My attempts at doing things “the easy way” seem to often fail. For example: I had rats in my walls recently. (No, I’m not a slob, I just live in the country and rats come with the territory!) They were in my walls scratching and chewing to the point of madness. I was so sleep-deprived that I banged on the walls until I almost broke my hand! Anxious to be rid of them quickly, I chose D-Con rat poison. I had always heard that the poison makes them go outside seeking water, and then they die out there. Well, in my case, one decided to die in the wall where I can’t get at it. So things are pretty stinky around here, but atleast I am able to get a decent night of sleep again! (Substituting nose plug for ear plugs!)
I went to the hardware store and asked about ways to keep the rats out of my home altogether. I was informed that used kitty litter does the job if you sprinkle it around the outside of the house. So I’ve been gathering Otis’s “leavings” for free rat repellant. He’s never been one to hunt, so this is a way for him to finally do his kitty job!
Tuesday night, as always, is my saving grace. Having one night a week when I know I will be creative for a couple of hours is like a mini vacation from this cat and mouse game of life. I disconnect from all of my worries, listen to Ryan Lee spin jazz records, and all is right with the world for a little while. I am encapsulated in a protective bubble of creativity while the mixture of jazz and art knocks off “the dust of everyday life” from my weary heart. This happens each week, with ease and grace, and I am so grateful. Sometimes I think it’s one of the main keys to my sanity!