This summer, I plan on exploring some of the lost arts. I want to learn new things from a simpler time, the things that our grandmothers and great grandmothers knew and embraced as part of daily life.
I began to think of how dependent we have become on technology in just one generation. Think back...our days were not filled with computers. We did not Skype. We did not have digital cameras. We did not have cell phones, not to mention texting. We did not have video games and home theater systems. We did not have e-readers. We did not have GPS. We did not have online shopping.
How did we survive? Just fine. We had house phones...on long spiral cords. We had books. We had movie theaters. We had libraries and fantastic book stores. We had maps. We had stores. We had the outdoors to entertain us and friends to bike with us.
All of this technology that my sons take for granted. What has it done for us? It isolates us. We become so dependent on it for our everyday life rhythms that seem to focus on the hurry and rush and speed of things.
I want to slow down. I want to unplug. I want to create. I want to become less of a consumer and more of a producer.
I picked up crochet recently after a thirty plus year absence. With hook and yarn in hand, my brain instantly brought me back to a skill that I'd learned as a child. I'm so thankful that I have a mother that taught us to appreciate crafts at a young age. I think the world would be a much better place if we gave our daughters knitting classes instead of mani-pedis...if we taught our sons how to start a vegetable garden rather than how to kill zombies.
I'm going to reexamine the things that don't bear fruit in my life (this blog may be one of them!), and try to invest more time in the things that do...connecting with people, feeding my family, learning a new skill, appreciating God's creation.
A simpler life, rediscovering lost arts.
Tell me, what did you learn as a child? What lost art do you wish you could learn today?
Oh dear, I am right there with you.....these thoughts haunt me ALL THE TIME. How do I unplug from the computer (that's my biggie!)? I used to knit a little, sew a lot, but I always wanted to learn to tat....my grandmother tried to teach me but it was lost on me. I'll settle for getting back to sewing!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to learn to tat as well. I inherited some lace and tatting supplies from one of my great aunts. Such lovely work!
DeleteMary Rose you have many talents and your wit is evident in every post which I always enjoy reading. Hope you don't give up the blog entirely and will be praying that you enjoy whatever you put your hands and heart to this summer.
ReplyDeleteYou're so sweet, Marsha! I think that wherever God plants you and I, at least we have our crafts to keep us company! :)
DeleteDear Mary Rose,
ReplyDeleteSince I retired from being a high school Principal in a large Catholic school for boys I too have deliberately slowed down and pared down my life and I can't believe how much richer this simpler life has proved itself. I applaud your integrity in seeking a more fulfilling way of being and I too am looking at those parts of my life that are not fruitful. I hope you do continue with your blog because it is certainly bearing fruit and enriching my faith journey.
Bless you, Angela! Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement!
DeleteAMEN! I remember cleaning the house on Saturdays with the record player filling the house with classical music! We all listened to the same music...not each with their 'own' music. My mother taught me to sew and knit...she also drew, painted and played the piano, all skills I attempted, but didn't master. I also long for simpler times...and think I would like to learn to tat. What delightful frilly do dads I could use for my cards...that is one thing I won't give up. Making them slows me down and makes me think, muse, and look for different ways of accomplishing ideas. Cheers to you as you walk your path.
ReplyDeleteLu C
Lu, I never thought of combining tatting with card making! Just imagine the possibilities!
DeleteLove your post today...I too often reflect on this as I battle with my son to limit his time on the computer and game systems. My husband's battle with cancer before he died showed me the value in the everyday simple joys of a dinner prepared and eaten together, a walk through the neighborhood on a quiet evening with our son on his bike, a rainy afternoon curled up with a book while my husband rests in bed next to me and my son is at school. I often second guess my blog and card making but am learning to not do it during times when I can be with my son in the moment. I hope you keep blogging and showing us your life in the garden etc and sharing God...you are such a beautiful spirit! :)
ReplyDeleteJill, you words went straight to my heart. I'm praying that you find beauty from ashes. Thank you for reminding me to live in the moment. Bless you!
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