Croix Parler

[Croix]

I'd like to use this pace for miscellaneous matters that don't fit elsewhere or you think I might help

Thanks

Croix

[Birdy77]

Dear Croix,

Thank you, yes I can often lose myself in the printed word, but when I'm in the firm grip of anxiety I find it so difficult to concentrate.

I have found a site called world of books, full of second hand books. I have treated myself to a few which should arrive shortly, a sort of bribery for my mind, which is struggling with "navigating whirlpools" just now (love that imagery, thank you).

Have you ever watched a bee working in an open globe artichoke flower head? I hadn't until the other day, and wish I could have videoed it for you. There were 4 bees working on the one head; there are many, many purple spikes (bracts? florets?), and to get to the pollen beneath, the bees land on top of the spikes and have to painstakingly drag themselves down each individual spike, collect the pollen and drag themselves up again, then onto the next spike. It was mesmerising to watch. I thought of you and being in the here and now.

I hope you are finding calming ways to experience the present.

🌻birdy

[demonblaster]

Croixy and hi all.

Mr Croixy was thinking about you this morning and wondering, hoping you're on the improve ☺

Take care and go easy on yourself 🌴

Tweety that was neat hearing how those dear bees get the pollen. Really hope you come through your hard times soon tweety 💗⚘

[Croix]

Dear All~

Birdy: betterworldbooks is one I've used a lot, it has tons of used US library books (some of my shelves look like a travel agent's dream) though I've well and truly run out of walls to build book cases against. Mind you this simply means I buy audio books instead.

These do have the advantage of being more distracting and holding my attention when the mind wishes to spiral down in repetitive scenes of woe.

DB: I'm glad you natural history education is broadening. As far as I know NZ has very little of anything, a kakapo or two and maybe the odd possum. Mind you I did see an English hedgehog there once. As a lad I used to leave out a saucer of milk for them at night, and at Christmas mince and egg too.

In answer to your query I am improving a bit, ta for asking. I hope you and Birdy are too.

Croix

[Moonstruck]

Just a quick hello Croix....I ordered Smiling Minds CD...(well it said it was a CD) online and eagerly awaiting it. when it came it was a CD yes....but....an MP3 CD...an "audio book" of the authors explaining all about the Smiling Mind App etc. It is useless to me because my CD player is just basic, won't play MP3 and I play it at bedtime to help me sleep with relaxation, meditation tapes etc.

What I bought is not the Smiling Mind App in CD form anyway..so I have wasted my money. I don't want or need any audio books!

I don't want to play an App on my computer or phone. I don't even have a Smart Phone. I want to play it beside my bed to help me sleep. I posted a question on Smiling Mind website whether the app is available in CD form...but no reply......

apart from that how are you my friend? Driving to my usual "club" with appropriate music on the car CD a glimmer of the old Moonstruck is still there...just between tournaments...this ghastly Christmas season has to be "got through" first before we can all exhale and do what gives us pleasure again.

I find no pleasure whatsoever listening to the carols in shopping malls...about sleigh bells and snow and the pressure to buy buy buy....and rubbing it in how Christmas is a time for "friends and family"...hang on there buddy....a lot of folk don't have friends or family...how do you think they feel with all this media and commercial crap emphasising what they don't have!!! It's mad....I hate it!

"the time has come" the walrus said "to speak of many things".....anything but Christmas!!! luv from me xx

[Croix]

Dear Moon~

I'm afraid Smiling Mind only works on a smartphone, even a computer only has a limited version. So I guess your treasured Bakelite rotary-dial candlestick type with the earpiece you grasp in one hand whilst holding the speaking tube up to your mouth with the other is just not up to snuff:(

I remember Janet saying "Arden Hoose" on one in the original Dr Findlay's Casebook (1962?).

Maybe now might be a good time to by a cheap smartphone, I've no idea of the Moon finances of course, however a basic model is not all that much, and you can distract yourself over the xxxxxx season fiddling with it. Would one of your family have an old surplus one?

I agree about all the hype. I've always believed xxxxx is one of the loneliest times of the year, for precisely the reasons you gave.

Is there any chance of a seasonal bowls production to showcase your talents? As a kid I remember many such events.

So how are you and the new (no doubt thoroughly spoiled) pet coming along?

Croix

[Moonstruck]

Dear Croix...the bowling is in a sort of recess, but not for long, the sooner I get back the better..

it must be noticeable that I haven't mentioned my new pet much...that is because (and I have to drop the mask here, sorry) I am secretly worried I did the wrong thing. I love him terribly of course and yes of course he is getting, has become attached and completely dependent upon me...a fascinating lovable little companion....but I have been asking myself if I got him for the wrong reasons.

I have always been of the opinion that a pet can greatly help and heal and soothe a depressed person. That's obvious...it's wonderful, they're so giving and their love unconditional. But depression and anxiety are two very different things I've discovered, although they can go hand in hand and veer one into another.

with my anxiety thru the roof, I have to wonder if I have acquired, selfishly, another thing to worry about, over-think, have paranoid thoughts, strive for perfection over, wonder what he "thinks" of me, if I am doing, buying etc the right things for him...etc etc. Have I just given myself one more factor to get anxious about? I don't know.

I have to go out of town for a short while in the near future. i am now worried and anxious out of all proportions who I will choose to look after him? I am imagining 101 things that could go wrong, he will fret, the person will find him a nuisance, he will be traumatised, he will have to start to get to know me all over again, I won't enjoy myself when away because I will be constantly worrying about him and ringing the person to check....he will be on my mind 100% of the time.

Croix, what have I done?

[Croix]

Dear Moon~

Whatever the reasons you have been busy overthinking I'm sure you did the right thing. Many people go away for a while and leave a pet in care (unless it is a crocodile or similar) and it is simply a normal part of life.

Actually I've found many of our pets have settled down in catteries, kennels, aviaries and so on for the duration and been quite happy. Lots of new animals to talk to and people to be with.

As for your motives, your pet won't mind whatever they were. Landing in a cushy home is not to be sneezed at.

I guess you are in the 'shakedown period' As you get used to things the worries will recede.

Croix

[Moonstruck]

Thanks...really felt we "bonded" early this morning...he trusts me and I am fast becoming the most important vital person/being in his tiny world...he's so small, still a baby really, relies on me for everything...and perhaps this is what I am so terrified of.....the getting closer, the deep commitment, the affection.....in case it means another loss. the price of love etc etc....I don't know if it is worth it...still confused about that!

I knew before I got him, I could not do it half heartedly and casually.....i wish I could, I wish I could just say Oh he'll be OK...and put him completely out of my mind when engaged in something else......It's my anxiety thing....everything else about the pet is fine, no problems (for anyone else that is, but I'm evaluating every second of my day, as you know). ......

oh, thanks for pointing out somewhere else about "vice" being a bowling term....fancy, you learn something every day don't you???...

[monkey_magic]

Just need a walrus to know I appreciate your powerful presence on my thread. U make a difference to my life. U have so much lived experience and it shows. Keep being you because it's beautiful and I love when I see you there. No pressure at all of course. Answers are coming to me. Some good nurses here and great people too. This psych ward experience has taught me a lot cleaning someone faeces and smelling bad smells and all just to use a toilet. I've learnt a lot about myself. MMx

[Ggrand]

Hello Croix, (waves to others here👋🙋🏻‍♀️..

I decided last night, because of your great suggestion I would get out of the moment of my hospital room and do something to keep me busy..

OUR FRIENDLY WALRUS...CROIX..

Swimming around the ocean blue, and riding on the waves,

If you look real close you’ll see him each and every day.

He swims around in search of people who are down and feeling blue,

He finds a lot and talks to them and believe me it’s not just a few,

It runs into hundreds it’s me, it’s you, it’s everyone that he can find..

He has a big and caring heart his words are gentle and very kind.

So who is this man I’m talking about who’s always on the search.

It’s our friendly walrus Croix, who loves to help us all and find us in his search.

You’ll find him very easily he’s a walrus with two big tusks,

He’s always looking here and there and really loves to help us.

A forum champ, community champ he deserve his badge so much.

So if you’re needing help or just a talk remember to keep in touch.

With our dear resident walrus, who’s funny, smart a real great guy,

Shy and timid I was of you for my respect for you is high,

Im pleased you told me...don’t you dare be shy,

For now I’ve met and got to know a truely amazing guy,,

So thank you dear Mr Croix, our friendly forum walrus,

For being the person that you are and helping all of us..

Thank you for being you..Dear Mr Croix...💖🎀