Hard Truths

This was pricey [$5.79] but I was in a hurry.
Very good with fresh veggies on the side.
I'd like to find a nice homemade version, too.

1. Some problems take a long time to solve. As in a long, long, long, long time. That is a concrete fact. And quite sobering.
2. It takes work and valiant effort to slog through them. Give yourself a pat on the back.
3. Many people are talented. Their talent does not subtract from or add to yours. It's a free country. This land has bred a gazillion gifted people, from Marie Curie to Albert Einstein, Picasso to Monet, Dorothy Parker to David Sedaris. What matters is that you use your gift. [After writing this one, I realize it is both for me and for my Figgy. She's an amazing artist but a lot of her friends happen to be amazing artists, too. I think it can be hard to honor your own talent in a crowded field.]
4. The road to self-improvement is a tricky slope; it can trip you up, for sure. And if you're lucky enough to see some glorious wild roses along the way, you must also contend with the thorns around them [the temporary setbacks, the reality checks, the disillusionment, as in--Can I ever really get there? Can I ever really do this?]
5. If they're giving away free mini York Peppermint Patties at the supermarket [left from Easter], only take one. If you take three, thinking you will share them with the people at your house, you are only kidding yourself. You won't.
6. You will see photos of yourself that you hate. But here's the choice: Dismiss them from your mind and move on [you were in an unflattering position, and your hair was sweaty, and that's not how you see yourself, anyway] or allow them to throw you off course and lead you down a dark road--as in, I look awful anyway, so what difference will a donut make? That's called trick photography.

Good night.

TCOY

1. Boot camp!
2. Walked Sug around block twice--once at 10 P.M., with nice breeze blowing.
3. Deadheaded pansies, pulled out shriveled hyacinths so new ones have space to shoot up and show off.
4. TCO Figgy and Private Benjamin. And as a parent, it sometimes feels as though Taking Care of Figgy helps with Taking Care of Me. Especially with some tough stuff. If Figgy were left to flounder, I would flounder, too.
5. Nap.
6. Got healthy Amy's frozen enchilada dinner since ate alone at 9 P.M.; had with fresh tomato slices and steamed cauliflower. Wanted to make spinach and white bean soup but too late at night.
7. Ice water.
8. Tracked my daily spending in my special journal.