Today, was another uneventful day. Actually, I rather enjoy these uneventful days, even if I don't have much to write about, in terms of what I did.
That reminds me of something I read in 9th grade. We had to read a book of collected essays and writings as part of our required English reading; I remember there was something written by Sir Winston Churchill about his experiences as a school boy.
But one of the essays was about the art of letter writing. The author recounted a journey by train, during which the author shared a carriage with a young soldier who was trying to write a letter to his family. The soldier hadn't got that far beyond the initial greeting, saying he was well, and asking how everyone was, and was apparently trying to think of what else to write. The author and the soldier struck up a conversation and the soldier admitted that he really didn't know what there was to write home about beyond what he had already written. Then, the soldier proceeded to tell the author stories about his experiences during the war, until the author got off the train. The author imagined the soldier continuing to ride the train and struggle over what to write; of course, the point being made was, if the soldier would only write down all the things he told the author, it would be a wonderful letter. The moral of the essay was, when writing letter, include all the details, even if you don't think it's important, because the details are what brings a scene to life to the reader.
I have always remembered that essay (obviously!), even though I've forgotten the name of the author. I tried to give all the details when I wrote my weekly letters home to my mother and step-father when I went away to university. My step-father kept all my letters - I found them among his belongings after his death.
These days, I don't write that many letters (plenty of emails, though!), but this blog is a little like a letter, isn't it? A letter in which I give the details of my day, even if it is only to say I went to the office and came home!
Today, before I left to go to the office, I wrote a note to my friend M who takes care of my garden for me, telling him what needs to be done. He has a key to my gate, so lets himself in and locks up when he leaves.
Today, my cubicle felt cold enough for me to wear a jacket over my cardigan, along with my scarf! I think, next week, I will take some packets of hot cocoa to keep at my desk. I don't drink tea or coffee at the office as I drink a cup of coffee in the morning when I wake up and a cup of tea when I come home, but I can make myself a cup of hot cocoa to sip in the afternoon, when I feel cold.
M had been and finished the garden by the time I came home from work; he had left me a message on my answering machine, so I called him back and left a message on his answering machine!
Then, daughter called to let me know she was home from work, herself. After that, I made myself a cup of tea and watched the evening news. Later, I called one of my aunts to check on her. I invited her and cousin to dinner to try some of my soup, but she declined, saying she's tired and cousin was still teaching (she gives piano lessons).
Dinner was more of my soup and a piece of leftover carrot cake for dessert. I still have plenty of leftovers for meals during the coming week, but I will want another loaf of bread and I am debating whether to buy a container of flavored coffee creamer this weekend or wait till next weekend.
Today, I am grateful for:
- Being able to remember the gist of something I read in 9th grade!
- The end of the workweek
- The abundance in my fridge and freezer
- Answering machines
- The internet
I am looking forward to the weekend. I want to get some of my paperwork done, get some cleaning and gardening done, and maybe a bit of grocery shopping.
How was your Friday? What are your plans for the weekend?
I love Sir Winston Churchill's quotes. I have a book on him but have yet to read it! I love the point of your story excerpt. Andrea
ReplyDeleteThat book will be something to look forward to reading, Andrea, maybe this winter; nothing better than curling up in a chair with a blanket, a cup of tea or coffee, and a good book. :)
DeleteMy mum and I wrote each other weekly letters. How happy and excited I always felt when I saw her hand writing on a envelope or aerogramme. I also enjoyed receiving a bundle of my home town newspaper. How things change when it comes to communicating. I miss those letters.
ReplyDeleteIf you need it I hope you buy the coffee creamer that you enjoy. Good luck on your paperwork.
After church service, coffee we will attend another class "A Man Named Martin Luther" - always learn something new.
Hardly anyone writes letters, these days, I think. I do like the more instant nature of emails and video chatting, but miss the personal touch of a handwritten letter.
DeleteSounds like you have a nice weekend planned, Sandy. Enjoy it!
It's lovely that your letters were kept and treasured. I have to admit I don't do much letter writing anymore. Mum and I tend to phone and Skype and not letter write anymore.
ReplyDeleteSharon, it just occurred to me that my daughter doesn't have any letters from me, except the one I wrote to her as part of her 12th Grade English project (she had to prepare a scrapbook of her life up to that and I had to include a letter for her to read, at the end). These days, we text, phone, and chat online.
DeleteRoutine days are always a welcome relief. Glad you had one today.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Live and Learn. Yes, they give one an opportunity to catch ones breath, don't they?
DeleteLetter writing was such a part of our education.. To think, the now a day kids , will not get that. Sad really. I enjoyed the days we wrote letters, and received them in the mail.
ReplyDeleteI had a good day [Saturday]. Granddaughter came home from college and came over for a visit.. So nice to see her. Then I went to the grocery store to get bread and boneless/skinless chicken tenders. They were on sale for $4 for a 3 lb bag.. Hope you have a good day..
Most letters are not kept, of course, but those that are kept can have such meaning. I have a letter my father wrote to my mother on their 10th anniversary. He was in hospital and, being a doctor, probably knew he was dying, although he didn't say anything about that in the letter; but it was the sort of letter that someone who knew his days were numbered would have written. My mother gave it to me to keep.
DeleteHow lovely that your granddaughter came over for a visit! You got a good deal on that chicken! Hope you have a lovely day, tomorrow, Judy. Take care.
I think one drawback of the internet and e-mails is that one rarely writes a letter, except to those who don't have computers. I used to journal daily while on a trip, but that stopped after the internet became part of my life, and I wrote e-mails instead. I do keep some of them as reminders of the trips, but I should consolidate the information somewhere in a separate folder.
ReplyDeleteI've been working on a sweater using a chenille type yarn, adapting a pattern I have used before for the measurements and shaping. But somehow I slipped up, and having got to the armhole shaping this evening, I thought it all looked rather large and when I measured, I could see that the finished sweater would be several sizes too large!! Now I guess I should start again and make it much smaller. Of course I could finish it and donate it, but I love the shade of pink and I could really use another sweater.
Maybe make some sort of memory journal? Although, I wouldn't know how to do that on the computer.
DeleteOh, don't you hate it when the garments come out too big? I think it is best to unpick and start over, especially if you like the yarn.
Thank you for your list of gratitudes. When I feel myself starting to feel anxious about life, I try to start remembering all the little things I am grateful for. I always end up feeling better. Sandy
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Sandy. I started the gratitude lists at a time when I was going through a lot and starting to feel sorry for myself. They definitely help.
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