Saturday, December 29, 2012

The Rhythm of Things

Have you noticed that life seems to have its own rhythms?  I completely expected to get up early today and head into the Sweat Shop for some quality quilting time, but when I got up, I fixed a cup of coffee and snuggled up on the couch with a book.  I couldn't figure out why I wasn't sewing instead of reading.  For the last couple weeks, reading seemed like the choice that made the most sense, given my snot-plugged brain and sluggish cold-ridden body, but surely I was feeling well enough now to sew, right?

As the hours passed today and I remained on the couch reading, I finally realized what was going on.  For most of my life, the week between Christmas and New Year has been a quiet time to unwind and relax.  It's been a reflective time.  And, ever since I was old enough to read, I think I've often spent that period of time reading--sometimes because I've received some great books as Christmas gifts and sometimes just because it seemed like the most attractive idea.  After all, a good book, a cup of hot chocolate, and a warm blanket are SOOOOOO comforting when the weather outside is cold and rainy!

In keeping a blog, I've noticed I can look back throughout the year and see what I was doing the year before or the year before that.  It's surprising to find that I'm pretty consistent when it comes to starting to think about things at certain times.  For instance, if I look back and see when I start to think about Christmas and Christmas projects, it's often right around the same time each year.  I don't know if those thoughts are triggered by what's going on in the commercial world or whether it's just my own annual time clock, but it's an interesting thing, I think.

So I'm just going to relax, get well again, and enjoy doing whatever I decide to do at the time, whether that might be sewing, reading, cooking, or something else completely.  As we head toward the new year, it's a good time to slow down and reflect anyway.  I've been giving some thought to my quilting direction next year and what my goal might be.  How about you?  Do you know where you're heading?

7 comments:

Nonnie said...

I got a few good books for Christmas and have been reading. Plus here in Ohio we have gotten snow for the past few days so to me that is time to hybernate. Love the snow My DH not so much.
I did do some applique yesterday which I have done in a very long time.
Keep feeling better Kim and have a Happy New Year

Kim said...

Sometimes you just need those down times. And cuddling up with a good book sounds great to me. I don't read books nearly as much as I used to since I read so many blogs instead. That's going to change this year. I want to keep getting better at my quilt making and especially quilting. I would like to get "licensed" for the long arm and then rent time on it to quilt. I can't wait to see what your goals will be.

kcenya1950 said...

i just did some reorganizing in my quilt space and discovered that my scraps have gotten way out of hand. i think it is because i had changed how i stored them and while i thought it was a good idea at the time, it was not convenient to get to them.

so my 2013 quilting plan is to use scraps, scraps, scraps. since i love scrap quilts anyway

but i also love to read and since one of my small quilt groups meets in a library every week, that makes it so easy to get books that then i have the sew vs read dilemma often. especially when the book is of the "can't put down" variety.

hope you are feeling better

Anonymous said...

I think some "down" time is just what you need. Enjoy!!

OneOldGoat said...

The week between Christmas and New Years has always been really mellow for me, too. Also, a few years back my oldest son bought me the book Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg and read that every year - just makes the season get off right. This week I'm reading Jennifer Chiaverinis The Giving Quilt.
Enjoy being comfy and warm....it is a rare time away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the year. Happy New Year!

Jeanne said...

I feel the same way about the week after Christmas! Hope you are feeling great when 2013 rolls in.

Marla said...

It seems I tend to do a lot of reading between Christmas and New Years too. I wonder if it is because I am just waiting for the new year to start fresh and new for quilting projects. Rest my brain so to speak. Enjoy!