16 Aug 2013

the mean reds


 "You know those days when you get the mean reds?" " The mean reds, you mean like the blues?" 
No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. 
The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of.  
Do you ever get that feeling?"
Breakfast at Tiffany's 


Today I have the "mean reds". That feeling when the world seems to be spinning too fast and I feel I may very well topple off it. The anxious gnawing in the pit of my gut where positive thoughts are snuffed out cold by darker, disagreeable ones. No team of archaeologists worth their salt could dig deep enough to find the magic in the mundane for me today.

The morning sun on my back and strong coffee albeit instant are doing their very best to soften the edges. Perhaps casting my eye over treasures and trinkets stacked on rickety shelves may calm me further still. Pottering about dusty places filled with baskets and bric a brac where a wisp of vintage fabric may show herself to me alongside a golden book or two to add to the collection.  No. Today I feel the only antidote to my demeanour is to centre myself amongst green, growing things. 

To breathe air thick with rich new oxygen, to hear bird song and leaf whispers and step away from washing up, our "bursting at the seams" budget and traffic. Holly Golightly in all her Audrey Hepburn created loveliness talks of calming herself amidst beauty. Well, today my kind of Tiffany's is filled with nature's jewels. 

The mean reds....what do you do to shoo them away?

Steph x

9 comments:

  1. It's fresh air for me everytime. Sometimes it is a case of packing up the boys (and always snacks) and heading out for a walk, be it out in the vineyard or in town followed by a treat of hot chocolates. In the evening I try to get the kids in bed early so I can recharge with endless amounts of tea and a movie. Hope your weekend is not so red..... xoxo

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  2. Oh you poor love...you are in good company tho...I know what you mean. you wait with resignation for them to pass and they do..in the meantime it feels like your mind and body has turned against you..usually hormonal in my case. Not nice but hopefully short lived. helen

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  3. that's such a nice way of putting it...I will have to borrow that term. :)
    Usually a long walk with a few comforting words to myself along the way, a hot bath and a caramel mocha and I can usually work it out. Nature is always a good place to go no matter what disposition you're in. How can you feel anything but peace and goodness when you're walking amongst the trees and the flowers.

    So sorry you're feeling this way...hope it flies away soon. xo

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  4. Oh Steph, I felt rather off and deflated today myself. Overwhelmed and quite tired. Not sure which way to turn. A friend asked if we'd like to go for a bushwalk this morning and she mentioned a creek, paddocks and hills. I was there like a shot. The scenery was breathtaking and we sat at the top of a hill amongst gum trees overlooking a lush green valley. It was all I needed. All I ever need to centre me is to be outdoors breathing clean air with beauty to bring much-needed perspective. Hope you're OK. x

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  6. I thought I was the only one who used that term :) So sorry to hear you have the mean reds. When I get them I either seek out some comfort food or do some long, slow laps at pool. This always clears my mind. Hope you feel better soon.

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  7. The healing power of nature never fails me and I hope you found a soothing spot for yourself today. Holly.x

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  8. The mean reds. I call them that too.

    The only thing that will do is escaping with the dog, and pounding the beach/cliffs/footpaths of West Cornwall. And staring at the sea. It makes me feel humbled.

    Sincerely hope you feel better by the time you read this comment. I do love your blog, and the way you write about your world.

    Leanne xx

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  9. The mean reds, the perfect description for my past week

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Your words brighten my day! Thank-you so much for joining me on my adventure. x