Ambiance photo by AI

To Forgive, Sublime

Step two should be obvious? Did I actually say that?

Well, that planned routine I started last week held up about as long as smooth hair on a humid day. What was left out of the equation was what comes naturally with treadmill activity. Does it make sense to have a nice shower before jumping on the belt that has me moving at just below a full jog for 45 minutes? I can tell you now the answer is no. 

An evening shower it is!

My mother came to mind with that decision. Many decades ago, we had a conversation about her predilection for candlelit baths before bed. I was young and foolish, so pointed out the irony of sitting in a sea of old skin cells (and heaven only knows what else from the day) in order to feel relaxed and cleansed. She showered after that. Not my proudest moment.

Of course, this whole situation has led to hours-long airing of the bed linens, which defeats the purpose of having them coordinated with throw blankets and accent pillows.

And we will not speak of hair styling. Or makeup. 

Suffice to say, I have forgiven myself. Not everything works according to plan. In fact, it has worked for the better in the long run. I have freedom to choose without the guilt of my 20s or the judgement of my 30s. Instead, I have greater access to my creativity and that is sublime! One could say, I am allowing myself more grace.

Note: If you look closely at the shine of the tea kettle, you can almost see the reflections of two buxom ladies in floral dresses. As for ambiance photos that are meant to relax, what’s going on with books sitting in a pile by an open flame? They are causing me anxiety. It was fun at first, seeing what AI can do, but it always ends up not quite right, like an apartment hallway at 7a.m. in a Stephen King novel. A bit unsettling for no discernible reason. I leave that with you. Of course, if you’re on mobile, you’ve been spared.