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Are We There Yet?
September 10, 2010
Seasonal transition is always hard for me. I'm sure I could link to posts written each spring and fall for the last couple years to help prove my point . (Speaking of which I have archives up now, as some of you have requested. You'll find the link at the bottom of the blog.)
I've learned that embracing "late summer" gives me time to shift, somewhat gracefully, from the rhythms of summer into the new routines of fall. It also allows our family to take advantage still of the days that beckon us outdoors and appreciate those that call us in.
For the last couple weeks, since taking time off from summer school, I've been getting ready for this upcoming season of learning and life. A season of focusing on priorities, simplifying our household (yet again and even more) and moving forward in goals and dreams.
Shifting. Change. Movement.
These are where my thoughts and energies reside these days.
Next week we will return to morning school three days a week and start implementing a few changes to our learning and household routine. But slowly. One step at a time.
Are we there yet? Depends where "there" is.
Yes, I am nearly organized and ready to roll. But no, I have not arrived at the perfect, have-it-all-together state of domesticity. You know that utopian vision we all carry around that someday the house will be completely de-cluttered, the kids will always get along, there will "enough" money in the bank, the photo albums will be complete, etc...
In reality "there" is a journey, not a destination. So yeah. We're there. Living, loving and learning together.
PS. There didn't seem to be any graceful way to put this plug in sooner so I'll just say it now. Last weekend I bought Sara Watkins' self titled debut album. Love, love, love it. It is the perfect soundtrack for my late summer state of mind. On a similar vein, I think Alison Krauss & Union Station's Lonely Runs Both Ways would also qualify for late summer listening.
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Misha@ beauty and joy on Sept. 10, 2010, 10:16 p.m.
Your kids are so gorgeous! ... I have just been exhausted the last couple weeks and it hit me when it was pitch black out this morning during my usual sunny running alone time that maybe, just maybe, I am having a hard time with the seasons changing. Once again you read my mind. :) So I am thinking maybe I need to check our your CD....
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Rana on Sept. 11, 2010, 3:51 a.m.
As much as I refuse to believe Summer is over or ending. I am slowly transitioning to cooler weather and have been having those "nesting" feelings starting to sneak out. The next couple of weeks for our family is going to be just getting the house ready for Fall too. Going through paper work that has piled up from the Summer and starting to make lists for what we made need for Fall/Winter supplies. (Boots, hats, gloves,etc.)
For some reason I'm just not in a hurry to get things done. I'm just taking it as it comes. I think I'm finally getting my grove with this interest led learning. Getting our rhythm down. I don't feel rushed to get much done. I know in time it will get taken care of. I'm really enjoying letting life just take it's course.
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Francesca on Sept. 11, 2010, 5 a.m.
I'm not there yet. Next week.
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Naomi on Sept. 12, 2010, 1:04 a.m.
It seems like that temptation to think that someday we'll arrive "there" will actually happen, if "there" means a final destination. This week's simplification goal has been to clean up our two "junk rooms" and move the bedrooms downstairs so we can save on heat and get used to living more simply in a smaller space. Organization and utilizing space well is the key! But boy does it feel good to clean and know what you have! You'll see more of this on our blog soon I imagine...
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Kelly on Sept. 12, 2010, 1:47 a.m.
Oh boy, have I been going through this lately! This year the shift from summer to fall is really throwing me for a loop, with more changes happening faster than I ever expected. Homeschooling offers so many choices and decisions, and freedom can be overwhelming. When I realized how overwhelming it felt, I started taking more time to just think and write about how I want our lives to be right now. I love the fall, but this year for our family it's just not going to officially start until I have my head on straight! Good luck with your transition Renee. :)
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Pamela on Sept. 13, 2010, 2:26 a.m.
Oddly enough, I'm ready for summer to be over. Summer carries so many expectations of "getting stuff done". Well, "it" didn't get done, and I'm ready to move on with life. I'm ready for cozy weather. I want to wake up to a cold house (yes, that will wear off quickly!) and walk outside into a crisp, autumn morning. Oh, how I love fall.
On another note . . . about being "there" yet . . . have you ever had a vision where you think that where someone else "is" is where your "there" is? Does that make sense? For example, I think I would be "there" if my life were like yours in many respects - homeschooling, healthy eating, family togetherness, etc. And then, I find out that you have a "there" that you are reaching for. Hmmm . . . makes me pause for thought . . . (reflection is good for the soul!)
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renee on Sept. 13, 2010, 11:17 a.m.
I totally understand Pamela. I seem to be always reaching for a "there" and yes I do compare myself to other people in this same way.
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Katie @ Making This Home on Sept. 13, 2010, 3:59 p.m.
Wow - what a great, thoughtful post. And the comments are really inspiring, too. Pamela is so right. Summer seems to have all of these expectations. We're also so pushed to relax and enjoy the sun. Why is this something to be PUSHED toward? Thanks for these thoughts, Renee. Katie
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Misha@ beauty and joy on Sept. 10, 2010, 10:16 p.m.
Your kids are so gorgeous! ... I have just been exhausted the last couple weeks and it hit me when it was pitch black out this morning during my usual sunny running alone time that maybe, just maybe, I am having a hard time with the seasons changing. Once again you read my mind. :) So I am thinking maybe I need to check our your CD....