I think it happens to most of us. We kind of hit a spot in our lives (usually later rather than sooner) where we stop and reassess. Where have we been and where are we going? And most importantly, how much time do we still have left to get there? I remember when I was young and life stretched on forever. Now that I’m past the half-century mark, it doesn’t go so far anymore. And I’m starting to realize that my ability to do just as I please is becoming more limited as well. Although I have the will, I don’t have the stamina that I used to have though I’m still pretty fit. I have different needs and desires now. I don’t put up with negative stuff like I used to. I’m still really patient, at least most of the time, but I’m not going to be seated near the kitchen door when there’s a seat near the window.
There are advantages to being this age. You can use it for an excuse, as in “No, I can’t come over and help you move the furniture. I would like to be able to move my body later.” And “Yes, we must leave this deadly dull event early because we must be in bed by 9pm.” Who cares whether I’m wearing 20-year-old sweat pants and I have bed-head. Nobody really notices me much on the street. And if they do, they probably think I’m just a bit eccentric. Well, actually I am and I like it that way. You ain’t seen nothing yet. Wait until I really get old!
This brings up some new thoughts in my head. What to keep and what to pitch out? What am I really realistically going to be able to do with all the stuff in my stash? No, don’t panic. I’m not having a garage sale anytime soon or hiring one of those big disposal bins! I’m just starting to try to put it all in better perspective. Be a wee bit more focused. I’ll let you know if it’s working or if I peter out like usual.
In crafty news, I spent about 3/4 of an hour yesterday trying to fix an error in the beret about 5 or 6 rows down where I’d caught an extra stitch in my k2tog-tbl effectively making it a k3tog-tbl and my pattern repeat one stitch short. Don’t ask me why I didn’t notice it until I was trying to place a bead in the correct stitch. It took a sock needle and a crochet hook to get it all picked up again. But ya can’t see where I fixed it so I guess I done good. I’m waffling on how long to make the body of the beret. This will affect the width of the hat when blocked flat so it’s kind of a critical measurement. It also has to start on the correct row of the pattern for the crown to come out right as I’ve charted it. This is like watching a 3-part miniseries: I can’t wait to find out what happens next. And whether the ending goes the way I’d imagined.
Well, my Dye Day for this Saturday is now cancelled. Why do I always think that 5 people can all make it to the same place at the same time? First they get excited. Then they say they can come. Then they say “Oops! Sorry.” That may just be the last time I even try to schedule this. I’m getting too frustrated. On the other hand, that leaves another day free! Probably fabric shopping for the wedding garb. We haven’t done that yet. First I need to make the patterns. Since I don’t have to prepare for the workshop, I’ve got time now.
3 comments:
I love being That Certain Age!
When people sign up for your classes, you could take half of their money as a deposit for you holding the day open. That way, they get to reserve you for that day and if they cancel, you get money for your teaching-turned-fabric-shopping day! A true win-win!
I found myself thinking about 'how far the road is behind me and how short it is ahead' about two years ago. It somehow helps you to sort through what is really mportant and prioritize. Especially when you get another funeral notice! I seem to be getting more use from a black suit than my party clothes lately. Reaching this place gives you permission to do things like say 'no thank you' with more ease, call people you haven't spoken to in a long time.... and get serious about using a stash!
My weaving stash is 'generous' and now I seem to buy mostly books (when new titles appear) Not yarn so much anymore unless I *really* need it. This means when I really need it, there's no agonizing anymore....I just do it!
Also reaching this place ( and this can happen at any age) you tend to notice things that others are simply too busy to see.
Like the new buds on the hydrangea, the tulips coming up and the birds with nesting material in their beaks.
Hugs, Susan
Oh, I can SO relate to this post! I'm going to be 56 the first week of March, but I don't think I'd trade that for being in my 20s again. Well, maybe 30s or 40s wouldn't be so bad. I truly understand now that old saying, "if I knew then what I know now..."
Post a Comment