In Praise of Boredom!
I can’t remember the last time I was bored. Writing about my various projects has always been the easiest part of writing for me. The week has been very busy, as the first week of the month usually is . It’s the time when I pack in the groceries and other household supplies for the month, pay bills, etc.
As you know, I have dedicated much of this year to learning to slow down. The pandemic isolation was good for that, but it’s another thing to hold on to that habit when the world begins moving at a breakneck speed again. Living in the moment, without thinking about what I am going to do next, has been a completely foreign concept to me. I’m really working hard at being mindful of the moment I’m in.
Judging by the articles I am seeing in magazines and on line, I am not the only one who has decided that this is worth pursuing. We have become way too accustomed to 24/7 news, entertainment, and shopping. Most of us don’t remember what life was like before that. Some younger people have never seen that slower pace of life. I’m not a person who yearns for the good old days, but I do think there is wisdom in that lifestyle
I had the privilege of reading my great grandfather’s pre-civil war diary. He was a school teacher. It was fascinating to see how his time away from his profession was spent. He visited with friends, or read. He got to bed early. He even wrote (in code) about courting my great grandmother. I’m not sure I could live quite like that, but I am learning to slow down, with no regrets.
The TV is not on as much, and I’m trying to spend more time reaching out to others. I’m even learning that it is OK just to sit with a cup of coffee, and think. I’m beginning to stop the “that’s just lazy” tapes in my head. I hope you will spend some time this week just being.
I’m enjoying these beautiful fall days. On one recent afternoon, I took a break from my current writing project and strolled around our little piece of paradise, photographing the changing colors. The photos are all on Instagram. When I put them on there, I was shocked to see how long it had been since I had put any pictures on. I’ll try to do better in the future.
I have had three friends pass away recently, which has been another, not so subtle, reminder to savor each moment of each day. Things can change in a heartbeat. It makes me even more committed to slowing down.
Our date day this week was a double date for dinner with friends. We enjoyed seafood (except Mr. M got a case of the “bad belly” from it). We love eating out. It is probably our number one luxury item in our house. I try never to take it for granted.
We soon will be preparing for Thanksgiving, so for the next few weeks I will be sharing some of our favorites. They are all semi-homemade; by that, I mean, I buy some ready made foods and make them my own. It makes preparation so much easier, and when people oh and ah, don’t tell them what you did; just say thank you.
Semi-homemade Cranberry Sauce
1 Can of whole cranberry sauce
1 Cup of chopped apples
1/4-1/2 Cup of orange marmalade (to your taste)
Mix the whole thing together and chill.
Our Sunday dinner this week was roast beef and roasted root vegetables. I used the apple crisp recipe that I shared recently, but I used half apples and half rhubarb. I added a little extra sugar because of the rhubarb. It’s good, too! Our soup this week was chicken vegetable.
I hope you are continuing to enjoy autumn. Take some time to just sit; you will be glad you did. Thanks for sharing the gift of your time with me.
Until next time,
Helen
My Quiet Place 