Sometimes I wonder if I am better at fake life than real life? I am not talking about those obsessive virtual games that consume some people (google "virtual life" and you will see what I am talking about). But I am thinking more about the life I lead in my imagination. On days when Philadelphia is hard, when I am dog tired and feeling insecure, I think about all the more interesting and useful things I could be doing in the world. For example, "I could be traveling through Europe or doing substantive acts of justice somewhere in Africa." A friend posted a picture of Istanbul on his facebook page today and I thought, "Why am I not going on a romantic little getaway with someone? Turkey seems nice." The day to day monotony of life can be difficult. I often experience moments of deep joy and satisfaction, but I seem to be missing that elusive existential peace.
Is restlessness a universal trait?
This week I visited with my wonderful friends, the Faucett family. They are living/working in Thailand and we had a little picnic here at the manse one evening. Four-year-old Anna Faucett asked me for a cup of milk. I found a mug in the kitchen and poured her a glass. She stood with her hands on her hips looking around and said, "You don't have much nice stuff here, do you?" I laughed out loud and said, "No Anna, we don't have much nice stuff here." She is right, you know.
Unearthing hope in a building, in a church, in a heart or mind is never easy. But maybe that is why we are given imagination. Imagination paves the way for possibility.
Some pics from the newly transformed parlor. And yes, I chose one of the most flattering pictures of myself because the authors of blogs are allowed to do such things.
This week I visited with my wonderful friends, the Faucett family. They are living/working in Thailand and we had a little picnic here at the manse one evening. Four-year-old Anna Faucett asked me for a cup of milk. I found a mug in the kitchen and poured her a glass. She stood with her hands on her hips looking around and said, "You don't have much nice stuff here, do you?" I laughed out loud and said, "No Anna, we don't have much nice stuff here." She is right, you know. 
Dear Carmie, don't listen to Anna. I think you have a lot of great stuff. Especially that huge heart of gold that you have. Thanks for spending time with us. I wish we could have had more, but we will save it for next time. Who knows where we will see each other again. You are such a joy to be around and I feel very grateful to call you my friend. Love Breathly.
ReplyDeleteTrust me - my imaginary life is much more glamorous that the real deal as well. The imaginary one includes a lot more travel, sun, sleep, well tested muscles, and expanded culture than the real one. But not as much chocolate, bedtime stories, or whispers of "I love you mom" at 5:30 AM... so maybe the real one isn't so bad.
ReplyDeleteThat couch picture is STUNNING!
And a Moby Wrap (google it) is the baby-wearing miracle. I love it, but as is our specialty here in the US, it's way more complicated than the simple techniques used throughout the developing world.
Imaginary life is necessary for survival, I think. So enjoy it as much as you want, girlie- so that your heart stays sweet and you can be refreshed to press on with the real thing- as dreary as it can be. Spring is around the corner! :)
ReplyDeleteYou have a vintage Betty Draper pose on that couch.
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