What Drives You?!

I recently came across this thought in a book I'm reading: 

"Beware what drives you on... What we long for regulates our actions, shapes our motives, determines our relationships, directs our hearts, consumes our lives. What is it that consumes yours?"

It made me stop and think...

When I was a teenager, I couldn't wait to leave home and "see the world." Where did that all-consuming desire come from? I don't know - but I'm sure it was fuelled by the books I read and movies I watched. 

My mind jumps to the present: What do I long for now?! I still like to "see the world" but, this past year, most of my "travel" has taken the shape of virtual walks in places like Mexico, India and Spain. (In reality, I'm rarely far from home.)

I long to live a quiet life, at peace with friends and family... 

Creativity - whether in pottery, painting, gardening, blogging or fiber arts (like knitting and quilting) also gives me great joy.

"What drives me?" is an interesting question to ask ourselves from time to time... I wouldn't say "BEWARE" but "BE AWARE" ... (unless you're UNHAPPY with your life.)

PS "What drives you?" is an interesting question to ask others, too... 

(BEWARE, Terry, I'll probably ask you!)

Learning About Illinois

A few weeks ago, I started my long virtual trek along the highway called Route 66!

Starting in Chicago, the highway culminates in Los Angeles. I expect it will take me between 18 and 24 months to complete... if all goes well!

I did have to cut back on my daily walking a bit when I developed a sore foot...

But I'm hoping it won't slow me down significantly in the end.

In the few weeks I've been walking along Route 66, pausing to look at the scenery around me, I'm most surprised by the flatness of the land. It's more like the prairies (where I lived as a child) than the forests of Ontario and Quebec... and the eastern United States.

That surprised me!

What a Difference!

What a difference a year makes!

Last year, in 2023, the white cat my older son lives with would run and hide when children appeared. 

Only the older brown cat, who grew up with children around, enjoyed hanging out with the kids.

But this year...

Jericho became friends with the white one, too. 

Glad to see it happen!

Happy About the Weather

Life was simpler before we had weather apps on our computers and phones. Most days we just headed out to work, come what may. Now, we not only check the weather forecast - we stare at the weather radar to watch it and arrive at our own conclusions.

Ate we happier knowing so much more?! 

(Or are we simply more stressed?!)

I recently came across this little story from back in the day, when times were simpler*:

A traveler asked: "What kind of weather are we going to have today?" And the old shepherd said: "The kind of weather I like."

"How do you know it will be the kind of weather you like?" the traveler scoffed.

"Having found out, sir, I cannot always get what I like, I have learned always to like what I get. So I am quite sure we will have the kind of weather I like."

_____

* Anecdote found in "The Psalms: Meditations for Every Day of the Year" by Joan Chittister.

Early Summer Mornings

I love early summer mornings - especially if the air outdoors is fresh and cool... 

I open all the doors and windows to let the cool morning breeze flow in.

Sometimes, if I'm lucky, I see baby bunnies hop out of the front flower bed, where I think they live.

Early morning is also the time I see birds, squirrels ... and an occasional skunk, returning home to sleep after hunting for food (tearing up lawns to find grubs to eat) all night.

Sore Neck...

For weeks now, I've had a sore neck. Finally I've decided to make some changes to deal with it...

Switched pillows - no change!

Changed purses... (Mine was heavy.) So far, no change. (Wondered if it was pulling on my shoulder.)

Am I  spending too much time looking down: knitting? reading? or looking at my cell phone?!

So far, the only things that give quick relief are this bag of cherry pits, warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds, (used as a warm compress around my neck).

Also... I switched out my regular pillow for this neck rest I bought to sleep sitting up on planes. It seems to be helping, too.

Construction Season

It's construction season in our neighbourhood.

No driving - road closed!

I guess they're putting in the sewer line.

Glad it's a few blocks down!

This basement on the next block has me puzzled - are they planning to build one house or two?! There appears to be one basement - but for months there was a city sign saying the builder was requesting a variance to build two. Has there been a change of plans?!

Lots of changes coming!