I love this line, "Something in my body feels pulled toward the earth like an animal going to ground. I am longing for stillness and quiet and even darkness." Observing and being in nature, aligning with it can be teachable moments unfolding in our own lives. The way you circle back to your previous post, y, “I had a vision of Death, and she was beautiful.” - well it's very powerful.
Thank you so much, Rhaine. I could not agree with you more about what a wise teacher Nature is. She has endless lessons to share, and often does so in the most beautiful ways. I really appreciate you being here.💜
I found some joy tonight. I stepped away from being practical and did something that made me feel happy and alive. I traded in my sensible low mileage Kia for an insensible lower mileage used 2019 4-door Hardtop Mini Cooper (blue with a white roof and mirrors) WITH A STICKSHIFT. Mini is my favorite car, even with it’s required premium gas and pricey maintenance costs. But I don’t care. The world is changing too fast, manual transmission cars are harder and harder to find and there’s nothing like the feel of cornering in one of these little sweeties. It’s being delivered next Saturday! Huzzah!
Stickshift? You are a badass, Nan! I love the joy you bring to everything. Your enthusiasm and appreciation and genuine curiosity and openness are endlessly inspiring. Congratulations on your new ride - it suits you perfectly!!
Thanks, Jamie! I can't wait to get it. The first car I ever bought was a stick, and I had no idea how to drive it. But it was $150, and the guy was selling it offered to teach me and I took him up on it! There was no turning back after that. And if you think I'm a badass, you should have know me when I was obsessed with motorcycles, too. The good old days! xo
I'm beside myself, I'm so excited. This will be my third Mini. I have a habit of browsing for cars when I'm feeling unsettled. I don't where this trait originated...but I find speculative shopping very calming...I've had it in my head for a long time that I needed to get another Mini. This is one's not my first color choice, but it's super cute. xo
I’d love to see a pic of Nan and Mini #3 ;) It’s interesting you mentioning browsing for cars when you are feeling unsettled. I start thinking about moving when I am feeling unsettled, or “itchy”, lol.
Joy had escaped me for a while. I forgot what it was like. Now, I remind myself by taking the dogs for long walks in some of our most beautiful spaces. Getting ready for my 7 fish dinner on Christmas Eve always brings me joy so I’m diving into it.
Oh! Walks with dogs are the BEST. The combination of canine company, movement, and fresh air never fails to bring joy and also calm. I'm glad you're getting that in your life. And good luck with your dinner - sounds amazing!
I hope you DO write a post. I love your mini story about walking out on the madness of Christmas shopping. I'm all for that!
I have barely started my own shopping, and - to be honest - I am feeling a little stumped this year. I'd like to make gifts, but I don't see myself having the time, but ... we'll see.
Here's to finding a better pace and a less commercial approach to the holiday!💜
I was just thinking this yesterday. I don't usually look forward to winter; it's so dark and cold, and I feel so cooped up. But we had our first snow fall yesterday, and I realized, for maybe the first time ever, that I was looking forward to winter. I am so ready for all that dark and quiet.
First snow!! I don't care how old I get, that first snow will always be magical. I'm glad it brought you cozy feelings. I'm definitely looking at this season as a chance to slow down and maybe start digging into that long-neglected TBR pile.😊
Your mention of Boxing Day in pajamas with scones and a good book... that's my kind of holiday! It's so easy to get swept up in the frenzy of the season, but I love that you're giving yourself permission to slow down and embrace the quiet moments. It reminds me of a time when I decided to skip a big holiday party and instead spent the evening curled up by the fire with a stack of novels. It was the best decision I made that year.
Your night by the fire with a stack of novels sounds wonderful.
Thanks for the encouragement to embrace those quiet moments. Talk to me a in a month, and see how I'm doing. 😁 Best intentions and all that. Knowing what you want it half the battle though, right?
Rebellion is about leaving the rat race and thinking for ourselves. And I’m a rebel at heart
I find myself wanting to avoid the rushing busyness of all this holiday stuff completely this year. I’m going to give myself permission to focus on family and my self care at the expense of corporate agendas like buying stuff
I think we are part of a growing trend, Tim. Seems like everyone I talk to is pulling back this year, and not just for financial reasons, but also because we're just tired of jumping through the capitalist hoops laid out by retailers. Here's to focusing on what really matters ... and having more fun!
"Skipping the nonsense" is the absolutely perfect way to describe how I'd like to approach the holidays. We're keeping it pretty simple and low key in my family this year ... at least that's the intention. I am so glad to be in the company of others, like you, who feel the same way and are starting to shift things away from out-and-out capitalist commercialism. It's a hard habit to break! Thanks so much for being here ... and for enjoying the comments as much as the post!
I love this line, "Something in my body feels pulled toward the earth like an animal going to ground. I am longing for stillness and quiet and even darkness." Observing and being in nature, aligning with it can be teachable moments unfolding in our own lives. The way you circle back to your previous post, y, “I had a vision of Death, and she was beautiful.” - well it's very powerful.
Thank you so much, Rhaine. I could not agree with you more about what a wise teacher Nature is. She has endless lessons to share, and often does so in the most beautiful ways. I really appreciate you being here.💜
I found some joy tonight. I stepped away from being practical and did something that made me feel happy and alive. I traded in my sensible low mileage Kia for an insensible lower mileage used 2019 4-door Hardtop Mini Cooper (blue with a white roof and mirrors) WITH A STICKSHIFT. Mini is my favorite car, even with it’s required premium gas and pricey maintenance costs. But I don’t care. The world is changing too fast, manual transmission cars are harder and harder to find and there’s nothing like the feel of cornering in one of these little sweeties. It’s being delivered next Saturday! Huzzah!
Stickshift? You are a badass, Nan! I love the joy you bring to everything. Your enthusiasm and appreciation and genuine curiosity and openness are endlessly inspiring. Congratulations on your new ride - it suits you perfectly!!
Thanks, Jamie! I can't wait to get it. The first car I ever bought was a stick, and I had no idea how to drive it. But it was $150, and the guy was selling it offered to teach me and I took him up on it! There was no turning back after that. And if you think I'm a badass, you should have know me when I was obsessed with motorcycles, too. The good old days! xo
Yay for you, Nan! How joyful :)
I'm beside myself, I'm so excited. This will be my third Mini. I have a habit of browsing for cars when I'm feeling unsettled. I don't where this trait originated...but I find speculative shopping very calming...I've had it in my head for a long time that I needed to get another Mini. This is one's not my first color choice, but it's super cute. xo
I’d love to see a pic of Nan and Mini #3 ;) It’s interesting you mentioning browsing for cars when you are feeling unsettled. I start thinking about moving when I am feeling unsettled, or “itchy”, lol.
Oh, yeah, that too. I've moved in my head SO many times...almost as many times as in real life! xo
Joy had escaped me for a while. I forgot what it was like. Now, I remind myself by taking the dogs for long walks in some of our most beautiful spaces. Getting ready for my 7 fish dinner on Christmas Eve always brings me joy so I’m diving into it.
Oh! Walks with dogs are the BEST. The combination of canine company, movement, and fresh air never fails to bring joy and also calm. I'm glad you're getting that in your life. And good luck with your dinner - sounds amazing!
Love the easy pace you prefer!
Yesterday I travelled half an hour to a salon I prefer, and afterwards decided to shop for a couple of fitted bedsheets for our campertrailer.
A queue to pay had about 50 people waiting in line!
I turned away, put my sheets on a sheld and walked out!
Christmas shopping gone mad already!
For years I've preferred slow, country style pace.
Commercialism of special times of the year has overshadowed the true meaning.
This year, I'll shop in the quiet of early mornings for the few items I need to find.
Usually I find suitable gifts throughout the year. This time, I'm a little behind. Mostly, we don't bother...just a get together is all we need!
I think I need to write a post!!!
Hello, Eileen!
I hope you DO write a post. I love your mini story about walking out on the madness of Christmas shopping. I'm all for that!
I have barely started my own shopping, and - to be honest - I am feeling a little stumped this year. I'd like to make gifts, but I don't see myself having the time, but ... we'll see.
Here's to finding a better pace and a less commercial approach to the holiday!💜
Hmm, a Saturday Side Quest. I almost missed it, but I'll try to slow down and find some joy. Thanks for the contemplative post.
I'm so glad you didn't miss it, Elizabeth. Glad to have you here.💜
Good luck slowing down and finding lots of joy. My intentions to do so are a work in progress, but I'm not giving up.
I was just thinking this yesterday. I don't usually look forward to winter; it's so dark and cold, and I feel so cooped up. But we had our first snow fall yesterday, and I realized, for maybe the first time ever, that I was looking forward to winter. I am so ready for all that dark and quiet.
First snow!! I don't care how old I get, that first snow will always be magical. I'm glad it brought you cozy feelings. I'm definitely looking at this season as a chance to slow down and maybe start digging into that long-neglected TBR pile.😊
Your mention of Boxing Day in pajamas with scones and a good book... that's my kind of holiday! It's so easy to get swept up in the frenzy of the season, but I love that you're giving yourself permission to slow down and embrace the quiet moments. It reminds me of a time when I decided to skip a big holiday party and instead spent the evening curled up by the fire with a stack of novels. It was the best decision I made that year.
Your night by the fire with a stack of novels sounds wonderful.
Thanks for the encouragement to embrace those quiet moments. Talk to me a in a month, and see how I'm doing. 😁 Best intentions and all that. Knowing what you want it half the battle though, right?
Rebellion is about leaving the rat race and thinking for ourselves. And I’m a rebel at heart
I find myself wanting to avoid the rushing busyness of all this holiday stuff completely this year. I’m going to give myself permission to focus on family and my self care at the expense of corporate agendas like buying stuff
I think we are part of a growing trend, Tim. Seems like everyone I talk to is pulling back this year, and not just for financial reasons, but also because we're just tired of jumping through the capitalist hoops laid out by retailers. Here's to focusing on what really matters ... and having more fun!
"Skipping the nonsense" is the absolutely perfect way to describe how I'd like to approach the holidays. We're keeping it pretty simple and low key in my family this year ... at least that's the intention. I am so glad to be in the company of others, like you, who feel the same way and are starting to shift things away from out-and-out capitalist commercialism. It's a hard habit to break! Thanks so much for being here ... and for enjoying the comments as much as the post!