Rusty's Armory

“Embracing the Day: Reflections on Life, Creativity, and Resilience”

Posted on September 15, 2023

A wet, drippy morning embraced the day, the low 70’s offering a reprieve from the relentless heat and drought of yesteryears. The droplets outside whispered tales of transformation, a tangible reminder that seasons change, both in weather and in life. Shaking off the remnants of sleep, I unhooked myself from the slumber’s grasp and navigated to the kitchen, the aroma of coffee promising a gentle awakening.

The studio, my haven of creativity, beckoned me next. It was time to sift through the daily deluge of news, a task laced with skepticism. In a world where truth seemed elusive, attempting to find a balanced perspective often felt like a futile endeavor. The headlines from the left and right blurred into a mosaic of deception, leaving me yearning for a clearer narrative. Yet, amidst this quagmire, I reminded myself of who truly held the reins of control and chose to silence the discordant voices.

The crossword puzzle, a delightful mental exercise, followed suit. With surprising ease, the answers flowed from pen to paper, resulting in a score that boasted a victory of sorts. The allure of the train simulation beckoned, a virtual adventure awaiting, but today, it offered no new landscapes to explore.

A quiet journey to the bedroom revealed a flicker of light from the bathroom, signaling that my beloved Snooks was stirring. She had wrestled with a restless night, the memories of which now danced beyond her reach. Yesterday had been a rare day of productivity, a precious gem amidst the struggles that had become all too familiar. She clung to the fragments of familiarity—family and friends—yet the sands of recent time slipped through the sieve of her short-term memory.

A former colleague had left a number for her to call, a gesture of kindness that would momentarily brighten her day. The conversation would flow, and she would sound like her old self, bringing comfort to her friend. However, the conversation’s echoes would fade within the recesses of her mind mere minutes after it concluded.

In parallel, my own battles waged silently. Fatigue and restlessness, an unusual alliance, had become constant companions. Writing again had become a balm, soothing the weariness of the soul, although it hadn’t yet emboldened me to tackle larger literary endeavors. These small coffee posts, simple yet meaningful, seemed to mirror my contentment, born from a life that others might perceive as uneventful.

As the day unfurled its canvas, I took solace in kindling the flickering flame of creativity. A reservoir of doggerel lay behind me, a testament to lighter musings. I glanced through the shelves of older manuscripts, a journey through time, before gently placing them back. Journals and essays beckoned, offering a path that felt aligned with the cadence of my thoughts.

And so, with the sun ascending on this wet and promising morning, I embraced the day ahead. The world continued its relentless dance, and I, too, must continue mine.

Good morning!