My favorite R&R (indulged in on a very regular basis) is water therapy -- long bubble baths. Nice scent in the tub, complimentary incense, a large margarita to sip (refreshed at the right time by Curmudgeon), and a good book (a paperback protected by a naugahyde cover) to read (Currently "The White Nile"). Music drifting up from downstairs. In warmer weather when the door doesn't have to be closed to contain the heat, Sabine, my black cat, sometimes joins me -- by perching on my, uh, "shelf" and placing her body so I can neither read nor sip my drink. My cat Foolish used to curl up on the floor next to the bath to keep me company.

I live on 33 acres of trees and rocks on a hillside, but I don't get a chance to walk our land often enough. There's a couple great rocks to sit on, away from the world. Need to remind myself to escape the garden and get out into the great beyond. I also need to make time to walk the 3, 4 or 6 mile loops on the roads -- including the logging road that goes through the marsh -- around our place. That's one of the best stress relievers and sanity savers around -- surpassed only by walking on the beach, which is also very do-able around here (except during tourist season). We're only 30 miles from New Hampshire's coast; I just have to remind myself more often that it's an option to take the scenic route home and take a walk as well.

Digging in the dirt, whether to grow flowers or vegetables or just rearranging the landscape a little bit. And then resting (with a book and a lemonade) in the hammock in the "room" under the hemlocks on the bank behind the back flower bed, while watching the hummingbirds, dragonflies and butterflies.

Lunch with friends (cheaper than a shrink), phone calls to friends, music with friends. And writing letters, real letters, not just e-mails. I just bought a bunch of postcard stamps -- everybody loves getting postcards.

The way I earn my living is in a creative field, so I also have to remind myself to make time for my own personal creative projects, too.

Pet your cat (dog, goat, guinea pig, vole) and not think of anything else but petting your pet.

Pet your darlin', too.

Nice thread . . .

Linn