is to construct for yourself a refuge
from almost all the miseries of life.
W. Somerset Maugham
There are no miseries in my life. I am blessed. And yet like everyone
this time of year there is more to do than minutes in the day.
There are the things you want to do.
There are things you need to do.
And, are things everyone expects you to do.
I have a friend at school who continually tells me I am good
with setting boundaries. Maybe I am. I don't really know.
I do know I begin to feel out of sorts, and I know you may find this hard
to believe...I can make others pretty miserable when I am feeling overloaded.
After a morning at school, lunch with my sweet husband, running errands here and there,
wrapping a few Christmas presents and taking Willie out for a play
the evening is now mine.
The candles are lit.
The fire is blazing
and the wine is poured.
This is my plan for the remainder of the evening.
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Sigh!
Enjoy your evening!
Sigh! is right. That is great fire! Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteSteve, Yes it is a great fire....my own was not so.....impressive. The above was via tumblr. I plan a repeat tonight!!!!
DeleteExcellent plan. You are looking nice and cozy.
ReplyDeleteLike most women, I am feeling overcome with all I have to do. I also have made plans for some nice things for myself, but feel guilty about not attending to "the JOB at hHand." I know in the end, I will somehow get everything done, or, just maybe this time, I won't. If so, the world will not end.
Arleen, Somehow we always seem to manage, don't we. The picture is via tumblr...I was pretty tucked in an cozy though.
DeleteLove your fireplace . . . beautiful fire to sit beside to relax and read a favourite book.
ReplyDeleteLynne, This was a picture I pinned from tumblr. It is really a great fireplace. I like the chair as well. Hope you are feeling better.
DeleteAbsolutely, Bonnie. However well we cope with life's little disturbances, there will inevitably be a moment when push comes to shove...I am glad you're getting to sit down, glad that you appreciate the need for such normality. Things are cold, I guess, in your world. Things here are HOT. I intend to sit down at the end of each day as comfortably as I can!
ReplyDeleteFaisal, Things should be cold here. We have had a few evening and mornings in the 20s, but a warm front will be pushing through this weekend. We are on a roller coaster these days. In the summer I spend my evening outside listening to the fountain sipping, well... probably wine.
DeleteDear Bonnie - you summed up the hustle and bustle of this season very well - may I please join you at your fire and we will read together - ah - sounds good - thank you for your heartfelt visit - bless you and enjoy that book.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, There is always room by the fire for a friend. The fire will be set again tonight. Bonnie
DeleteWhen you think of retirement you imagine all kinds of me time. It doesn't happen. Each season brings a list of it’s own wants and needs. There may be no need to frequently check a watch or a calendar but there is always an inner pull saying it’s time to take care of this or that. Although you are still working you have mastered a valuable lesson early on. Taking a respite, allowing your special time is a gift. The tumble you took last week more than entitles a pamper and a snuggle. Big sigh . . .
ReplyDeleteLynn, You are so kind. I certainly did enjoy my evening. I think I will most likely finish my book tonight after errands and tutoring. Bonnie
DeleteI must agree - a totally perfect way to end the day!
ReplyDeleteYou have just described the perfect evening for me. Enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you have your perfect evening in your near future.
DeleteThat image is wonderful. I hope you relaxed and enjoyed your evening!
ReplyDeleteSunday, I did have a lovely evening, I may need to have a repeat this evening, just so I am ready for a busy weekend.
DeleteI'm so jealous. A quiet house, roaring fire, cup of hot tea, and a good book sounds fabulous. I love the chaos of my life and know it will be over before I am ready but there are ties when having a quiet house and a good book is my dream. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSarah, While Christmas is not my favorite time of the year, I do love the hustle and bustle of it all, but we all need to take time to charge our batteries. I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season.
DeleteI can be a bear also when I am overloaded but I've learned to forewarn...I find it gets me a lot more sympathy and help! I'm trying hard to not let expectations rule this holiday as they have in the past. I'm going to do what I can and make it a calm slow time. Hope you get to do the same...try the fire again tonight. :)
ReplyDeletep.s. I wrote down your book recommendations for a few gifts. I even put a couple on my wish list!
Great post! I love that quote at the beginning.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you will have the perfect evening after a busy day. Isn't it always the way it is with putting so much pressure on ourselves over the holidays....I've always said that the holidays are ALL WOMEN'S work....not much help from the males you know. LOL LOL LOL
ReplyDeletexo
Jo
It's so important to take some time for yourself!!!
ReplyDeleteJust perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteSmiles, Dottie
gorgeous shot in front of the fire. so lovely. love the glow. i'm a new followers. so happy to have found your blog. going to check it out more now. have a great weekend. ( :
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and one we can all relate to on some level :)
ReplyDeleteSetting boundaries, saying no, prioritizing, and not demanding perfection are areas that we need to keep in check.
Taking a moment out for yourself to read a good book, or have some quiet time is (for me) essential in order for me to operate at my best.
It's great that you are taking care of yourself! :)
Enjoy your weekend!
leslie