needing to take a little break 

Slowing down, rest and recharging your battery is a beautiful way to love, nurture and honor yourself. I am post menopause and will soon be 65 this month. I am a strong advocate in slowing down, nurturing and loving yourself first, doing things that lift your spirit and feed your soul. You are very blessed to have James whom I see is a very warm loving, soul and supportive partner. I wish you both a beautiful, blessed letting go, chill ax time. God Bless. Take care.

I’m 67 Wendy - it does get better!♥️

I'm 58 (nearly) and I am sorry to say, dear Wendy, that my decision making abilities remained elusive, even after I thought the penomause had passed. I don't think we are ever quite the same to be honest...

I'm nearly 48 and am in the same leaky ship that you are! For nearly 30 years I had an iron-trap mind, I could remember phone numbers, dates, and more without having to write them down. Now, I go into a room and realize that I forgot what I was going in there for! Cotton brain, crying jags, fatigue, lack of motivation, along with hormonal headaches and contact dermatitis. Chin up though, we'll make it through!

I'm just coming out of the other side. It's an hard transition and now, I'm as sharp as a raptor in mind and spirit and just gone back into full time work at 56. Can be done. Just go with it! All will be well ❤️🙏

menopause at 50. so many hot flashes and depression, now at 59 not as bad but itsure was hell for awhile. as an artist art really saved my mind. you really do feel like you are the mad hatter..everything made me cry.i think we have to let go of so much it gets to seem overwhelming to sift through your youth so we can continue on to our later life completely new and healed from stuffed down stuff. love your youtube., i find you just the perfect arty friend to empathize with. us artists are sensitive enough already so hormones don't really help!

I'm 60 next month Wendy, you've started a journey, an adventure if you will, just remember that self care is very important along the way.

I would put the shelf between your windows. When I feel indecisive and overwhelmed my daughter suggested “do one thing”. Start small. It got me out of a slump.

Yes... It NEEDS to be talked about! There is no shame in that phase.... I am pretty open about it but it makes a lot of people uncomfortable 😂

Hi Wendy...... for any of you lovely ladies who may be struggling with night sweats 🤬. I brought a little rechargeable hand fan (so much quieter than a big one) and I have it blowing on my face at night and it's amazing, I also have a large freezer gell pack frozen and rapped in a towel on the pillow to keep it cool, and so far fingers crossed 🤞 it's working.....I know it won't help you with ya brain fog, but if your not so tired it helps a little. Take care lovely 💜

I would lightly sand that wonderful old shelf & place a clear non toxic clear stain . Having a nice piece of wood breaks up all the white . I have a hard time painting some wood . Yes I am a bit wishy washy making decisions . But I do have strong feelings about having a nice piece of wood energy in a space . It is grounding . It’s just me

I found Dr Christian Northop a great help with the book Goddesses Never Age ❤️ and life took off for me. I had early meno and now flourishing from 50 onwards. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself all your body needs.. ✨️ 💖 you will fly again.. Times and seasons.. All is well 🙏

51 here and I appreciate your openness re: the penomause. My ability to focus has gone out the window and social anxiety is more of an issue for me now than I remember it being before; even family events overwhelm me now. Love&bigHUGS to all the ladies dealing with all the hormones in all your various seasons of life.

I just realized, maybe all you say is my problem too. I feel so often for 2 years icky and not happy in my mind and body. I feel depressed and sad . And that not who I am normally. Sometimes it feels that I am getting out of that black whole and then I fall rightback in. It is nice to hear I am not alone in this. Love you and thanks for opening up about this!!! ❤️❤️❤️

love Letting go Fairy :) Happy Holidays....

I live in a 500 soft apt. Living/kitchen combined. Yes, I too have to have everything in "the right place" for balance. My wall plugs and doorways just are in wrong place. No room for real art space ...makes me nuts. Menopause...my story was not normal. However, evening primrose was good for me when I had hot flashes. Takes about a month to get going in your system and a daily deal. Mental clarity... It will help to focus rather than multi-tasking, and acknowledge each day's accomplishments with grace. It's a process for sure. Be kind to yourself. You are definitely not alone. And don't get rid of daybed! Lay on it crosswise and kick legs up on wall dropping head a bit... Get a different view. Have fun!

I can relate so much Wendy . I’m 58 now and peri menopause hit me hard through the lockdown right after my moms death. I’m finally at my year mark last month and done . I haven’t been able to make decisions for years always taking care of everyone but me . I’m only creative when I have lots of time alone to piddle through my home and garden 🪴 but haven’t had it . For about 5 years now I feel like a change is looming . I feel like I’m starting to see a new me emerge , the real me. I’m starting to want to create again so I’m hoping it will lead me to more decisiveness in making decisions . I’ve always wanted to paint and never took the leap . I’m a free spirit that has never created her own life , the time is now . You inspire me 💖 Thank you so much ☺️

Stress is a huge component in memory loss, general feelings of slight to extreme dread or just floaty oddness. I’ve experienced this from time to time in my life, but never more acutely than the past couple years since Corona Virus hit us all. The unsettled nature of every routine we counted on, the strife and anger (especially here in the US) have left us all arse-over-teakettle. Pushing paint around is my favorite mode of therapy. 🌼💕

I suggest aubergine for the shelf! And put it over the desk so that you can see what’s on it and reach straightforward for what you need. Whatever you do, have fun!

Have fun camping Wendy. Also the Journaling on canvas is very impressive. I love your shelf with the color as you found it. It looks old world. Very vintage. ❤

I just love love love your fairy lights... I'm definitely going on the hunt to get some... they create such an ambience. Happy camping 🌜 I just had thee quickest peek on your etsy shop and honestly I can see your works as oracle cards... your art is whimsical and magical and everything else beautiful.... I would definitely get a deck... anyway just a thought. 😉

Let's don't forget ladies...our vitamin D levels drop significantly in our 50s even when we are getting out in the sunshine. Please I urge you to have your vitamin D levels checked twice a year and supplement accordingly. I've unfortunately learned alot the hard way in dealing with this. Anxiety and depression, foggy brain, and insomnia. Vitamin D isn't just a vitamin....it is a very powerful precursor to every other hormone in the human body and when it drops so does everything else. Adrenal hormones, thyroid hormones, sex hormones which are already tanking...even seratonin and dopamine! I'm 55 and supplementing with vitamin D3 and magnesium glycinate (its cofactor) has helped my depression, insomnia, brain fog and energy levels tremendously. Hope this helps someone! I felt compelled to post a comment here and I just love love love you so much. Thank you so much for sharing with us. ❤️

I’ll be 67 in October and I stopped my monthly at 44 years old. Still have all my female parts. Never took any hormones. Never make life changing decisions during these trying times.

I found indecisiveness creates more stress, not making decisions IS a decision, procrastinating takes more energy and causes more stress than making a decision. Just do it and then move on. I wouldn’t paint the little shelf…hang it there a little higher in mid wall and decorate it nicely. Also, that wall above your nook desk could use a couple of more shelves…graduated up large to small (a sort of pyramid) with a plant on top…it would really clear your desk. Love you and hope you have a refreshing respite!

Solution for your little shelf. Paint white but crackle it. Easy process. The brown color will be the cracks. Will give a lovely finish to the shelf. Solid white will loose its charm. Just my opinion.

I am in perimenopause and I swear I can't even think to think. I used to be so organized and on it and now, I get frustrated over the smallest decisions. I feel like this is my time to truly nest and just do what I love and everything else will have to wait.

Recently I was going strong getting ready for an art and craft show, when I had a fall! Right into my garden almost face first, bruised and battered, making it difficult to get my projects done! Like you I had to make a decision to take care of myself and cancelled the upcoming show! I need time to heal and relax! Blessed and safe days!

Kudos to talking about "penomause" - important topic! I suggest centering the pretty shelf on the wall above your nook desk as a focal point, and maybe adding some plain ones to each side for more of your supplies and stuff. Enjoy your vacation and may you come back refreshed!

Above your journaling table you MUST put two more shelves like the top one. This will clear up your work space. Your inspiration wall, pictures you’re working on, drawings you now have on the wall above your table, should go on the wall where your day bed is. I have recently done a ton of organizing in my studio and house, and I tell you, nothing beats having everything stowed away on shelves. They don’t have to be completely filled up with utilitarian stuff, you can add a plant or a photo, or a beautiful object here and there. Prettiness IS and I consider it to be NECESSARY. In the end our work space should be as pleasant as our home environment. You should get just as much pleasure from looking at your work space as you do when you’re going home to your favorite corner, or to a lovely retreat where you can relax and rejuvenate yourself. In our line of work we deal in the beautiful therefore our environment should reflect the beauty we want to spread around the world with our art. I am also going through a medically induced menopause. The medication has some side effects that are quite difficult to deal with. Hot flashes, dizziness, horrible joint pain all add up to being miserable. Top it all off with the stress of having to go through a hysterectomy in a couple of months and the work and family and household responsibilities. I cherish every minute I get to do what I love most: create. Working on getting my house and studio looking lovely gave me more reason to enjoy more things. If I can recommend something for brain fog, it would be lots of protein and vitamin A. Best source for these are in liver. I know, not the most appetizing thing to eat, but when cooked properly it can be very good. Studies have shown there is a huge deficiency in vitamin A in the aging body, and that vitamin A is extremely important for brain function and plasticity. Best source for it is meat and the highest concentration can be found in liver.

Thank you for sharing about menopause. It’s good to hear someone sharing their experience. An idea for the office-mirrors do wonders in opening a space up and bringing in light. Consider a large mirror above the couch. The narrow space will feel wider and it will reflect the outside. As for storage, the idea of getting baskets and such is great. The more the materials are bunched together (ie. Ceramic cups and pitchers or wicker baskets, etc.) the larger your space will feel as they’ll be interpreted as a “unit”. Larger pieces in a smaller space make the space fill larger. Another idea to consider is fabric curtains for storage shelves to continue creating that unified feeling. You may have already mentioned this, but using space under tables and desks to store items (but still in appealing unified materials) will free horizontal spaces for creating. Hope you have fun on your camping trip!!

You'll be fine, believe me. I'm 71, been thru the menopause without a jail sentence. Don't let the details spin you round in circles. If the studio isn't right, let it go. Ignore that, and get down to arting - that's what matters. Mx

I like the shelf the way it is ……it anchors the room….have a nice vacation

Your stile life is full of love, insperation and sharming. Hello from Ukraine !❤

I'm 55 and was confirmed by blood test in early 2019 to be in the menopause after two years of going potty. I've already got fibromyalgia (can't spell currently) which took too many years for me to be diagnosed and was a major break through to what my life was chucking at me. Decision making is dire for me and yes, I firmly believe that our hormone fluctuations have huge impacts on our brain capacity. Sleep issues. And information processing. Yes to all. Your videos pull me through many a dark hour, thank you. Also thank you for being so genuine. Many best wishes, jx

HI Wendy, I just listened to Caroline Cory on Higher Journeys with Alexis Brooks (on RU-vid) in this interview, she talks about how the recent solar storms are affecting people...' same symptoms you described. I've also felt these. We are energetic beings, a lot happening in our atmosphere...Hang in there! More time resting, camping, walking barefoot really helps me. Thank you for all you share! Enjoy hearing the process, seeing what you're working on, very inspiring! You are so fun!! 💗✨😄

There’s no lost art in doing nothing here!😂 I’m rather certain I’ve mastered it. Cotton brain, no decision making, all the bits of that time have never left. 🙄😊 And that’s okay. I hope you get a proper time off. Peace Love n Hugs

Sometimes we are in our heads way too much. Just put the shelf up and take it easy. I mean, it is just a shelf and not the end of the world. If you don`t like it, you can always move it again. I think it would look nice painted white, with some green plants sitting on it as well, or painted green. If you zoom away a bit with the camera, you can see all the green plants on the right side of the room. It would give it such a nice balance to have some green on the left as well. But if you like the shelf in brown, just put up some white lace and leave it hanging a bit of the edges of the shelf boards, then work with some plants and whatever you want to store on it. I think the clutter on the outside mirrors the chaos on the inside. When we structure our thoughts and take it easier a bit, it will reflect in a positive way on the manifested world. Take care Wendy and hopefully your health will improve. You look so skinny and I am a bit worried. Menopause can be such a positive experience. I have been in a very good space since my period stopped and I take everything much more with ease. I had no problems at all, just a few hot flashes every now and then, but I can live with that. I see them as my friends, telling me, that the best period of my life is yet to come. It is a real joy to have gotten this far and beeing able to experience getting older. Not everyone has that chance. Huggs from Rose-Cottage, Schurwald Forest, Germany.

yup, i'm 59 and i still get cotton brain and forget things.. When i was working I found it helpful to spend last 10mins of each day, tidying up my desk, my to-do pile, and my emails. It did not happen every day but starting the next day off with a clear-ish desk always felt good. Unf i have never been good at switching-off but hopefully your time away will help you. gillian

Nope, nada, I am 65 and I won't allow MYSELF NOT to make decisions, it's procrastination and life is to short for that. I clean and tidy everything up after creating in my cubby I may not get it perfect but it's a happy spot to go back to, not a oh my god depressed after looking at it and wanting to slam the door. I never allow myself to become cluttered I have learned if I buy something new (not for crafting) I have to get rid of something. I know it may sound I am tough on myself but I m not and I am thankful I make myself get on with because it makes me at the end of the day feel freer and happy.

You could compromise with that gorgeous little shelf and line the side of it with white paper, so that from the distant view it blends in, yet you aren't actually taking away from it's current colour in any permanent way.

💜Wendy darling💚 thanks for sharing your heart💜💚🧚‍♀️💚

yes, cotton brain here, too. I'm older than you and it doesn't really go away. We have to learn to recognize and live with the changes that happen to us because these changes last for many years. The wall shelf: leave it the way it is if you want to. There is nothing more boring than an all white matchy matchy room. The day bed- I hope youre not thinking of getting rid of it. It adds so much personality to the room and if it holds a dear place in your heart then, by all means hold on to that!

so pleased you will be out with Mother Nature. And with a supportive partner...how wonderful. The weather has been so full of new rollercoaster challenges so I do hope it is kind. You will be missed. I must admit the little ditties you post are charming, inspiring and heart warming and I have become quite addicted. Enjoy your expedition May it be a fruitful time. Perhaps you might see tiny first changes that herald fall...my favorite season.

Please know there is light at the end of this tunnel. You’re quite right to slow down and get the rest you need. Your body and your mind will synch and tell you ‘ready’. When you have one of your areas in your studio ‘right’ do you take a photo to spot check with later - or something like that? I had a boss who insisted that 4.30 every Friday we ‘clear down’ our desks - all work was neatly put away, the desk and equipment was wiped down. At first this was odd, but the team realised not only did we switch off work for the weekend, but the beginning of the next week felt calmer. I still do this at my art table (not every week), and it helps. Take care, best wishes 🥰

Well Wendy, my hope for you is a well rested and well deserved trip with your James. God bless and enjoy .sending love and big hugs Sherry ❤

I'm one of the fortunate ones regarding the menopause, after a hysterectomy (ovaries left) I must say it slipped by me.....or the symptoms of fibromyalgia ( or not, as they are very similar) may have been the menopause, I have continued brain fog, internal thermostat is on high, and I'm very clumsy.. self care is very key, pacing and enjoying yourself xx

Dear Wendy - If I may offer a suggestion that helped the fog clear almost immediately for me - drink just 4 to 6 ounces of no-added-sugar pure coconut water. I bought organic. The lights went back on in about 15 minutes. No kidding. Full blast. The sudden burst of clarity was astonishing. I do it every day now but it was just that first time that I actually felt it happen in my head.

Dont ever get rid of wendy muffle. One of my favorite things

Hi Wendy I'm just like you regarding the shelves I wouldnt want to paint them either... so don't. However a suggestion is once up drape light things over the side that faces everyone and over the base of each shelf perhaos with light pretty paper .This way you have lightened it without painting. So a suggestion for outside edge is Christmas decoration large butterflies they would also fit with fairy theme or bluetack a beautiful hand painted Wendy picture up the side 😃xxxx

You make me happy, watching your videos, your sweet personality, and bohemian goddess vibes.. inspires me..I had a few bad years, of loss and it created a block, lack of inspiration. I just felt like the inspiration wasn't flowing in.. you are so transparent and beautiful. I have been feeling so inspired again.. I re-did my studio, brought my plants as you say plant babies in..and started my paintings again and jewelry design. I even bought some cute overalls. Thank you for sharing your life and creative heart... oh and I love your HOOPS!!!!!!!!!you are so talented. I can't wait to buy one of your paintings on etsy. I have it picked out already! Love and light to all of you!

I love the music you play in your videos. Love your new office look. So lovely.

Many of us have cotton wool brain, trouble remembering and making decisions. I approach things differently now - do my best to adapt to the current conditions (my personal weather). Trouble remembering? Take notes, ask others to text or call to confirm that things are on track. Making decisions? Don't make big ones when fuzzy, and "trial my options" by thinking through "what if" scenarios. Mount that lovely display shelf, but don't paint it yet - perhaps drape it in a light, bright scarf or inspiring fabric (a fairy skirt?). Go with the option that feels right, but give yourself time to feel. Cotton fuzzy brain? Sometimes we need a short rest and renewal, sometimes we need help from an organised friend short-term (hi James!) to help us ask ourselves the proper questions to get our brains firing. Remember, this is a new phase, as life changing as adolescence, and it isn't always easy. Adapting to change can be a challenge. My best days are when I give myself permission to feel whatever I'm feeling, but recognise that this is a transition, temporary. It is a journey - embrace what is good, love myself, let go of what is not positive. One of my favourite memories involved a trip where I got ill, had blisters on my feet, lost possessions, got covered in mud, etc. What I cherish are outstanding views, hours of laughter, unexpected wildlife, quiet nights with huge skies and meteor showers. Penomause can be quite the roller coaster; but it can teach us where it's important to spend our energy, where we need to focus, where and when it's fine to drift. Hoping everyone has a chance to find some quiet time to drift and renew, and find inspiration appearing from the mists. Love and light.🤗

I can relate to feeling slightly mad these days. Primarily, b/c I work full time and I'm knee deep in harvesting from my garden. Work all day and come home and work in the evening to process/preserve my wonderful vegetables and fruits for the long cold winter ahead. When the harvest is ready (above ground veggies and ripened fruit), it won' t wait, so it's a bit of a balancing act and I'm getting a bit batty. But, I've been working through, count my blessings and feel gratitude for all that I've grown and put away. As far as decision making, I've been procrastinating on a few projects that need to get done before winter sets in b/c it's a time factor which I can't spare right now. Hopefully, in the next couple weeks I can get the people I need to complete those projects in September. I'm finding the older I get, the more I procrastinate and that needs to stop b/c it gives me anxiety. I just imagine when menopause hits...and I'm 51 with no signs of it coming on yet, yikes! With my creative space - I have such a limited space for supplies and found that having things in cute baskets, etc it was eating up alot of space. As much as I loved the cute factor, I needed it to be functional and went to plastic clear storage so I could stack and see what I have and it gave more more space. I utilized my storage vertically and it helped. Basically, I tend to overthink everything and I'm working hard to not do that b/c it just causes another layer of issues. Enough rattling on, glad you share the good with the bad, we are not perfect and only human, we all struggle and it does help to share and get support from others. We all need a break. Blessings to you.

I love the colors you've been using.I almost feel inspired to begin painting again.You look so cute,even though tired..I had covid the last few weeks, and just layed there like a motionless blob.I'm starting to feel normal again.I missed your videos.Your colors make me happy, the plants and beautiful hot pink flowers.❤️❤️❤️

I don't think hanging it on the side wall will make the space seem smaller. But please don't get rid of it -- it has a story plus a very practical purpose. I would hang it in the middle of the wall above the desk and make it a focus point! My book recommendation for menopause "The Pause" by Lonnie Barbach. My gynecologist actually recommended and I found it very enlightening.

So appreciate you sharing. Thank you!

I am one of your younger audiences (25) however I do find it interesting to hear you talk, and reading the comments about "penomause"! Even tho I'm not going through it yet for a long while, reading the comments of the little community comforting you and eachother is very heartwarming.

Hope you both enjoy your holiday camping trip.🌷 Hugs to you Wendy during these trying times...

Thank you Wendy. I really needed your words today. I have the same struggles. You’re so sweet. ❤️

Thanks 😊 needed to hear Icwas not the only one that goes through mood and such

Awe 🤔 Cuz I thought painting it whitewash will let the woods grain show through then wipe down on the edges to let the wood show through more! Hope that helps Wendy!!

Omg so much of this resonates...I'm 34 but have ADHD and I've read ALOT of menopause symptoms and they are so similar lol X I love how you document your life and process, I'm at the mo working towards becoming a full time artist currently I'm doing full time work as a college librarian and an art degree. But the idea of being able to fully focus on my art and turning it into a business that can support me would be ideal! X love your set up it looks so cosy yet bright...and yes I need a certain space to feel comfy and in the zone to create x plus I'm hoping to get myself a van soon (need to move house first as I need a drive)

I call this time in my life, my GEM (Girlie Emancipation Modifications). In the formation of any gem is time, heat, pressure, tension, etc. Yep - been there, going through it. 🤓 But I almost didn’t get the chance to experience this. 18 years ago I was very sick, but I fought hard and lived to go through my GEM. I try to roll with the punches and some days the universe can pack a good one. Some changes teach me things and others I can only say ‘Really?!! You’re just messing with me now!!’ In the end, I’ll love whatever GEM I’m gifted. Cheers and soft landings to all those in the same time of life. 💕🌻🌿🥰🧚‍♂️🍀

Being a 65 yr old granny that loves living alone.....my jewel box apartment is where my creativity is expressed. Balance and function are calming. Believe your shelf on the wall where you have it propped would serve you well. Looking along wall......it has lovely narrow shape that isn't intrusive at all. Just my opinion. Hope you get some calm time soon.🌿

Hi Karen from Australia. I Am 55, suffered menopause for years and still. Man I can so relate and really appreciate you. Listening to you sounds like me and listening to you helps me 🤯❤

I'm 65 Wendy. It does get better. Just take one thing at a time and you will get through it. I love your little niche with the nice table and cute little shelf. You can make that quite cozy. Just go with the flow as they say and you will be just fine.

Dear Wemdy. I have a very similar if not identical shelf!! Odd! Anyway, what I would do is hang it below the window to the right, as not to take off space from the walls 💛

You are perfect exactly as you are. Same with your art and studio. Perfect.

Good morning dear Wendy!

So nice to see you again Wendy 💖✌️💚 always a treat. Happy puttering 💖✨🎆

I guess I am very lucky and menopause was not terribly difficult for me. I did take macca everyday which really helped. I have a wee suggestion for your nook. Could you swap the bulletin board with the shelf? Have the shelf in front of you but maybe slightly higher than where the bulletin board is. And with the bulletin (cork) board on the side wall it won’t stick out as much.

Anxiety, which radically affects decision making, often arrives with menopause. There’s are meds that can help that if one chooses to take them, or needs to. “Brain fog” is very common. So is interrupted sleep, which affects everything. Hopefully you’ll find a way to cope and continue smoothing your way. Having a wonderful talent that can sooth and satisfy helps tremendously! Hugs.

Have a great trip 🧚

Completely understand where you are at!! I'm 60 and still deal with fuzzy brain and making decisions!! The thing that helps is the ability to sleep, some nights you are able to sleep, some not so much. Also, walking in the morning helps to clear my mind also!! Hope you and James have a restful holiday together!!❤❤❤

Have a safe and fun camping trip. Yes menopause was very tough for me, it was a long time ago I was 40 years old.

Just remember that many decisions aren't permanent and can be changed. What works now may not work later which is why we can just flow..

Omg thank you wendy and all the ladies commenting. Having had a total hysterectomy due to a tumour 18mths ago.aged 47. I was plunged straight into menopause. I am having HRT but been feeling funny, crying at nothing. Fuzzy headed and so forgetful.I went to work yesterday, was suppose to be going to the petrol station .And can't seem to get myself organised. I dont sleep well ,which is a longterm problem. This has been a real lightbulb moment as I now realise what's happening is symptoms of the menopause and not just me going mad. Thank you all for sharing your journey

Such caring , heartfelt comments literally bring tears to my eyes, yes it’s so hard at times. Good to acknowledge that and give ourselves a break sometimes! Love to all you ladies out there 💗💗

Glad you're back...missed you!❤

Listen to what your body says. It’s ok to slow down and adjust to a new routine. My mind says, Yes I can. Then my body says, you can try. The outcome is realizing the adjustments that must be made. Amazing how stiffness and aches, both emotionally and physically can teach me. I am 66 but I act as though I’m 6 1/2. 🎤🎨🎼

Have a lovely trip Wendy . Love from Norfolk 😊

I am 24 years old and an aspiring artist and I just wanted to say that you are absolutely gorgeous! I look forward to the years ahead of me... you hold yourself with such youthful enthusiasm and are simply beautiful. Inner beauty never fades!

Let’s think about how you’ll be using the studio space while experiencing the great pause. You’ve held onto your lovely velvet chaise for over a decade. Do you feel as though now might be a good time to more fully enjoy it, as you rest and have a ponder? In my mind’s eye, it seems that your little shelf you’re questioning about, would look perfect - and be perfectly functional - if placed above, or at least nearer, the chaise. You could use the top shelf to hold a journal and something that inspires you, and on the lower shelf, there might be just enough space to hold a teacup or (shh, don’t tell James) a coffee cup. 😉 Add a extra pillow or three, a soft and warm blanket, and give yourself a safe space to snuggle. I keep expecting to see such a setup for that spot and it hasn’t happened yet, so perhaps it’s time for me to just share the idea with you. 🥰 there might also be enough room at one of both ends of it for a small table, upon which a smoothie or other snack to help you feel well-nourished & nurtured. It seems a sweet spot for sacred self care, so you might as well curl up and have a dreamy nap once in awhile. Where better to soothe your inner bits than in this inspiring room? When I found your channel, it was before your reveal of this hormonal upheaval you’re experiencing. Back then, you’d inspired me to make art in my journals, as well as many other fairy-inspired shifts in my life, leaving me with a feeling of gratitude for having found you, and hoping that I would someday find a way to significantly help you in your life in return. Meanwhile, just breathe. You already know this, I know, but sometimes we forget the profound simplicity of the breath and it’s ability to reset us. Inhale through the nose to a slow count of four, hold for a slow count of four, exhale through the mouth to a slow count of four, hold for a slow count of four, repeat this cycle until you feel calm and at peace, allowing the breath to dissipate your dis-ease. I’ve been without my girlie bits since I was 30 and will celebrate my 56th natal anniversary tomorrow. I know what that upheaval feels like. Go gently through it. You deserve all of the loving kindness you feel like giving yourself and receiving from others. 🥰

So helpful to stop letting thought control my life! Once I allow them to come and go! Let them go like a bad driver on the road in front of me!! Emptying out them leaves room for joy and peace!💝

I rhinik rhe shelf should go between the two windows because it needs it's own space. That wall would really do the shelf justice.The poster on the wall could go by your work station.

Yes talk about MP!! I didn't realize that it was so different. I have cotton brain as well. Please share more, I like to hear your perspective. Thank you. Love your artwork and your personality, you're so sweet.

The poem at the beginning really hit me. Everything is coming to a head for me after about 10 years wrestling with work, being in a (PTSD) fog and ignoring life all around me. I'm 65; so, some of that may have been post-menopause related. I've got many bills to be paid and house-related things that should have been fixed 10 years ago. When I seemed like I was almost in a good place, the pandemic only magnified everything. I am fully overwhelmed and feel frozen. There's an urgency to address everything now. I may work backwards and take care of recent things first because they're increasing my angst. This feels more right. Yes, discuss the big M. And, I wish you full relaxation and rejuvenation on your camping week. I'll be thinking of you on my two weeks off that I'm taking to, what I call, 'mucking out My Stahl'. My Stahl is my condo in which one bedroom is my Studio. The Studio is the last room on the muck list; so, that should propel me through the rest of the place. Fingers crossed. ❤

I'm 3 weeks off turning 78 and I started watching your channel for the art and also to get a grip on the Etsy-thing. Well dear Wendy, you are not helping at present - and that is a purely selfish remark! I would like to suggest that you find a place for everything as you seem to do a lot of moving things from place to place... If things have a designated space/place, you could just walk in and start working right away with minimal hassle. However, I'm a Virgo so forgive me! I just need to be able to put my hand on the right equipment without a fuss... and no, it's not perfect but it makes me happy. And that's the point I'm trying to make: find your rhythm and make yourself happy. ❤

How about the shelf above the day bed? With pretty things on it, making it another little area.

Enjoy camping! Hope you get some rest 💕

I agree that we ebb and flow with our quiet times and that is ok. I was feeling down today due to issues of getting older. My hot flashes woke me all night, and I am tired and emotional. Your video reminded me that it will ok. I’ve had brain fog due to Fibromyalgia for five years, so that part of things does not feel unusual for me. It does make me feel confused, so I understand what you are going through. I like your wood shelf and think it looks lovely where you put it. The fairy lights are delightful.

Loved ❤️ this video Wendy. I am delighted that you are openly sharing your "Penomause" 😁 experience. I am navigating through it myself and I have to say it's a really intense roller coaster. I agree, there is not enough openness about it and seems that women just have to deal with it. There is very little understanding or compassion for the experience from so much of society except for those women experiencing the same. I am truly grateful for your sharing, thank you!! 🙏 I have noted that book. Am reading a different one on menopause atm. It's a bit light hearted but also informative. "Queen Menopause" by Allison Daddo. Am enjoying it. I look forward to hearing more from you on the subject and I think the angles in the studio you shot alot of this video were great. I agree with other viewers, the little brown shelf would be better painted white. It will still give you the functionality and comfort of memory, but keep the space looking open if it's located on the wall next to the desk, but in white. If it stays brown, agree it closes up the space, so put it elsewhere. Love the extra fairy lights. Thank you again ❤️🌻🌼🌺

Hearing and seeing all the challenges for many regarding "the change" makes me realize how lucky I was since my transition went very smoothly. The only obvious symptom was a hot flash now and again and it was a cold winter so they were welcome. I was looking forward to Cronedom where on my spiritual path new, rich energies can be tapped from the Crone archetype. Think about what you will find not what has passed. Nature provides.

Wendy, you make my heart smile. Thank you. Love from Costa Rica. 🌸

I feel overwhelmed more often now and have trouble making decisions too , didn't know was menopause...what i do is make a priority list and handle things little by little..it helps me not be so overwhelmed ...enjoy your holiday !

I am moving to my new room right now! I am a master in progrestionation and making no dississions 😂 My sweet man is driving me trough hard moments, becouse I just dream my time away You are right with the light plants and art stuf being lovely in your space I am over menopauze now, but I feel that I always was en wil be going through circles with my Moods🙃

Just an idea: when you get things more like you want why not use the daybed for a short nap or just rest. When you have had a bad night’s sleep a daytime rest can help reset. Your inner creativity and sensory awareness of your area are distractions as well as outlets. Decision making needs focus and simplifying. Rest may help with this.

From one foggy head to another foggy head...have a lovely camping trip with James 🧡 enjoy !

you're wonderful

Bless you sweetheart it’s such a confusing time in life when you almost feel like control is slipping away. It’s hormonal certainly yet society makes few allowances for something natural that half the population will experience. I’m 61 now so 10 years since my last period. I was totally unaware of peri menopause in as much as all the symptoms I experienced were diagnosed as other possible causes! I had screenings and tests galore. Eventually the doctor said they had ruled out anything sinister so pretty much get on with life and stop bothering me! Looking back it was obvious what was happening to my body yet all my doctors and hospital consultants being male didn’t think of menopause \peri menopause. Anyway my love I just wanted to say,hang in there sister we’ve got your back. It does change your life and attitude but I feel so much stronger and positive now than before. I don’t stress the small stuff 🤗🌼🌸💛