Sometimes, it feels like my life is a deliciously sweet, crystal clear babbling brook - actually most of the time. But just like in nature, eventually the rains come and it's in the middle of those torrential downpours that the brook becomes a muddly, rushing creek.  And for a time, everything within it's banks is pushed and shoved and rolled to new places.  You can't stop the rain and you can't escape the rushing waters. The current controls all, and the only thing you can do when it feels like you are at the end of your rope is tie a knot and hang on.  Sometimes the struggle is emotional and sometimes it's physical. Recently, for me it's been physical. Thank heaven it's not illness, only a time-sensitive situation that required ongoing, hard work, day after day, relentlously for 15 days and counting. It was so much easier when I was young. Now everything hurts or it's numb altogether. I fall asleep sitting up and I can hardly wear shoes for the pain and swelling. At about day 8, I truly didn't think I could get up and do it one more day. Family and friends have been there to help and I don't even have words to thank them. I can't wait to turn in my paint rollers and shop vac and pick up my camera again. And now, I think I might see the rain slowing and sun in the forecast. Then, you know how when the stream clears again, sometime you find the most amazing, beautiful stones that were washed and tumbled by those waters into something unique and beautiful? Beneath all my "tired" there seems to be a spark of increased stamina and, dare I say muscle tone? When this is over and I'm rested I will be better for having pushed through. And yesterday, I had the pleasure of staging a baby nursery in this project. It reminded me of why I love what I do. Creating something visually pleasing is good for the soul. Like agates from the creekbed, right?