Monday, February 8, 2010

Both Sides of the Coin

Adventure is high on my list of things I value.

When we lost power for over a week in a snow storm, I reveled in figuring out how to make do for collecting water, cooking and keeping our family as comfortable as possible. It was a game - roughing it.

Camping is much more fun for me when the least amount of stuff is brought along. The less the better. Only essentials.

When traveling, my small, worn, carry-on is stripped to the bare necessities. Traveling light makes the trip enjoyable.

When the cupboards quit bulging and the fridge looks empty, I often go a few more days without shopping, to see what I can come up with for a meal. It is fun for me. Sort of a creative challenge. My family doesn't have the same response. Tomorrow-shopping.

It is good to know what I need and what I can easily do without. Sorting out my needs from my wants changes over time. My needs are simple right now.

Outside, I need good coffee with real cream. Words. Water to lay in. Water to sit by. One good down comforter. Flowers to grow. Kisses. Music. Chocolate. A dog by the fire. One good pen. A notebook.

Inside, I need to believe I'm loved in order to give. I need to believe I have something to offer that matters. I need to give. I need to keep learning fresh new ways to think. I need to taste and see and notice the goodness surrounding me. I need to follow a leader who believes and assumes the best about me first. I need my family and friends. I need to practice now to become ~ the older woman who finishes well.

Most of all, I need to wait and see what is unfolding without me pulling it open.


It is possible to wait while being productive and adventurous... 

15 comments:

Janet Oberholtzer said...

Great post - your last sentence is so true.

I also like how you challenge yourself to do with less. The past few years I've learned to travel lighter - whether actually traveling or not - and I really like it.

Maureen said...

I came back, as earlier I couldn't leave a comment. Just wanted to say:
excellent post!

Erin said...

"I need to wait and see what is unfolding without me pulling it open."

This.

S. Etole said...

great summation ...

Russell Holloway said...

Camping, life, is more fun when we bring only the essentials. Kathleen, you certainly have something to offer that matters. Thanks...

Anonymous said...

Holy Smokes, Kathleen, reading this is better than sitting with my dog by the fire with a good pen and a journal listening to Julie Miller and Charlie Peacock! (I spied on your Blog profile - Great taste in music, I must admit!)
This post is so profound and relevant- what we want vs. what we need, and the ending.. The Ending! "To wait and see what is unfolding without me pulling it open"
You will certainly finish well.

Kathleen Overby said...

Oh Camel, if you could only see the eclectic mix on my ipod~ it sounds like I might need some of yours. :) Thanks Russell, Susan, Erin, Maureen and Janet. It is overwhelming, this comment love from strangers who aren't strangers after all. :)

L.L. Barkat said...

Love the part about not pulling open what is unfolding. That would be a form of sabotage, would it not? To pull it open?

Such a beautiful reflection.

And such a wise, gentle comment over on Love Notes too. Yes, I feel that tension of shy and lovely-bold. : ) You put it so nicely into words.

Louise Gallagher said...

Love this post -- love the image of not pulling it open. Quite beautiful.

Louise

Kathleen Overby said...

Thanks Louise and Laura :)

em said...

ditto to all of this! :)

Anonymous said...

you are a gem.

Melisa said...

It is good to see you posting again! I missed you for awhile and didn't realize you were back until a few days ago! I love to read what you write- the good, the great and the sometimes not so pretty. The honesty is good. Working on sharing more honesty in words here at home, too!

Anne Lang Bundy said...

Kathleen, I'm learning all this emotionally right now. It's been a ... challenging, yet very productive exercise. I might not have thought to put it in that context but for your perspective of when it comes down to roughing it, distinguish between wants and needs.

TUC said...

Love that last line, what a question.

I like to play that food game too, and like yours, my family is not into it!