3/2/2010
living well writing little
According to the CNN weather man, yesterday was the first day of the meteorological spring. I think I can feel it. I don't want to be inside even though the day looks pretty dreary. For close to a year now I've suffered some pretty major writer's block... or rather lack of enthusiasm. I think I've expressed that fairly well in the previous sporadic posts. There's another part though that I haven't fully explored though. Thoreau once commented that it was pretty vain to write about life when one hasn't actually lived a life worth writing about. So while on one hand I've done a lousy job of writing lately, I've done a much better job of living than I have in the past. Here's a quick list of the positive.
Since last summer I've logged, milled and constructed a log cabin. Ok... so the construction phase is still
under way, but the logs are all in place and as of this past weekend the roof is completed for the log portion of the structure. All of this done environmentally responsible, with the help of a few friends and my dad and to date with zero debt.
I've helped start a new church. It's still very much in its infancy, but growing a distinct and positive personality in the community.
I continue to teach at the university and continue to enjoy it. I just got my student evaluations back from last semester, and it seems "most" of them enjoy and get something out of my classes.
The Lady and I have college students over to our house each week for a home cooked meal. It seems to do them and us a lot of good.
I get the opportunity to counsel students about life as much as I answer questions about class. For some reason one or two always seek me out during the semester. I'm good with that.
I've gone on a mission trip.
I finished a really cool workshop.
I'm writing songs again and playing with an amazing band.
The Lady and I are working out daily and steadily losing weight and becoming healthier people.
We've been together for almost 16 years (13 1/2 married) and I'm more in love with the Lady now than ever.
So no, my bank account is a far cry from spectacular. I'm not as famous as I once was in certain circles. I get stressed some days. I feel like I don't really give other days my full attention. I spend more time than I'd like online. But, as time goes on, and the homestead gets developed we will work to continue to simplify our lives further. One day I hope to owe very little so that we can give much more. I appreciate the time with a hammer in my hand more than the time with a keyboard beneath my fingers, but I appreciate the time with friends more still.
These are the important things in life. I like to tell my students that a good rule to live by, is that people should feel like the best version of themselves when they're around you. It's a hard goal to be sure. But it keeps things in perspective and it reminds me that life is to be lived deliberately.
So in the mean time...live well...laugh often...love always.
Delibrio Animosus,
Billy
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