Mark1014

That would've been the smart thing to do! My hard-headed nature gets the best of me at times.

If not much improved with this heating pad I'll have to get it checked out, but I generally rebound nicely. Well the Tylenol pm is doing its thing. No gym tomorrow.

Goodnight friends.

phoebe64

Ouch, Mark. I hope it's not serious. I hope it's better tomorrow.

Briar

I can definitely relate to the change in seasons triggering the AV. I've really noticed it lately as the spring weather is creeping in. But I'm just trying to be aware of it and just let the craving happen without responding to it. Been fine so far, and I'm not worried. I usually don't feel threatened by those thoughts anymore.

Phoebe - good job staying sober. It's hard in situations like that, but worth it. I'm glad you like the mandala idea. You should definitely try it. I noticed that while I'm doing it, I can detect very subtle increases in my anxiety level by how much control I have over the fine details. If I think about something that makes me anxious, I will have slightly less control, so lines won't be as straight and patterns won't be as uniform. It lets me notice this subtle change in my nervous system that I would be oblivious to otherwise, and I can practice calming back down with some deep breathing and thinking about something else. It gives me some good insight into how the anxiety works in my body, and it shows me how to intervene early before I get all spun. Kinda like biofeedback. It's turning out to be a great tool.

Oh no, Mark, that's no good. I hope you feel better tomorrow.

venuscat

When I was growing up, we had this toy called Spirograph.

I see it is still available:





I loved using it, but didn't get much of a chance because my older sister was really talented, and took over.

Briar

Oh yeah, I had those! I could never make them look as cool as the pictures.

Phoebe - here are a couple more I did:

venuscat

Well, I really love your mandalas (new word for me), and they remind me of Spirograph. I could see how incredibly relaxing that would be.

Briar

Thanks, yes it's very relaxing. Just what I need right now. I sure blow a lot of time on it though! My house looks like the seventh level of hell. Oh well!

venuscat

I am not creative in the way that you and phoebe and BD (and probably Conquest & Leigh as well) are, so the guidelines suited me.

I can imagine you making some beautiful artwork phoebe love.

phoebe64

Well, I watched the whole thing! The Oscars. I feel very fat and underdressed, lol.

I'm glad I just checked in before going to bed, because I got to see more beautiful mandalas! I'm going to try to do this tomorrow. Do you use special pens for it? I've quite a collection of pens, markets, colored pencils. My experience when I color is similar to yours while drawing, Briar. It is very relaxing and my kids have been doing it too.

V, we have a Spirograph set. My daughter, at 15 last Chistmas, saw it in the store while we were shopping and thought it was the coolest thing. So, I ordered a set for her for Chistmas last year. She tired of it after a few tries. But it was fun.

venuscat

OMG ~ best dresses = Cate Blanchett & Charleze Theron.
And I loved Kerry Washington's and Julianne Moore.

I won't bother to watch it though; the red carpet was plenty for me.

Briar

Phoebe I've been using a pilot precise V7 RT fine point. Really like those. I'd use anything uniball too so long as it doesn't skip.

venuscat

I love Uniball Signo Gell Grips....awesome pens, and you can choose the point you like; 0.7 for me.

(And there are different colours).

Mark1014

My penmanship is terrible.

Good morning gang and happy Monday. Standing up straight this morning so that's a good sign! I found my p90x stretching CD and will do that later and that should take care of it.

Wishing each of you the best day.

phoebe64

I am crafty, but not an artist, in that I don't draw or paint. I don't have super steady hands for drawing. But I will try the mandalas, because it would be more fun if I create my own to color. But, not sure they will be very good. I'll still try.

SoberLeigh

Very glad to hear that you are upright, Mark.

Arbor

Love the mandalas. Would make a nice avi or tattoo. I can't draw either...

Man, I really love being sober with you guys. This week I'm going to nurture that more. It's my life's fuel and I don't want to take that for granted.

Have a great start to the week, guys.

SoberLeigh

Briar, these are fantastic!!!

SoberLeigh

I had spirograph - loved it!!!!!

SoberLeigh

Biofeedback from drawing the mandalas - that's really cool, Briar.

SoberLeigh

Happy Monday/Tuesday, all.

Be back later.