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Monday, June 25, 2012

Lighten Up!

Looking back on the last several weeks, I’m finding it nearly impossible to return to my routine. Perhaps five weeks was too long to be gone, although it seems to have flown by. I miss reading by the swimming pool, or sitting on Linda’s porch at the end of the day, sharing the evening meal while solving all the problems in the world.

I loved strolling through Savannah’s narrow streets with her artsy shops and spooky parks—dripping in Spanish moss and tainted history.

And then there was Hilton Head with her highfalutin beaches tousled with mermaid-hair seaweed, looking all mystical and wild—the exact opposite of what I had expected from this high-class lady.

Being back after a five-week working vacation is like being at a rock concert and mid-way through your favorite song, the place loses its power, creating a head buzzing, ear blocking silence!

Okay, maybe it’s not that bad. I think I’m just in a funk, plus Tropical Storm Debby is getting to me. She’s been lingering off of our coast for days, with her gray bloated self, blowing and boohooing all over everything—going no where because she can’t decide which path to choose, and giving us coastal dwellers a bad case of the nerves. (I know there’s a metaphor in there somewhere;)

All these clouds are putting me in a deeply reflective place. I’ve become way too serious this week and I’m trying to distract myself from it. This morning I did a four-page blog on the origin of thoughts. Four pages!! Yeah, be lucky I didn’t hit you with that one. You’d be running to the Dr. for some Prozac.

I know that I can’t help who I am. I have a tendency to go deep. Even as a kid I was reflective, opting to sit under a tree and listen to the birds, or play wordy records in my room, rather than run the neighborhood with the rest of the kids. I like being reflective and observant; it’s who I am.

I’ve never been much for the surface stuff. I don’t give a flying flip about how high your income is, or how good your children’s grades are. I’m more interested in hearing about you—the real you. And finding out what it is that you yearn for as you watch the sun quietly slip below the summer horizon, with a band of strumming crickets robbing you of your cares—leaving you alone and disarmed before all of creation. That’s the stuff I want to hear about.

So I run deep—and I’m a huge mush. And right now I’m missing the many faces that hold such special places in my heart.

My girls.

Soul sister Beth & family.

Mallory at the beach.

Laine & Mathius

Sweet Melissa

The Hammoudeh gang

I hate never having enough time to completely catch up with them. I’m certain that that’s why I’m feeling a little out of sorts. There’s just too much quiet around me, and then there’s Debby’s wallowing.

So, I guess I’m stuck with my deep-blue self, on this rainy day, although I’m not so far gone that I can’t seek some comedic relief…

Like sporting a pair of wax lips with my goofball friend!

Me & Lano

Or watching reruns of Just For Laughs.

Sometimes you just gotta lighten up!!

37 comments:

Marie Loerzel said...

Glad you're back and rejuvenated. And I also share your tendency to go deep.

Tameka said...

Actually I'm longing for a five week trip. I have been stuck at home base for a minute due to finances, but hopefully a warm wind carrying some hard cold cash will be blowing my way soon! So glad you were able to see friends and family whom you love and no doubt you're feeling some kind of way because you miss them.

The images are lovely! I can see the connection you all have and I wish I was part of the fun!

You will be back to yourself soon so it's okay to feel what you're feeling. I'm going to sink into your novel shortly and I'm super excited to see what you have in store! Cheers and blessings!

http://lyricfire.typepad.com/lyric-fire/2012/06/meet-chyna-rose-interview-wmy-novels-lead-character-a-sneak-peek-at-a-possible-book-cover.html

Karen Wojcik Berner said...

I love your tendency to go deep--look at the writing it produces! Don't be hard on yourself. Reassimilation into one's normal routine takes some time. Sometimes your routine will be permanently altered. That is okay, too. And have you seen the study out last week or the week before about writers and depression? Big shocker, right? Allow yourself to be this week. I am sure great things will come out of it.
P.S. Love the lips! :)

JANU said...

It takes some time to come back to routine after a break, especially a vacation as enjoyable as this. Love the pictures.

Lacey said...

Well come on back then! :) I'll even make the bed for you this time, and fluff your pillows. Perhaps I would even be willing to throw in turn down service and an after dinner mint! :)

stephen Hayes said...

I find that there's always letdown time after a vacation. So much anticipation that it's hard to believe it's really over. Time to plan the next trip.

Leah Griffith said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Leah Griffith said...

Hi Heather, if you go to www.leahgriffith.com and navigate to the contact page, you may email me directly from there. Looking forward to seeing what's on your mind.
Leah

Martha Jane Orlando said...

Five weeks is a long time to be "out of the loop" and away from our comfortable routines no matter how much fun we're having. The photos were wonderful as was your reflection (as always). I remember being lost in thought almost constantly as a child - I think those early ruminations are what eventually lead us to write. Would love to know what you think about this!
Blessings, dear Leah!

Leah Griffith said...

Marie, I guess it's just the way we are wired. I like it mostly...until things turn stormy. Then I paddle fast to get back up stream;)

Leah Griffith said...

Tameka, I hope a bucket of money lands on your doorstep and you get to take off to a place that is both exciting and nurturing. You're right on the threshold of a breakthrough. Keep on truckin sistah!

I'm thrilled that you will be reading my book. Cosette will have a thing or two to tell you;)

Sending Love,
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Karen, thank you. That does make perfect sense. I may never get back to the same routine and perhaps that is what life is trying to do...nudge me in a different direction.

I'm not surprised that writer's tend to be highly prone to depression. We think too much and too deep...but I wouldn't change a thing because it does inspire my writing. One cannot contain the uncontainable;)

I'm really enjoying my journey with Catherine. I'm so glad that she got out of that house! I look forward to going to bed just so I can spend time with her. Thank you for that.
Hugs,
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Janu, you are right. Five weeks was a long time. I think I'd do as Karen suggested and just let things be and go with the flow. Thanks for you visit sweet lady. I always enjoy hearing from you.
XO

Leah Griffith said...

Lacey my love, you could put me in a tent out back (with bathroom privileges of course) and I would stay! I really am having a tough time letting go of our visit. When r u coming back? LOL!!!

Leah Griffith said...

Oh Stephen, I love that! We are planning another trip in August to visit family up north. I should focus on that;)

The Poet said...

My sweet and precious Leah,
It's only natural to feel this way after spending quality time with friends and family. You need me to stop by with the biggest chocolate cake and the most delicious chocolate sauce and we can pig out like old friends...I still remember your birthday! LOL
Cheer up, my dear. The storm will pass and you'll be back to yourself in no time. I enjoyed reading this reflective post and your nice photos! Thanks for sharing.

Thoughts Of Beauty In The Stillness Of Dawn...

Leah Griffith said...

I agree Martha. I remember being a kid and thinking about things and wanting to share my thoughts but being unable to because, well...the other kids probably would have thought I was weird. I hung around with much older people and found that quite satisfying. I'm not surprised that I turned out to be a writer. I have finally found a way to get people to listen;)

Martha, you're a deep soul too. And a believe that some people are wired that way, and that there is a purpose to it. We need to share. It's our offering to the world.
Hugs sweet lady.
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Sweet poetry man Andy, you sure do know how to perk a droopy soul up. Chocolate cake with chocolate sauce—WOWZER!!! All I can say is YES!

Thank you for your encouragement Andy. It means so much to me. You're a wonderful generous soul. A sweet gift. Never change;)
Hugs,
Leah

Cperz said...

As always a great post. I suspect the four pager would have been an interesting read as well. I, too have always run toward the deep even as a kid. There are periods of time that lightening up is just short of impossible for me. But there are worse things than being a deep thinker, reflective type of person.

Leah Griffith said...

Oh yeah Cheryl, we could be circus performers, charming snakes while blindfolded;)

Jayne said...

Oh Leah, I love your deep blue self, but those lips: magnificent!

Your trip to the Carolinas and Georgia looks like heaven. Five weeks! Who wouldn't have trouble readjusting to the rigors of daily life after that? How fortunate you are to have spent that time away--even if a working vacation--meeting interesting people and traveling to exotic places.

Take your time, Leah. No better mush than a HUGE mush. ;)

Melissa Tandoc said...

I've heard of one month retreats and it does good to the soul if you run deep. Then there's this thing about re-inserting back to reality and I do understand what you mean. It always reminds me of Transfiguration.

You are both a blessing and a gift. I reflect on your words ~ they are spiritual readings to me.

Leah :) Lighten up. Love you lots :*

Brooke said...

Oh, Leah. You bring me joy whether you are happy or sad. Honestly, that is what draws me to you. That you let yourself be you, all the colors of the rainbow! I love thinking of you as a child. I would have been sitting there with you. I would have loved having someone like you around. Glad our paths crossed eventually. Love the pics, and just spent thirty blissful minutes laughing at the gags. Started to feel guilty after thirty, that I was having too much fun. Will save the rest for later. Funny, that was my first thought with your post. Why should her vacation have to stop. I say aim for the permanent work vacation!!!! I will, if you will!

Debra said...

I think you needed the five-week hiatus Leah. Looks like you had a good time. I’d have loved the artsy shops and spooky parks!
Thank God you didn’t post that four-page reflection though. Give it time to process and edit out 250 pages, then post it!
Say goodbye to tropical storm Debby. She’s dumped enough tears already.
The book has shipped and should be here any day now.

Mary Hudak-Collins livingthescripture.com said...

Sometimes, it's difficult to come back home and try to get back into our 'groove'. It sounds (and looks) like you have a phenomenal time! Keep those memories, and eventually, you will find your routine again ☺

Manisha Bhatia said...

Yes u indeed go v deep Leah n as lwys i love reading your reflections...your exp n learnings u share with us...

So dis one ws a more relaxed one though n the end pic wid dose wax lips ehh indeed quite funny :D..wt i love abt u is dat u njy being u n fr u nt everyday bt every moment is new so be as lwys as u r...

YAHOO!!!
MANI

Leah Griffith said...

Jayne, I have simmered down a bit...put away the lips, and am blending into my life like cream into coffee. I know that it won't be long before I wear myself out again...need another sabbatical, and I'm sure life will have something ready for me when the time comes.

How goes the summer? Maine sounded wonderful! We have family in Naples Me.

Leah Griffith said...

Melissa, thank you. You're a huge blessing to me also.
I have lightened up, and am beginning to get into a routine, which is a little different than my last routine...but in a good way. I'm getting things done. Not all things, but what I feel is most important.
Have a gorgeous weekend sweet Melissa!

Leah Griffith said...

Brooke, I love the idea of a permanent vacation!

I would have loved to have you by my side as a child. Someone to share all those thoughts with and explore the unknown places. There was a time when being myself seemed too risky. But now, well...it's all I got to offer this world. You my dear, have blessed me so much with your words, and how you boldly write the truth. I think we may have been cut from the same cloth.
I love and appreciate you Brooke.

Leah Griffith said...

Debra, you are so right. I needed the break and so did my husband. Just because two people are married it doesn't mean they have to spend every minute with one another. I like that we can take long breaks to be with ourselves and catch up on personal things.
I'm so excited about you reading Cosette's Tribe! Thank you for buying the book Debra, I believe you will enjoy it. Let me know.
Love & Hugs,
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Thank you Mani! Yes those wax lips were hilarious. The two of us were laughing so hard that I'm surprised we were able to take this photo.

I believe that when we are honestly ourselves we provide people with a gift. The gift of who we are. There is only one of us for a reason;)

Sending love Mani. You are a treasure.

Adriene said...

It sounds like a wonderful 5 weeks. At the very least, you have your memories, plus you have your writing to take you wherever you want to go. I think writing ability is the defense mechanism some of us develop against a not-so-perfect world.

Leah Griffith said...

Adriene, I think you're right. Writing is a place I can go to create and breathe deeply;)

Farfalla Dreams ~ Lisa Marie Farfalla said...

Sending some sunshine your way!!! You put a smile on my face and made me laugh. I LOVED this!

Leah Griffith said...

Glad to have made you laugh Farfalla! The rains have since gone, leaving us with the promise of a sunny week. Next we'll be complaining about the heat, but I guess that's human nature. It's great to see you!

Rimly said...

Good to know you had a great time. I suppose it takes some time adjusting back to your routine life.I loved you and your friend with those wax lips. LOL!

Healing Morning said...

"I know I can't help who I am. I go deep." Oh my, that resonates strongly for me! I am similar in nature, Leah. I have to remind myself quite often that I can relax, lighten up and play. Usually, it takes others literally dragging me out of the house and forcing me to play because I do get too deeply dug down into the serious side of life.

I'm so glad you had this time to play, honey. And to spend time with your loved ones? Pure bliss! I know that it buffed and polished your heart, recharged your Spirit. I am smiling for you.

Much love,
Dawnie

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