Saturday, July 6, 2013

Dear Daughters: It Is About the Work

(Preface:  If anyone is still out there, thank you. As is always the case with me- one thing leads to another- as do days and living-and it has been a while since I attended to White Spray Paint.)

Perennial Border

(my backyard, Spring 2013)

Dear Daughters,

My latest reality show obsession is Life Below Zero on the National Geographic Channel.

I kid you not.


I promise it’s not about the severe cold (understatement) these people face daily .

And no, it’s not some strange antidote to the 100 degree plus weather we have been having in South Texas since early May.


It is instead about the

WORK.

The real life characters on the show work non stop- daily in fact- in order to survive.

(Do not roll your eyes…)


For some reason this level of work really appeals to me. 

It strums some ancient chord in my upbringing that found honor in working hard physically.


I even said to your father while watching the show,

“you know, we have that much work to do around here to keep up with things.”


In a million years of marriage, I don’t think I have ever seen THAT look of horror.


Now don’t get me wrong.

I love my time in my chair, in my Ross Dress for Less caftan,  with my laptop in my lap as much as the next person.


But in my mind of simple things and complicated thoughts,

there is something compelling about that level of hard work.


Oftentimes though , all of that relaxing just doesn’t get the job done.


Just something to ponder.

Love, Mom



PS.  I am making fish tacos tonight (thanks to my neighbor Karen’s guidance.  I will send you the recipe.)

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I believe in your sentiment entirely. About honest to goodness hard work making living possible. Not about the program - I've just not ever seen it :)

Pondside said...

That good old work ethic - it suits me. I enjoy my leisure time that much more for the work that goes before it.

NanaDiana said...

Nice to see you here, Laura. I see you curbed the urge to work long enough to post!;>) xox Diana

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Great to see you in blogland again, Laura. We've almost become a nation where nobody wants to work for anything, so much has been handed to them already.

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you think this way because I do also. My family thinks I'm crazy....not that I work hard...but I almost yearn for the days of hard work to survive because I think they truly experienced living. Our days of a little work and a lot of socializing seems to leave an emptiness in us. Does anyone know what I'm saying...lol....anyway...great post

Stacey said...

Just one reason I enjoy my yard so much. Hard work is fulfilling!

Alex M said...

My husband doesn't understand why I feel compelled to always be doing something for the house, our meals, etc. In the past, that was what women did from sunrise to sunset! I feel satisfied when things are getting done -- so I hear you!

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

So nice to see you...
I know exactly what you mean about the work...it seems it's never done!

Take care and enjoy those moment of relaxing when you're able.
See you around...Pat

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Beautifully said. Sent your link to my girls!

Pura Vida said...

so simple...work hard...rest...be

 

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