Where are you a craftsman in your life?

I stained the cedar 2x2s that will go on top of my pergola. At first, I thought, okay now should I lay them all next to each other so I can cover many at once? "I have 32 to do, is there a way to be efficient and get them done wholesale?"

Instead, I picked up one 2x2, a brush, and started painting the stain along its length. With ease, enjoying the simplicity of watching each face be transformed into a deeper, richer color. The knots coming alive with story and saga. Ooo, that was pretty, I wonder what the next one will look like? Each side told its own tale, as the grain swept and swirled its way down.

Suddenly I felt the joy of craftsmanship. Meticulous. Unhurried. Savoring the transformation of the wood. Taking pleasure in watching the grain jump up and sing. I was totally in flow, and it felt wonderful.

So many tasks in life I hurry through, trying to get it done quickly and with the least effort. Efficient. So I can get onto the next task. But the cedar slowed me down to being fully present, fully in the now.

And I wonder, where else in my life am I a craftsman? Where else in my life do I show up with unhurried care, fully present, savoring the effects of my attention and effort?

Where are you a craftsman in your life?

An ode to acting now - goldfish!

A couple years ago I built a pond in my backyard. I considered adding fish, but figured it would become a raccoon and heron sushi bar. I didn't want to attract raccoons -- cute critters, but they can be deadly to cats. It suddenly dawned on me that with the fence, raccoons can't get in, so I just brought home a bunch of goldfish and released them in the pond. What fun! Once they settle in, I'm sure they'll lead the cats on merry chases. (The guppies in the indoor fishtank do.)

I imagine I could have said no, I'm moving towards the new house, and away from this one, so I should wait. (There's a pond over there too.) But where is the joy in that? I think all too often we postpone joy. We put off doing things that are fun. "Oh, let me get this done first, and then I'll..." I think it's something we learned when we were told we had to eat dessert last.

Truly, think about it: when you have some wonderful dish on your plate, or handful of jelly beans, do you eat the ones you like least, saving the best ones for last? What would it be like to eat the best ones first, the choice center of the cake, the tenderloin first? Then *every* bite you take would be the *best* one.

What if we started filling our day with acts that bring us joy?

Cats outside first time -- happy =^..^=

I finished the cat fencing at my current home, and oh they are so happy! Two (of four) have never been outside before, except for a 8x15 enclosure I built last fall. They romp up and down the hill, chasing each other. Luna just caught a shrew, and was so proud of herself, she could barely contain herself. Hee! I'm a good kittymama.

Creating a budget -- the touchy-feely way

Ohhh, but I’m feeling a little bit brilliant right now. I created a wonderful way to create the comprehensive budget I’ve been needing to draft. My budget is $80,000 for this project. I’ve been spending money right and left, for a deck, to create a new ceiling, electrical – without a comprehensive plan. Yikes! It’s been scary. I’ve taken several stabs at it, but when I’m done, I see a list of words and a list of numbers and I have no feel for it. And I don’t know how to use Excel. I learn visually and kinesthetically – I need to SEE and FEEL something before I’m sold.

So I pulled out my spare change jar, and counted out $8.00. I grabbed a large sheet of paper, and my list of everything that needs funding, and wrote them out on the paper, sorted in rough groups. Then I took my “$80,000” and placed the coins next to each expenditure. A penny is $100, a nickel is $500, dime is $1000, and quarter is $2500.

I put five dimes in the spot where I really want to splurge on a recycled glass countertop. I put enough coins to cover a separate cooktop and oven, if I can afford it over a standard range. I put fewer coins over the radiant heat spot, since I plan to do the labor myself except for the manifold.

I got all done, everything on my list had coins on it, and I have coins left over. Enough, to comfortably do the two big things left on the list to complete the project. I could SEE everything was amply covered, AND I get to have my beautiful recycled glass countertops! And keep my uh-oh!/Ooooo! cushion as well.

Yep, I’m feeling a little bit brilliant this afternoon

moon and fireworks

It’s July 3rd, after 10pm. Boom, boom, crackle, screeeeeech of fireworks echoing across the lake. The moon is almost full, spinning a trail of glittering silver across the water. Beyond the pines I can hear deeper booms of bigger explosives far away. Across the lake there’s a bonfire, surrounded by laughter. Farther down the lake is a live band playing decent guitar. I still can’t quite believe that I get to live here, on the water. The moon on the water is so magical. Diamonds and fairies and stardust.

I love writing out here on the porch. Eager to get internet service.

Eager to build my firepit too. I’ve been putting it off because it involves carrying those bastard-heavy construction bricks. I’ve been assuming that I’m not strong enough to carry them. But now that I’ve pulled down the kitchen ceiling – I need to test that assumption. I know I’m getting stronger – I can do things I wasn’t able to just a few months ago. I’m also learning that even though something requires physical effort and is hard, that’s no reason to avoid it.

One brick at a time. Just do the next step. The bricks are across the street, so I could load a couple in the little trailer that goes with the riding lawn mower and bring them right down to the beach. Then a little while later, a couple more.

I think I want tiki torches over here too. Or candles. Something organic and magic.

Oh! An aerial firework! Bright green!