While you were away....

Oops! Guess you weren't the one away...it was me!

It has been an awfully long time since I have had a free minute to sit down and write a post. You see, I started working full time last summer. An opportunity arose and I took it. I have worked off-n-on in the automotive industry for most of my life. My first real job was in a repair shop and now I am back in a similar environment. I mask cars that are ready for a new paint job. Many people consider it to be tedious work but I enjoy it. It gives me time to ponder things and is an outlet for some of my creativity. I cover the parts of the car which are not to be painted with masking paper and plastic. May sound simple but speed and precision are required. Speed is something that has come with experience, even though I am not as fast as some younger people, my precision is good and makes up for the (lack of) speed. 

an example of a car masked and ready for paint.
image source

Working in this environment is dirty and can be stressful at times. I don't mind the dirt and dust. But the stress has been an adjustment. New personalities to adapt to, so many aches and pains at the end of the day, the 'mad rush' to get cars painted and out on time and a serious lack of free time.

Hubby and I share the chores and meal preparations. We still go on our weekend hikes as the weather allows. And we still are working towards a simpler way of life. We have continued to downsize by selling or bartering what we have for what we need for the mountain residence. At this point we only need windows, a door and of course materials for the building. And building materials do seem to show up at the most unexpected times. Also, we have purchased a vintage camp trailer to live in while we build our cabin. Once we move into the cabin full-time, we will give the trailer a make-over for the guest(s) who will undoubtedly come to visit.

I miss my writing. And often find myself talking like I write....

I miss my creating. While masking cars is a bit creative, it is nothing like bringing something to life from bits and bobs. I have been getting rid of my art supplies. Living in a small space does not allow a person to 'hoard' much. And I want to concentrate on only a few things - like sculpting and sketching. So most everything that doesn't have to do with those has been put on the sell/barter list.

I miss my research. Having a short amount of free time has made me become more selective about what I read and from who. (I read on my lunch break)

A new grandbaby was born recently. Zaviar Alexander. The delivery doctor has said he is somewhat of a miracle. The umbilical cord was twisted like a pretzel and had only one artery instead of the normal two. The doctor said that most babies with those conditions in the womb are born premature and underweight. Zaviar went full term and weighed in at 9lbs. 3oz.! 

Spring has come early here. The trees all have expanding buds and it won't be long before the leaves are popping out. The cycle of life continues.....

Living Deliberately

Living Deliberately.

What does it mean?

Thoreau coined the phrase in his book, Walden or Life in the Woods. He wanted to live each moment of his Life to the fullest by studying and understanding what it meant to be alive and be a part of the great plan of Life. The core meaning hasn't really changed much over the years.

How many of you out there are truly able to enjoy your lives? Are you able to make conscious choices about the Life you are leading? Do you work to meet all your obligations - car payment, mortgage, credit card bills? Or are you able to work to benefit yourself and your loved ones and achieve the dreams and goals you would like to? Do you volunteer because you want to make a difference or because it is what everyone else is doing? Do you have the free time you'd like or is every spare moment monopolized by others' requests?

Living a Deliberate Life takes thought and planning and an active choice. The best way to start is to take pen to paper and write down what your goals are and how you see yourself achieving them. Then take action. If you can dream it, you can do it!

When it comes time to leave this Earthly plane of existence, will you be able to say you have no regrets about how you lived your life?

In the coming weeks, I will share with you how Hubby & I are Living Deliberately.