Friday, August 21, 2009

Windows and Temptations


(Click on the thumbnail for the bigger, better version)

I am beginning to think that I may never complete the unpacking and get this house really together—I mean take it beyond simply functional. Too many work areas are positioned to offer a view of the fields, and what am I to do with so many temptations in my path? How can I be expected to concentrate on unpacking boxes, or organizing the last of the cabinets and drawers when I am faced with such wonderful diversions?

Who could resist picking up a camera with swooping hawks; scurrying ground squirrels; a coyote slinking across the field; elk on the trail headed for Cub Lake; the swallows, blue birds, and crows that come and go constantly. Then there always seems to be something blooming, or showing new color. There were poppies, then lupine, then daisies; recently there were rose buds; the hollyhocks are hanging on; and, most of the lavender is still colorful. As if that all weren’t enough, there are the mountains, trees, shadows, and often clouds.

With all that just outside my windows, following through on chores proves hectic. Even meals can be a challenge. Some days, I never manage to finish a hot meal because of all the interruptions. Prepare the food and settle in for the meal. Jump up and grab the binoculars to enjoy the antics of blue birds. Re-settle for another bite. Leap for the camera and slip out the back door to gaze at the hawks—oh, yes, make a few attempts at photographs (the hawks in flight are a challenge I have yet to master). Linger to marvel at the sky, grasses, and trees. Oops, return to microwave to reheat cooled meal; and then, repeat all of the above steps.

17 comments:

  1. Hmm. I get the impression you think this is a problem that needs to be solved.

    From where I sit, it sounds like you're living the good life!

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  2. Paul - You are right about the good life. I don't really think of it as a problem—more like spoiled rotten and loving every minute of it. Besides, this period of obsession won't last forever. Eventually, I will hit one of those dry spells. Then, I'll be grateful for having spent time immersed in making hundreds of pictures.

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  3. I think this is a good revelation about what is more important! :-)

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  4. You've described the life most us need to live. I suggest you enjoy all the distractions, things will get done in due time. :-)

    Anita, I am having a difficult time posting comments with my wordpress account. Is there something special I need to do?

    Monte Stevens

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  5. Mark - If you saw our house, you would agree that my choice is obvious. :)

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  6. Monte - It's lovely to get affirmation of my actions. The visual treats are precious, and I have already missed enough in my life. It's time to begin righting the balance.

    Oh dear, Monte, I am sorry that posting comments is a headache. I often run into that and know how frustrating it is. Unfortunately, you couldn't have picked a less likely person to be of help with your question. I am not very web savvy.
    I do know that many of the folks who comment here have WordPress, but I haven't a clue whether they have problems.

    Have you tried choosing Name/URL and filling in your user name and URL? I don't know if that will work here, or not. This afternoon I will do a little stumbling about and see if I can learn something. In the meantime, maybe someone will take mercy on both of us and post some tips. :)

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  7. Anita, As long as it's the life you want to live and you're having fun what does the other stuff really matter in the long run? There will always be more chores. Enjoy!

    (In reference to Monte's problem of commenting, I always comment here using name and URL and have never had a problem.)

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  8. With photography opportunities looming outside every window, I would let the boxes wait until the winter rains hit!

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  9. Love it, love the description and rationale for why you just can't get your head around unpacking. Don't worry, it will be there when you're ready and, perhaps for the better, you'll discover how much you didn't need the things in most of those boxes (coming from a self-acclaimed packrat).

    Hey Monte, I have the same problem from my wordpress account--I use my gmail to comment on this blog, otherwise I too get rejected.

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  10. Please, don't unpack. It's a pure joy taking part of all you experiences from your window.

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  11. Earl, Steve, and Mary Ann - I had confidence that someone would chime in with some advice for Steve. Thanks Earl and Mary Ann. Steve, I hope that helps. It is always great hearing from you and I hope you can comment painlessly in the future. But, please let me know if these techniques don't work for you.

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  12. Earl - It's true about chores, isn't it? They multiply during the night, so that you never catch up anyway. :)

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  13. Steve - The only problem is that after the rains start and the snow falls, I will find new and different reasons to photograph the view outside my window. Phooey. I suppose the boxes can continue to gather dust.

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  14. Mary Ann - The pile for The Salvation Army is growing. I admit that we knew that from the beginning. We gave up on determining in advance exactly what we would need. We enjoyed the luxury of bringing it and deciding later. But, later is here.

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  15. Ove - Not to worry, my friend. When it comes to the unpacking, my intentinons are good, but the will is weak. The view outside my windows is a siren call that I cannot resist.

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  16. Anita: To heck with the boxes! They'll keep! Enjoy the wonderful bounty that is outside of your window. I'm pretty sure that if I had that type of activity outside of my windows that I'd never get anything done! Never! And, I'd be quite happy about it, too!

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  17. Paul - I am getting happier about it all the time. The treats here are just to much to resist. I have given up trying and even wanting to resist.

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Anita