Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I think a lot.............

There is a reason one should keep all the paperwork in files and in order. I know. I happen to be missing the gene that automatically triggers organisation. Sigh. So, on a grey day more reminiscent of winter, where the heating is on (I know - nightmare) I have been upending box after box trying to find facts and figures that we need at the moment. The lawyers. Oh well. For those of you new here, my husband's death is still being investigated. Nearly 7 years on. Hospitals. Manufacturers. Importers. Aaaaargh.

And in the meantime, life goes on. Doesn't it always? That is one of the most reassuring of facts, you know. Time ticks on, seasons change, night follows day and we get on with living the best we can.

The organising. I loathe it.

Unless it involves fabric or yarn or fascinating bits and bobs, like templates or cameras, or ........

I digress.

My days may seem boring to some, but you know, I have earned the right to slow down and savour things a little more. 36 years of being a Mum does that. I love poddling about in the garden. I love reading, although that is seriously challenging when the meds I have to take interfere with my short term memory. I start a book and by chapter 3 I have forgotten everything. So I read non-fiction instead. Somehow, I remember that better. I love being creative. Sewing, quilting, playing with wood, paper, fabric, wool. I absolutely love writing. I bake a bit, especially at Christmas. I need to have people around to eat the things I make or you would be talking to Jumbo here. I love talking. Thinking. Remembering. Reflecting.

Multi-faceted. Facetted? Whatever. Me.

And the doing. Things like the aquazumba - I can dance in the water. Pilates when I can get into a class. Walking.

I am happy to stay close to home. I do not have to be out every day. I love being here. That doesn't mean, however, that I want to be a recluse or to avoid travel. I LOVE people. I LOVE adventures. I love going to different countries and exploring everything. I have big dreams, and a List of Things To Do Before I Die too. My own bucket list.

Actually, I have had it for decades. Long before it became fashionable. I try to cross a few things off each year, and keep adding to it as I grow older. I eliminate stuff too. Seriously, my days of dreaming about a tandem paragliding flight are now out of the question. Not just the physical part where you have to run off a cliff .(I can't run anywhere any more, never mind off a cliff. Maybe if a lion was chasing me, I could. Jet propelled.) But the mental part. I have no desire to do it anymore.

One thing though, as you get older, the need to suddenly add more and more things to that list speeds up dramatically. There is more of a sense of urgency. I want to try things. Be in places. Do stuff. Meet people. I don't mind being alone. But it would be lovely to do some things with friends as well. Will be. I have great friends.

There is a variation of the words below out on the Internet, but I rather like this version. See what you think......

Hunter S Thompson wrote it this way:


“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”


So much to do. Dreams to fulfil. Some of mine are teeny. I can manage them. Some are immense. I will manage them too. One day.

And so, I am happy here, watching my garden grow. planting seeds, watering them, tending them, and seeing them blossom into beauty. Just like it was giving birth to and raising 3 children of mine. All grown, blossoming and beautiful now. And still the gardener watches over them, and still is tempted to prune and tend. Mothering, you know, never stops. They forgot to mention that in the handbook.

A lot of words today. I like words.

8 comments:

Pam said...

Beautifully said, Linds. I find myself wishing I could hear you read it out loud. I'm with you on the paragliding. I used to want to sky dive, but not so much anymore. I want to travel -- in your direction someday, perhaps?!

Enjoyed my visit today. See you again soon!

Chris said...

I wonder, when we are old enough to let ourselves go gray, what will we regret not doing?

Paragliding will NOT be one of mine!

I think I will regret never having traveled (travelled? whatever) to places "across the pond"...

Pam said...

Never wanted to paraglide but I would like to visit Australia and New Zealand, preferably without the long journey... . Probably won't, though.

Vee said...

Love reading what you write. You are far, far more adventurous than I. I'm saving some of those youthful desires for my new body that will be able to take the excitement. I had a piece of mail arrive this week that has sent me scurrying to the files...in deplorable shape...papers stuffed in folders in stacks...oh how disorganized I am!

Needled Mom said...

It really is a great stage in life. It doesn't even bother me to cross off some of those things from THAT list. I am more than content to sit back and enjoy my garden and family that surrounds me.

Crystal said...

I love seeing what you've written each day - it's always something new and interesting! I have a list and thankfully some travel items have big check marks beside them - but I keep adding to that column in a big way! I do hope you will come here to visit and then we can wander around a few provinces and slip in to see Becky (I'm sure she is less than a day's drive away). I am having trouble adjusting to the 'sit and just be' part - my mind starts racing and I feel I need to be doing one of umpteen things that are staring me in the face. God isn't finished with me in this one yet!

And organizing?! I would love to set fire to all the government forms that farmers are required to fill out for taxes, census, registrations, etc. etc. etc.! I agree with you - give me fabric and ribbon and paper and stamps and I will be so happy :) Love these chats I can have with you, Linds!

Susan said...

I love words too - I love coming here and seeing what is new with you.

Since I am relatively new to the blog, I had not idea about your husband's death being investigated. I am so sorry for your loss, and on top of that the complication of an investigation. I hope it progresses as it should.

a Life List is a good thing (bucket list?) I need to refine mine.

God bless you Linds

The Bookworm said...

I love that Hunter S Thompson quote - hadn't seen it before. I also love bucket lists. Time to update mine too, I think.