Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt

Eight weeks ago Wednesday afternoon, my constant companion and friend for seventeen years, Faith, was gently removed from my lap. Since then, many, many tears have fallen.

Did you know that the chemical makeup of tears of sorrow or grief is quite different from tears of happiness or relief? And, that crying is as healthy for you physically as it is emotionally?

In her article The Health Benefits of Tears, Judith Orloff, M.D., shares “tears are a sign of courage, strength, and authenticity." Strangely, I don’t really feel courageous and brave with all of these tears streaming down my cheek. I actually feel the opposite: weak. vulnerable.

But I do love this bit:

Crying is also essential to resolve grief, when waves of tears periodically come over us after we experience a loss. Tears help us process the loss so we can keep living with open hearts. Otherwise, we are set up for depression if we suppress these potent feelings. When a friend apologized for curling up in the fatal position on my floor, weeping, depressed over a failing romance, I told her, “Your tears blessed my floor. There is nothing to apologize for.”

I find these words to be a relief and, actually, refreshing. Like, perhaps, I haven’t been in the wrong for being “too sensitive” all of my life.

One reason for these tears is the loss of the pure joy that Faith freely gave to me all of these years.

• Her purring. What sound creates more pure joy than a kitty’s purr?
• Her presence. She was never too far away.
• Her closeness. Curling up in bed to read with her right beside me.
• Her kitty kisses. Too early in the morning.
• Her warmth and softness. Nap times on the couch.
• Her beauty. And her captivating big green eyes.

Since May 22nd, I haven’t felt like curling up with a book. The last book I read was Rod Stewart’s autobiography back in April with Faith purring beside me; I thoroughly enjoyed that time together. I haven’t even sat on the couch since Faith was taken from my arms. Napping there would not be the same now. I desperately miss her joyous purr and regret that I didn’t record it and didn’t take more videos of her. (I thought I would have more time with her to do that.)

Those moments of joy can not be replaced. I hope, eventually, those memories will bring a smile rather than tears.

For now, I am trying to find joy elsewhere:

• Taking time to appreciate the flowers on my deck and how the purple petunias with white edges remind me of the colourful frilly skirts worn by square dancers.
• Going on photo wheels with Darrell.
• Listening to Rod Stewart’s newest CD. He is still my fav, even after reading his autobiography.
• Spending time talking with my loving and extremely patient Darrell over an iced mocha.

I am sure the list will slowly grow with time.

What brings you joy? How do you find joy again after such a loss? Please feel free to share in the comments below.

Monday, Canada Day, was a beautiful day for a photo wheel around False Creek in Vancouver.

These photo wheels are giving us a way to get out together to enjoy and to appreciate our local surroundings, on a budget we can afford. Now that is a lifestyle!

Here are the highlights. Be sure to click on each image to enlarge.

For some unexplainable reason, I found the “Now Selling” sign on the incomplete building amusing. I am always amazed when condo buildings sell out before they are built. How do you know, for sure, what you’re buying for several hundred of thousands of dollars?

My man enjoying his second love…

A rather stiff individual…

One of Vancouver’s icons: the “golf ball”, aka as Science World:

Wandering along the walkway, beautiful music was drifting from somewhere. We discovered the “piano man” playing at a “civic studio”, which invites anyone to sit down and tickle the ivories for a while. What a cool initiative!

The “golf ball” from another angle…

A little further along, a group of costumed men appeared and started dancing. They were cycling around False Creek and dancing at random locations. This one happened to be next to the pub. Mere coincidence, I think not. As this was now the hottest time of the day….and, man, it was hot!…Darrell and I also stopped at a cafe…for a leisurely iced mocha. 

Even though Darrell and I live in the city, mainly for the physical accessibility, our life is not void of the green of nature, which is all around us, if we take the time to look. I am intrigued by the layers in the following landscapes:the greenness, the water and boats, the cityscape and the mountains in the background. Beautiful!

“…God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee…"

Click on image to enlarge

Before 2013 got away with me (how is the end of April upon us already?) I spent an evening with Oprah!

Yes, I saw Oprah!

I have wheeled to Harpo Studios when in Chicago for a conference.  My autobiography is one degree of separation from Lady O. And, I have even been interviewed by her (in my imagination).

On a fairly mild winter evening in January, I was finally at the same venue at the same time as Oprah (along with approximately 15,000 other fans).

What follows are a few of the many photos I took that night. They may not be the greatest photos, but they are mine, along with the memories from an opportunity I didn’t expect to get in Vancouver. I’m so glad I had saved my birthday money for something special. This evening definitely fit the bill.

Local billionaire Jimmy Pattison introduced Steadman Graham who then introduced his beloved, a surprise to her. Between Jimmy and Oprah, there was a fair chunk of change in the house that night!

(I dig the orange and purple combination and I’ve made a mental note to add some orange to my dress-up wardrobe.)

Oprah…!

In discussing the role of Sofia in the movie The Color Purple, Oprah shared how she had been obsessing about getting the role. The very moment that she surrendered and let it go, Steven Spielberg called to offer it to her. Surrender: a good lesson for all of us.

A few other life lessons she shared (from my notes deciphered three months later):

• Life is validated only in service of others. People want to know they matter and are heard.
• You become what you believe, which is the lens to how you see the world.
• Listen to that little voice when it says, “Hmm, that’s odd.” It will protect you.
• Showing gratitude positively changes the energy field around you.

After sharing her life story and the key lessons learned along the way, Canadian broadcast veteran George Stroumboulopoulos conducted a Q&A session with Oprah. On the issue of Lance Armstrong (likely forgotten news by now): “He will be forgiven because people, themselves, want to be forgiven… Now his real life’s work begins.” Enough said.

Listening to Oprah thread together defining experiences in her life on how a poor black girl from Mississippi became a multi-media mogul who transforms people’s lives was riveting, amazing and inspiring. Listening to her story gave me all of the more reason to believe that I, an individual with a physical disability and a significant speech impairment, can become a successful motivational speaker.

Lady Gaga’s The Edge of Glory blaring over the sound system as we left the arena further strengthen my drive to make my dream happen.

I’m on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment of truth
Out on the edge of glory and I’m hangin’ on a moment with you

Thank you, Oprah, for a memorable and inspiring evening.

In this mini presentation, I demonstrate how seemingly crazy ideas can, indeed, come to life. Enjoy!

Which of your crazy ideas would you like to make happen? Share in the comments below and let’s make it happen.

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