Yesterday I did nothing. Today has been more successful. Went to a stretching class at my new gym and liked it a lot. Bought some new colored markers to play with, and some fabric dye. Came home and dyed the fabric and also bleached my hair. Am now making my hair pink again, though not sure I quite nailed the color I want, and letting the garments dry. The dress (which I bought last night) came out pretty good, but the tshirt is not so great (dyed both green, the shirt is kinda olive, the dress was white with green leaves on it and now is light green with green leaves, which works). Supposed to go to a friends for a movie in a bit—they were doing a whole pot luck that I meant to go to but since I just put the dye in my hair will have to hope I can make it for the movie.

Yesterday I got a number of things done: farmers' market, grocery pickup, buying Halloween candy, finishing a first birthday book for a friend and former boss' grandchild, going out to dinner (in lieu of the possibly canceled outdoor ghost stories event being held in a community garden). Today however, keeping myself and my cats fed and buying an outdoor push broom was all I managed.

Well, fuck. My brother's back on meth and having delusions. He got kicked out of his apartment because of the drugs. He's in a hotel right now but I'm not sure if he'll get the help he needs. It's been a little over a year since he got out of jail. He's in Texas, where he was staying with the young man we helped raise and who considers Joe his dad. The poor guy is doing the right thing but my heart is breaking right now.

You know when you've dealt with severe mental illness for a long time that it's quiet periods punctuated by chaos, disaster, or grief. And you just pray that the quiet periods last a little longer than the other shit.

You know when you've dealt with severe mental illness for a long time that it's quiet periods punctuated by chaos, disaster, or grief. And you just pray that the quiet periods last a little longer than the other shit.

My sister just got her one year clean from meth (third times the charm) and alcohol. It's a struggle.

Her daughter is being released from treatment from severe eating disorder and self-harm. Not because she's better. I assume either she is showing no improvements after two months of residential treatment or insurance won't pay more. Either way, it's horrible.

I hope your brother is willing to get help soon. I know that despair.

Oh geez Cash. I remember prior stories about your brother. So sorry he’s back on the struggle.

Cash, I am sorry. May you all get a long quiet period soon. {{{}}}}

I'm so sorry, Cash and Cass. Being there for loved ones with severe mental health issues and addictions is in many ways more difficult than tackling them yourself. I hope they get the help they need to get back and stay on track. So painful.

I’m so sorry, Cash and Cass.

Cass, I hope she’s okay. We’ve danced that dance as well.

Joe did voluntarily commit himself today. That’s a huge relief.

That is a relief, Cash.