So far today I have made one quilt block in colours chosen by my daughter and her friend, done one load of laundry (which is still in the machine because the day is showery), fed miscellaneous hungry children, and taken my four plus one extra to the library. They are all content temporarily with their library books and DVDs, so I have a few moments to blog.I love the library. Today I borrowed George Eliot's Daniel Deronda, Philippa Gregory's The Queen's Fool, Jennifer Chiaverini's The Master Quilter, and a couple of quilting/patchwork magazines. I have lots of lovely hours of reading and musing ahead of me.
I arrived home to discover that Jenny of little jenny wren has nominated me for a Bloggers for Positive Global Change Award, which involves naming 5 blogs I recommend that are making a difference. I feel honoured but terribly unworthy. I mean, read yesterday's post for an example of non-positive global activity. What's worse, my 13 year old son's aims in life are to become a billionaire and own a new luxury car with leather seats and a leather-covered steering wheel. I hang my head in shame. I think my husband may be edging towards buying a flat-screen TV next year. Sob, sob.
On the other hand, if I can make small positive changes in my suburban home, so can anyone. By consuming less and making more, by sharing our excess, we can all make a difference. I believe strongly, along with Jenny, that we are not merely the sum of our earning and consuming capacities and that all lives are a gift. A lot of small changes do add up. As the saying goes, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I also believe that the greatest pleasure is found in simple activities and in loving human relationships.
We can create beauty and in so doing bless those around us in many ways; by preparing a meal from scratch and sharing it with friends and family; by growing some of our own food and letting a child assist; by making things for our homes that may be imperfect but are an expression of our personalities; by telling someone that we value them; by creating rituals and traditions that enhance our lives and the lives of those around us.
The children need me now so I must end this post. I'll have a think overnight and present my five chosen blogs tomorrow.
5 comments:
You ARE worthy! Inspirational and genuine... the same person in and out of the blog world. You get my vote!
Hi Kate
You summed it all up so well! I too am on the path to living more simply, I think it is because it's truly the opposite to most of the neighbourhood. I do sometimes think 'what is the point' when the whole family isnt behind it, but after reading you and Jenny today, I will continue to make my small changes. Im off to my first farmers market tomorrow morning, probably in the rain!
Best wishes and thanks for a lovely blog.
Tania
The library is the best!
Oh Kate what a great post. We too love the library. What would it be like if we all lived near to each other, but then maybe the word is spread better by us living in the communities that we do because others may see how we live and maybe without our even knowing they may make some changes in their families. Until one day in the future people are valued and families are supported and communities are just that a community again.
Lenny
Daniel Deronda is a book that I re-read every couple of years. I hope you enjoy it.
With regards to the award, you deserve it because you inspired Jenny. You also inspire a lot of your readers. No one is perfect, we are all just working towards what we each think is best.
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