Sandra Heska King

daring to open doors

  • Home
  • About
  • DISCLOSURES
    • Amazon Affiliate
    • Book Reviews
  • Published
  • Contact
  • Blog
    • Commit Poetry
    • Dared

How I’m Investing in Self-Care

February 6, 2017 By Sandra Heska King

 

self-care mug

 

Hi. I’m Sandra/Sandy/Snady/SHK, and I’m a Tweetspeak Poetry workshopaholic. I want to believe that the investment I make in these workshops will pay off, that I’ll eventually/someday reap what I sow in terms of my bank account. That may or may not happen. But I’m pretty sure that what I invest in self-care is immeasurable in terms of what my outlay could be in physician-care. I’m also sure that this habit is building better life habits, as well as helping me become a better writer. I love the discipline of a class, the accountability to a group of friends, a safe place to explore life as well as words. I like the idea of becoming more literate and finding more ways to leave some kind of mark when I’m gone. I just turned 68 years old, and the contents of my hourglass continue to diminish.

For the next twelve weeks I’ll be immersed in a workshop called “Tea Time: Writing Our Leaves and Our Lives.” (It just started today, and there’s still room for you. Check it out. There’s an eight-week option, too.) I took a poetry workshop with Megan Willome in the fall, and I couldn’t wait to sign up for this one. (By the way, Megan wrote The Joy of Poetry: How to Keep, Save and Make Your Life with Poems last year. It’s part memoir and part poetry and way good reading for poetry lovers and dislikers alike.)

In this workshop we’ll talk about (and drink!) tea and use it as a vehicle for writing about our lives. That means we’re each keeping a tea journal and every day we’ll share the tea we’re drinking and respond to a tea-related prompt. “Think of it as eight weeks of self-care, tea-style, along with a generous spoonful of story, poetry, and writing.” This week our lesson focuses on water, and I’m thinking even tea-dislikers would enjoy it, maybe even find a tea they liked–or could tolerate. There’s something about tea that makes us slow down. It seems to me we could use more slowing down these days.

Anyway, this morning Megan shared just five sentences from her journal to prompt us. She’d bought some kind of mushroom “tea” at her local farmer’s market with an attached tag that read, “Let tea be thy medicine.” The “tea” was strange, she wrote, but the medicinal value was in trying something new.

I realized when I wrote my response that I might actually have a blog post, so I thought I’d share it here, especially since I’ve been neglecting this space–and you.

I’d gone back to coffee as my first-thing-in-the-morning drink. This morning I overslept. Well, actually, I just dozed on and off from about 5:30 when D got up to about 8ish. I decided, since it was time to start Tea Time, I should start the day with tea. I’m drinking Tazo’s Awake English Breakfast tea, “A breakfast-style black tea of malty boldness & bright flavor, invigorating any time of day.” It’s got 61+ mg of caffeine.

The side of the box reads, “The sun peeks over the horizon through the clouds, a star streaks undetected across the sky and the world begins anew. This bold and flavorful blend of black teas will send you down the day’s path wondering where it will take you and if it’s possible to bring along a friend.”

I’m drinking from Steve’s mug. He potted it and gifted it to me, and I’ve been drinking from it every morning for nearly a year since he told me of his bladder cancer diagnosis. I told him I’d do that as a reminder to pray until he got the all-clear. I guess he did in a sense, since he died a little over a week ago. They say it and his Parkinson’s were both a result of Agent Orange. His memorial is this weekend. Maybe I’ll change cups then–or not. Maybe bold teas call for something more substantial while the lighter teas call for something more fragile. Anyway, his death has hit me pretty hard. I’m not sure exactly why. Maybe regret at having lost touch over the years (we graduated from high school together) and only reconnecting in the last few. Maybe anger over the injustice of his suffering and too-soon passing. Maybe because he’s not the first from my graduating class to die, and the realization that I’ve entered “that season.”

My sister texted me these words when I was walking around with a cloud of sadness hovering over me a few days ago: “I think losing touch just is what it is–just what happens. Everyone goes different directions and starts walking down their own paths. It’s actually a blessing when we’re able to reconnect with someone–a gift we shouldn’t overlook–or beat ourselves up that we didn’t receive it sooner. I supposed there’s truth to getting “that age”–our mortality is more obvious. You need to focus on what a joy it was to see him–to have that keepsake–keeping him in that piece of your heart. Don’t minimize the gift by questioning its timing.” My Sissy is very wise.

The other day I asked a simple question on Facebook and got so many interesting answers–and suggestions of new teas to try. I simply asked, “Do you like tea?” So, do you? If so, what do you like about it? If not, what don’t you like? And have you ever questioned the timing of a gift?

P.S. Tweetspeak Poetry was just named as one of the best 100 websites for writers.

Share this:

  • Email
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Blog, stories, writing

Comments

  1. Kelly Greer says

    February 6, 2017 at 1:20 pm

    Hi Sandy! Hugs to you dear heart as you grief the loss of your friend. I am 10 years behind you and also watching the hourglass change and counting the losses of so many dear ones. You encouraged me with your sister’s perspective as reconnection is a blessing. And your love for tea and poetry inspire me. I just want to sit with you and drink it all in. Thank you❤

    • Sandra Heska King says

      February 6, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      Hi Kelly,

      My sissy often has a good word that makes me sit up straighter and listen up. I’d love to sit and drink (tea) with you. Hint. Hint.

  2. L.L. Barkat says

    February 6, 2017 at 1:47 pm

    Very sorry to hear of your loss, Sandy. You are near to my heart.

    And this from your sis? How profound: “Don’t minimize the gift by questioning its timing.”

    • Sandra Heska King says

      February 6, 2017 at 2:45 pm

      Dear Laura,

      I know this is a deep grief for Steve’s family and close friend, so it’s hard to claim any of it as mine. But I guess we should never minimize our own sense of loss, either, right? Many small holes add up to big ones. I hear tea and poetry can help heal them. 🙂

      Much love to you.

  3. David Rupert says

    February 6, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    Investing in “yourself” really means to reflect, to observe and to continue to learn.
    We learn through triumph sure, but it is through tragedy that we become most aware of ourselves and our place in this world and the one to come.

    • Sandra Heska King says

      February 6, 2017 at 5:28 pm

      Wise words as always, David. I think investing in self also strengthens us to invest in others. It’s hard to give from an empty well.

  4. Megan Willome says

    February 6, 2017 at 5:04 pm

    Sandy, I’m so thankful you shared about the class (and book), but even more thankful that the class has already prompted you to write something.

    I drink my strong tea in the afternoon, so right now it’s the equivalent of your Awake tea, a breakfast tea from a tea purveyor in Austin.

    • Sandra Heska King says

      February 6, 2017 at 5:35 pm

      Combatting that afternoon slump? Maybe I’ll have to try the old switcheroo on some days, move into the day more serenely? I was glad to have found some stray bags of jasmine tea in the unpacking. It makes a great iced tea and is one way to get the green in.

      This class is just what the doctor would order. Pretty sure.

  5. Ann Kroeker says

    February 6, 2017 at 9:52 pm

    That’s so precious, to be honoring and remembering your friend by sipping tea from a mug formed by his own hands…and you honor him through words, here, too.

    I love your voice, Sandra, and I’m glad you wrote this today. I hope your time with Megan and others in the workshop breathes life into you and continues to give you vision for how to write the rest of your life. Your words, like a mug of just-brewed tea, slow us down.

    • Sandra Heska King says

      February 7, 2017 at 9:01 am

      Thanks so much, Ann. Another thing about this workshop–Megan says it’s balanced. The breathing is meant for business, so she’ll also be kicking our booties. My hope is that in this new place and season, I’ll finally be able to pour out what’s been steeping from past workshops, yours included.

      I miss you.

  6. Martha Orlando says

    February 7, 2017 at 11:21 am

    So sorry to hear of your friend’s passing, Sandy, but so happy that you did reconnect before he went on to be with the Lord.
    This workshop sounds amazing! My favorite tea? I’m not much of a tea drinker, but I do love a cup of Sleepytime Peach on a cold, blustery day. (Not too many of those in Florida, I take it.)
    And I, for one, have sure missed your writing. Hope you will be back here more frequently in the next eight weeks.
    Blessings!

    • Sandra Heska King says

      February 7, 2017 at 2:22 pm

      Have you checked out the workshop? I’d love if you could join in. I’ll bet they’d still let you.

      No, not too many cold, blustery days in South Florida. It gets colder in North Florida where my son is and where he has decided we will retire–if D ever does. I dunno… my bones are getting creakier. 😉

      I’m hoping to set a new course–or at least a determined course in my writing this year. Here’s hoping for lack of stumbling blocks. I am so grateful for your encouragement.

      Sleepytime Peach sounds yummy. I’ll bet it would be good iced, too…

  7. Lux G. says

    February 10, 2017 at 2:34 am

    Wow, this sounds like my kind of workshop. Sipping tea (yes, please!) and writing. Amazing. I think it’s also called paradise. 😀

    • Sandra Heska King says

      February 15, 2017 at 7:03 pm

      Hi, Lux! I’d love if you were part of this. You should watch Tweetspeak Poetry’s offerings.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Meet Sandra

I’m Sandra, a camera-toting, recovering doer who’s learning to be. still. Read more…

Get updates from the stillness by email

Your personal information is safe and will never be shared.

Archives

Categories

Instagram Inspiration

sandraheskaking

I’ve gotten several messages asking if things we I’ve gotten several messages asking if things were okay. Yes. I’ve recovered after 3 weeks in Covid jail. Also, I’ve been a bit scarce on social cuz we’ve been finishing up house renovations, and there is SO much that now needs to be cleaned and stuff put away. Also, we’ve had the second oldest grand with us for two weeks. I “should have” at least shared some stories about our adventures, but we’ve relished the time and kept busy. One can’t leave South Florida without a gator encounter, though, right? Tomorrow the two of us fly back to Michigan, and then I will spend a week with my sister where I expect I will be put to work in the chicken house and the gardens and become a glad(iola) roadside proprietor for a day at the Four Star in while she and my BIL attend a family reunion. I’ll also get to see my dad in the nursing home and spend a couple nights with my daughter. D will hold down the fort here. Then maybe by the first of next month, I’ll be able to finish putting things in order, breathe, find some writing space and get back to normal. Whatever that is.
I tossed and turned all night. And then the storm I tossed and turned all night. And then the storm started. I finally got up about 5ish and sat outside to watch. Until a couple mosquitoes found me. Also, the jasmine hadn’t gone to bed yet and smelled heavenly.
Sunday evening. That is all. Sunday evening. That is all.
“The news is not and never has been, because it “The news is not and never has been, because it doesn’t talk about the small moments. Moments that matter to individuals, whatever they do or do not do in the grand scheme of things. And it is in those individual moments that belong to people, that deserve to be faced and remembered as much as every big, world-changing disaster. And nature, because it exists in the details, is too easy to elide, even when trying to talk about it.” ~ Sara Barkat in her introduction to Earth Song: A Nature Poems Experience
🍃
I had to look up “elide.” It’s not a typo. 😊
🍃
Sara goes on to write, “The structure of this book is that of a piece of music. The poems are to be read in order…”
🍃
The first poem she includes is Sara Teasdale’s “Lost Things” that starts, “”Oh, I could let the world go by / It’s loud new wonders and it’s wars / But how will I give up the sky…”
🍃
Good morning sky. Good morning moon. Good morning little bird flying to the moon. Good morning red bottlebrushes nodding in the breeze. It’s good to emerge from this Covid fog. Day 10.
“Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous to “Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous to be understood. . . Let me keep company always with those who say “Look!” and laugh in astonishment and bow their heads.” ~ Mary Oliver in “Mysteries, Yes”
🌱
No way could anyone ever convince me that this world in all its beauty and creativity and mysteries is here by accident.
Food truck night with a newcomer—@crepstick. So Food truck night with a newcomer—@crepstick. So yummy! I hope they come back.  But maybe not too often or I’ll have to do double time on the exercise.
“Embrace this day knowing and showing the world “Embrace this day knowing and showing the world that your God is more than enough for you.”
🌿
@tamiheim @tonibirdsong 
In @stickyJesus: How to Live Out Your Faith Online
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the str My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion.” Psalm 73:26 (ESV)
🌿
I’d almost forgotten what quiet mornings on the patio were like. (Quiet except for the birds and the sound of the neighbor’s AC.)
So yesterday I saw my cardiologist. It was the fir So yesterday I saw my cardiologist. It was the first time he wanted to see me in 6 months instead of a year. He said my aortic stenosis had gotten worse. Like on the cusp of moderate to severe. 😬

So the first thing he asks me is, "How's you daughter?" Wait. Isn't this supposed to be about ME?

Then he asks if I've had any symptoms. "Well, I don't know. Maybe. I felt a little dizzy out of the blue a couple times. And felt like I couldn't catch my breath. I wouldn't have paid any attention if I didn't know I was supposed to be watching for symptoms. I DID walk all over Israel and up a bunch of steep hills, even all the way up to the Golan Heights--against the wind--without anything but normal fatigue.

He laughs. "I created a monster." Ummm, yeah.

"Have you been exercising?" 

"Well, yeah. We walk a couple miles a day. I'm back on my Nordictrack Strider." I didn't tell him I'd been lifting some light weights and some very heavy boxes and other items during this renovation, though I was told in December not to.

So he listens to the beating of my heart. Then he says, "Well, I don't think the valve is ripe yet. I don't expect you to have symptoms for three or four years. You don't need to come back for a year."

Wait! So you ask if I have symptoms. But you don't expect symptoms--yet. And when I do have symptoms, someone is gonna do something. And then I'll be older and maybe weaker. Or what if I have some sudden and silent symptom and boom! And now I have to worry about that. 

(In other news, my oldest grand texts me the other day, and our conversation runs like this... (continued in comments)
Last weekend we were in northern Michigan. And the Last weekend we were in northern Michigan. And there were lilacs. They even shook their heads over tornado-induced devastation. Look for the beauty and sweet scents in the midst of the mess. I miss the lilacs.
Yesterday’s morning view. We haven’t seen the Yesterday’s morning view. We haven’t seen the sun all day today.
When the folks in my hometown of Gaylord, Michigan When the folks in my hometown of Gaylord, Michigan ate their breakfast Friday morning, they had no idea what terror and devastation they'd face before dinner. Everyone has a story. You've probably seen pictures.

If not, take a peek at @mlivenews .

My great-nephew, not quite 12, had just gotten home from school when the EF-3 came down the street and left its mark on every home. My niece frantically tried to find her way from work through debris and blocked roads. My sister was 30 miles away visiting my dad in rehab. I don't want to know how fast my brother-in-law drove. 

The house and yard took a hit, worse than some, not as bad as others. A mobile home park was demolished--two deaths there. I heard one person is still missing. So many injured. So much awful. But the town is coming together for each other. Pray for them.

We plan to fly up Thursday--already planned to celebrate my dad's 95th birthday. 

Also, if anyone feels led to help, the Otsego Community Foundation and Otsego County United Way are accepting donations. Note “Tornado Relief.” Beware of any other fundraising requests.
Cutting tonight’s walk short. Stupid blue jay. N Cutting tonight’s walk short. Stupid blue jay. Not this one. A different one. But still. (My niece believes blue jays are a visitation from Grandma—my mom.) 
My shirt says “Walk in love. But I’m not feeling very loving. And if it WAS my Mom AKA Mother Mary Esther of the Order of Perpetual Birdwatchers, I’ll bet she’s having a good laugh. A passerby said she heard it was good luck and I should buy a lottery ticket tonight. In other news, I also banged my hip bone against our bed’s footboard and gave myself a mighty bruise. Then I burned my arm on the top of the grill. I did manage to wash all the knives without cutting myself and didn’t start any fires. So how was your day?
And now… “From the rising of the sun to the pl And now… “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”
The world’s a mess, but His mercies are new. The world’s a mess, but His mercies are new.
When we were in Israel last month, we visited @yad When we were in Israel last month, we visited @yadvashem - the World Holocaust Center in Jerusalem. There wasn't enough time to spend nearly enough time. 

The Valley of the Communities was very moving. It's a labyrinth of stone from which there seems no way out. Our guide said It gives an idea of the endlessness of the horror. His parents emigrated from Vilna (the Jerusalem of Lithuania), before the Holocaust. In 1935, thirteen of his family members still remained there. By 1945 only one--an uncle--had survived. He wrote a book about them from a bundle of old letters. "One story out of millions."

"This memorial commemorates the Jewish communities destroyed by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, and the few which suffered but survived in the shadow of the Holocaust."
#Israel2022 #HolocaustRemembranceDay
“From my favorite spot on the floor, I look up a “From my favorite spot on the floor, I look up at the blue sky and the bare chestnut tree on whose branches little raindrops shine, appearing like silver, ” Anne Frank wrote in the Diary of a Young Girl. Watching the tree change through the seasons her family spent in hiding in an attic gave her hope. The Holocaust Memorial Center is one of only eleven sites in the United States to receive a sapling from that tree. I stand at “her” window and imagine hanging hope on a tree.

"It happened, therefore it can happen again: this is the core of what we have to say. It can happen, and it can happen everywhere.” ~ Primo Levi

From a post I wrote for @tspoetry after a visit to the @holocaustcenter.

https://www.tweetspeakpoetry.com/2016/07/27/regional-tour-holocaust-memorial-center-farmington-hills-michigan/
Stunning tree I parked near at Bible study yesterd Stunning tree I parked near at Bible study yesterday. I was in a rush and failed to snap the whole tree. I need to run back before the flowers fall. I think it’s a jacaranda? I want one.
Speaking of birds... bluejay in my backyard this a Speaking of birds... bluejay in my backyard this afternoon. I thought he was hurt, but I think he was just trying to cool off. (Maybe it's a young one.... unless it's the light?)
Someone should do something about that dog. She’ Someone should do something about that dog. She’s yelping and carrying on like she’s in some awful pain.
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Get the Mug

Embrace the life you have t s poetry mug

Privacy Policy

Full privacy policy is available HERE.

I Read Light

TSP-Red button

bibledude-net



Sponsor a Child

Join the Compassion Blogger Network

[footer_backtotop]

Copyright © 2022 Sandra Heska King · Site by The Willingham Enterprise, LLC on the Genesis Framework by StudioPress · Log in