“Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from.”
~ Seth Godin
Late afternoon–late, because it’s been a busy day–I settle in to my old comfortable lawn swing with a few books, my Kindle, a bottle of water, and my reading glasses (two pair: my regular ones and sunglasses). Gerry settles into a chair nearby with his book, and Maya stretches out on the grass in the sunshine. It’s hot, but pleasant enough in the shade of our lower patio.
I’ve just come from the library where I picked up Julia Cameron’s The Right to Write and am eager to dive in. I’ve been savouring John Piper’s Desiring God, so brought it along too. It’s one of those books I’m reading slowly and taking time to ruminate on. Finally, The Daughter by Jane Shemilt is on my Kindle; I’m nearing the climax so I may choose to lose myself in there for a while too.
This is what I dreamed of when I was stuck in countless meetings while I was still working: time to read on the patio. Gerry and I would email one another (meet you on the patio at 5:30!) on warm summer days. We’d enjoy a cold glass of Chardonnay together, chat about our day, and eventually pull out our books and magazines. It was paradise.
Its funny, but now that I can do this, I don’t do it as often as I thought I would. Life is still busy, but busy in a different way; satisfying in a way that I don’t need to build in escape time from. We still enjoy our patio time but not in the same frantic “gotta grab it while we can” way. These days it simply flows. It’s a different season. I feel blessed.
You are so right Linda . I still work but part time and I agree with I don’t spend enough quality time reading . That book you mentioned by Julia Cameron was given to me by a friend many years ago , I had forgotten all about it . Thank you for reminding me , I’ll root it out .
By the way that passage sounds utter bliss …who needs a holiday anyway ?
Cameron’s book is well worth digging out, Cherry. I’m enjoying it and finding much inspiration. Hope you will too!