Happy New Year! I assume everyone resolved to do something this year, yes? I didn’t. I figured the five goals I set for myself on my birthday were enough to keep me busy. Of course, I still managed to spend the last 10 days over-thinking my goals, my blog, my life. People don’t suddenly stop acting crazy just because it’s Christmas, you know.
My goal to have nothing in my home that is not useful, beautiful, or both is not going as well as it did in October. I thrive on assignments and move forward with momentum. October was the perfect storm of achievement. I had an assignment and I worked on it everyday. Things happened. Now, things are not happening.
Over the break, I debated doing my William Morris project for a year, five days a week with weekends off. I asked the opinions of family, friends, bloggers, and readers and 75% thought it was an incredibly bad idea. Family and friends reminded me how exhausting it would be. Bloggers and readers pointed out that I would, essentially, completely change the focus of my blog. That gave me pause. I don’t want to be a DIY blogger, and I suspect the internet doesn’t want me to be one, either. I can’t imagine tricking out my pantry with bunting, washi tape, and oil cloth. I lean towards the practical, and wipeable contact paper is fine, thanks.� Reading my DIY blog would be as exciting as reading a dental blog.
Your bicuspids are transitional teeth located between the canines and molars. They are also known as premolars.
See what I mean?
Right before I was supposed to make a decision about my William Morris goal, I decided to email my blogging mentor. While I was waiting for her reply, I found an inspiration journal from a couple of years ago. On the first page I had written a quote, one of my favorites. When Nester replied a while later, she quoted my quote back to me in a round about way. I took it as a sign.
What makes me come alive? I supposed everything I blog about here.
- Reading. I love everything about it and am willing to read anything. Even Nicholas Sparks. (I haven’t yet, but I would.)
- Writing. I’m good at it.
- Learning. Jokes aside, reading about bicuspids was oddly satisfying.
- Domesticity. The educated, girl-power attorney in me doesn’t always want it to be so, but I love keeping a home. I love cooking, baking, decorating, wifery-ing-ly(?), and raising boys. Actually, I only don’t want it to be so when I visit with friends from law school and feel like a boring country bumpkin. The rest of the time, I’m good.
So, it will be more of the same around here. More of my old fashioned, slightly quirky taste in things like roses and colors that aren’t mauve. More books, naturally. And, yes, even more William Morris. More me, that’s all.
What makes you come alive?
………………….
This post is linked up with Kevin and Layla Palmer at The Lettered Cottage.
Bring it on Jules! I have missed your blog over the holidays and wondered a bit over the silence (of course you are allowed family time) ; ) I for one am looking forward to you sharing what makes you come alive. Happy New Year to you and yours!
What a lovely quote, and so so true. Thanks for sharing it. And you are definitely a great writer! I found your blog only recently and have thoroughly enjoyed going through the archives…lots of laughing on my part!
I too am a former career gal; I loved what I did, but when my first children were born a couple of years ago (twins), I wanted to be at home with them. I’ve always been domestic, and I’ve had the opportunity over the past couple of years to nurture the child-rearing/baking/cooking/home-keeping/wife-ing side of me. It usually makes me come alive, but then there are the times when I find myself kind of raging because I want to be recognized more for all that I’m doing. The endless laundry. The delicious, from-scratch meals. The creative play with the toddlers. The nurturing of our new baby. My husband appreciates what I do and tells me from time to time, but I crave the recognition of a job-well-done I used to get consistently at work from peers and bosses. So…is it praise that makes me come alive? How awful!
I’m not sure where I’m going with all of this, but I guess I’m wondering how to be happy with doing what I DO love to do without the recognition. I want the DOING of these domestic things to make me come alive without needing anything else.
(And BTW, I do have lots of other hobbies that also make me come alive–similar to your list, actually, with a couple of other additions, but since the majority of my time is consumed with the things listed above and to me they are the most meaningful, important work that I do, I’m trying to figure this all out.)
This is so me!
I so hear you! I’ve been praying that God would help me reclaim that love for home — without the pats on the back.
Not sure what makes me thrive. Was too distracted by the sexy dental talk. Happy New Year my friend!!!! Looking forward to more of YOU on the blog.
That was for your benefit, you oral surgeon, you.
LOL!
Amen to all 5 (except, my writing could use some improvement). I only wish I’d written it first!! I too will read almost anything, i just love getting lost in a story. Really enjoy your blog, keep being you :)
I love homekeeping. I enjoy de cluttering and organizing, but also love just being a slob sometimes. I thrive on knowing that I can pick and choose what makes me happy. Maybe one day it’s cleaning my house till it’s spotless and another day is spent in bed watching re runs of Will and Grace and browsing magazines while the dishes and laundry pile up. I try not to force myself to be just one person who acts only one way. It’s taken me many years to realize this,though I do struggle with it sometimes especially if I’ve spent too much time reading blogs! Just be you whatever that may be on that day. It’s worked great for your blog so far.
I’m so happy to read your post I can’t think about the details! :) I’m not sure if it’s what you say or how you say it (and of course it’s probably both) that reading your blog is a bright point in my day. Except the teeth thing – I have major tooth/dentist anxiety and I had to read over that part really quickly, with my eyes kind of squinty like when ads for scary movies come on TV. Anyway, yes, reading about what you want to write about it is a key to the whole thing, so keep on with it and I for one will keep coming back.
Just discovered your blog over the holidays, and have really enjoyed what I’ve had a chance to read so far. I’ll definitely be checking in weekly…daily whenever possible. Loved your post of today. Wrote down in my notebook the quotes from Howard Thurman and William Morris. What I especially liked was that you wrote about how these quotes pertain to your life. Sometimes I read a quote, and it sounds great, but I don’t really know how to start applying it to my life. Or in the case of the William Morris quote, I know how to apply it, but the procrastinator in me prefers to think of it as a pleasant idea that is impossible to achieve. You make it seem doable. I’ve already accomplished a lot of the kind of stuff on your list, I just needed that push to make me realize I can actually complete the process. Thanks for sharing.
I know you didn’t ask, but I’m really glad you didn’t do WM 5 days a week. I’m glad to see more of the same from you. It’s always what I loved best…
Thanks, Andrea. That means a lot.
William Morris was interesting when it was one of your projects, as it reflected your state of mind. Okay to be a part of something, but I am not so sure that William Morris should define a person any more so than Firecracker lip gloss. Besides, I think that you’ve more depth to yourself. (I hope that isn’t offensive, and I know that you believe the William Morris view reflects a depth of spirit….I guess, I just think that the posts about your spiritual growth and your growth in joy & self-control are “deeper” than anything that one does with a closet or pantry… I suppose, the ideas are really on a spectrum, where one idea bleeds into the other…. now, I’m just babbling…)
At any rate, I would never have tried the lip gloss otherwise… And what a wonderful service to me that advice has been! Happy new year.
Girlfriend. Again you seem to have some kind of psychic inner channel to the workings within my mind. I LOVE keeping a home. I am SO HAPPY not to be practicing law. I LOVE books (especially the Children’s variety! :) And I have to tell you, THANK YOU for sharing your thoughts and giving us a view into your life and home. Happy New Year!
More of you is exactly what the world needs! Carry on!
I found you during William Morse and you motivated me to keep going on my own house. I desperately need more motivation so I would have benefitted from more Morse. Maybe just a few days a month you could visit the idea/project? But I will still be reading, guess I need to find some other motivational blogs to keep decluttering my house. Thanks for your honesty! I do really appreciate your quote!!!
I’ll probably be doing something once a week or so. I have to complete my year goal somehow! :)
That dental thing is hilarious!
I love your blog just the way it is. Write what you love, and we’ll love it, too. Especially when you write from the point of view of a mushroom or feather duster or something. Those posts crack my s*** up!
Now I’m off to do some williammorrising. Quite possibly using tension rods.
See? You’re a phenomenon!
Oh, I’m so happy . . . I didn’t want to say it aloud, but the thought of nothing but William Morris for one whole year made me shed a tear or two. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy it–or that it didn’t inspire me . . . I did–it did! But I love a little of everything.
That said, looking forward to sharing another year of adventure with you, my friend!
Very nicely stated and I can’t wait to read more in 2012. What makes me come alive? A lot of the same thing that make you come alive, twin thing and all..I was thinking when I read about the premolars that she probably enjoyed looking that up;)
I must say that I LOVE your writing–whatever you are writing about!! Your fabulously intriguing writing is what reeled me into your blog in the first place a couple o’ months ago! I quit working 11 years ago (court reporter and an customer service agent for a major airline) to stay at home with my two daughters. There is a lot I miss, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do and for all you share!!
I lovelovelove all the william morris stuff, but love all “the rest” even more! keep doing what you have been doing, because that is already so great, no need for improvement!!!!
That sounds like a perfect plan! I know I will be right here, reading along. Thanks for doing what you do!
I found you blog over the holidays and read an absolute ton of posts trying to catch up a little. I’ve really enjoyed your writing style and am looking forward to reading more over the coming year. I appreciate the glimpses into your life and the sincerity you bring; I love your blog as is.
I love your writing, you are SO very good at it. Thank you for the quote, I totally relate to the educated girl-power side of you not wanting to admit that you like cleaning, cooking, raising your kiddos and maintaining a home. Sometimes I feel silly about that too…but usually only when my b-school counterparts with six figure salaries come a-calling.
Bingo.
Crocheting. Painting pottery. Reading. Singing along to pop music. Hanging out with my kids and husband. Traveling.
I think you made the right decision. :-)
That’s great news! So glad we’ll be seeing more of the real Jules.
As for me, I really got excited when you introduced the WM thing, but couldn’t imagine it every day. (Something about all work and no play) I want to spend more time discovering the things that make me come alive with just a sprinkling of things that keep me alive, ie, organization, health, being a better mom, etc. And I think I might spend one day a week on the 52 Bites thing. Surely I can handle one a week. ;)
Happy New Year, to you and yours!
“More me, that�s all.” That is pretty okay with me and a lot less insane for you. Love the roses by the way.
I have been pondering your question all day (one would think that at 42 I should be able to answer this type of question with out hesitation, but nope). I have come up with this: My home and tending to it, a good read (book or blog), conversation, gardening, time with my family, good design. You know wiferly stuff.
Been thinking about this post all day. Just want to say thanks (again) for freeing me from nagging thoughts. I was worrying about how to make my blog “bigger, better, BADDER” … and then you reminded me to listen to that quiet voice that says, “Just do what you do.”
Thank you for sharing! I love the quote, and think it is important to remember. I am about to start a whole-house overhaul (Organizaganza 2012!), as I just realized I’ll have been in my house for ten years this summer. As I do so, I will definitely be thinking about only having things in my home that are useful or beautiful (or both), and will be coming back to your blog for inspiration!
What a great quote! I’d never read it. You’re going to seriously give me some food for thought with this. And that is why I love your blog. I always walk away with something to ponder or at least with a big smile on my face. I’m looking forward to seeing how you move forward this year. Happy new year Jules!
Great to see smart women who can wield their intelligence as a mother. The world’s children need this so badly. And great that you love doing it too! Bonne Ann�e!
I’ll add my voice to the masses by saying: Thank you. Thank you for staying just like you are, but with purpose. I’d love to see William Morris projects sprinkled here and there — they serve as inspiration to get off my rear and do something — but really, truly, isn’t your whole blog William Morris-y? Meaning, your blog is full of such useful, beautiful things. Books and your precious boys and your thoughts on life and home. Those things easily fit into the William Morris category without being DIY projects or cleaning escapades. Too often, maybe because of the success so many other bloggers have, we think we need to change what we’re doing; we think we need to narrow our scope. And yet none of us is really very narrow. Our interests span the spectrum, and I, for one, think our blogs ought to reflect that. So thanks. I can’t wait to see where you and your blog are able to go in 2012.
Hi! Apologies for the long post, but was thinking about goals for this year, and one of them is to work my way through the banned book list. There are so many versions, but this one from the American Library Association that lists the top 10 challenged books by year http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/21stcenturychallenged/index.cfm). I was looking for more of the top 30 variety, but haven’t found one yet. This one from Time lists the top 10 censored books (http://entertainment.time.com/2011/01/06/removing-the-n-word-from-huck-finn-top-10-censored-books/#the-adventures-of-huckleberry-finn). This one is the top 100 (http://www.suprmchaos.com/bcEnt-banned-books.index.html). Its long, but you wouldn’t have to read them all.
If you haven’t decided on a theme for your book club yet, I think this could be a good focus. The list includes a wide variety of books, from classics to children’s books to the Twilight Series. Something for everyone! And it pleases the rebel in me to thumb my nose (figuratively) to all the narrow minded folks out there.
Right on, Jules! Thanks for the quote. I needed that.
Is it bad that right now the only things I feel like would make me come alive are a perfectly clean, quiet house and at least three uninterrupted days in bed? I got sick the week before Christmas but couldn’t bear to slow down enough to really recover and now I’m back at work. Sigh.
In general, I’d say 1. reading (like you, anything I can get my hands on) 2. good food (the making and the eating and the contemplating) 3. working with my hands
Happy new year, Jules!
Chiming in a little late, but your list is very similar to mine, too. I would add travel & the outdoors/nature to the list, something I don’t ever feel I get enough of. Also, been thinking about those same issues in the quote, and trying to figure more out along those lines. Expanding and doing more with my own blog is one, although sometimes I suspect that, as usual, I’m somehow jumping on that train too late. I guess time will tell. Happy 2012…if nothing else, I’m really looking forward to The Book Club!