One Day Away From Everything
“Every person needs to take one day away. A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future. Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence. Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”
Dear One,
When is the last time you had a day (or most of a day) to yourself? I'm talking no partner, no kiddos, no online meeting---a day that involves no interaction with other humans you are acquainted with (though a dog following along seems like a plus). As a kid growing up in the middle of nowhere, I was able to create opportunities for that type of day more easily than I can now. I would pack a sandwich, a jar of lemonade, and a book and head off into the surrounding hardwood forest to...just be. Sometimes I got a bit lost, sometimes I'd discover a ravine full of ferns so gorgeous that my breath would catch. Often I'd come across raspberries or blackberries to snack on. But no one worried about me or checked on me as long as I was home in time for dinner.
As a grown-ass human, I find that carving out that kind of time is far more challenging...and I'm an empty-nester, for crying out loud! I think I also forget that I need a day away. I convince myself that an hour alone in my house counts...even when that hour includes laundry and a couple of phone calls. I consider the possibility that the time I spent mowing the lawn was "quiet time in nature". Which, of course, it wasn't.
Things I like to do when I eventually get both my body and my brain to take a day off at the same time:
--read good fiction (Whistler by Ann Patchet is a recent fave)
--walk in the woods (I still live near a hardwood forest!)
--nap (especially if a screen porch or hammock is available)
--daydream and let my mind wander wherever it wishes
--knit (this will not surprise you) in a new location, ideally outdoors this time of year
The photo above is me working on a bit of gauge swatching. Outdoors. And, yes, I'm in my pajamas. Because it was a beautiful morning and there was no one around and I had a fab cup of coffee. So pajamas were perfect. It wasn't a whole day, but it helped.
The "pajama" yarn is my new summer favorite: Saona by WoolDreamers. You've heard me sing its praises before: Sport-to-DK weight, 50% wool/50% cotton, and the colors have a softness that's perfect for summer garments. I often recommend it for baby and child sweaters--in addition to things for adults. It occurs to me that it would be a wonderful choice for a summer evening/morning throw as well. Hmmm.
Keep looking for chances to take your One Day Away. And for projects/books/playlists that are "One Day" worthy. Because ordinary life will fill up every minute, if you're not careful. And you deserve an extraordinary day of your own.
Warmly,
Gaby
On-Going Opportunities:
Makers Mornings -- the 3rd Saturday of each month (Jan-May and Sep-Nov)
Beginning Crochet Class -- usually once per month on a Thursday afternoon
Beginning Knit Class -- usually once per month on a Thursday afternoon
