How Do YOU Do Nothing?

/ roughwighting

porch, rocking chair, doing nothing, New England relaxingWhat do you do when you’re told to do nothing?

That’s been my dilemma this past week after a distracted driver (ie, texting) plowed into me and my guy as we headed to Delaware to visit my mom.

We never made it. Damage to car and persons was better than expected, except I got a concussion.

I won’t go into the discomfort and the fear as my body showed me in many ways that I had to stop, which I didn’t do until I finally visited my doctor, who set forth a five-day-rule:

  1. NO computer
  2. NO phone.
  3. NO T.V.
  4. NO reading.
  5. NO music
  6. NO exercise.

All of those “No’s” horrified me, but I shouted out loud: “No READING?”

“The brain needs a rest,” she explained. “At least five days. Then we’ll see what we can add. Slowly.”

I’m the cook in our household, which means I’m also the food supplier. Grocery stores intimidate my guy, so when he left me alone my first day of “No’s” to forage and pillage at our local grocers, I waited for the earth to quake.

I only heard a siren or two (as I bit my fingernails), but an hour later, the hunter and gatherer returned, filling our coffers with….frozen pot pies and pizza. And fresh asparagus “to help your brain cells.”

But he then filled up something much better than our refrigerator.squirrels, bird feeder, New England birds

He added seed to our bird feeder.

Seemingly knowing that they were my only form of entertainment for the next few days, the forest creatures hopped out and flew in droves: the birds and the squirrels, the chipmunks and an entire family of turkeys.

An adolescent squirrel showed off like a 14-year-old boy. He climbed a quarter way up an old oak, stared at me with a dare in his eye, jumped down as swiftly as an arrow, and then somersaulted three times in the grass.

squirrelsRepeat. Ten times.

Then his mom-squirrel chattered with him (more like a nag than a conversation) and he took off.

In the meantime, a cardinal family brought vivid red and muted blush hues to our feeder as the wood pecker knocked on the birch tree.New England turkeys, New England garden

One of the male turkeys raced toward a dove who was peacefully munching on some ground seed. I got involved with that big-bully game and told Tom to fight with someone his own size. He huffed away to peck at our growing garden.

The scene grew more peaceful as the goldfinch deliberately spewed seed from the feeder to the ground. The chipmunks’ cheeks filled with thanks.

Despite the ache in my head, my heart bloomed with the petunias beside me.

If at least for a brief time, doing nothing ended up being full of everything.

bird feeder, New England birds

How Do YOU Do Nothing? I’m going to take a blogging week off and just BE.

 

 

190 thoughts on “How Do YOU Do Nothing?”

  1. I do hope you feel better soon Pamela.. and I am with you on the bird feeder.. We have also got a bird bath next to it and it has been like a community swimming pool this week with starlings and this year’s brood spending the day in and out of the water. Very entertaining. Apart from the concussion, I am sure the week off doing nothing and eating Pizza.. will be good for you.. See you when you come back… hugs Sally

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    • Thank U thank U, Sally. I am just passed the five days of total nothingness and slowly adding some things, like writing poetry and pointing to my guy where things need to be vacuumed. Ha ha. I love the idea of a birdbath and hope to get one sooner rather than later.

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        • Just a FYI – I’ve been trying to comment on your blog but you must have closed comments for now (?). Your review of The Stranger in the Woods is fantastic and funny and thought-provoking. His experience is way beyond solitary. I’m an active introvert, is what I am. What about you? Whatever, your book reviews are fantastic. Thanks.

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          • Yes closed all comments until 1 September. Thank you lots, glad u like it 🙂 I’m having fun writing them…I have a flu last 3-4 days, but hopefully today-tomorrow get back to blogging.
            The book “The Stranger in the Woods” was an interesting read for me 🙂 I never heard the story …
            I don’t know, all my tests shows I’m extrovert but mostly bcz when I’m meeting ppl I have no problems to start the conversation & I can talk day long and make lots of friends (kind of lol) in a day. But then – I don’t want them in my life, not really. I prefer calm life, a bit like a monk lol and I don’t meet ppl usually on a daily basis. Im trying to avoid talking. All my extroverted meetings- when I’m traveling lol
            I can stand a lot of noise in the house too. No more than 2-3 days visits too (if relatives), otherwise I’m drained out …all my soul.

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  3. I usually love taking a holiday once a year where I do nothing. Believe me, it is harder than any adventure sport you do. A human mind is like a ticking clock, it never stops. So, when you don’t have a TV, computer, smartphone, book, or any other thing it can drive you nuts. However, I always pick a place that has plenty of nature around and that keeps me occupied. I watch the birds, explore the flora and fauna around, hike in the woods, contemplate, eat local food, shop at the local market and other activities like it.

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    • WOW! What a fabulous week-long tradition. As difficult as those five days of nothingness have been for me, I think now that everyone should be encouraged to do a week of nothing every year. The sights you see and sounds you hear! The chance to actually listen to your own thoughts! You will be my role model.

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      • I don’t think it is difficult to stay without technology. Yes, initially you might have withdrawal symptoms but if you have nature around (and if you’re interested in exploring it) then there’s plenty to see, do and feel.

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  4. Oh dear, Pamela, what a nasty surprise on the way to visit your mum. Do you have road rules about texting while driving? We do, but sadly not enough take notice of them and think they’ll be all right. I hope you recover from your concussion quickly. It took me quite a few weeks to recover fully after falling down the stairs and knocking myself out a few years ago. So, my advice would be with the doctor’s: rest, don’t push yourself, allow yourself time to heal. We’ll still be here waiting for next time you post. BTW, how did you post when you were supposed to be resting?
    I’m so envious of your garden visitors. How magnificent. Enjoy!

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  6. Pam, what scare for you and I hope you’re okay now. I’m worrying about you, friend! I wouldn’t want to be the doctor who told you not to read ..five days without books! What a wonderful thought by your husband to fill the feeder and let you enjoy the multitude of visitors … you have several books in just a few hours! Thank you for sharing with us. The turkey looks huge and scary! Keep taking it easy and resting up, just BEing! Take good care of yourself. Hugs xx ❤️

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    • I know you know how difficult this is. I haven’t written any books but I have three or 4 poems by now. 🤗My brain is slowly allowing me to add more each day. Thank you for your good wishes. Happy weekend to you ❣️

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  7. So glad you are both ok!!!

    “chipmunks’ cheeks filled with thanks” – oh! How adorable! Love that line:)

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    • Thanks- I know some people think that chipmunks are pests, but I think they are the most adorable creatures. Because I’ve been sitting out here on the porch for so long, they’ve gotten used to me and come closer with their curious sweet expressions…and full cheeks. 😋

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  8. Dear Pam, first let us all say thank you that you got through it without major trauma. Concussion is bad enough but will recover over the months.
    You be a good girl now and obey.😊 .
    By the way, writing in notebooks, being out doors, walking….napping. Together with all the birds, Squirrels and Turkeys that should be plenty.

    I had a similar event and my concussion led within a week to poetry of all sorts pouring out…..so me being here is caused by concussion.
    My worst problem was dizziness and balance. You go and figure.

    Do take care though, please.
    ~ Miriam

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    • In that case we need to be thankful for that concussion that led you to poetry and blogging. This challenge had opened my eyes to how dependent we are on “things” to entertain us, while inspiration and creativity are within us all the time. No devices needed!

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  10. Damn! Hitnthe send button before I was finished! 😂
    Anyway, the not reading part really is hard and I ended up listening to audio books instead.😉 Hope you’re feeling better soon and thanks so much for the lovely bird feeder pics and stories – they made my day! ❤

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  11. Hi Pam, I hope you are fine.That could be a real problem ,on the other hand it can be a blessing.You can meditate and you can travel on this way where you want !

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    • You are so right, Ben. I have meditated longer, more often, than ever before. I found a CD that gives me a 30-minute head/mind/body rest that has helped tremendously. Yes – helped me travel to places unknown, without leaving my home. 🙂

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  12. Thank God you’re okay, Pam. I think I would have had the same reaction if that five-day rule was imposed upon me. Take care of yourself and enjoy those little critters. ❤

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    • I’m finally seeing the light of day now, Jill. And I’ve learned a huge lesson. We ALL should learn how to sit and do nothing more often. A HUGE challenge, but in the end, we learn more about ourselves than ever thought possible.

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  13. Pam, so happy to read that you haven’t lost your sense of humor.. Be very mindful of what the Doctor tells you to do. I sustained a concussion a few years ago and it was almost two years before I felt recovered.

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  16. i’m glad that you both are okay. the forced break is a good thing for everyone to do once in a while. for me, i like to walk in the woods when i want to ‘do nothing’ .

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  17. Oh–Pam! I’m so sorry about your accident and concussion, but I’m glad it wasn’t worse than that.
    Those 5 nos would horrify me, too. I hope you’re feeling better (I guess since you posted this?). You managed to write a wonderful post on what you observed with great photos to go with it. I know it can take quite a while to recover, so take it easy. Sending you big hugs!

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  19. Sorry to hear of your accident and concussion, Pam.It’s hard to be told to do nothing! I love that you are watching nature and the antics of birds and squirrels. I would also indulge in long hot baths and regular meditation to calm the mind, body and spirit.
    Feel better soon💛

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    • Your comment a week ago sent me to my long deep tub with some lavender bubbles. Excellent advice. And I found a mediation CD I had bought over a year ago and never used. It was at the bottom of an unused drawer. A 30 minute guided meditation that surely is one of the reasons my head feels so much better now. Thanks, Val.

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  20. Hope your five days of doing nothing does the trick and you are back to being able to do everything again. No reading must be the toughest of them all. Well, five days of pizza might be a bit tough, too! Take care.

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    • Yes, two days of pizza sent me to a “pizza-free” zone for at least a month! I took over the cooking sooner rather than later, for my own health and sanity. Haha. Thanks always for visiting with me here, Mary. xo

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  21. Pam, so happy that you are recovering—but also sad that it happened. I think it’s one of our greatest spiritual challenges to learn how to do nothing. Our minds and habits quake! Yet it seems like you’ve glimpsed the greatest truth. Nothing is filled with everything. Pure joy shines in that place, if only until the next thought thinks it should be doing something. Hugs…

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    • Truly, Kathy, doing nothing IS the biggest challenge I’ve ever encountered. Why would that be so difficult? Most people think, “Oh, boy, I’d like to do nothing.” Until they try it and it drives them bonkers. Yet, the monks discovered the only way for them to get deep into a spiritual peace is by doing nothing but sitting. Quietly. Doing. Nothing. Well, one thing I know for sure – I’d never make it as a monk. ;-0

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  22. Glad you are ok. All those “don’ts” are the things I do when I can’t move around. Not sure if I would go raving mad! Wildlife is good. I can spend hours watching the frogs and fish in the pond. So peaceful.

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    • No frogs or fish appeared in my yard to entertain me, but I sat still enough that the hummingbirds hovered right in front of my face! For long minutes! I was afraid they were going to try and get some sweet syrup out of my eyes! So I directed them to the red petunia nearby, and we both felt satisfied. 🙂

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  23. I’m glad you’re on the mend Pamela. Actually the doctor’s recommendations sound like a nice retreat to me, although I would have a hard time with the no reading too. Maybe you’ll find more peace and inspiration in all this doing nothing!

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    • Okay, I’ll confess right now, I broke down after a day and a half and began to read. I’m a book-a-week reader, and I felt bereft without words in front of me, stories to entertain me. I just read 15 minutes at a time, rested, then back, but even so, in the past week I’ve finished two books and 8 magazines. I have failed the “do nothing” test. Please, don’t tell anyone. It was harder than I ever imagined. :-0 On the good news side, I AM feeling better. 🙂

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  25. Oh my! I am glad there was not more damage to either of you. But I would have a lot of trouble doing nothing. Thank heaven for the bird feeder. Surprising how our male counterparts are able to do grocery shopping and meal prep when they have to. Sending healing hugs. xo

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    • It’s a miracle, isn’t it Darlene, how our male counterparts discover that the grocery store won’t suck them in and spit them out when needed? However, I will say, I took over the cooking duties pretty quickly for my own health. 🙂

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  30. Hopefully, you are feeling better and better today and as each day passes. Hmmmm … no reading but picture taking and blogging? OK, I won’t tell your doctor. LOL. Animal watching is always a great activity. You might even enjoy staring into space writing your next book!

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    • I was not a very good patient, I admit. Yikes. Don’t tell on me. But many times my head stopped me and I learned the value of doing nothing – a lesson we all could benefit from. xo

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  31. Holy crow, I’m so sorry to hear this Pam. Get well and keep enjoying nature.

    Though since you are posting, I assume you are on the mend?

    I have to admit, all those NOs would’ve stumped me. I don’t see a NO doodling on your doctor’s list, so I guess I would’ve done that. And watched squirrels, too, of course.

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  32. Dear Pamela, sending you healing my lovely, what a shock. xX You have been gifted time with nature and how lovely that you have bird feeders…..soft hugs, xXx

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  33. oh dear Pam…so very sorry for the crash to your car and the hit to your lovely head!!! I could just see your guy in the grocery store…LOL!!! What a pleasant way to recover…with the sweet birds and
    others to bring you joy and well wishes!!!! XOXO

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    • Yes, Pat, I bet that image of my guy in the grocery store sent you into gales of laughter. Best thing of my concussion, I’d say. (Except the quality of the shopping was such that I soon took over — hahahah). xoxo

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  34. I am sure you are feeling better Pam and those days of no..no are over as you could write and post your experiences. Isn’t it wonderful to take a break from the routine and look at those birds and squirrels who kept you humoured?
    Healing hugs dear friend.

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    • Confessions – I wrote last week’s blogs during my No-No time. I had to tell SOMEONE about what I was going through, and who better than my blogging pals? 🙂 The hugs and sympathy helped me stop, relax, sing with the birds, and recover slowly. Many thanks, Balroop. xo

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  35. Sorry to hear about your accident and concussion – that’s a nasty shake up to the system. What a wonderful opportunity for you to stop everything and watch nature entertain, though. We need moments like that. Hope you are back to full health soon. 🙂

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  36. I’m glad you have recovered enough to write a post about it, but don’t overdo!! Keeping you in prayer and reminding my loved ones not to even TOUCH their phones while they’re driving, ❤

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    • Let me know how that goes, Amy, telling family members to never text while driving. My grown kids don’t like to be “told” anything, but I think my concussion story has given them more food for thought…. In fact, the poor ‘kid’ who hit us (I’d guess, 30ish) learned a huge lesson and my guess is that his phone will be hidden any time he drives now.

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  37. Oh my, you are a good patient. You did exactly as the doctor told you. I understand the pain of a concussion, as I had a bad one once. How scary to have that accident. I hope you are doing much better now and can enjoy your weekend.

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    • I’m amazed to hear from others like you who have experienced concussions also. I never knew they were so scary! Particularly the headaches. My do-nothing attempts have helped, for sure. Slowly. Slowly, and I’m trying to keep segments of “do nothing” time in my daily life now… forever.

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  38. Scary! I’m so glad that all you walked away with was a concussion, Pam, and I hope you’re feeling a lot better (since I see that you’re on the computer). That list of No’s is so intimidating! How does one turn off a brain for 5 days?! Especially writers who tend to live in our heads! I was going to suggest nature and naps, and I see that nature accommodated you. Lovely post. Take good care of yourself ❤

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    • I’m not a napper, Diana, are you? But lo and behold, my head told me to nap every day, and I did, and I felt so much better by doing so. The doctor says that naps and sleeping are the best healing mechanism we have. Who knew?

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  39. I’m thinking of the stored-up brain energy that will be unleashed when your do-nothing days come to an end.

    In the meantime, DO NOTHING. Don’t even reply to these comments, even after your are out of quarantine. Prayers ascend for a complete recovery, Pam!

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    • You are the sweetest, Marian. I am out of “quarantine” (great word you used, by the way, because that’s exactly what it felt like). I’m recovering, albeit slowly, and I have learned a lesson I guess I was meant to learn. We should all find a way to DO NOTHING every day. It’s the most “active” way we can look into ourselves, our souls, our being…and the Universe’s (but you probably already knew that). ❤

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  40. Phew, glad you’re okay. Isn’t it amazing how quickly life can change. It looks like you’ve made very good use of your time doing ‘nothing.’ I hope you’re up and running again soon.

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    • Well, I’m up and walking anyway. And I urge you (I’m on a new “high horse” now) – try it. Try to do a small bit of DO NOTHING everyday. You’ll be amazed at what you experience/learn/feel. xo

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  42. You were wise to follow your doctor’s orders. After an injury, the brain doesn’t like light and sound and over stimulation. And, you don’t feel right. I know. But it was a joyful time for you to be present with nature. Love how you creatively handled the situation. Hope you are doing well now.

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    • I’m tolerating light and sound and movement better, Patricia. I think the sweet bird song and the breeze through the trees helped me get onto the other side of health much quicker than expected!!! xo

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  43. What a fabulous post, Pamela… We all need to take time to “Do nothing!.” Take good care of you and enjoy those “Do Nothing!” days. How thoughtful of your partner to bring home that special gift that will be right on giving. ❤ Well wishes, blessings and prayers for a full and speedy recovery. xo

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    • Thanks, Bette, The birds are taking advantage of the situation of entertaining me. My guy needs to fill up that feeder every day now to keep them happy. When it empties, they squawk like a babies without a bottle!!! 🙂

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  44. Hmmmm… I don’t see “NO Listening” on the list. Can you maybe listen to podcasts? I’m guessing not, but I can’t imagine just sitting around doing NOTHING for five days. But, considering what could have happened when you were hit, I guess it’s a small setback. I hope whoever hit you will be made to feel the weight of his/her actions.

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    • The man who hit our car (in his 30s) was immediately contrite and apologetic, which impressed me immensely. Plus, the front of his car was squished badly, so he has a large task ahead of him with repair and insurance. A tough lesson. In the meantime, I’ve learned the lesson of realizing that as difficult as DOING NOTHING is, it’s a way to find some peace and sanity that perhaps we all could use more of. :-0

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  47. Oh MY! I would go crazy!! But you gotta do what you gotta do to get well! I am SOO SO sorry about your accident. Distraction is as bad as drunk driving accidents these days. I’m glad you are going to be ok but what an ordeal! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! Get well soon!!! ❤

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    • Thanks so much Courtney. I think I HAVE gone crazy. Yikes – birdwatching is fun for so long, then I wonder if I’m becoming a “bird brain,” as the old expression says. :-0 🙂 But that makes no sense, since I can tell that birds are quite intelligent. xo

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  48. So sorry to hear about the accident! Wishing you a quick recovery but definitely agree that the brain needs to rest. Time off blogging is a very good idea. I am terrible at doing nothing so can understand your challenge. Take care and sending restful vibes your way.

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    • With all of your sledding and skiing and bicycling, I’m hoping that you’ve still always stayed upright and never suffered a head injury. Ouch, not fun. But doing nothing is enough to give me an even bigger headache, as I’m sure you can imagine! I’m back to reading and writing and smelling the roses as I rock on my porch. 🙂

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  49. Really sorry to hear about the accident, but I loved hearing about your ‘nothing’ days as they were filled so delightfully with things which matter. I had a visit from a hoopoe bird yesterday(I live in Spain) and watched him do a woodpecker impersonation on the ground for his breakfast when I should have been cleaning the bathroom… Do hope you’re OK now. x.

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    • Oh, how clever of the hoopoe bird. We have several woodpecker families at our suet feeder, including a huge Flicker. They are enough to keep me smiling for an hour and help me ignore my headaches. ;-0 Thanks for your good wishes and for joining me here. xo

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  50. I felt guilty for laughing out-loud at your circumstances! The lone veggie selection of the asparagus is hilarious.

    I’m so sorry for your troubles, but I seriously am wondering about your doctor — no TV or reading???! My sister actually contacted me last night to tell me that she totaled her car earlier in the week and is recovering from a sprain neck. She also told me that her husband went out and bought a new car for her, which was interesting. It was a long text message, so apparently she doesn’t have your doctor. 🙂 Feel better! – Marty

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    • I may ask for your sister’s doctor’s name and phone number. 🙂 I’m glad you laughed at my guy and our concussion antics. We have added chocolate chip mint to the concussion food (another ‘green’ thing on the menu). Haha. Actually, I have now taken over the cooking because I couldn’t stomach one more pot pie. Hope your sister is recovering. I’m discovering that a concussion does not go away quickly. Headaches are no fun, but I’m writing and reading to my brain’s content now …. and my sanity.

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  51. It can be quite a wake up call when you have a fender bender. So glad you are okay. Hard to do nothing for five days. But pen and paper would do the trick for me. I love the bird feeder solution and the good results it had. Very thoughtful of your guy to facilitate those backyard antics and entertainment.
    Take care of yourself and feel better.

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  52. What do we do when we can do nothing? Well first let me say that I am praying that you are doing better and I hope that the effects of the concussion are short lived!

    Unfortunately, I am faced with having to do nothing a lot… this last two weeks have been indicative of that. I cannot completely shut off the iPhone, but I definitely limit it. Lots of daydreaming, But there is one thing that I do that is probably a bit odd…. one of my biggest fears is that my chemo will lead me into dementia. So I exercise my brain with my eyes closed… yep, I have a sign above my bedroom window that reads SIMPLIFY! I close my eyes and I create a list of words from this one word. Yes, we did this in grammar school. At least I did. I am a good bit older than you. There are quite a few words there. Sometimes my granddaughter joins me to create words. Maybe it helps and maybe it doesn’t… it’s just something I do…. a lot!

    Hope you have a wonderful upcoming week!

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    • What a magnificent brain exercise (without taxing the body or mind too much). You are just brilliant, Sharon. And you’re brave and strong and wise. Thanks for sharing your brain-secret. I think that you and you’re brain will be just fine, that’s what I think. ❤

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  53. I’m so sorry about your accident and concussion! I would have a hard time giving up reading, but I can see your doctor’s point..reading does engage the brain. Still, it sounds as if you managed to have a good week, and maybe learned that doing nothing is often a good thing?

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    • Nothing is MORE than a good thing. Nothing is a wake-up call of how much we fill ourselves with “nothings” and need more empty space within and around us. That’s what I learned, anyway Ann. The giving up reading though? I found that quite impossible. 🙂

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  54. I’m so glad you’re ‘okay’. Very sorry you had to go through such an ordeal.
    Your 5 days of “no” sounds long! Lol. But I’m glad mother nature stepped in and provided you with some viewing pleasure.
    I don’t think I’ve done the ‘doing nothing’ in ages. I’m not sure how good I’d be at it. But it might just be a really valuable lesson!

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    • I feel that I failed at the Doing Nothing. Yet, I did less of everything I normally do, and I did find that sitting and watching Nature, and meditating are routines that I’m going to now add daily to my life. ❤

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  55. Ouch …. so do as the doctor says and rest the brain. Meanwhile, look at how much you noticed going on around you!!!! Much of that would have happened anyway, but you took time to look! Be patient with yourself.

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    • If I had the power to dictate to everyone in the world that they HAD to take 30 minutes off daily to sit and do absolutely nothing – the world would be a saner/safer/happier place. That’s my take after my “brain quarantine” of a week of doing nothing. Even though it about drove me crazy. 🙂

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  56. Hi, Pam – I am so sorry to hear about your accident. I hope that you are completely recovered soon.
    I absolutely love your way of ‘doing nothing’ by watching nature unfold outside of your window.
    Also, frozen pot pies, pizza and fresh asparagus. What could be better?!

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  57. Ouch! From what I understand, concussion is not minor. I’m guessing that even if you tried to read, watch TV, etc, you would have found you couldn’t. The body is pretty smart that way.

    What a peaceful way to be entertained though! I hope your head is feeling much better!

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  58. Gasp! Pam, OMG… that began on a frightening note. I’m glad neither of you were hurt any worse. I realize a concussion can be a lot more serious that it appears, so I’m glad you followed your doctor’s advice.
    But “rest the brain” — I don’t think I’ve heard that (although so many things I’ve not heard). That’s my worst thing… I can’t make my brain shut off. I can see where watching the critters would help a lot with that. The birdbath is a great idea. I’m glad you’re on the mend. Great big hug.

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    • Almost Father’s Day and I think I know a good gift for my guy when I see hints like yours here. 😉 A bird bath indeed. I find that taking long baths is a good way to rest the head, on a towel at the edge of the tub, with candles glowing and soft music. This helps shutting off the brain a tiny bit. Hope you try it sometime! xo

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  59. I’m so glad you’re okay Pam and that the worst of it is having to do nothing! I’m not sure how I’d cope with ‘no’s to all of those things – particularly if reading was off the list! And since I don’t have a garden in which I could watch birds, well, I’m not quite sure….But I’ll bet that the time away is actually very refreshing. Hope you’re back to normal soon, but that you discover a new and better normal from your retreat 🙂

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    • Andrea – I think you’ll appreciate this – “doing nothing” is one of the biggest challenges of our time, this societal time of constant bombardment with phones/laptops/iphones/ipads/ipods, etc. So walking into neighborhoods, wooded areas, conservation land, etc., is the best way to ease the mind and find that ever-present beauty that so often we don’t see because of the bombardment. In this way, I’m trying to find a new normal. Hugs to you!

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  60. that would be difficult, Pam. I’ve never had a concussion and now really (really) don’t want one! I can’t imagine being still (mentally) for so long. Congrats to your significant other for stepping up.

    And, I’m really glad you’re doing well. A car crash! That is frightening.

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    • Thanks so much, Jacqui. I’ll admit, I always thought of a ‘concussion’ as a brain snafu that just takes a little time to settle down. I never realized that a concussion means huge headaches and nausea and other discomforts. I am duly educated now. And a firm proponent of safer methods in sports activities like football and soccer and lacrosse. Save our brains, save our health! ❤

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  61. Oh Pam, I’m sorry to hear about your awful accident. I do hope you’re on the mend. As for doing nothing, sorry, I wouldn’t know how to do that. But I will tell you that I’d definitely be reading! 🙂 x

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    • Thanks much, Robbie. The doctor said “no phone” but she didn’t say “no photography” ! I happen to use my IPhone for my photos – it’s a “snap” when I’m sitting on that porch rocker and watching all the WILD life around me. 🙂

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    • Well, of course you envisioned animation, considering your artistic talent. Squirrels are such characters! I’ve realized now after close observation that each squirrel has his/her own personality, just as we humans do. The mothers are protective, the babies are adorable, and the teens? Well, they are the risk takers, for sure. 🙂

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  65. I’m so very sorry to hear of your accident and also relieved that considering the potential consequences you’re at least on the mend! I smile at your tuning in to the bird feeders because my husband and I sit sometimes for an hour or more just watching the feeders. Then we laugh at ourselves recalling how once we thought that was for old people only!!! Do take care to rest and repair!! ❤️

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  67. How terrifying, Pam. I hope you are well on your way to recovery. I am also a bird watcher, especially during the winter months. Those little (and big) feathered things are a lot of amusement. But a turkey?
    Wow! Take care of yourself!

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    • I think the turkeys have bigger brains than we give them credit for. Before my concussion and sitting out on the front porch, we’d see one or two once a day. Now, three turkey hens have brought their brood of six babies to entertain me. Truly! And after they scurry back to the woods, two HUGE male turkeys strut in front of me as if they’re in a parade. Quite fun. 🙂

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  68. So sorry about your accident, Pam. As you know, I am also recovering from a concussion. And doing very little. Only 5 minutes at a time on the computer so I’m typing fast. I have been entertained by the turkeys and the squirrels in my backyard. Also staring at the ceiling has become quite a treat. Haha! My timer just rang. Gotta go.

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    • You are so intelligent!! Using a timer is a great idea – I wish I had thought of that. But my excuse is that even a week ago, my brain was very fuzzy and woozy. My headaches are just…finally…getting better. Napping is a huge healer. So sleep your way into health, my friend.

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  69. Oh Pam, I am so sorry to hear about your accident and I am glad you are feeling better. How scary ! Doing nothing would be really really hard for me. I remember my grandfather sitting for hours on an outside bench doing nothing, that was 60 years ago.

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    • NO ONE does “NOTHING” this day and age, Gerlinde. But I’m discovering that perhaps we should make ourselves STOP once in a while. But only for short periods of time! I’m slowly adding computer/phone/reading time and so glad to be doing so. xo

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  71. Well Pam, I hope by now that your feeling much better. I’m a bit late in getting to this…Let me just say it’s been a rather hectic and hard spring.
    When I had a hammer toe operated on and had to sit in my recliner for a few months I was not a happy camper either. I actually don’t think I’d rush to get my other one fixed. We do what we have to do though and hope for the best.
    Wishing you a summer full of movement.

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    • I’m slowly responding to comments as I “get my head together,” as they say, Cheryl. Thank goodness it’s summer and we can relax more, do less, and breathe in the summer wonderfulness. xo

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  72. Oh Pam, I’m so glad to read you’re on the mend. I missed this post when it first came out as I was wandering around back 50 years ago. I caught up with you through the #review blog. Doing nothing is my favorite pastime. I used to call it Sitting (with a capital S) and took it quite seriously. These days I just marvel at how hard it is anymore. My quiet/Sitting/meditation 30 minutes turned into journaling/reading time. So I’m once again doing something. Isn’t it striking by how busy the mind is, even when the body is still? Heal well, the world needs your words.

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    • Hi Janet. I’m back to doing a bit more of computer work as my head continues to heal (way too slowly, in my mind). I laughed at your description of how doing nothing used to be called Sitting. Haha. Who sits anymore, right? I have discovered that I usually don’t. At all. But I’ve added 30 minutes of meditation to my days now (as you used to do) and learning that it’s not easy, but probably one of the best things any of us can do for our own health. Hope you find time to “sit” this summer!

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    • I have been inspired by you and your blogs, Barbara, on your bird watching and generally, just “watching” all around you. Seems that I’m going to need to do more of that all summer as my head slowly, slowly heals. Birds can teach us a lot about just gliding through life, right? 🙂

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      • Thank you, Pam. Bird-watching filled my father’s days as his dementia steadily overwhelmed him. We spent hours sitting quietly, observing. It was so peaceful, and time well spent. It must seem like it will take forever your concussion to heal, but try to be patient with and kind to yourself. 🙂

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  74. First of all Pam i am relieved in knowing you escaped only with concussion.. I hope by now you are much improved after your strict rest… The birds were a delight and nothing like Nature to help us relax and just BE… Many thanks for sharing these wonderful images.. 🙂
    Sending warm thoughts your way Pam.. ❤ xx

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    • Thanks for your well wishes, Carla. I thought two weeks and my concussion would be cured, but turns out the brain takes a long time to heal. One day at a time, as I attempt to do less, but find that doing nothing is impossible! 🙂 Happy weekend ahead to you.

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  77. Sorry to read about your accident. When will people stop texting and driving? No reading would be horrible. Hard to imagine.

    It sounds as though you had plenty of entertainment while recuperating!

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  79. Pingback: Taking drastic steps to protect my noggin - Shallow Reflections

  80. I had to have a week off training this week, I must admit it scared me simply because I don’t no how to do nothing ( or keep still) but I am learning to listen to my body and enjoy things that I wouldn’t normally be able to do. Lots of coffee and red wine have kept me entertained 😂❤️ Great post!

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    • Coffee with the caffeine was off my list with a concussion (plus, caffeine gives us energy!). But wine sounds like a nice way to relax into nothingness. 🙂 Yes, doing nothing IS scary, and isn’t that silly? I think we all gain from learning the joys of doing less of everything, and more of nothing. ❤

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