Sazerac

Hello Natalie, You have come to the right place. Please read all you can and learn about nicotine addiction. It is gruesome, YOU have the power to quit ! It isn't as hard as you think. I smoked for what, 45 years ?! and quit last October just to see if I could do it. Guess what ? I am free !!!. and the freedom is so beautiful ! You can do it too if you want. I am sleepy right now, but I look forward to more communication with you. Hoping you listen to these wise people here, they have taught me so much. love, S

It is way down on the bottom of the BLOG page to the left. I think it is something that hooks blogs together by URL but, I really know nothing. It is on all the blogs here. Thanks a bunch for looking D Doll baby. you are great. Love, S (edited to say 'BLOG' page)

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Please, Darling Creatures, please explain 'trackbacks' to me. At the bottom of my blog is geeky looking stuff called, Trackbacks. What does that mean ? Should I use them ? Why ? How? You're attention to this pesky detail is appreciated. :) Love, S

For a while, I really missed stepping outside for some deep breaths, albeit nicotine-y breaths. Stepping outside for a break, or a look/see, for what to do next, for a Think. Then, I said, 'go outside, you big goof'. Go outside and take some good clean breaths...AND have a think. It is taking me a while to separate a break from a 'smoking break'. but, the ceremony of a break remains. It is an important time, stepping away and now it is smoke free. Smoking was also handy when I needed to get away from a group of people, a party or ?. A small private time to gather my wits and often rewarded with a beautiful sky. Now, I won't smoke but, I will still excuse myself for those moments. This is in no way romanticizing the smoke. Smoking has nothing to do with it anymore. Now, about creative pursuits. Chrysalis said, " For anyone involved in a creative pursuit where you have to reach down inside yourself and express your emotions for the world to see..." I don't think I do much of the 'reach down inside' part. It is simpler for me. I just want to be a 'painterly' painter, proficient in the craft and I also want to look at pretty things. I don't dig deep emotionally to paint. At least I don't think so. Ideally, I get in a sort of Zen space with not much thought or feeling at all. Now, real life is a factor, of course, and if I am full of emotions they are bound to leak out but, it is never a conscious thing. I was avoiding painting because I was afraid I couldn't get in that zone without smokes. Fear is paralyzing as usual, no surprise there. Chrysalis said, "You probably will have to push your way through it, force yourself to work when you are not feeling "comfortable" or "normal". Eventually you will get used to your new normal and you will be able to work easily again" And Paul said "You are free, maybe you will see what your new better normal is on canvas" That, right there is the ticket. Yep yep yep. Forge ahead.... Oh ! Easy For Leonardo !!! Thank you so much for helping me through this. I love smart kind people. Thank you. S

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Hope today went well. Breathe deep. S

Trust yourself, you beautiful Smoke Free Woman. First we will make the Roux and then we make the most delicious Gumbo to feed our Free Souls. All in the QTrain Caboose. Power to You, Girleen ! Love, S

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Wet brushes and faced old smoking habits with big deep and clean breaths, your inspiration was central. Paul, I'm learning my new groove today. Action, a powerhouse watching my back and sending strength, and our spiritual adviser, Marti. I lit incense at my pretty Buddha for my talisman today. Thank y'all. Maybe something to show in a few days. Painting a Sunflower that I grew (Just like Paul !) and a summer storm sky. Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler.

Another day in the pocket, Sammie. I fought triggers today by remembering NOPE, and breathing clean and deep. NOPE-ly yours, S

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I like I like. when I hit the like button this pops up "an error occurred (in orange) there was a problem storing your reputation vote" my reputation is shot to hell anyway, tee hee hee. But, back to the good biz at hand....so inspired watching your journey, Sammie. Very, very cool.

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Big O

O you sneaky sneak, Humb

1 They wouldn't let me put 20 happy faces on the win, darn it.

It feels SO good to have you on my side, my new friends and the whole QTrain too. Look ! My trio of Muses, Paul, Action and Marti. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I am not so scared/crazy/alone after listening to your wise words. Wet brushes, big clean beautiful deep breaths here and a lotta love for y'all. Updates to follow. .

Congratulations, Beauty.

20 BIG ONES :) :) :)

Congratulations, 8OO8y Man ! (does that read as booby ? Oh, good) For you, a special anniversary card and a song performed by The Fugs called, '8oobs Alot'. Happy Year. watch Love, S

N O P E

Lead On, Oh, Fearless One ! You, aglow in your beautiful strong Quit. Love, S