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September 29, 2003 ~ Popcorn Entry
Monday.
Another Monday off. I have a lot of vacation time to take, so some of it I'm taking in little bites.
In Quaker meeting, sometimes the messages that people have to share all fall in along a certain theme, and those separate parts fit together into a coherent whole, even though they come from different individuals. However, some meetings, all of the messages stand alone, their own little insightful gems, but they don't work toward a larger theme. Quakers call these "popcorn meetings." This, my friends, will be a popcorn entry. Many little things floating around in my head today, with no theme to bind them.
A cold, strong, invigorating autumn wind is blowing, the air is clear, the sun is bright, though distinctly slanted, and gigantic puffy clouds are sliding across the sky. I've had a great big grin on my face most of the day, and I don't think it's going to go away.
Lately, for some reason, all of these Girl Scout camp songs have been on repeat in my head. (Hey, you! I see you smirking. Cut it out.) Today's soundtrack:
I want to be strong, to be strong as the land around me
I want a heart that's as wide as the sky
I want a spirit like a moving mountain stream
I want to look people straight in the eye.
Walking along beneath a canopy of clouds
Feeling like a stranger in the midst of a crowd
I know that something great is calling me out loud
I know that I must choose.
It's a great, uplifting song, and I can't help but burst out singing as I clean, or cook, or breathe, or whatever. Heh. A song whose lyrics I strive to live up to.
This time of year I always come alive with creativity. I've got a short story I'm working on, I think it's finally time to pull out one of the started novels that have been gathering dust (metaphorical dust, anyway), I want to get further with the two (!) children's books that I'm working on, I have a painting that I need to finish, a quilt that I'm planning, some homemade gift ideas that I plan to start soon, and some throw pillows that need to be sewn. There's also a dress that wants converting to a skirt in my scrap box, a shelving unit in the kitchen that I want to paint, and some papers under my bed that I want to sort through. I want to make some candles. Ah, if only there were more time in the day!
This tent is set up in my living room. Yes, I finally got a tent! I'm serious about this backpacking trip in October.
It's a 3-person backpacking tent, very lightweight, and the roomiest 3-person tent I've ever seen. I spent this morning applying extra seam sealant to the most vulnerable areas. While we were at it, we got a sturdy little alcohol-burning backpacking stove, fuel, a good tarp, and some other small supplies. Pulled out of storage the good old backpack, compass, pocketknife, sleeping bag, and army flashlight. Need to replenish my first aid kit, and start thinking of some good meals. Need to get two good maps (one for me, one for home) from the ranger station and get some advice on locations from them. Need to polish and waterproof my boots. Should get another pair of wool socks.
Ah! I'll be back out on the trails, getting by on what I can carry on my back. It's been far too long.
The democratic line-up for the next election (with the exception of Kucinich, who hasn't a chance at winning) displeases me. That is all.
I've been falling back into a more solitary practice of spirituality. Don't get me wrong, I still love Quaker meeting, and, even though I'm still a pretty unaffiliated sort when it comes to religion and the practice of it, not to mention quite an introvert, I do enjoy those communal gatherings.
Unfortunately, Sunday is now Morgan's only full day off, and I really hate to spend that time away from him, since Quaker meeting isn't right for him. Sunday is the only day that we can make significant plans together, the only day that we can spend on involved projects, the only day that we have time to do daytime activities with one another--take a hike or spend the day downtown. I can't miss out on him. I just can't.
God is with me no matter what I do, and my connection with the Divine isn't conditional. As pleasant as it is to gather with others who have a similar spiritual focus, I know that my relationship with Morgan is more spiritually important for me. So, for now, no Quaker meeting, until our arrangements change.
I've been feeling very buoyant lately. More so than usual, even. I'm still feeling so incredibly grateful for the life that I have, the people I love. I've been trying very hard lately not to melt into one huge puddle of sappiness. Really. Bear with me.
In other news, if you search the entire web for introverted persons, I come as the second most applicable person. This fact amuses me to no end.
Heh.
My hands, feet, and nose have been icy all day, since it is cold out and I've kept the windows open to get rid of the sealant fumes in the living room. Right now, though, the afternoon sun is pouring in the window next to my computer, across my face and my hands on the keyboard. It feels amazing.
I am thankful. I am thankful. I am thankful.
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