Slowing down

Some days seem simply frenetic for me--I try to fit too much into a mere 24 hours at times. They're always things I want or need or should do. And I really enjoy it all, too (well, cleaning the bathrooms leave a little to be desired, but I love how they sparkle when clean). Other days are just right--well paced, perhaps.

Saturday, I tried to fit a lot into the morning. Our friends Chris and Wendy were coming up from New Hampshire, but since I hadn't gone out the day before because of crazy weather and freezing rain, I needed to run a bunch of errands before they arrived. I had gone four places before running into the Kingdom Sports store in St. Jay, hoping to find a particular birthday present for my brother-in-law. I was successful, but the internet was down at the store and the man working had to run my credit card through the old fashioned way. While I was waiting, another man working started talking and said how it was kind of nice in a way--it forced us to slow down a little and actually chat with each other. And we had a nice chat, too! He's right. We have designed our lives to avoid dealing with others in the pursuit of simplifying--ah, to fit more into our already hectic lives!

It reminds me of the Little Prince when someone tried to sell him a pill that would allow him to not spend time drinking water. Think of all the time you'd save, he said. The response of the little blond traveler was that he would take all those saved minutes and search for a well of water.

So, I took my time yesterday and made this loaf of bread. I think it was worth it.