Not Two Words of Sense
Written by Lynn on September 9th, 2008I’ve laughed at it quietly in my own mind of late: when the two sisters Eliza and Jane Bennet leave home on travels at the same time, their poor father, Mr. Bennet, says to Eliza, “Til you or your sister Jane return, I shall not hear two words of sense spoken together.”
We know he speaks of his three extremely silly, younger daughters and his sometimes-ridiculous wife whom he shall be left solely in the company of until his older, wiser daughters return.
Hmmm. Two words of sense.
For some reason, when I come to my desk to post something here lately, I simply cannot string together two words of sense worth posting. I think of Mr. Bennet. Oh there is plenty of stuff rambling through my mind, but can I find two words of sense worth saying?
I don’t have anything profound to say these days, and not that I ever did, mind you. It’s simply that life is busy with school and work and groceries and cleaning, and I feel very fortunate to have days of health and rest and enough to eat.
And lately my mind is filled with the pushing of myself onward to do one more thing. One more thing. There have been appointments of late. There have been extra work-days of late. And meetings for work. And long phone calls with a dear friend who needed an ear. And several nice trips out of town.
Honestly, I just see more of the same on the horizon. There’s not much to say about it, except that every day I am humbled by the peace that I have and the gratitude that I have that we do have enough to eat and that I am able to work and that we do live in a very beautiful and free country.
My prayers throughout the day are for the safety and well being of my children and family. I like to hum while I work. Taking joy, I find, is an art, that takes practice and dedication. Keeping a song in your heart is no less something to be learned than how to play a pretty song on any instrument.
My son Joseph and I are truly easing slowly into his Rosetta Stone Japanese. We still have not found our groove, though it’s been nearly two weeks since we should have officially started school. I’ve been around the block enough to know, though, that it will be okay.
He’ll make it and so will I.
There is a little Japanese proverb that I like:
Fall seven times,
stand up eight.
It applies to all of life…
- Have the house in a big upsidedown mess seven times, clean it up eight.
- Clean off the kitchen table seven times, set it for a meal eight.
- Forgive your spouse seven times, love him eight.
- Be forgiven seven times, blunder again eight.
It goes on and on.
The garden exists at a great crescendo now as fall approaches. Many plants are at their largest. Some are at their prettiest. It seems that all of nature is trying to get in just a little more activity before nature goes to sleep.
I personally wanted to get so much more done this gardening season. Wanted to put more up. Wanted to learn more. Wanted to dig more, plant more, clean up more. I did all I could.
Hopefully, there’ll be another gardening season next year, and gladly there’s a little time left even now before winter sets in, to stock the pantry a little fuller, make sure we have enough blankets, sweaters, hats, and coats, and to take some autumn walks with a heart full of happiness at all we have, in every way.
From Henry David Thoreau:
“It is not enough if you are busy. The question is, What are you busy about?”
It’s a question I would do well to ask myself every morning.
Lynn
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
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Lynn, I enjoy all your posts! And you ARE profound, even when you say you’re not going to be!
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Lynn, your words are always comforting and eloquent – your thoughts on your well-lived peaceful life always make me feel calm. Your love of Nature and the simple things that make us thankful are lovely. So just keep on doing what you are doing, please – words and pictures of your world.
I’m glad you may like to get together later this year. I’ll be in France almost a month, perhaps we’ll plan something after that.
Do you know about the Oxford Heritage Day this Saturday? It sounds like fun and we may take a ride over if the weather is fine. My antiques shop gals (from SuzAnna’s) will have a booth there.
Let me know if you need more info.
Warm wishes – Mary.
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I like the Thoreau quote! And I received the dresser and the blanket, thank you!! The gift bag was just as precious!!
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Emily, thanks.
You are so sweet. I love reading all of your posts too.
Mary, thank you. Where would any of us be without thankfulness, eh? Yes, after your trip and when things cool off and I have settled into a routine here with Joseph, I would love to meet for a trip to SuzAnna’s and lunch!
Amber, yaaaay!! I’m sorry for the outer wrapping being such as wrinkled bunch of tape.
It would seem I am always running from one thing to another. Happy doll house adventures!!
Lynn
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Lynn,
What a lovely post and beautiful pictures…
I had this proverb on my desk years back; it was a tough spot in our life …
Allie was maybe 8 or 9 at the time and read the proverb and looked at me with
a very thoughtful face and said “I have fallen so many times mommy my knees hurt”.
And she wasn’t talking about physically fallen she understood the proverb and its meaning.
My heart ached, I put my arms around her and told her that I would hold on to her
so she would not fall again…
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Oh, Louise!! That brings tears to my eyes. Children do understand. My children have hugged me before when they were little, understanding my weariness, and reassured me.
I just love Allie’s way of expressing her understanding. She really did understand…
Lynn
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Love your post…I love the proverb you referenced here….I think I will apply it to my day today as I have to get in here and clean up….my hubby has been on vacation – why does that always make for a messy house?! Anyway, I’ve cleaned it up seven, I’ll just do it again, eight!