Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
Well, I don't have pictures of Pippo to post here, but I do have pictures of Christopher! Christopher is Rosie and Philip's nephew, our littlest out-law (you know, an in-law with the in-laws sort of left out).
Christopher is handsome. The cap is pretty, I think! |
Christopher is just… a happy baby!
As the days lengthen, I can get through the day without feeling like a turnip. Honestly, sometime in mid-January I just feel so listless, and often by February I catch a cold. Probably if I could rouse myself enough to remember, I should take an extra vitamin and things would be better.
You know that I'm a person who makes rules. Long ago — maybe when I was first married — I made a rule for myself: No making big life-changing decisions in February. Because of course you aren't going to feel that great about anything until March.
I don't know about you, but I find that, especially in an election year, things can get very intense. I find myself spiraling into a real sense of doom. Feeling that help does not seem to be on the way.
Some folks belittle this sense, pointing out that it's just a common occurrence, and a little ridiculous, to start thinking things are really just much worse than they have ever been — and I'm sure there's something in that.
On the other hand, history shows that some times are actually pretty bad, and it's just as well to face hard times bravely and try to tell the truth about the good.
But, regardless of whether there is a certain level of badness and the aging process simply makes one more aware of it, or there really is an increase of badness, I think it's important — even a duty — to be sure that some portion of every day is spent in simple enjoyment.
My knitting pictures are making me think about all the aspects of this craft that I just enjoy, not least of which is sitting down, especially after a day of hauling logs and sap, and getting thoroughly smoky (which I also enjoy). The feel of the wool, the pleasure of thinking of the recipient, the satisfaction of ordering my movements and the material into an aesthetic creation — it's all just enjoyment!
And that is good. A good to set against all the bad, even if there is no commensurability at all, laughably none. However, since Adam's fall, there has been and always will be until the end of time evil in the world.
If we want the world to be better, we must live some good in it — not only doing good (which is important, don't get me wrong) and telling about the good (ditto) — but also enjoying… something. If we wait until everything is perfect, we will die not having appreciated anything. Only love is perfect.
So if there's something that you are enjoying — simply laughing at the children's antics, conversing with a friend, music, making something beautiful, enjoying your spouse's companionship, watching the sun rise earlier every day — that is very good.
ayearinskirts says
Oh my, I have felt very turnipy too! We are on the same wavelength. I've wondered if it is a weather thing. Something about this time of year. As you know I'm trying to wear skirts more but in the last few weeks I can just have none of it for the most part. For church yes, but other than that I just want my jeans and tennis shoes and I've been in a slight melancholy mood. But still I do have everyday joys 🙂
sarahlcc says
Thanks for those gentle words about the craziness of this time of year. It does all seem gloom and doom at this point with the elections; I'll take more time to intentionally enjoy the moments.
I'll come back later to linky ~ I think it may be set on the wrong day!
_Rosie says
Good catch, Sarah! For some reason the settings sometimes default to a week in advance. So helpful… I fixed it, though, so you should be able to link up now!
Haus Frau says
Oh, I like what you said about living some good into our days. That's absolutely true.
My sister and I have often tried to solve the world's problems but of course, who is listening? Meanwhile, God's given us a wonderful family and children to raise, and if we manage to make our homes a haven and raise good, noble, moral men and women for the future, with His help and grace, then we will have done our part. And sometimes, that feels quite enough to be going on with.
Christine says
I love those garter hats, they are like a puzzle as you knit them.
Kate says
I love what you said about the time of year and enjoying the good everyday. I find it so easy to get caught in the gloom and overwhelmingness of the day to day that finding the enjoyable and ENJOYING it often gets left behind 🙁 Thank goodness for moments like this to sit down and enjoy. And thank you!
And I love your socks 🙂
Jula says
Your “real” words are very up lifting. I tend to feel down about the state of things too. Take some time for enjoyment. That is something I really needed to hear.
Monique says
Wonderful words! Sometimes we need to be reminded of enjoying all the gifts we do have. It's so much easier to egt caught up in all the “bad” in life!
Briana/Justamouse says
You are so right about February, and the sense of doom. I go to ground every February and it takes everything within me to get the boys to Boy Scouts at 7 pm when all I want to do is sleep. And I do take vitamins. It doesn't make me anymore joyful about it.
I do need to enjoy something every day, because like you, this year has me highly strung and feeling very much like I'm paddling my family upstream in our little canoe.
Mary says
Feeling the same way about this election cycle. Some things are worse,then the media has to fill 24 hours sending more negative messages. I've shut it off, wanting to only fill my head with positives. Spring in here in Texas which helps lighten the mood with the warm sun and cool breeze on our faces. New life of any kind always renews us.
Thank you for hosting a place to see happiness on so many other faces! A highlight of the week.
Mary says
I couldn't agree with your more. The sense of doom is oppressive at times. It's so hard to keep reminding myself that Jesus already won the battle and ow I have to trust in His plan for me, my family and our country. I do my best and the rest is up to Him. That's on a good day!! LOL!!
I love your socks! I have not attempted a pair yet. I am still just knitting wash cloths. I am almost ready to combine knit one, purl one. Silly to hesitate I know…I fight the perfectionist in myself all the time. But one day…I will make socks!!
Charlotte says
Feeling like a turnip is not a phrase I'm familiar with. Does it mean something different than what it sounds like? I hope the turn of the month puts a little “spring” in your step!
_Leila says
Haha, Charlotte, I think it just means lumpy and bland and not really desired by anyone! And underground in the dark, and starchy, and… in need of SPRING!!! 🙂
Lisa G. says
I'm glad Charlotte asked about the turnip remark – ha!
Great job on the cap – it fits him so closely, like a helmet, it's great. And your socks are very cool-looking.
As for the election – this year I think the rise of anti-christianism is really adding to the mix for me. It's very oppressive-feeling. But your meditation on doing something pleasurable every day is a very welcome one! In fact, I do try to do it, but there's something about knowing that others have the same idea which is helpful. More than helpful! 🙂
RubberChickenGirl says
I am sure feeling like a turnip is your own turn of phrase! Top that Dr. Phil!!
I so am not in love with politics right now. Cannot even look at Drudge. Watching one's country go from in the toilet to what feels like the final flush is so horrid. Come Lord Jesus….in the meantime, where are my knitting needles?
So true about needing to do something happy and productive.
RCG
MamabearJD says
I feel like Lent saved me from the desperate sadness that political happenings were bringing on. Giving up Twitter for Lent helped me a lot (and lucky for you, I can't send nonsensical tweets to you now). Our priest reminded us to pray but also to focus on the quiet. I needed to feel like I could stop fighting. There are people on our side – lawyers, theologians, and public figures who are fighting the good fight right now and speaking about it better than I can, so I am letting that rest for a little bit. It felt good to use my sewing machine and just focus on personal spiritual matters. I'm glad that you talked about it so we could all comment, it feels good to know there are kindred spirits.
Maria says
I quite agree about February, and even March to some extent (well, at least as long as I live in Minnesota). Just yesterday, I felt very down and out of sorts for no reason–nearly crying while trying to tell jokes. My sister, all the way In NYC felt the same. Luckily today is sunny and everything looks better to both of us. It is nice to know that other people experience late winter downturns too. My two daughters have February and March birthdays. When I first calculated my due dates, I felt sorry for them, but the years have proven that February and March are excellent times to have a reason to celebrate.
Anna says
I couldn't have read a more helpful thing this week. It was just what I needed.
Shannon says
I do know that the winter blahs have gotten me this year! I can't wait for real spring to be here!
PNG says
I'm not saying anything new here in the comments, but I have to say thank you for bringing some light to my dark world, too. It's been so doom and gloom watching polls and listening to radio reports or simply listening to my husband lament about the bleakness of things. I have been feeling horrible for crafting, blogging, and simply immersing myself in beautiful things. I was so angry with myself asking my husband what's it all for? Am I just escaping reality? I have a BIG tendency toward guilt for having any fun or just relaxing in the beauty of things. I'm happy to hear your take on needing to put those things in our lives and in the world.
Oh, and I have a question….If you machine quilt, do you use a special foot for your Pfaff? I can't seem to figure out if my Pfaff needs a special walking foot and/or how to get one. I haven't had the time to stop at my Pfaff dealer.:( If you quilt by hand, you can skip answering. Thanks!:)
_Leila says
PNG — Thanks 🙂 I'm glad. If our goal is to live peacefully, then sometimes we must live peacefully, even amidst chaos.
I do have a walking foot –and I just got it at Joann's. It wasn't too expensive — a universal foot — and it works very well. I just leave it on there for everything!
PNG says
Really? And to think I was just there today with my coupons and everything! Ok, I'm really being annoying now….I'm assuming you lower your feed dogs, too? Thanks for taking the time to answer my first question.
Margo says
I'm chiming in: I got my walking foot on ebay. I use it for thick things with several layers – quilts, yes. I don't lower the feed dogs (I have a Bernina).
bobbi says
I don't have anything profound to add…other than Christopher is such a cutie! 🙂
Margo says
dear Leila, thank you for your encouragement. It's easy for me to lose perspective in late winter and to feel that the world is a terribly dark, depressing place. I love your approach and advice. I was just telling my husband again tonight (as we washed dishes) that I am going to get my children doing housework so I can more time for fun projects. I mean, there will be the initial investment of time to teach them tasks, but I am taking the long view. It's essential for my mental and spiritual health, which means it's essential for my family!
Ngofamilyfarm says
I love how you say, “If we wait until everything is perfect, we will die not having appreciated anything” This is really something I need to remember! Thank you so much for your wisdom. (and beautiful knitting, by the way!)
-Jaime
Carol says
I love this blog!Ditto. I think along the same lines, Fr. Paul Moll(Tan) said “Before eating,sleeping, opening or closing a door, or any other action, always have the intention of doing all for the love of Jesus. In this way you will continually reap a rich harvest for heaven.” So in a small way that knitting,good conversation,enjoyment,etc. will reap much fruit… P.S. Wow, I am impressed with that sock in progress. You are really turning things out. I love looking at your knitting. It encourages me to keep plugging away with mind.
Woman of the House says
Darling hat and darling baby! Great job, Leila!
kane Hipolito says
I like the bonnet of your son, its really cute, you are talented..