Sometimes, life gets in the way of Art
Originally Published 6-11-2011
Where the heck have you been? I've heard that about 90 times in the past 10 days.
OK, I admit it -- I haven't been here in a while, either. I had good intentions, really. But you've heard that old saying about the road to the devil and good intentions.
It's life. My life. Something I haven't really paid too much attention to in a decade really, unlike my work, which I was consumed by 24/7. But my life -- the real one -- finally jumped up and tapped me on the back and said, "Hey You! Pay attention. You only get one of me, and you've been working too hard for too long. You've been focused away for a long time and you need to stop. Please, rest now. It's time to live."
So, I listened. I went to an enchanted tropical island. I rested. I ate low on the food chain. My only worry was what to make for the next meal. I was unplugged and disconnected. Sounds of nature. Naps in the hammock. Snorkeling in the sea. Stars in the night sky. Love and laughter. No buzz. No news. No internet, no nothing but the pulse of life -- the real one. And, it took a week or so, but I remembered who I am. I remembered what I love, what I want, and what really matters to me.
When I got back, everything here was the same, only more so. I am not.
I am finally fixing a bunch of annoying things that I let go for almost ever because I was working so hard elsewhere. Things of my life that matter but I didn't make time for. Doors that needed hinges. Paint in the hallway. The attic steps. The porch. The ugly pink living room. Too-large clothes I don't wear. The thistle eradication project. The basement crap. The throwing out, purging and pushing away what and who was there in my life once and isn't any more. And, the gathering in, embracing and welcoming what and who is there now.
Including me.
Sorry I haven't written in a while. But I am back again.
And, the latch on the second floor bathroom door works!
Todays Tip: Has nothing to do with metalwork.
First, wait for a still, rain free day. Then, to win the invasive weed war against Canada Thistle, cut the stem to about 3 inches tall and use an eyedropper to drip Roundup inside the hollow center of the stem. Watch those evil plants that you have been battling for 6 growing seasons die a tortured death over the course of 2 or 3 days and finally have your revenge. Then, celebrate victory and go to the garden center for some new plants to fill the real estate you suddenly have after so many years...