Let's Run Away....

It's that time of year when the days shorten, the leaves fall all over town, and a yarn crafter's thoughts turn to all the things they want to make for Christmas gifts. They know they're doomed to failure, of course, because if we could make everything we wanted to make within a two month window, we'd certainly have a different career entirely, wouldn't we?  I do like to dream though!  I look at my stash of beautiful, colorful yarns and suddenly have the design flair of a professional in my mind. There are the sweaters I'd make for Milo, the cute little animal creatures I'd create, the scarf and hat sets for those I think need taking care of, and the prayer shawls for all my girlfriends. Oh, yes, and by the way, I think I'll make myself a beautiful big poncho in laceweight yarn!  That's doable, right?

I'm so far behind on everything in my life right now. I have a stack of magazines and journals to read that could serve as a hurdle in the Olympics. I have books to read, stories to write, and even sewing to do!  As if that isn't enough, I also have the strongest desire to clear clutter and simplify throughout my house and throughout my life.

Life just seems too complex and fast these days. I want to do things to simplify it and return to a simpler time. You know, the time before Facebook and Twitter when we only had email and the internet to goof us up and slow us down.  ;-). No, when I think of a truly simpler time, I think back to my childhood. Television had three channels. Great radio stations could be found as often on the AM side as the FM side. There were no answering machines, personal computers, mobile phones or GPS devices. If you wanted to get lost and off grid for a little while, all you had to do was walk into your backyard and turn off the ringer on your home telephone. Now if you want to get lost and off grade, you practically have to become a fugitive. The other day I forgot my cell phone when I went to work as a senior caregiver. No one could get in touch with me and, it felt....wonderful!  I'll admit it, after work, I wanted to just drive through the fallen leaves, daydream about knitting, and let my cares slip away. What would you do with your day if you could be totally off grid for two or three hours?