All the below thank-yous are in this Instagram post.

I'm struggling with a misanthropic perception of the world at large right now, retreating to baseline cave-dwelling, introverted tendencies bordering on agoraphobia and general aversion to stimuli beyond my home. Thus, I haven't been writing; haven't been interacting. This is bad for me, as I start to get in a rut. The usual coping skills are failing, and I'm losing momentum on gardening, my health, and interest in ... well, everything. Thus, I have been "missing out," but I'm also trying to concentrate on simplifying my environment (read: declutter, clean up the garden, get finances in order) and control my health and wellbeing.

I suppose being antisocial is usually construed as a negative, but part of my personal paradigm is pro-self. And if pro-self presents as anti-social, then I'm conflicted, because a large part of my self is kindness toward others. It's a bit of a loop. A long time ago, a therapist said to me, "You don't need a therapist; you need a philosopher." It was said jokingly, but she wasn't wrong. :)

All THAT said, I arrive at this weekend still having a holiday garland on my fireplace mantel because, well, I like it. And the Nordic Santa is still grinning at me from the corner bookshelf in the living room because he's jolly, dammit. January is such a bare, naked month, and I felt like leaving those bits of cheer up. And the cards I received in January and February hung from my fireplace, slowly replacing the Christmas cards from the month before. Now it's time to pack up and prepare for the coming Spring season, I think. Maybe in early March. Part of my goal is to start reaching out, to awaken with the Spring and write some postcards. I think I'll do an exchange in early March; I really should try to continue to connect with others, to avoid slipping into a mire of mental malevolence. It's just not...me.

Thank you, everyone below, for the February cheer - I truly appreciate it. :)

u/desrae2002 for the cow card and cute stickers - and your new address!

u/TigerLady13 for the postcard. Construction and work stress at the same time is a recipe for anxiety... hope it settles down soon. :(

u/welshfancy for the cat postcard! I hope the job search is bearing some fruit... hang in there!

u/ReasonablePositive for the lovely handmade card. I'm working on a reply now! I love the stickers, too. The bath renovation took the entire month of December. We had a portable toilet trailer in the driveway with three stalls - one for ME, one for my husband, and one for the construction crew. :)

u/Tinawebmom for the pretty stencil card! I love it. And like you, I shall be depending on seedlings and young plants rather than seeds, because I'm already late. :( We adapt, right?

u/mikepenpal6 for the lovely handmade Valentine's Day card - like you, we keep it low key and I make dinner in. My husband says that my steak and lobster dinner rivals any fine restaurant around here. :)