Never Too Old To Learn

My sensitive skin has struggled this winter.  I have to use some kind of lotion / cream all year round.  But this winter has been a bit more challenging.  (And I'm trying out other kinds of therapies - the newest lotion has a protective barrier that really seems to work and doesn't feel slimy.)

Have worn a bandage on this thumb for well over a week.  The skin near my nail just finally cracked and it has taken forever to heal.  It would begin to feel better so I'd leave the bandage off.  Only to have it worsen.  Of course, being on my right (dominant) hand doesn't help and I'm in so much water all the time.  

Chatting with a friend yesterday I noticed we had matching thumbs.  He mentioned a balm that he uses. It's for lips. I have some of that balm - have actually used it quite a bit lately for my troubled lips. Tried it over night on my thumb and this morning saw drastic improvement.  Now that might be just that it was at the point in the healing process that the balm was the tipping point.  Sure, maybe.  But just maybe my friend is on to something.

So today, I'm covering the owie with more balm and keeping the bandage on for good measure.  I want this thing to finally, finally heal.

And on the subject of bandages?  Why aren't there more brands out there that use adhesive for sensitive skin? I've resorted to using this brand that I don't love.  Well, there's parts I do love:  the actual fabric is from bamboo and it's really soft, flexible and comfortable.  They use what they call pressure sensitive adhesive.  Which doesn't really work all that well.  But it also doesn't leave tons of residue behind (or take tons of my precious skin with it when removing).  I'll be glad when I'm not longer needing bandages.

Was dreading choir practice yesterday.  Was filling in for the pianist. There's a couple reasons why I won't be the choir accompanist.  And thankfully, so far, they haven't asked me.  Wow, was it a different experience than I expected.  The new choir director was as kind as he could be.  (The previous choir director was the same, but it's still an unexpected surprise to be so vocally and sincerely appreciated.) The atmosphere in the room was warm, welcoming and comfortable.  And people didn't seem to care that I made a bunch of mistakes.  (The particular song they were practicing changes keys like 4 times and I forgot at one point what key I was in. Yikes.  Not a good sound.) I came away actually feeling uplifted which I hadn't anticipated.  A nice ending to the church meetings for the day. 

Today's gratitude:  for a lovely morning walk.  For a reliable washer and dryer, the laundry goes so much better when things work as they should.  It's nice to have machines here in my home for that chore.  I'm grateful for food for lunch and dinner that doesn't require lots of attention (my dislike of cooking is showing).  And I'm so grateful for forgiveness.  That people are generous in their forgiveness of me,  I so need it.