Goals and Progress and Balance

Hmmmm. Must admit, the public humiliation theory has proven correct. I've been using my spare time to work on finding places to put all of the miscellany that has been junked into the sewing room. What takes the longest is determining where else things can be stored (remember, I'm trying to organize as well). Sadly, I'm fully aware that remembering the logical places of storage will be difficult, but hopefully, at least the sewing, fabric, embellishing stuff will be easier to locate.

Progress (even though in small doses with much left to be done, I'm pleased):

• scanning pictures for my brothers
• made 3 Tai Chi classes this week (total of about 4 hours) even if I left early twice
• helped my dad with some cleaning, laundry, etc. on Monday and Friday
• have completed the first stage of my Jan. journal quilt
• worked in short time increments on cleaning sewing room
• got out some books (poetry, The Power of Myth) that speak to the spirit and/or intellect to read in addition to novels and QA magazine

This is a poem that I don't have to look up; I know it by heart (to which many an unfortunate friend can attest if the conversation turns to poetry). It is one of my all time favorites and speaks to the idea of balance which has been a frequent New Year topic.

"Advice to my Son"
by Peter Meinke

The trick is, to live your days
as if each one may be your last
(for they go fast, and young men lose their lives
in strange and unimaginable ways)
but at the same time, plan long range
(for they go slow: if you survive
the shattered windshield and the bursting shell
you will arrive
at our approximation here below
of heaven or hell).

To be specific, between the peony and the rose
plant squash and spinach, turnips and tomatoes;
beauty is nectar
and nectar, in a desert, saves -
but the stomach craves stronger sustenance
than the honied vine.

Therefore, marry a pretty girl
after seeing her mother;
show your soul to one man,
work with another,
and always serve bread with your wine.

But son,
always serve wine.