Nobody wants to know you when you're down;
A dark cloud deadens the sparkle
and muddies the waters.
I'm in hiding.
"Laugh, and the world laughs with you;
Weep, and you weep alone;
For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth,
But has trouble enough of its own.
So says Ella Wheeler Wilcox,
and so say I.
The Decorettes
For the moment I lack the mental fleet-footedness that comes with a healthy mind in a healthy body; all I can come up with in response to Tess Kincaid's Magpie Tales No. 78 is a picture of The Decorettes. Lynn and Lorraine and their dog are having a break from painting the outside of my house last summer.See you soon -
The mere fact that I've stuck my head above the
parapet to post this apologia is a good sign.
Actually, why should you care.
What's one more blogger more or less.
Hey, stop that right now! What's one blogger more or less? I might agree with you were you not one of the more gifted bloggers...but YOU ARE!
ReplyDeleteOkay, so you're down and out right now...me too. We've just both got to get our thinking caps and our happy face on!
(Geeesh...what a verification word - sesseses. What the...?)
My dear Miss Friko even on those dark days that we are sure no one would even notice or care if we disappeared, deep down, under that darkness, we know that we are loved, liked and cared about. It doesn't matter at all about how many people. There will be no televised parades down the avenue when I finlly disappear from sight.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I applaud vigorously that in this state of mind you have posted up a lovely post.
I love the decorettes, the dog and is that an old Singer sewing machine table? I used to have one that I found in a flea market in Israel. They are so cool.
A hug to you my girl.
Well I personally like it when the one-blogger-more-or-less is you. Glad you popped on to post. Always a pleasure looking at your photos, and reading the writing. I think you are brave to post your state of mind and I hope you are feeling better on all counts VERY soon!!! You are definitely part of my little Blog Kingdom...please know that you are appreciated!
ReplyDeleteOne blogger more is a lot when it is you, Friko. I appreciate your frankness and hope things continue to improve. Every Blessing.
ReplyDeleteCheer up my friend! We are both in same stage but let's hope that a brighter color will soon come our way...
ReplyDeleteTake care!
JJRod'z
Oh dear, we all have days like these ... and so brave to post how you're feeling, to post at all. I hope you feel better soon, we'd all miss you you know x
ReplyDeleteI think you've done amazing to make a post when you are down. Much better than I would have done.
ReplyDeleteWe are in a world of hurt it seems, and I have had similar thoughts. Who gives a damn about my silly old life? But, I keep going because on any given day we may be reaching out to someone who needs to hear exactly what we have to offer. I offer my thoughts first to myself and hope perhaps they resonate with someone else. If not, it mattered to me. I needed to express myself, to feel my own presence in the world.
ReplyDeleteFor instance: today, I needed to hear that someone else was struggling for meaning. I bet we're not alone. So thank you for your honesty and courage in telling it like it is. I deeply appreciate it.
When I saw the blog heading "Melancholia" an immediate visit was in order to check in with you. We are all connected through this blogging medium because at some point things clicked and a bond was created...you are definitely not 'less" - your many followers attest to that and also state we care.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a brighter week...
Oh, my goodness! Blogworthy bloggers are a must - keep that chin gripping the parapet to haul you above it often. And that's an order, if you don't want your castle being stormed by the likes of me...
ReplyDeleteSometimes when you let others know that you're having a difficult time, you can be surprised by the support that you receive...and sometimes not.
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll feel the support and that it will help.
Your title called. Sounds like a little black dog is following you around. There is melancholia and then there is melancholia. It has been my constant companion since the day I was born. The sun will shine once again even though right now you may not be able to see it from down in that big black hole. I sympathize, I do. I care, I do. One more blogger, more or less, is vital to my own existence.
ReplyDeleteSay it isn't so. Depression is so hard to endure. By the time you read this I hope the sun has come out once more.
ReplyDeleteYou are not just another blogger. You are one that makes the day brighter with your garden and photos. Hang in there, Love.
Oh, Friko, I know whereof you speak.
ReplyDeleteI have it too (the THOUGHTS I have upon laying my head on pillow at night! They don't bear relating.); I'm blaming the full moon, the faint scent of fall in the air, who knows what...
I am glad that I had several snippets in my dashboard to kick-start my brain, or I'd still be silent as well. As silent as I was for a week or more or two, I would be still.
You aren't just "one more or less," though, I hasten to add. You're kind of . . . special . . . with the life you live, the thoughts you think, the stories you share.
And yes, it is a good thing to have your head popping up. It's a step in the right direction. Up.
We do care; I care. You have been provocative, entertaining, charming, and inspiring; keep it up. You also have been very encouraging of my feeble attempts at blogging, and I deeply appreciate that. Socks up, girl! Jim
ReplyDeleteshoot friko...hope you shake these duldrums...bet the house looked wonderful after the painters got done...and i'd be happy to cry with you...smiles.
ReplyDeleteEverything passes, dear friend.
ReplyDelete..... I care.
ReplyDeleteThis post offers hope - that I can find a decorette or two to repaint my crumbling abode...and restore the shine of earlier time to the lackluster visage of today. Keep on keepin' on, blogger dear.
ReplyDeleteBeen there; done that. And the world goes on.
ReplyDeleteThat said, your presence enriches all of us who have the pleasure of knowing you here. I hope you feel better soon! Hugs!!!!
You, Friko, do matter. We are spread all over the world, but we do exist, and we do care.
ReplyDeleteTake a rest if you need it, refresh yourself, and then return.
Oh Friko... you matter! Very much so! We all have moments where we need to regroup, step out of the light for a while. But the light will find its way back upon you. And shine! As you have been shining for all of us who have enjoyed visiting you!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
It is so interesting to me how much people want to hear the bad along with the good--because we all have our moments when the sun is not so shiny and it is good to hear similar sentiments from our friends, or fellow bloggers who become as friends. I enjoy getting to know people through their blogs and if someone is always happy it makes it harder to trust they are who they say are.
ReplyDeleteOf course boundaries are a good thing, but there are many ways to say things without saying some things. All this simply to say, I also enjoy listening to anything you may have to say--good or not so good.
Love both pictures . . . and I hope the melancholia lifts -- send it over here to infest the Republican candidates and make them decide they have nothing to say.
ReplyDeleteFriko, I for one look forward to your blogposts and comments and wish you full recovery..be well!
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope you and your meynie cheered yourselves up by singing:
ReplyDeleteLife is butter
Life is butter
Melon cauliflower
Melon cauliflower:
Life is butter
Life is butter
Melon cauliflower
Melon cauliflower.
(Tune: Frère Jacques
Hello, little head above the parapet.
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting with you in that garden heaven of yours. You aren't here 100% in your physical body (or emotional heart), but it's fine, because the flowers, shrubs and other plants you've planted, propagated, touched, pruned, smelled, and otherwise tended, are here. You know what? I feel you here, in them, and in all the words you've tended heretofore.
Oh yes, you are here, very much here. And I confess that I often prefer a slightly drooping, fading rose to a perky spring bud.
But I'm kinda weird.
Oh Friko, I miss all my peeps. yes, you. glad to see you peeking over the fence.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have to care - but we do - and we're glad you've peeked above the parapet. Reach up to the light!
ReplyDeleteI hope the black dog resolves itself as Benno, sweet boy. See you on the other side . . . and if Benno has travelled on, be thankful for his love and faith and affection.
Hi Friko. I have the same affliction myself at the moment. Whatever life there is within us that has been planted in this world ( for me, that comes from God ), it is nobler than all the ugliness and stupidity around us. I don't mind knowing you if you're down. People who get down can have much greater depth than people who are always smiling. Tears are natural. The trick, I suppose, is to remember that the heaviness comes from outside of you, not from inside of you.
ReplyDeleteFrom the incredible outpouring from your blogging friends (count me in!), I'd say you are pretty much appreciated and loved for who you are, not just some pretty face. I cherish my connection to you... :-)
ReplyDeleteI was feeling quite the same as well this morning.... thought I would change up my blog appearance for a lift, yet when somehow the first ten or so of my selections seemed kind of dismal, I found myself drawn to more soothing colors.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you lifting your head up just a bit, you would be greatly missed! Love your wit and tell it like it is approach to even this kind of a day.
I need all my stars in my personal blog firmament! Even in your dark you bring light. Praying.
ReplyDeleteHere I am, one more blogger that has been there too! It sucks when you are in it and it seems to take its sweet time to lift. When it does and I hope it is soon, you will feel better. I too will cry with you. See there you are not alone. Sometimes I don't have time to comment but I try to read my favs when I can and you are at the top of the list!
ReplyDeleteWe have all been here and some of us are right with you. I'm having one of those what's the use days myself, unable to will myself to make dental appointments, facing a terrible amount of work there, or get new back and knee x-rays-- Blah! Ugh! So we know, we who rely on your particular star to shine at us in cyber space, how you feel. Love, Jenne'
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to keep the head above the parapet at times. One blogger the less--when that blogger is you--is a great deal, indeed. And I'm a newbie to your "world."
ReplyDeletePlease, take heart in all that you have done and know that you will be capable of it (perhaps better at it) again.
One more blogger more or less...like a dime a dozen. But you are not. Don't worry I won't present a morally uplifting cathartic saying or anything(if I ever do, feel free to assume a nice person has kidnapped me). Just be back as soon as you feel comfortable. We'll wait. ~Mary
ReplyDeleteDear Friko, You are quite brave to post when feeling down, but obviously, from the multitudes who responded, you must know how important you are. I always enjoy reading your posts, you are a gifted writer. Be down, for awhile, but get back up, OK!
ReplyDeleteI am always cheered by your comments. :)
Depression is such a bitch, isn't she? She'll have you doubting your value as a blogger. Listen, this stuff is the best thing since the light bulb for people our age, but good blog voices that add value to the experience are not easy to find. I'd be disappointed to lose you. And I always hate it when depression wins.
ReplyDeleteI think that many bloggers tend toward melancholia. We are thoughtful, reflective, pensive.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to know howmany of us have had depressive episodes.
Take your time, and then come back.
My goodness! 40 comments. It does appear that somebody cares! I hope all the readers that look forward to your posts bring you some cheer. I am sorry you are below the blue window ledge these days, but the bright side will appear soon!
ReplyDeleteFriko, I will echo what Vicki Lane has said. And even go on beyond that.
ReplyDeleteThis blogland does offer us so many chances to connect with others. Some of these connections are a bit frivilous, easy peasy, and some allow a deeper understanding of the writer and commenter.
I think you know how glad I am to have connected with you. Even over the air.
This was a day off for me, and this afternoon I had a long delayed opportunity to meet up with a dear New York friend who has had a hell of a summer. We ate cake, drank tea and coffee, talked. We solved no huge issues, but definitely gave each other the gift of understanding and welcoming ears.
I do hope that you will know that I will also give you understanding and welcoming ears ... and eyes.
xo
So, did we just miss The Lady of the Lake or will she be appearing any minute? I hope she brings you back your sword, pronto!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, dear lady, these
ReplyDeleteover forty commenters and forty
more, and forty more behind
them are but a slice, a tiny
portion of the cyber friends you
have garnered over the years.
I am starting my twelfth week
of wound therapy today, and I
tell you many dark days I was
the reigning prince of pity parties.
Like they tell teachers and sages,
"you never know how much your
words, your personality, have made
an impression on some active
minds, some eager souls."
'This too shall pass.' - so say the wise. It is terrible to live in depression, in melancholy. And a state of continued depression drives away many friends. But, there is sunshine after night. And there is light at the end of the tunnel.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better!
There are those days when everything seems gray and melancholy easily opens the door to our life. I know that feeling well. It actually can be so good to talk about it, to be honest - and receive all the support coming back. I can see that in the comments here. Thank you for your honesty - it also helps us, to see that we're not the only ones who are visited by melancholy. I hope that you feel better soon and see the sun above the clouds.
ReplyDeleteCome on over and wallow with me a bit and then we'll haul one another up into the light.
ReplyDeleteich komme kurz hereingeflogen, um zu sagen: Ich schreibe heute Abend!
ReplyDeleteWende Dich schnell der Sonne hin und alles wird gut :-)!
Ein Lächeln von Renée
(diese vielen langen dunklen Tage, die machen mich auch ganz nervös. Ich hoffe aber, dass es bei euch jetzt auch so schön ist! Seit gestern scheint hier die Sonne, was einen tatsächlich aufatmen lässt...!)
Yeah - i've been in that place too
ReplyDeleteBut 48, and now 49 comments says it all.
Keep safe x
Dear Friko
ReplyDeleteyour mind is bright as a polished button, unfortunately where there is light so there is dark, with out the dark, the light would not shine so brightly.
It will flip again, with all the well wishers posting im sure it will come sooner than later, peoples good thoughts do reach us and make a difference.
I would have, for many years, described myself as inclined to melancholy. I have largely managed to throw that off and much of the credit is down to blogging. As you have found from the above bloggers, we do care and there is much kindness and love among strangers. The act of writing is comforting too - I used to write about cheerful things most of the time and this made me feel more positive about life. And the occasional rant let off steam.
ReplyDeleteWe don't feel we *should* care, dear Friko, we just do. I hope you feel better soon and able to write again.
Ah. I recognize this feeling, harboring one of my own for many many years.
ReplyDeleteThe truth is, dear Friko, that it ALL matters -- which is what can make life so very difficult. It matters, and it's temporary, both life and the melancholia that some of us experience. But the seasons change, and so do we.
Hang in there.
Pearl
We all care about you, Friko!!! Sorry to know you're feeling low. Take the time you need to find your strength and regain your equilibrium.
ReplyDeleteFriko - i think its the planets; lots of challenges going on. Hang in there. To borrow the advice of Tanvir from Holey Vision - can you get someone to tickle you?
ReplyDeletehope you feel better soon. V
Friko, this plethora of comments reveals how many readers and friends cherish you and your blog. Your words remind me of the last line of a Robert Frost poem: "We love the things we love for what they are." Substitute "people" for "things" and you have what is being expressed by so many in their comments to you.
ReplyDeleteBe gracious to yourself.
I like the first comment "Hey, stop that right now"! You're not in your mid 50s are you? I am and have those hormonal fogs quite often. Obviously people care, 55 of them at this counting to be precise.
ReplyDeleteGlad you stopped by this morning. I am adding you to my blogroll cos "I don't wanna miss a thing", in the immortal words of Steve Tyler!
Di
YONKS
X
sending a warm hug ... (whether you want one or not!)
ReplyDeleteNot much to say that hasn't already been said. But here is another blogger who cares about you. I'd come over and sit in your garden with you, sipping on tea and not saying anything.
ReplyDeleteYou are loved.
The Decorettes -- never saw a team of women that paint outside. I really like the idea. Lovely photo of the water's edge. Hope you feel better soon. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteyour title called out to me.
ReplyDeleteam sharing this melancholia at the moment.
though I have learned that one blogger less can be very sad.
Who would post sarky comments on my blog if not you?
ReplyDeleteJust passed about two months with such a melancholia - was difficult. Yet, seems to have passed.
ReplyDeleteFriko,
ReplyDeleteSadly we live in a world that so often only wants us to show our smile to the world as we trudge on. Doing that is so unhealthy for everyone. I do hope you know that many in this blogging world care and only wish you the best.
We have no guarantees that we will be sheltered from tragedy, sorrow, loss, and depression. I wish we did. I wish you were sheltered from such things.
Having lost a daughter to depression and bi-polar disorder, I understand how these times overtake one's life only as an observer. I only wish she would have told us more when she was in these times and would have gotten help.
God Bless You. You are in my heart and prayers.
I can only repeat what all of your friends and admirers have said above. I have been away but always enjoy your stories and observations. Weather your storm knowing all this love awaits your return. Love the photo of your painters!
ReplyDeleteEven in your down state, you've come up with an incredibly evocative photograph for the subject of melancholia. You would clearly be missed, as the writers before me have made abundantly clear!
ReplyDelete..well, hope you could count on me in days like these.. ye know i’m new in your world and so you to me but who cares.. i just love appreciating nice people like you.. wishing you the brightest of blessings in the days to come.. (:
ReplyDeleteKeep safe!
~Kelvin
Love the decorettes...sending blessings and honks from NYC, I look forward to more of the words you write.
ReplyDeleteDearest Friko,
ReplyDeleteI am a bit late to the party, so all I can really do is agree with the others. We are here. Take your time, we will be waiting. Much love.
I can think of oodles of bloggers who care about you dear Friko - this one incleded.
ReplyDeleteTake care and keep sticking your head obove the parapet!
Kind regards.
Anna :o]
I think it's all been said - in a giant nutshell - so chin up and see you soon!xxx
ReplyDeleteYOu are not one more blogger more or less, you are my blogger, and I miss you when you aren't here. Actually, I have been absent myself a few days, so I was not faithful while you were away. Sticking my neck out today to see how it is out there. Dianne
ReplyDeleteThis ain't like you, Friko. What's up? You ever in our hearts and thoughts. We love you!!!!
ReplyDeleteJust popping by to leave you a hug and a sprig of jasmine.
ReplyDeleteWhere I come from, we 'ave an expression - "What's up, luv?" WIll a few hugz help?
ReplyDeleteI've been there, too, and it's not a good place. But you're not alone. Thanks for speaking up.
ReplyDeleteah......
ReplyDeleteThat's just the thing with the blogging community, as with any group with whom you mingle on a regular basis... ywe do care.. a lot. I hate to see you in a negative fog, Friko. I hope it lifts for you soon. You're in my best thoughts.
ReplyDelete