As I have been wandering around the Chatette these last few days, a lot of my focus has been on making us "more" beautiful for the holidays. I've been very hard on myself because I have stuff everywhere that needs a place that I just don't have right now. (That's a story for another time!)
Because I'm a planner and a forward thinker, it isn't easy for me to go with the flow and respond in the moment. If I'm not thinking hard on something and following my pre-conceived plan, I am often uncomfortable.
Those old shoulds are just swirling around in my head to the point where they can be immobilizing. Inertia sets in.
I like pretty.
I like meaningful.
I like neat and uncluttered, but that just doesn't seem to be in my immediate future. So, I'm going with what I've got.
Each of my "feeling into the projects," moments have brought grand rewards.
I love the way my now "inside" window boxes of geraniums have made us more beautiful.
I love the way the antique school desk has been transformed into: a geranium resting place; a spot for Lola to eat her crunchies;
a spot to showcase my brother Jim's artwork;
and, how my photo holder from Evelyn holds many family memories and moments that showcase nicely against the stone.
When I came during 2006 to clear my head and make big decisions after Hurricane Katrina, I was very clear that I wanted to immerse myself in this place and the people.
No one of us does it quite the same.
I was very clear that I was not recreating New Orleans or the states here.
I was also very clear that I wanted to pay attention to what worked and didn't work in the village.
I tried to show myself by the things I did, said, and offered.
What I realize regularly is that participation is the most important and it is often the deeds that matter most.
I think it's all worked pretty well for me.
Hopefully, I'm getting even better at it these days!
Happy Monday!
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