Originally published at
karen j carlisle. You can comment here or
there.
This week has had its ups and downs. Anxiety has a way of skewing one’s view of the world. Sometimes I just need reminding of the wonderful friends and family I have. Thank you all.
Something Personal.
Sometimes the black dog howls. Its lies overwhelm me,
doubt and anxiety take hold.
Self confidence leaks away.
Does anyone know I exist?
I am alone.
I sit in chaos, claustrophobic clutter.
The world constricts me,
consumes me.
Does anyone care?
A blank page stares back, mocking me,
accusing me of failure,
pathetic, useless, unwanted.
Am I fooling myself?
A tinkle of the door bell, a knock rouses me.
An unexpected, smiling face,
Words of friendship, a gift.
A stranger asks how I’m faring,
Am I still writing?
They want to know more.
A house full of well-wishers, of friends and family
Of smiles and hugs, unconditional.
Conversation, music
and most of all,
Love.
- Art/Photography: I’ve designed the final poster for the Viola Stewart series… It arrived this week. Look for this at events.
![](http://karenjcarlisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FB_IMG_1505458255883.jpg)
Costume: I’ve been helping our daughter make patterns for her current costume project.
![](http://karenjcarlisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/costumeleg_copyright2017KarenCarlisle.jpg)
- Writing/Reading: Another scene rewritten, another edited. Then a hiccup - pinched nerve in my arm(but kept going. Taking a break today, to celebrate the anniversary of my arrival into this world.
PS. I suck at poetry. Apologies.
![](http://karenjcarlisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Illusioneer-rewrites-170916.jpg)
Other little Green Men: I have such cool friends. I’m working my way through a mountain of goat’s cheese, dark chocolate and board games. I have a new tea to taste and the most gorgeous purple orchid brightening up the kitchen.
Huzzah
![](http://karenjcarlisle.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DSC_5878_20170916213807685.jpg)
Words and photography ©2017 Karen Carlisle. All rights reserved.