The Beaten Path

I never thought highly of routine or people who seemed to be pleased that they had one. The word itself could be defined as "a stifling trap" in my dictionary and was something to be avoided. Now it seems that I have one, and it is OK, even comfortable. Since returning from my relaxing birthday vacation, that is where I fell, into a routine. My two jobs provide the framework of my routine and are keeping me more than busy. My goals are the glue that hold the framework together. It's not so bad.

Deserted Island?

Not having much to say today, I decided to post another vacation picture.

Changing Through the Decades

• When I was a child, I thought grown ups knew everything. They made all the big decisions, elected presidents, and had all the answers. Or so I thought.
• As a new bride of nineteen, obviously an adult since I was married, I mistakenly thought I would be granted the wisdom I would need to step into their shoes, but it did not come.
• Then in my twenties when my babies were calling to me for knowledge and guidance, I was overwhelmed, and tired from the joy and labors of the days. My ways went more with the culture of the times, an anything goes liberalism, rather than common sense.
• In my thirties as I was beginning to feel like an adult woman, and after wearing out my poor brain with introspection and philosophising, I began to figure out a few things.
• In my forties as my life changed, I grew from experience, observation, and many insightful moments.
• By my fifties, after many troubles, toils and snares, I finally got a good head on my shoulders.
• Now that I am fully grown and settled comfortably in my sixties (some of us are slow), I get it. I am ready to take on the mantle of responsible, mature adult. If anyone cares.

Not an impulse buy

There were several produce stands that advertised "Delicious Sweet Bogue Sound Watermelons" while we were vacationing. Naturally I wanted to get one and see for myself, so we stopped to shop on the way out. And yes it - an old fashioned oval one with black seeds - is delicious. There were other items for sale there too, locally grown veggies, homemade jams and baked items, and a stack of dishcloths that someone had crocheted that sparked a connection back to my childhood. I bought the blue and green one on the right side in the middle. I had to. When I was nine or so, I had a small square pot holder loom and lots of those colorful loops. That summer I entertained myself by making potholders, one after another. Fortunately there was a small grocery store up the street that kindly agreed to sell some for me. I was thrilled when I knew that someone had actually paid a quarter for my work of art! Not that I was dying to have a crocheted dishcloth on Monday, but I wondered if the fingers that made these were a little girl's and if she would be as happy as I was long ago when I got paid for a potholder.

Thought for the Day

"Work is not always required. There is such a thing as sacred idleness, the civilization of which is now fearfully neglected."

George McDonald