I’m taking the next few days off, clearing my head, thinking about my life and work, reading and hopefully, learning how to rest. After tonight, the blog will be quiet until Wednesday and Thursday.  A rest for you and me.

My days this week have been full of change and challenge. My computer, car, and therapy dog were all out of whack at the same time. Car and dog (Fate) are back and running.

My computer crashed again today for the last time and was pronounced dead around 2 p.m. on Saturday, following days of scrambling, photo salvage, tech support, emergency repairs, long talks with Apple Techs,  and frustration. I am spent, as the people around me have been telling me.

There is a wonderful Apple Repair affiliate in Bennington, Vt. called Brown’s Computer Solutions, and I finally got the help I needed to move forward.

Thanks, Christy.

This week has been rugged, but also exciting. Out of this disorder will come some new energy, rebirth, and renewal. It’s weeks like this that give me the chance to be better.

I’ve ordered a new computer (costs more than Zinnia), a 27-inch Imac with enough ram and storage to get me through the decade.

I also ordered a new photo editing program called Pixelmator Pro.

I’m eager to try it out and see if I can bypass Lightroom with it and Apple Photos.  I still don’t think Lightroom is my cup of tea.

When Maria and some friends told me earlier this week that I was tired and needed a rest, I didn’t believe them. I’m not doing nearly enough in my book, but these past few days have persuaded me that they are right.

I never go wrong listening to strong women who care about me.

I’m writing this on Maria’s laptop but I don’t want to continue using it. I want to take a few days off. My head is bushed.

Monday is a holiday and we set off on our journey to collect Zinnia and bring her home.

But my eye doctor is working Monday and I’m starting the morning with some laser eye surgery. Then off to Connecticut. we’ll stay in a hotel Monday night and get Zinnia first thing Tuesday morning.

The forecast calls for snow and frigid cold.

Wednesday, I plan (weather permitting) to bring Zinnia to Bishop Maginn High School where scores of wonderful and wonderfully diverse children are waiting impatiently to meet her.

A whole corner of the art room has been set up for her.

My new computer will be ready on Wednesday and I hope to restore the old one and persuade Maria to take it. She is thinking about it, it can’t handle the programs I use any more, but it can handle the programs she uses.

I don’t want to overwhelm Zinnia – she is just eight weeks old – by taking her to high school her first day,  but I have to teach my class that day, and I do want her to see that everyone in the world isn’t the same color and size and age.

I want her to see how loved she already is by so many people in my life and beyond.

I love the diversity at the school, it is so pervasive and all-encompassing that the kids don’t even notice it. I wish we could all learn from them.

I plan on taking her on a whirlwind Zinnia Tour Of Love later in the week and over the next weeks and months – Bishop Maginn, the Mansion, the dentist, several consignment shops, Jean’s Place, Amy’s Country Kitchen,  and the Round House Cafe.

We’ll catch during the week and thanks for your support of my work. And of me. It is appreciated.

Part of taking responsibility for myself is taking care of myself, and learning to listen. I’m working on it.

(Maria put out some warm dog beds for the barn cats. (above) They appreciate it.)