Life In The Fast Lane

I sit down to read a magazine and can't focus on a single article at a time. I scan the letters to the editor and then leaf through the rest of the pages. There was a time that a magazine could last me for days; now it last only a few minutes.


I sit down to paint my toenails. It's a chore. I can't see properly and so I make a mess; I regret the time I have to sit still until the polish dries. Once upon a time it was a treat to choose a color and pamper myself once a week. No longer.

I rush upstairs and downstairs putting my home in order. Hurry, hurry, hurry, but I can't tell you why. I don't take the time to enjoy my home, instead I rush through every task that I once enjoyed and found fulfillment in.

It's Sunday evening and so I'm thinking about the work week that's going to hit head on tomorrow morning. There is so much to do and really not enough time to do it well. I know that unless something changes I'll continue to rush to get things done and not take the time I need. The time I need for myself.

I'm longing for a little house on the prairie in a little town of less than a hundred people. I want to can tomatoes, bake bread, make cookies and make quilts. I'm thinking about a dozen Mason jars sitting on a dish towel on the counter waiting for their lids to pop. Precious red jewels that will be put away for the winter.

It's time to get out of the fast lane and appreciate the journey.

9 comments:

Diane said...

Very sweet. There are times I wish for that too. :O)

Pat's Place said...

I wish for the same...wonder what that is?

Susan Ideus said...

Linda,
I swear you were inside my head today. I was in tears trying to explain to my hubby how frustrated I am to not be able to stay home and just live life. It is indeed time for a change!

JD/ Jill said...

I so agree with some of what you wrote, I feel so much the same feelings. It does seem that life was easier years ago...but then again, maybe 10 or so years from now...We will look back and say that these are the GOOD old days...

Terri Tiffany said...

LOL I wish I could take half of your needs!! Too boring here some days. Thanks for your #! Maybe something will work out!

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

You are wishing to live my dream life! My husband and I are planning to do your dream. We have been preparing our townhouse for sale and praying that the market improves. We've been cleaning out, sorting, tossing, packing, etc in preparation for that lifestyle. Neither one of us are city people and living elbow to elbow with people is not our pleasure. I love to can, cook and sit on the back porch looking out over God's creation. I hope and pray you and your hubby and us will be able to live that dream soon!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Sweet ideals here in this post. I hope for you that you get a chance for them.

Take it easy this week, just take it in stride.

Hill Country Hippie said...

That's the best thing that resulted from our move - I finally have my Sundays back. I spent most of my life wasting half my weekend. I'd wake up Sunday morning feeling glum about the weekend being almost over! How sad is that? Now I enjoy Sundays from start to finish, and Monday's are just about my fav, because they mark the beginning of a week full of possibilities!

Christy Woolum said...

I agree. I am home sick so at least I get to rest, but all that stuff that needs to be done is still outside this bedroom door. I ordered one of the books from your memoir list "A Broom of One's Own" . I love it.