Well, life can be a trial, even seem a travesty as well as a delight and a noble undertaking. And I would rather be writing a decent and thoughtful nonfiction post than recovering from the latest meddling with health. Some of you readers may recall that in the last month or so, I’ve had some heart issues reappear for awhile. Then last week I had a fairly common oral surgery, more like a fancy extraction ending with silk (!) stitches. And just as pain diminished and better energy returned, wham! Vertigo. If you haven’t experienced vertigo (unlike the feeling when surveying city or landscape from a high peak or balcony; that dissipates as you pull back), count your blessings. If you have, you get it right off. The ungodly spinning and/or sense of sudden and severe dislocation, the stumbling or falling about and surges of nausea. It’s caused me enough consternation the past twenty years.

This time it took a trip by ambulance to the hospital to clarify if it was vertigo or possible stroke, as I had trouble speaking and moving for a bit and could not–would not–open my eyes. Thankfully, “only” a rotten episode of the former. It gets embarrassing to experience such weird events, but the fact is, I seem prone to a small host of scrappy issues, most of which are never written of and only a very few that can be serious. Vertigo, even managed, is tiring, a moment-by-moment challenge when it resurfaces. Luckily, good medicines help tremendously. And physical therapy. But all that is a medical foray I will not take now. This isn’t even supposed to be about vertigo, but how I have been trying to cheer myself up…

As I lie about I strive to look forward to more peaceful, healthy times. To envision greater strength and courage. To gather fortitude while cheerfully live “life on life’s terms.” Yes, rise above, be of good heart, I tell myself, it could be so much worse–and this does work more each time I say it and brainstorm options that can create happier experiences. (Even during these difficult days and nights in my country.)

First, I began to recall that spring really does come after winter. That makes all the difference to me as I watch rain pummel concrete and sodden earth and hear news of landslides and flooding which is not very unusual in our neck of the woods. But spring opens up life like a surprise series of gifts and that is certainly worth waiting for. As I continued in this vein, I recalled the many activities I enjoy or would like to enjoy and slowly I began to feel some better. It can be hard to catch tantalizing beams of light amid a current gloom, as we all know.

Now I need to catch a break on the sofa again. The following older post must stand in for a better new one today. It’s about a handful of quite ordinary things I well enjoy. I hope you find something here–sharing what I fancy just may stir your mind so you can start or add to your list. I’d love to hear about your favorite activities; I can use all the inspiration you’re willing to share. Thanks, all, and I’ll be back again as soon as I manage a more clarified head/heart with minimal spinning. I have hope!