project new leaf
the world is in such a sad state; i had to give up listening to npr, and watching tv news; simply because of how much it makes me cry.
i get overwhelmed at my lack of power in alot of situations. (i’m not sticking my head in the sand, i’m still awares. i read my news on the interwebs. i’m full on in the knowledge of how dire things are out there…)
but, sometimes one remembers a very important fact; the only person one has the power to change is one’s own self.
hence; project new leaf.
starting now; i’m only going to do things that fulfill me. i’m only going to act out of compassion, everything i do will be done with intention; and i’m going to put an end to all of that day to day thinking that eats me alive. now, i’m not trying to preach/push Buddhism. i’m just trying to make my life a bit happier. i rarely talk about my life this past fall; but for how crazy it got; i was in the best mental frame i had been in a long time. things were simple.
chop wood; carry water.
the daily tasks of survival encompassed my reality 100%. i saw the things that had been “important” for what they were, not so important.
we used what we had, and lit candles at night.
i’m not trying to be romantic about it it; i’m trying to take those gifts bestowed on me; onward.
i need to clear out my brain of all of the clutter.
it isn’t so different than the people going on “diets” or joining FLY lady. we are all trying to “improve” ourselves somehow.
anyway… starting with ‘use what i have’ i made these batts; which i will eventually turn into some yarn for myself.
i need to add a few colors… but that will come.
i really would rather spin 2ply for my shop, it is more interesting, and it lasts longer than singles.
sharaz
bulky
188 yards
and knitting. i need to knit for pleasure more.
can you see why that yarn was a ’second’?
and not exactly the best choice for cables; but oh well; who gives a rat’s ass? the process of taking two sticks and some string, and making a fabric out of it; is pleasing me.
well, i’m sure my mania has bored everyone who has made it this far; to tears.
off to write myself some lists, so i can keep the some of that stuff outside my head.
♥
The batts are just gorgeous. As for simplifying, I recently read and enjoyed Eric Brende’s book “Better Off” - you might enjoy it as well, given your current goal.
June 20th, 2006 | #
Sharaz is gorgeous!!!
June 20th, 2006 | #
It’s true, there is such a negative inpouring of information all around us. Somestimes we need something that is “just nice” for balance. When you have a good heart/soul, you have to allow yourself to express that, too. Making pretty things helps.
And you DO make beautiful things. I got my sock yarn and fleece from you just a few minutes ago, and it is all gorgeous!
June 20th, 2006 | #
Consider me ‘not bored.’ It’s so hard to live in this world right now, so I’ve taken a similar path to yours - no npr, very little televised news, etc. Balance is nice. Thanks for the reminder. And yes, spin for yourself and knit too.
June 20th, 2006 | #
You are inspiring lady
After our chat I got to list making and less thinking. “thinking” That’s a good trick and I thank you for it.
June 20th, 2006 | #
I do the same thing with lists. I was recently at a brainstorming for a “women’s spa” business idea of an acquaintance and half of the group came down on us “list-makers” for being, I guess it was regimented. But I am the least regimented person I know! I need the lists to clear my mind, to clear my subconscious of the things it thinks I need to accomplish so that I can be creative. The other half of the group just didn’t get it. They want to live in the “now.” But that’s all well and good if you don’t have to get the kids to school and karate and hip hop and practice piano and do homework and prepare for your volunteer work before it actually is over, etc. Thanks for mentioning it!
June 20th, 2006 | #
i dont think you know how amazing you and your ideas are! thanks for always putting my mind back where it should be! ♥
June 20th, 2006 | #
My entire system would collapse without lists. In fact, the only solution I could come up with for my recent forgetfullness is more lists. Taped to the walls. Written in red Sharpie.
Your depth of kindness says so much about your strength. I think about you a lot, y’know, and how you maintain such decency to other people.
June 21st, 2006 | #
You and your batts are distracting, ya know? Very good for the overloaded soul. You might just be the inspiration I need to bond with my own drum carder.
June 21st, 2006 | #
Sort of like the blue/brown combination, works well with the coffee mug (?).
June 21st, 2006 | #
I LOVE the Shiraz. Wow.
I too have given up NPR in favor of books on tape. True, I miss the weather report and now have to rely on perceived barometric pressure and cloud formations to tell me when to bring my umbrella. But the day-to-day mind-numbing negativity of news is just not helping me be a better person and was Bringing Me Down.
I love your reference to “the present” as I have been taking more yoga lately and I’m really working on the concept. That is why, referring to your most recent post, I make lists. I keep them short because otherwise I ignore them. And lately, I find myself having to write down the most obvious things. Of course if you are headed to the gym, you know to bring your gym bag. But if you are doing 5 other things simultaneously, this kind of thing can slip your mind and ruin your workout.
I think it is no coincidence that knitters and spinners tend to be rather “busy” people (not in the sense of having a lot of work but in the sense of constantly doing, moving, pursuing many things at once. I for one need the calming and grounding influence of using my hands. If it weren’t for knitting (and, okay, the Internet) I might never sit still.
Okay, I’ve blathered. Just wanted to say I get what you’re saying.
:-)
June 21st, 2006 | #