Half A Century is NOW On My Doorstep ..
Maybe it’s the biting cold that has settled in for the season .. Or the lack of sunshine during these short days. Perhaps it’s the sight of my dear Vanda orchid finishing its bloom cycle and shedding all its flowers. Or maybe it’s the looming milestone of turning 50 .. Half A Century! Whatever the reason, I’ve found myself in a bit of a mood lately. Not a stormy, angry mood, but more of a blah, no-motivation, mildly-depressed type of vibe.
I’ve been doing a lot of soul-searching as my birthday approaches .. Thinking about where I want to be in the next 5 to 10 years. Retirement is a frequent visitor in my thoughts—it’d be lovely if it came sooner rather than later. But, as with so much in life, that all hinges on the markets and some hefty investments I’ve made over the years. Once upon a time, watching the markets felt thrilling, almost like a game. Lately, though, it’s become a source of anxiety, a relentless cycle of notifications and over-analysis that’s less about curiosity and more about fretting over the “end game.”
Yup.. She dropped all of those beautiful flowers. Nothing good lasts forever - Like stock market bull runs.
To preserve my sanity .. (or what’s left of it!), I’ve started stepping away from those habits. Turning off app notifications and resisting the urge to monitor every little market movement has been a small but freeing step. I’m learning to let go, even if it’s not easy. Trying my best to form new daily routines and habits.
Like drinking martinis every single Friday! LOL - Just kidding - Like flossing and reading a book. hehe
Part of my restlessness is no doubt exacerbated by the lack of outdoor time. I’m craving the sun on my skin, the dirt under my nails, and the simple joy of wandering through the yard and gardens. One project I’m particularly looking forward to is building a shade house for my orchids. I had every intention of doing this last summer, but never got around to it. The thought of them spending the hot, humid summer outdoors—thriving in a more natural environment—is something that lifts my spirits.
Another spark on the horizon is painting again. I’ve had a few people ask me to create something for them, and even when I feel uninspired, the thought of those requests waiting in the wings stirs a sense of purpose. Sometimes, the right nudge is all it takes to reignite the creative flame.
And then there’s the big 5-0
I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t been on my mind… a lot. But I’m hoping that once the day comes and goes, I’ll realize it’s just another trip around the sun.
Out on a 'Friday Night Date Night' enjoying the company of the best thing that ever came into my life :)
Age is, after all, just a number, and if I’m being honest, I feel pretty good for an “old fart.” Here’s to hoping my body agrees!
Huxley and the Orchids..
Before I wrap this up, I can’t end without giving Mr. Huxley a well-deserved shoutout. He’s been a constant companion, sniffing out little joys even when I’m feeling down. And speaking of joy, another one of our orchids, the Cattleya ‘Jewel Box,’ is showing promising signs of bloom activity! A flower sheath on one of its newest pseudobulbs has started pushing out a bud. The other pseudobulb that produced a flower sheath this year, is not pushing out a bud, but I am hopeful it will start in the next week or so. They have their quirks, don’t they? But I’m looking forward to those bright red blooms in the weeks ahead!
The flower sheath is the small light green leaf looking part, and the tip of the flower bud is pushing out of it
No bud pushing out of this light green flower sheath, but I'm hopeful one will soon
After the photo shoot, I put her back with her friends in the warmth and filtered sun
Naturally, Huxley had to be part of this orchid moment. I sat him beside the plant for a quick sniff and snapped a photo. He’s always curious and seems to share my fascination with these fleeting yet beautiful bursts of life. Or so I like to imagine.
Sniff Sniff Sniff
Say Cheese Huxley!
The Possibilities Ahead ..
So, here’s to weathering the winter blahs, stepping away from needless worries, and looking forward to the beauty and possibilities ahead. Turning 50 may be weighing on me now, but I’m sure it’ll just be another chapter in this ever-evolving story.
Cheers to growth in orchids, in life, and in finding light even on the darkest of these winter days.
Thank you for swinging by my blog and checking out the post. Have a great day!
All words, pictures and art pieces are the sole property of B D Miller Gallery, unless otherwise noted and credited, and are not to be reproduced or copied without the prior written consent of B D Miller Gallery.
BDMillerGallery,this is a beautifully written and relatable post!Your reflections on turning 50,the anxieties of the market,and the simple joys of nature and creativity resonate deeply.The way you weave together personal experiences,insightful observations,and charming anecdotes about Huxley and your orchids creates a captivating narrative.I especially appreciate your honesty about the"blah"mood and your proactive steps to address it—stepping away from market monitoring,focusing on new routines,and rekindling your passion for painting.The contrast between the fleeting beauty of your orchids and the enduring nature of your creative spirit is beautifully illustrated.The photos of Huxley and the orchids are delightful additions,adding a touch of warmth and humor to the post.
Thank you for sharing your vulnerability and wisdom;its a reminder that even amidst life's challenges,there's always beauty and possibility to be found.
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Wow!thank you so much,@topcomment!I'm delighted my comment received an upvote.I appreciate your recognition of thoughtful engagement on Hive.
Keep on engaging!
I couldn't of said it better myself.
Thank you for reading my post and for the delightful comment.
Yes, change and the passing of time is inevitable I suppose. It's the way we acknowledge it and fluidly move along with it that keeps us going and remaining a bit more positive about it all. I try my best! That's all I can do. My wife, Huxley and my Orchids are a big help in keeping the spark of live alive. 😁
Been there done that. It’s only a number. Happy Birthday.
Straight shooter! Love it.. Thanks!😁
I’m gonna turn 55 in a few months. Of course I’m not as spry as I was a decade ago. But I lift several days a week and I do physical labor as a profession as a contractor. So I’m probably in better shape than most 40 year olds. Even being a bit heavier than I’d like to be.
Hahaha.. Yeah I hear ya about that heavier part. I'm still in decent shape since I stay pretty active. I could probably cut out the Friday night martinis, but where's the fun in that?! I also agree.. I've seen some 30/40 year olds that better put the phone down and pick up some real weight.
Flowers and plants play an important role in our lives and I myself like it in a way that having more indoor flowers at home gives us a lot of benefits and I also like the snowy weather a lot because where we live. It does not snow here.
I will send some snow your way! hehehe. It's cold here half the year and hot the other. I am grateful for the change in the seasons, but I think I have had my fill of it for a while.
I know what you mean about letting the markets kind of get you down. I'm still a bit off from needing to worry about them too much, but the constant up and down is not great for your mood all of the time. I've still got a little bit of time before the 50. Okay, not as much as I let on. It's definitely puts your mind in a sobering place. This time of year certainly doesn't help either. Maybe you need to go on a trip somewhere sunny and warm? :)
YES! Sun and warmth is exactly what I need... But then again my wife works for the school system so you know we won't be going anywhere until its hot and warm here. 😒 hehe.
Milestone birthdays always suck. I wish they just pass bye with out any fuss.
Oh yes, that sucks. This big lag between the holiday and spring break is always the worst!
The worst part of turning fifty, actually the only bad part (my fifties were wonderful - long ago now!) is how easy it is to subtract fifty from the ages you see in the obits, and figure out how many years you might have left.
OK, that was morbid! sorry. Huxley and your orchids are gorgeous. nLove that first shot!
I remember your paintings, and your posts about them. It's been a while. I'd love to see them again.
I miss those painting post too. I actually did create a few that I didn't post about.. maybe I should do that soon.
I laughed at the first part of your comment. I was expressing my thoughts about fifty to my wife the other evening, and she said she was checking the obits for any one she knew who had passed. Great timing I'd say! lol. Well this is what us silver haired folks do for fun now I guess... hehehe
I think you said that the last time you mentioned your painting posts.
Yeah I probably did 🙃
Relax, life is sweet at 50, your journey to another decade in life is sweet, though tense sometimes but is rewarding because wisdom is what any you g person will find when he comes closer
Cheers
Thank you for the thoughtful insight. You are right.. I should embrace the new age and feel blessed that my life is enriched through my experiences. Cheers!
Even tho I'm not 50 yo yet, I can relate to what you've wrote down as I feel like the time is passing incredibly fast lately. It's ridiculous how, as kids, we had time for everything after spending half of the day at school, and now as adults, even in our days off-word still don't manage to do much, ugh!
Oh my gosh yes! Now that I think of it you are very spot on. We made the most of the time we were awake I guess.. So many hobbies and what not. Well, I hope 50 comes very slowly for you. It came way too fast for me.
I don't really remember turning fifty, nearly 20 years ago. It would have been 2 years before we started with the animals and raising our own food.
I think a lot of the anxiety people feel is the uncertainty of the world we live in, it can wear on you. I found it really helps to NOT have TV, radio, or newspapers. If it's bad enough someone will tell you.
Seed starting is March 1 here, just 5 weeks away, and I've not made harden plans or ordered seeds yet!!
Yes, seeding time is getting close. Brings back memories of when all I did on the farm was seed by hand using a V-shaped metal tool and a tiny metal rod to tap on it with. Carefully placing two seeds in each flat section. Tap, tap, tap.. I earned that $1.75/hr.
I sometimes get overwhelmed with school and social pressures, and it's easy to get caught up in all the small things. But like you said, focusing on the simple joys, like nature or hobbies, can really help shift the mood.
I try to meditate a little in my own way, and that helps. You are right.. if we can find a few things to occupy our brains other than thinking about the world and all the opposing views within it, then that is something to cherish. It's very relaxing tending to the plants, painting, or working with my hands is some way or another. 😊
The first thing that really caught my eye is your adorable dog! I'm going to call him/her Toffee because of that lovely brown color—it's just too cute! It must be such a joy having a fur baby around. Huxley's name for a dog is unique. Advance Happy Birthday, though. Time flies so fast so enjoy every moment.
Huxley is a real cutie! He is the light of our life right now. LOVE him to pieces. Toffee would have been a fantastic name, but Huxley came to mind and that's what we went with. I have not met another Huxley yet, so still unique.
Time does fly.. ugggg ... and THANK YOU for the birthday wishes😁
Huxley is a much better name and I like it. Say, hello to Huxley for me. Bye!
Awwww.. Thanks! I will let him know you said hello 😊
I crossed that line a few years ago. Now I'm 54. When I was approaching my 50s I went into a bit of an existential crisis but it didn't last long, life and curve balls have taught me that it's not worth it. It's better to think about how lucky I am when I wake up every day. Doing the things you love and dedicating yourself to creative things is the best thing you can do. And of course share the most of your time with your loved ones. Enjoy life!
Well stated! I have always been pretty good about devoting time to the people in my life and spending time being creative, however there are those times when I realize I lost touch with it all. Not in a bad way, just not spending as much time as I would like doing them. I'll be fine with turning 50, but I can not lie about the fact that I am well aware of it. lol.
Happy Golden Jubilee to you. It’s called greatness and I wish you more years to come
I like that.. "Golden Jubilee". Thank you for the Birthday wishes!!!
You have to give some time because the birthday will come soon and you will have to wait.It is getting cold and it might increase in the coming days, so complete your preparations from now so that the happiness of the birthday remains intact I have planted some plants, it is very beautiful because plants always enhance the beauty of the house
There is old age in life but do not consider it as old age, always be happy and keep enjoying life.
Good advice. I also really enjoy taking care of plants, growing plants, and watching them bloom. They really do brighten our lives! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day.
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STOPThanks for the update 😁
Huxley with orchid snap very cute little guy. As for the big 50 coming up don't fret, life is actually fun, no control over many things rather take a deep breath and wait for the warming sun to return.
Have a great birthday when you get to it, time is one thing we cannot control, embrace and enjoy the next ten!
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BEER.Happy birthday and Cheers to another half century !BBH
I can relate to the market anxiety! It’s so easy to get caught up in all the ups and downs, but stepping back like you did is such a healthy approach.