I haven't blogged in a few days because, frankly, I've been avoiding the new year. I haven't been ready to make resolutions. I haven't been ready to return to work and school. I haven't been ready to let go of Christmas and the wonderful freedom this holiday has given me to spend time with my family and work on fun, creative projects like sewing doll clothes and pajamas (also wearing those pajamas a lot).
Yesterday, we took down the tree. This morning, I let the children dismantle and partake of the beautiful gingerbread house that was a gift from their grandparents. We are burning down the candles from the advent wreath until nothing is left. The children rehearsed for the Epiphany play today after church. Just as we eased into Christmas, we will ease out of it a little at a time.
I'm easing into 2010, too. My resolutions have come to me gradually in little epiphany moments here and there over the last few days. On a cold, afternoon walk with my daughter on New Year's Day, I realized that I need to let go of her endeavors a little so that she can assume more responsibility for her own work and dreams. Practically, this means I won't suggest to her that she should be practicing piano or start working on her sketch assignment for the week. She will need to budget her time and find out what works for her. In the last few years, I've given her sufficient examples of planning, process, and steady work. At 10, I think she is ready to manage her own activities and school work.
On this same walk, I had a strong memory of taking a New Year's walk with my mother over 20 years ago. We had walked out of town into the country down a road that changed from pavement to dirt. A cold front hit when we were several miles from home, and we were not prepared with adequate clothing. Sleet came down on our unprotected hands, ears, and faces. We had to stop every few minutes to warm our hands under our shirts. I'm not sure why someone didn't come to rescue us, but we did make it home and were able to laugh about our misfortunes and adventures.
In the new year, I would like to spend some time with memories like this-- maybe writing some of them down. I also have two other writing projects that I need to make some slow and steady progress on. Thank goodness I have a writing partner and mentor to help keep me accountable. To free up some time and energy, I may blog a little less and write a little more.
The "tearing down the house" metaphor for this post also applies to some cleaning out around this house. Needing attention are drawers, files, closets, and boxes still unpacked from the last move.
Finally, I want to finish some sewing and knitting projects that are in limbo land, and I want to work on a real quilt!
Happy New Year. It is time to start building a new one.
Yesterday, we took down the tree. This morning, I let the children dismantle and partake of the beautiful gingerbread house that was a gift from their grandparents. We are burning down the candles from the advent wreath until nothing is left. The children rehearsed for the Epiphany play today after church. Just as we eased into Christmas, we will ease out of it a little at a time.
I'm easing into 2010, too. My resolutions have come to me gradually in little epiphany moments here and there over the last few days. On a cold, afternoon walk with my daughter on New Year's Day, I realized that I need to let go of her endeavors a little so that she can assume more responsibility for her own work and dreams. Practically, this means I won't suggest to her that she should be practicing piano or start working on her sketch assignment for the week. She will need to budget her time and find out what works for her. In the last few years, I've given her sufficient examples of planning, process, and steady work. At 10, I think she is ready to manage her own activities and school work.
On this same walk, I had a strong memory of taking a New Year's walk with my mother over 20 years ago. We had walked out of town into the country down a road that changed from pavement to dirt. A cold front hit when we were several miles from home, and we were not prepared with adequate clothing. Sleet came down on our unprotected hands, ears, and faces. We had to stop every few minutes to warm our hands under our shirts. I'm not sure why someone didn't come to rescue us, but we did make it home and were able to laugh about our misfortunes and adventures.
In the new year, I would like to spend some time with memories like this-- maybe writing some of them down. I also have two other writing projects that I need to make some slow and steady progress on. Thank goodness I have a writing partner and mentor to help keep me accountable. To free up some time and energy, I may blog a little less and write a little more.
The "tearing down the house" metaphor for this post also applies to some cleaning out around this house. Needing attention are drawers, files, closets, and boxes still unpacked from the last move.
Finally, I want to finish some sewing and knitting projects that are in limbo land, and I want to work on a real quilt!
Happy New Year. It is time to start building a new one.
2 comments:
Let's do it, partner! You can help me finish my socks and I'll help you start a "real" quilt. We'll both tackle the stories -- one word at a time.
I have not settled on my resolutions yet, but I have not given them much opportunity to settle - the end of break has not been gentle!
I will miss your blog posts, should they become less frequent, but will rejoice in knowing that you are pursuing heart's desires...
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