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Monday, November 22, 2010

Meet my Muse

"Many artists, writers, poets and musicians have said that their creative work has been inspired by an individual whom they refer to as their "Muse". A muse is someone who has such an influence on another that he or she becomes the focus and inspiration for that person's creative work. The term has historically been used by men to describe the women that they have been in love with and made the subject of their work.
The word muse originates from Greek mythology. The Greek gods Zeus and Mnemosyne had nine daughters called the Muses. The nine daughters were of one being in heart, spirit and thought. If the muses loved a man, then the man's worries instantly disappeared. The man who was loved by the muses was considered to be more sacred than a holy man."

I have been in a slump. I have had little creative let alone positive energy. I have let myself get overwhelmed yet again and needed to snap out of it. With the past couple of weeks throwing job loss, financial concerns, health issues, family conflict and death at me, I threw up a white flag.

In comes my rescuers.
First, credit goes to my Hubby. He is my hero and pushes me to do what is best for myself and to stop concerning myself with the rest.  He knows when I need to give myself a break and I am so grateful he guides me to sanity.
Second, I am giving my Bestie Deb the credit due. She is amazing. And I am very grateful for her as well. She helps me put things in perspective and she inspires me. I am at awe in her achievements and very proud to be her friend. She has accomplished much and hardly takes recognition.
I was able to take an impromptu trip to visit her this weekend. That is a seven and a half hour trip one way. Not for the cranky impatient traveler.  I relished every mile as a milestone closer to my dear friend.  483 miles. 2 gas station stops plus one more stop when I had go to the restroom. Driving that far can be such a wonderful adventure even alone. I chatted a bit on my cell.  I sang...a lot and loudly. I played the alphabet game front ways and backwards. (I both won and loss). And I sang some more.
I made good timing and didn't feel so tired as I was giddy about seeing Deb.

My weekend consist of getting to see her beautiful family (the kids have grown so much since I last saw them and they are turning into fine young  -almost-adults), I got to finally see her home (that I had been promising for 5 yrs to come see, and is absolutely gorgeous), we started decorating her house a little in preparation of a upcoming party, we ate (a lot) we watched the HGTV channel and a movie or two (so wonderful watching with a Bestie and be able to be catty), we took in some sights (visited the quaint city of Collierville, check out Memphis as she took me to the beautiful Mississippi River@ sunset and The Peabody Hotel with their famous ducks that live there), and we just hung out and chatted.
Gosh I love her so much! We have been friends for over 30 years. Even got to be roommates for a year when we were in our early twenties. Oh how I wish we lived closer!
However, we cherished every minute.
I feared the trip home would feel longer and that I would be more tired from. Surprisingly it wasn't.
She had inspired me, lifted my spirits, gave me sound advice, and helped me get my Mojo back. I was anxious to see Sergio too.  I wanted him to see how rejuvenated I was and grateful he encouraged me to take this little trip.
So 483 more miles and two stops to the gas station, as well as one stop at Loretta Lynn's Kitchen for yummy lunch, witnessing one car accident (they were okay and plenty of help, so I continued on my way), a couple more phone calls, and a bunch more loud singing, I made my seven and a half hour trip home safe & sound.

Ahhh, a road trip.  Sometimes the best medicine is doing these little things for ourselves.

3 comments:

Rosaria Williams said...

Lovely! So glad you have good friends to lift your spirits.

Fire Byrd said...

What a lovely weekend to have had.
I know about the 7 1/2hr drive when I drove one time from my best mate's in Philly to meet the wonderful blogger Sorrow in Virginia. Hadn't realised I don't think till then exactly how vast your country is, as usually go on planes between places!
I get to go see my other best mate tomorrow but it's only next door by US standards as it's only 3 1/2 hrs away!!! ( long way in the UK)
Glad to know you're feeling brighter.
xx

Lori ann said...

What a wonderful thing you did for yourself and your friend Janis! I could feel your happiness in every word you wrote. And i could picture you singing (and smiling) as you drove along. Many blessings to you and your family on Thanksgiving Day.
Love,
lori