The New Year started off a bit slow for me. Unfortunately when it should be a time of joy and happiness it came with some sadness. We lost 3 people in our family during the holidays to illness. It is really hard to lose people you love and hard to move forward when there is grieving involved. It can be a time of sorrow and a feeling of emptiness. What do you do when this occurs? Some how if you are open to it, the Universe will show you or give to you just what you need. This time it was a simple 2 hour visit into the magical world of …..
If you love brilliant animation and have a sense of fantasy and adventure… you are gonna love this movie.
Dr. Dolittle!
I have always been a big fan of Robert Downey Jr and when I saw he was in this new movie, I knew I wanted to see it.The trailer for the film showed a lot of action and some really interesting animals. Sometimes getting out into nature is just thing I need to get out of a blue funk but for some reason this time it was too solitary and made me feel more isolated and lonely. This movie is jam packed with action, humor, tenderness and tragedy. The story starts with the loss of Dr. Doolittles beautiful wife and the grief he is experiencing. Now if I had known this ……. I probably would have stayed home! But quickly the story evolves into adventure. The animation and character development of the animals was superb. I found myself smiling, getting teary eyed and laughing out loud during the film. The creative genius of the artistry of the movie is really what made the outing for me. There is a message in the movie too….but I don’t want to spoil it for you!
I believe everyone experiences grief and loss to varying degrees and it is how we treat ourselves during that time which can make or break us. It is hard to be creative when you have just been blind sided, not once, not twice, but 3 times. It is like a tsunami that keeps hitting you again and again. I am finding I can not force the feelings to leave but I can escape from them and I found it in a delightful and wonderful movie. I am grateful I got off the couch and went out and did something that was just fun.
I hope you are being kind to yourself when you are feeling down. It is very uplifting to find someone, some place , or something that will make you smile, feel warm and fuzzy, and even better……..make you laugh and perhaps giggle.
As always, even in grief, you are eloquent and informative and helpful. I appreciate your being forthright with us as we all want to be supportive of you especially at this time. I am so sorry for this triple tragedy and know it will take time to get your equalibrium back. I am glad you chose to laugh and if you need someone to talk with or be with, I am here and can certainly be there, or you here for a mini break in Wyeth Country not far from your old haunts. Peace to you, my friend. Don’t hesitate to call or come anytime.
Connie Ivey
Thank you so much Connie. It has been a difficult 6 years. My husband lost 2 children, I lost both parents, numerous relatives and this holiday 3 relatives and even 3 of my rescue kitties. I am so appreciative of your reaching out to me. It brings great comfort. Hugs, Mindy
I am so very sorry to hear about these heartbreaking losses you’ve gone through, Mindy. Sending you love and healing thoughts.❤️
Thanks Lydia. I appreciate it. Sending hugs and love back to you. ~Mindy
Thank you for sharing another experience when yre in shock, grieving, sad.
You are welcome Susan. I find it hard sometimes to share things that are painful but if they can help someone else….it is worth sharing. From the overwhelming support from this blogpost I feel like there are others woh can benefit from finding a little ray of sunshine.
Dear Mindy,
So sorry about your losses. I know that mere words won’t assuage the grief you are feeling, but I hope you know that many of us are thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way, Make sure to take care of yourself at this difficult time. Glad you saw “Dr Dolittle.” Sounds like just the thing to see in these times. All best, Trudy
Thanks Trudy. It is a comfort to know there are beautiful people like you out there who care.
Dearest MIndy,
I am truly sorrow for your losses.
My prayers will bring you strength & peace:)
Hugs, Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne. Hugs to you too!
Mindy, I am so sorry to hear of all your loss. It truly can come in threes. I hope you find solace and peace in the days ahead.
Thank you Beth. I am working on it and hoping for peace and healing!
Dear Mindy,
I know exactly what you have been going through and can sympathise with you. The same thing happened to me nearly three years ago. I could not breath I was so distressed and could not talk to friends who meant well but would have just made matters worse. I turned to two things. Opera and classical music and creativity. I designed and printed out and mounted photographs of all my family through the ages. I call it my wall of memories. I pass it every day, light it nightly and bask in the moments of joy I have spent with all of those I hold dear whenever I look at the pictures. My heart goes out to you. You are not alone.
Thank you Margaret. Over the last 6 years my husband and I have lost so many people. He lost 2 children and I lost my parents and 6 more relatives and this past holiday 3 more. I even lost 3 of my special cats this past year. They are like children to me. Yes, it is difficult to talk with friends at times and I desperately try to hold onto creating art and finding joy. Thank you for telling me about your wall of memories. I am glad it brings you comfort. Peace, love and creativity to you always. -Mindy
I’m sorry for your losses but I love your story about embracing laughter. Death, unfortunately, is part of life. It’s how we address it and move forward.
thank you Arlene. It is important to move forward and I always need to remind myself of it at times.
I’m so sorry for your tragedy. Someone said to me when I experienced loss, “Grieve well.” I think you need to walk through the grief to the other side and to healing.
Know that you have and are making a huge artistic impact in the lives of people you’ve never met and don’t know. I’m one.
Thank you so much Pam. That is really very heart warming and much appreciated.
My sincere condolences on the loss of your dear ones. Grief is a natural process and you need time to heal. Nothing will ever be the same because you loved those who are now gone. I found it helps to tell their stories. Take care of yourself.
Thank you Mary. I am working on it.
Mindy,also from me my sincere condoleances for your losses.Take care of yourself and hopefully you can also put a bit strength by teaching and painting and the beauty of nature
It is as Mary says nothing will ever be the same ,but they are for always with you in your heart
Thank you Gerda. Your words are kind and well received. I love nature and I love teaching and through this I know things will be ok.
I am so sorry for your multiple losses Mindy. I hope you heal and take care of yourself well.
Thank you so much Irene. I am doing my best to take of myself and stay uplifted.
I am sorry for your losses Mindy. Take each day, hour, and second as it comes with kindness for yourself and your family. Sometimes taking a long walk helps.
Thanks Ann.This weekend I went to the Bird Festival in Titusville and took some photography mini classes. It helped to get out and see nature at its best. I still want to take your online certificate but never was able to get through the college with how to do it. My best to you and Rob.
LOVE and HEALING to you Mindy…….Remember to let your creative self help you through this difficult time. Be with yourself and the creating of your drawings. There is peace in this.
Thanks Celeste. I have always found peace and self care in my art. Right now it has been overwhelming but I am working on getting some new energy to do some new art. It is really important to hold on to creativity.
Sorry for your losses and thanks for sharing Mindy. I lost my Mother to Alzheimer’s in Aug and one of my beloved shelties Dec 22. She was 14 yrs old and a major part of our lives. My other sheltie was diagnosed with kidney disease over a year ago and was only expected to live for 2-3 months. She is hanging in there with twice weekly fluid treatments. This will always be the worst time of my life and I know nothing will ever be the same and I will never be the same. I am just trying to get through it. I have enjoyed following your blog (since 2013) and taking your online art classes as well. I love going to the movies and can’t wait to see Dr Doolittle. I am so glad you shared your story because I know it wasn’t easy.
Hi Linda, I am so sorry to hear of your losses. I have done cat rescue for many years and was the sole caregiver for my mom for 9 years. My mom passed away 7 years ago and I still haven’t gotten over it. It was a really tough time. I lost 3 rescue cats this year also. The one thing I know is that giving the love and receiving the love was worth it. I know I made a difference and I am grateful that I could help. Even though it feels like there are pieces of me that are gone, I know I am better off having been there than not at all. I hope you enjoy Dr. Doolittle. It raised my spirits and put a smile on my face.
Oh Mindy, am so sorry for you to experience this grief. You have such a wonderful attitude and of course, are so talented. Hope art and pickleball continue to bring you happiness and solace.
Thanks Amy! I appreciate your kind words. I am still playing pickleball 4 times a week and painting everyday!
Mindy I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your family members and your kitties. I hope Costa Rica can up lift your heart. I have found it to be a very healing place. Look forward to seeing you
Thank Sandy. I am looking forward to the trip and seeing you again. I am sure we will have lots of time enjoying the surrounding beauty together. See you soon my dear friend.
This was a sweet blogpost indeed, Mindy! I sympathize with you for your losses; I do understand the heartbreak because our family has experienced the same. Reading your post was a reminder that all forms of art, in your example: a film, are created for mankind to enlighten us and help pull us through even in tough times.
Thanks Amelia for sympathy, leaving a comment and reading my blog post. The arts in all forms are so essential to the human spirit in times of joy as well as sorrow.
I’m so sorry for the heartache you have been through these years Mindy.
I can relate so much.
In the past years I’ve lost so many loved ones I couldn’t catch my breath. Wave after wave..No time to grieve. My husband, mother, 1st cousins, one who had a three year old, chosen family, two to Agent Orange, and some of my street family.
So many loved ones who were alone, so I was the caregiver♡
As as you said, I did lose my spark to create..for a long time.
But I’m getting excited to feel it start to ignite with your watercolor classes. I have always admired your art. That’s wonderful that you chose to take care of you* and go to the movie. I think I’ll go see it myself. Now that I feel new seasons are beginning. Hope someday to join you in Costa Rica trip. Looks so beautiful.
Anytime.. here for you.
Love and blessings..
Thanks Kathy. Grief and loss never come easily. Sometimes it is a struggle to keep up a positive attitude but it always helps in the end. It would be wonderful to have you join us in Costa Rica. It is such a magical place and a wonderful place to reboot and energize. Hugs to you sweet friend. ~ Mindy