Just a week or so ago; I took a long walk in the woods. (and took this photo).
I was feeling frustrated and overwhelmed and more than a little "out of sorts"...
Things have been chaotic; to say the least.

What do you do when things go horribly wrong; and it's not even of your own doing?
What do you do when you've worked incredibly hard on something; and it just never seems to be enough? What do you say when people you care about; obviously don't even know you at all?

I've had at least 3 separate; yet potentially devastating situations arise this week... and all pretty much out of the realms of my control.
It's been sort of soul-crushing.
And so... I cleaned... which seems to be my fall-back response when things go horribly wrong and I am in a muddle about what to do.

I cleaned a ton of things off my computer.
I went through (there's not that many) the clothing I have; including accessories like scarves, footwear and such.
I went through all my belongings in the house (not the studio stuff... or stuff in the basement)...but everything else.
I cleaned out the freezer, the fridge, the cupboards... and made food with all the 'extras'.
I dusted and vacuumed.
I organized my yarn basket, my jewelry box, the bathroom cabinet, the big box of dvds that doesn't have a home yet...
I finished up all but 1 project that I am behind on for someone... and delivered the things I finished.
I took a bunch of things to charity.
I smudged.

And after yesterday's bits of chaos adding to the emotional pile... I may do it again.

But hey...it's the weekend... and I usually include some links... so here it goes:

*18 of the "best movies you've never seen"
* a neat DIY idea site
*a couple interesting blogs from my list of blogs I read... Hannah Marcotti and Kind Over Matter.
*interesting ideas/ summaries on what to do if you question charges on your credit card. Here and here.
*another blog by a Facebook friend of mine..... just tons of lovely photographs she collects from all over the internet.
*a great site on canning.
*how to be peacemaker
*a list of great books to read before they hit the big screen this year

"When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile."
--author unknown.