Friday, February 16, 2007

Feeling Blue?


We all have our vulnerabilities and weaknesses. One of mine is getting into a bit of a funk in the winter. It's nothing serious really, but it's kind of a bummer (haha).
Out of curiosity, I googled the origin of the phrase "feeling blue" to see where it came from. After all, one could think of blue as a soothing color and feeling blue could then mean something like feeling peaceful.
But, when I saw the origin of the phrase, it makes sense.
I found the following explanation on a navy terminology website.
"If you are sad and describe yourself as "feeling blue," you are using a phrase coined from a custom among many old deepwater sailing ships. If the ship lost the captain or any of the officers during its voyage, she would fly blue flags and have a blue band painted along her entire hull when returning to home port."
Losing a comrade at sea- yeah that's pretty much of a downer and a ship bearing a blue lag and coming into port sounds pretty ominous too. It fits.
I know I miss working outside in my garden or working on house projects, which really dies down this time of year. I also tend to turn inward and find fault in what I am or am not doing in my life. The good thing is I know I am doing this and so I don't take it so seriously, but it still eats at me a bit.
I've been getting a bit more involved with our local Aldermanic election too, which is a double-edged sword. On one hand I meet neighbors and learn more about the issues. On the other hand, I see the meanness in politics even at a local level and it saddens me.
Part of what Steve and I are trying to create with our home is a sanctuary to retreat to. The times Steve and I are working side by side on a project all day on a Saturday, these are some of the happiest times I feel. Just being in the moment and just us and our dogs and our building. Our little world I guess.

6 comments:

Christina said...

I know what you mean. The Aldermanic thing the first time I went was a bit unsettling. It also takes a lot of time. I learned of so many violent things connected with elections that happen, that just really surprised me. It just seems so slimy.

But, I also had an opportunity to convince someone from another ward that they must vote. (he was saying he wasn't planning to because his alderman ignored him) By the end of our discussion, he was more invigorated and planned on voting. (we called a candidate in his ward to come talk to him). It made me happy to know that I made a difference. (or so I thought) And your actions make a difference too.

So, plusses and minuses.

(it of course doesn't help when there's negative windchills!)

Spring is around the corner though!

Anonymous said...

The doldrums are so common this time of year. Freezing, overcast days were getting the best of me too and hit really hard about two weeks ago. I just try to stay focused on the fact that soon the freezing weather will be gone and the color will be back.

Greg said...

I know I've been in a funk lately, and even though I like to occasionally complain {roll eyes} about working on the house, that's what I really enjoy. It's all the other crap in life that tends to get me down and it's the working on projects that I enjoy......despite the occasional complaint {roll eyes}.

John said...

"I also tend to turn inward and find fault in what I am or am not doing in my life."

Me too, except I like doing it year round. Why limit the fun stuff to one season a year?

As a home-body I can relate to the house-as-a-sanctuary idea, although I tend to think of mine as a fortress against the world.

Anyhow, Daylight Saving Time starts March 11th so you don't have to wait too much longer before everything is warmer and brighter.

merideth said...

you are so very likeable.

for some reason, this post just compelled me to tell you so.

the daffodils are blooming here so I know the rest of the country will start to see spring shortly. that's always good for a little cheer.

hope the blues abate soon.

Jocelyn said...

You guys are just all the best- what a quality group we have here. I am lucky to have met you and I hope we can all meet in person some time.
Christina- :) thanks for the support!
Greg- thanks for making me laugh!
Meredith- you are so kind and likeable too!
John- thanks for making me laugh again :)
Patricia- You are right as usual :)