It's been a really long time since I've blogged. And if anyone actually keeps up with this, I apologize. However, my life has been a bit busy lately. I'm sure it is not any busier than anyone else's, but it has not allowed time for writing, or rather, I have not made it any sort of priority. But things have calmed down slightly, now that my sister's grad party has ended, things are cleaned, the kitchen is done (and gorgeous!), and people are less stressed and back to normal. Now it's just summer, and frankly, it's been strange the last few days.
Strange in that I don't have a whole lot to do. I do have things on my various lists, but they are things that wouldn't even make it on my most extended lists while at school. Things like volunteering at the elementary school today, or sewing, or getting coffee with friends, or taking a nap, walking the dog, or even creating something tasty in the kitchen. Yet, though I love these things, I've realized I've had a hard time enjoying them. I don't have a job for this summer, and it is starting to worry me. I should not be worried, I know, but it would definitely be putting my mind at ease to put my hands to work, use the education I've been spending ridiculous amounts of money to have, and earn some money to pay for said education. I'm from the Midwest. We were made to work. Things do not feel right if there is nothing to do.
But today, even though I was feeling a little stressed about the lack of a job, I was surprised by the various little things that just made me purely
happy. And then I thought back to the past week or two, and all of the various people and things and moments that gave me
genuine joy. And to my surprise, there were so many. So to make my night a bit brighter (I've been a bit sick) and to share it with you, I'll share.
... Last week I got to have coffee with my best friend in the whole world, and we sat in Caribou and did work and job-searching and made fun of each other and giggled. It was a time when I could just be. I could always be exactly myself around Amy. Nothing more and nothing less than my whole self. That is a beautiful thing.
... Yesterday I was ''stranded'' at my house after my sister took the car to Wisconsin for the day. And it was 105° ... so I didn't exactly want to bike anywhere where it would be less-acceptable to show up sweaty and gross. So I stayed home for the morning, cleaned the kitchen, did the dishes, did laundry, and started a sewing project. And while that doesn't
sound like a whole lot of fun, it was incredibly relaxing. I had forgotten the wonderful sight of seeing a whole kitchen counter wiped clean and smooth with nothing cluttering it. And when my dad has the dark grey mirror behind, well, it looks like the counter goes on forever. ...which would typically make me want to cook, but it was 105°, so that obviously wasn't happening. I also forgot the wonderful smell of our laundry detergent. and how I actually enjoy folding laundry when there is no rush, and I can make nice neat stacks of delicious-smelling clothes. And then I sewed. I had forgotten the wonderful challenge of figuring out a pattern, of pressing the fabric and the amusement of fusible interfacing. I had forgotten that silly feeling of pride I get when I can thread an old sewing machine myself. I had forgotten the wonderful sound of the presser foot slamming down, and the needle smoothly and rapidly making its way down the fabric, creating a perfect seam. And the best part, was while doing this I was watching
North by Northwest, which is probably one of my favorite movies of all time. It's just
brilliant. I mean,. there is no other movie with sophistication of plot, amazing actors, three locations with amazing sets, costumes that are just right, and the filmography is just.... perfect. No one captures emotion and anticipation within a simple camera angle than Alfred Hitchcock. I had forgotten how amazing the movie was, and how simply
happy it made me to watch it. And it's not even a pick-me-up movie. It's just something I truly enjoy.
... Today I had the pleasure of visiting my first grade teacher again, Mrs. Burba, and helping her out. We were packing her classroom up because they are going to replace all of the floors this summer. I think she was happy for the help. And I was very glad to do it. Sometimes there is simple pleasure in just doing things. And I suppose it is that Midwest work ethic also. But it was great to be there with her kids, and to be around their simple humor and life-view for a while. Since we were packing everything, we had a few things we were going to get rid of, so Mrs. Burba decided to give them away, and draw names of kids to come and pick out books and supplies and random odds and ends. And the kids were
ecstatic. They each received over 5 books, to which one girl replied enthusiastically,
''I'm rich with books!!!!'' Hilarious. And I've never seen kids quite so excited about pencils, or writing paper, or number counters. It was great to see. And then we found fake money they didn't need in the class anymore. WHOA. The kids were jumping up and down, yelling
''We're rich! We're rich!!'' Way too excited to receive paper, but hey, it was great. It was so great to see how they drink up life.
...Today I also had the pleasure of chilling with my sister for a little bit, and we watched
Matilda. Like
North by Northwest, though a completely different movie, it is one of my favorites of all time. It's simple, and well-written, well-set, well-acted, and a beautiful interplay of drama and pick-me-up and excitement and humor. Not to mention Matilda's surprisingly strong resemblance to my younger sister when she was the same age. I
love that movie. I will watch it again and again. I will cherish it with my kids one day (though we will also read the book).. and Matilda will also be one of my heroes. She's just awesome.
... This is getting long, which is definitely not a bad thing. It's amazing how easy it is to get distracted or down by life. Yet there are so many things for which to be thankful. Honestly, my life is ridiculously blessed. When I actually slow down to look at life and all of the simple things, it is then that I experience God's love the most. It is true he is not just in the wind and the storm, but in the quiet, in the giggles of first-graders, in the bittersweet taste of a good cup of coffee with friends, and in the simplicity of folding laundry.
And he consciously re-frames familiar things within a modern design so that people must like them, because it is familiar and formerly loved. When learning about the great Finnish architect and designer, Alvar Aalto, it makes sense where Salmela developed his ideas. He obviously reads a lot, given his large library adjacent to his desk, and his references to writings and projects of a host of architects during conversation. And one of the best parts is that despite his great knowledge, skill, and success, he is undeniably down to earth.
