Compassion

[Appleblossom]

Hello Misty.

Lovely to hear from you ... I am well ... How was your bush walk? ... I loved walks in Kurangai Chase and out near Springwood and around the harbour when I was a kid.  I think it consolidated my love of the natural world.

Yes I still go to Sydney occasionally .. my brother is still there.  My brother is probably a bit of a psychopath too, a charmer with a million selfies on his blog.  Funny how you say yours doesnt have mental problems ... that is part of the problem  ... reduced capacity for moral concern about their behaviours. I tried to reach out to my brother as he had been separated from us when he was 6 months and raised in foster family ... we have had some connections over the years as adults but he is very bullheaded... he has cancer now.

I like to have friends of both sexes but it can be tricky to negotiate ... I had a big social weekend with a book launch ... an anthology by my writers group ...my son went away to Wilson's Promontary ... his 2nd little holiday this year ... which is a great sign that he is taking an interest in doing things for himself and enjoying them and gaining experience of the world.  He used to be very resistant to doing anything.

Sexuality and gender are issues we all deal with ... I do not have fixed ideas ... we all have anger but a lot depends on how we manage it.

[Misty-Mirrors]

Hello Appleblossom.

I had problems with my mobile phone again. That is why I haven't written.

Most of the time I walk in the suburbs. I usually walk alone. I believe that at my age it is not safe to walk in the bush alone. I occasionally find a group to walk in the bush with.

My brother is a charmer as well. He was/is a successful salesman. I don't think he scores highly on ethics tests !!!!!!!!

Your comment about your Writers Group interests me. Do you write poetry and/or short stories? Or are you involved in the administration of the group only? I write poetry and essays. I have won some minor prizes in small competions.

It is good that your son gives you some pleasure. If he is unmotivated, he possibly suffers from depression. I guess you know that.

I suffered from anxiety/restlessness for the last two months or so. I don't think it is indogenous. I think it is reactive. Unfortunately I don't know what part of my life triggered it. I considered two possibilities.

How are you? How did the launching of the anthology go? What kind of writing does it contain?

At the moment I am doing my Sunday receptionist job at the Finemusic 102.5 radio station. It is usually quiet at weekends. I have time to do so some of my own work/play. Sometimes I am asked to do new thinks. That is often difficult. The next time it is easier. Because it is a voluntary job, the superiors are very tolerant.

God bless, Misty.

[Appleblossom]

Lovely to hear from @Misty-Mirrors

When I walked in Sydney it was mostly with a community group or family. I returned to Melbourne when I was 10, but kept going back every few years mainly to see little brother. 

The anthology is a collection of poetry and short stories.  I have 5 poems in it.  Yesterday I took it to the Shakespeare Society when were doing a rehearsal and showed a lecturer and she really liked them ... I've never entered in a competition ... I just havent had the energy for it ... maybe as my son is more independent it can become a good outlet for me ... I would like to do longer work in creative non-fiction and will get to that too ... at least I have plans.

My son is more motivated now than he was as an adolescent. He definitely was depressed ..  I dont really want to complain ... he tries in his way ... he cooked a meal for me last night .. its just that he was very resistant to all opportunities for a very long time (10 years) and did not realise how that makes it hard for a life to unfold for him now ...

[Misty-Mirrors]

Hello Appleblossom,

I would like to buy a copy of the anthology.

Do the owners of the forum allow you to publicize the anthology and your name?

I was in the Blue Mountains yesterday. I helped a woman who had recently moved, to move her cartons and furniture around.

I got a free meal. 🙂

Misty

[Appleblossom]

Hello Misty

I havent been to the Blue Mountains since I was a child ... hoped to with brother but it never happened. Hope you had a lovely day. It is good to barter or work with others in a reciprocal way. The pay-off may be richer than just the free meal ... developing friendships etc.

No I cant publicise anthology, the forum is strict about anonymity and I hadnt even thought of it.

Christmas Oratorio rehearsals are continuing and have started rehearsals for Opera in The Alps ... so I am looking forward to a good January ... and maybe I can snooze and sing through Christmas!

[Misty-Mirrors]

What are you doing for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? I don't want to spend mine with my mother. Not with my brother either. I get on alright with my sister but she is spending Christmas Eve with my mother and Christmas Day with her in-laws. I either will go with some friends to Chinatown or on my own to a dinner organized by a church.
God bless ..... Misty.

[Appleblossom]

I intend to sing at Midnight mass ... which should be good because it is an evening of 4 hours solid music with orchestra, carols and friends.

I will be available for my son to have a pleasant meal ... but will probably sleep for most of the day.  I dont have people who celebrate Christmas but music ministry has been consistent theme so I stick with that.

Usually I see friends on Boxing Day.

My brother will be doing his thing in Sydney. I may go up New Year ... but not sure. I dont see my survivng little sister through her misguided and stubborn attitude ... but now she has to live with an even more fractured family of her making ... and I am now over it ...

[Misty-Mirrors]

Hello Appleblossom.
I hope you are well.
The midnight msss should be nice. Being able to sing can lead to joy. I can only sing a few songs in tune.
I will probably see friends on boxing day also.
I have been dating a woman for about 9 months. I am careful to not go out with anyone who wants to use me. This woman seemed alright. On Wednesdsy I got a shock. I was in her home. We had supper. Suddenly she asked me whom I leaving my belongings to in my will !!!!! I answered that I don't want to tell her. She then asked me whether I was leaving it to my sister !!!!! I answered that I don't want to tell her. Then she asked me whether I will leave it to a charity. I said that I don't want to tell her. Then she asked me whether I would leave it for her !!!!!! I didn't believe my ears. We are only friends. She is Chinese. That is the end of a friendship!
I bet nothing like that ever happened to you.
How are you?
Misty.

[Appleblossom]

No! Misty. But a man who said he wanted to marry me was very presumptuous when I was paying for something when we were out ... I said I was only interested in friendship not marriage ... when I paid at point of sale .. he flirted with cashiers speaking over me ... carrying on ... at first it was funny .. but it became very annoying and rude. When I was struggling to do my taxes he wanted to check all my receipts ... he was hopeless at such things I knew it was just nosiness.

Your date was very rude and presumptuous.  I was a little shocked when my sister-in-law told me she would only marry a man with a house. I thought that very greedy and materialistic.

I guess that is why it is good to take our time with such things.

[Misty-Mirrors]

Hello Appleblossom.
I met three women who chose their boyfriends because they had a house. There is a lot of that going on.
It is a pity that people in the Sane Forum are not allowed to meet. I would like to meet you.
I think a man is establishing another forum for disabled/mentally ill people. Apparently he wants it to develop into a union.
Have a good time.
Misty.