February 18, 2026
For the moment at least, and
knock on wood, it would appear that our visit to the time of ice age-like
temperatures has come to an end. As I take a moment to peer out my window, I
see that clouds abound and it’s raining. No ordinary rain, that. It’s a
freezing rain. The only thing you should be doing during a freezing rain is to
shelter in place, and hope that place has warmth, coffee, and maybe a blankety
to snuggle under.
I’m optimistic today because the
winter of 25-26 is coming to a close. You’ll recall that I consider each winter
to last from October to March, inclusive. Six months. We are drawing close to
the end of month number five.
Anticipation awakens.
If anyone is interested, I was
last out of my house (as in leaving the property and going somewhere—anywhere)
on January 12th. I had thought that if I ever ended up with more
than thirty days in a row at home, I might be in danger of going stir-crazy.
But I’m not, particularly, and I don’t know what to think about that.
It’s not like I’m living in isolation.
Of course, I’m not. I have a lot of interaction with people who are not here in
this physical space with me, as well as plenty with those who are. We’ve been purchasing
and receiving supplies when needed, and we’ve a custom, lately, of ordering in
Friday supper every two weeks.
There have been new and
exciting things to watch on the television especially over the last week or so –
I really am enjoying the Olympics. And there’s more than enough crazy happening
outside to make me happy to stay home where, if there is crazy, it’s generally
familiar crazy and I mostly can control it.
There is a certain level of
inner peace to be had when one has no “social calendar” to follow.
I don’t tend to get bored. I’ve
long ago given up on the idea that anyone or anything has responsibility over
keeping my mind engaged. That’s my job and I do it quite well. Those things that
I used to enjoy doing while out and about don’t hold appeal for me in the way
they once did. This means, of course, that I don’t miss them.
But best of all, I have no
interest in or desire to seek instant gratification. I am content to just relax
and let things evolve as they will. I long ago discovered that if I had to depend
upon others to have my needs or my wants met, I was going to be doing more than
just bit of waiting. And waiting as a singular activity for its own sake truly
is just a waste of time.
I can’t control the actions of
others; I can only control how I react to those actions.
I think there was a short
period of time in my younger years when I possessed a short temper. I can’t
recall the details—a blessing, that—but I suspect it was related to some
challenge we were facing. A short temper is not something that has ever been a
major problem for me. In fact, I’ve had it pointed out to me by various friends
and family members that they would have “blown their stacks” if they’d had to
deal with some of the things that have crossed my path over the years.
I never really knew how to
answer comments like that, then. Now I can say that anger has for the most part
never been my first response. Hurt (as in hurt feelings) holds that position.
It really is how I’m wired.
My 71st title with
my publisher has been out for a couple of weeks now, and I’m nearly ready to
begin my 72nd. This time I’m letting my process have its due course.
I’m hoping my active choice to be patient will turn out to be the best decision
ever.
Please wish me luck with that.
Love,
Morgan
http://www.bookstrand.com/morgan-ashbury
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