery so we can all marvel at your talent. I think that's just super. The turkey cokies sound darling.

I'm sure you will aster quite well the ex-wife being present at the holiday get-togethers. My Brother's ex-wife joins the family (for the kids and grandkids). Her and Bro are remotely civil to one another except for a dig here and a dig there.

Congrats on finishing the class and you first painting. WOW that is Wondeful. I know the feeling of acomplishment and pride you must be feeling. A new Monet

We have extended family, John and I have been together 18 years, and when the " kids" mom is visitng sometimes we are all together. We get along fine, and I try to remember I would not have this extended family.... 2 lovely stepchildren and 3 beautiful grandchildren if it wern't for her.. (LOL)

Yes some days .. when I feel a "blue funk" I smile (sometimes it is more of a grimance) in the mirror. I say ..."you can have a Good Day or a Bad.. your choice" I then think of at least 3 things I am grateful for and make me happy... husband, grandchildren, my pets.

I think with dark comin on so early ... and not being able to get sun we somtimes get sad. They do have lights now.. so you get the right UV rays some people have depression from not getting enough sunlight.

your cookies sound delightful and I know the kiddies will love them. hmmm sounds like my favorite veggie too.

Bonnie

Once, just once trying to add a little levity and make you laugh I told you to snap out of it and you never let me live it down. So now you can add this GET OVER IT ALREADY! You know I love you or I wouldn't mess with you.

Although it sounds as though you may have put snapping out of it to good use so you may not want to get over it. If it was someone else's painting you'd think it was beautiful because it is- cut yourself a break just stay away from your hair.

Glad you enjoyed the classes and are looking forward to Thanksgiving you deserve it. Enjoy your New England Thanksgiving with your family.

Love,

Maria

Congratulations on completing your watercolor. That is an achievement to be honored, especially with a stroke. And if your husband gives you flack about hanging it...call me and I will come to your house and punch him out A lot of us deal with the blues on an almost daily basis. I also try to count my blessings and face reality. Not easy. Besides the serentiy prayer I have posted next to my computer, I read an old Buddist mantra recently ... "I can do it, I must do it, will do it. Now that doesn't mean doing something I physically cannot, do like running to the mailbox, but taken within boundaries, I think that is a good mantra. BTW, I finally wrote my blog - boy am I slow!! Thanks for all your help Kathy Leah :thankyou: