These days I have a lot of time on my hands. I would give anything to work or volunteer somewhere, but that’s not an option at the moment. I remember when my life used to be full and busy and I always wished I had more time… more time to read, or write, or exercise, etc. But when you have all the time in the world, and you’ve spent time during the day reading, writing, and exercising, what else would you do?
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I was going to say writing, since I would do that eight hours a day if I could… But if we eliminate that and go to the next thing on my to-do list, I have a half-dozen sewing projects I fantasize about (Like, I want to sew a real, medieval-style bodice. And a wedding-ring quilt), and I would also like to learn how to do cable-knitting, and specifically how to knit cable-knit socks. Also, I have this book that I once bought at a yardsale that will supposedly teach me to do sleight-of-hand card tricks, but I’ve never even cracked it open. And grow herbs for my kitchen. And learn Arabic – I used to be really regular about listening to Arabic podcasts, and then I let it lapse. And I would record books at librivox.org for other people to listen to. Oh, and I want to make sauerkraut. I keep buying a head of cabbage to do it, and it really doesn’t take much time, but I always forget and eat the cabbage fresh.
There, if you manage to do any of that, you will at least have lived out my fantasy, and I can enjoy it vicariously. But I’m sure you will find something even better for yourself.
Love you.
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Those are excellent ambitions Mary. Thank you for sharing them. Learning how to knit something more advanced than a dishcloth is on my list! I also want to grow herbs for my kitchen… I treid growing herbs this summer with little success but I think I’ll try better quality soil/fertilizer next time! Have you recorded any books at librivox yet? I didn’t even know that existed, and I’m going to check it out!
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If I had unlimited time, and money….probably take some classes, I miss formal learning. I would love to take a pottery class and some other crafty classes. Work on crafty projects… it’s hard to get that balance though. Of time and energy…I find now, I have more time in the evenings because Eden’s asleep but I’m so tired because of the pregnancy (only a few weeks left) that all I want to do is sit with my feet up and read. Which is alright I guess but it’s funny how when you have the time there’s normally other things that stand in the way of using it just how you would want to.
I just found this quote by Benjamin Frankin that I quite like:
“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that’s the stuff life is made of.”
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Thanks Kathryn! That is a great quote. I need to remember that one ’cause I really DO love life!! xoxo
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I have a couple of ambitions for when I have more time, which hopefully I will begin anyway. One is that I want to learn American Sign Language, and broaden my ability to communicate with others. It might also be a chance to experiment with recipes – finding fast, healthy recipes that could be useful when there is someone extra around?
I was also thinking that you might be interested in prayer shawl ministry: http://www.shawlministry.com/
The idea is knitting/crocheting a shawl for someone (often someone who is ill, grieving, or in a time of transition, although not necessarily). While working on the project, you pray for that person, either generally or specifically, and then give it to them. Although often people form groups, it’s not necessary & it can be a good thing to do when you have extra time (& aren’t able to give to people in other ways). They have really basic patterns (a couple on the site), so you should be fine even though it’s bigger than a dishcloth.
I’ve started a prayer shawl group with a friend, and am planning my first crocheted shawl right now. If you decide to go this direction, we can share notes. At first I had no idea who to give the shawl to, but before our group’s first meeting, I had more than one person in mind. Apparently this is a common occurrence that the person who it’s for will appear just before beginning, or while working on a shawl.
Wishing you all the best with your blessing of time!
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What a wonderful idea, Em. Nuni and I are going to try really hard to find knitting needles and/or a crochet hook and some yarn for me so I think this would be an excellent project. Now I just have to learn how to follow patterns. I have always wanted to learn how to make granny squares too. Maybe I will youtube it…
Building my collection of recipes is another great idea… I want to master the art of pressure pan beans while I’m here so that is something I need to get cracking on as well.
Oh and I ALSO want to learn sign language! At least enough to teach the baby a little bit. I have seen some families do this and I think it is a great idea.
Thanks Em.
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If you use the patterns on the prayer shawl website, they are particularly easy to follow. Let me know if you have any questions. The basic abbreviations for knitting are k=knit & p=purl (the other basic stitch where you’re going in from the top of the loop rather than the bottom).
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Hey, just thought I’d weigh in on the comments again:) We did basic sign language with Eden and it was fantastic because she could communicate with us (basic needs) much earlier than she could verbally express herself. YOu should definitely try it! When are you due again? I also love trying new recipes and modifying traditional recipes to be healthier:) Now I need to get caught up on your blog:)
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Hey Kathryn! You are one of the families I was thinking of 🙂 Do you have any good resources for teaching sign language? Did you just youtube it?? That’s my answer for a lot of things these days! I found a nice recipe/food blog the other day: heathereatsalmondbutter.com
I am due July 1st ish!! Can’t wait!!
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