One of the greatest things about my Thanksgiving holiday was time offline. There was so much to do with family and friends who visited, food that we cooked together, conversation, games, and walks with our dogs that I shut down my computer for a couple of days. It was glorious.
Today, of course, things are back up and running. And there’s new snow covering the Twin Cities which both challenged everyone who had to go anywhere this morning (it was very icy beneath the new snow) and made everything look festive. The snow is the kind that is wet enough to stick to every branch, every twig, every fencepost.
In spite of the overcast sky and slippery roads, I met my son for breakfast in Minneapolis. Later, I took my camera outside to take a few photos. Nevermind that I take photos of nearly every snowfall that outlines everything in white; it’s always beautiful and it always gets my attention. And I am reminded that my practice of looking for beauty keeps me from griping about the slick roads and the need to shovel. It keeps me looking at everything around me with wonder as winter drops its cloth over us.
As we finish up the Thanksgiving leftovers and think about the next holidays that are looming, a little wonder and a little awe can work magic.
I’m going to work hard at that magic by making a December practice of shutting off my computer before dinner each day. I’m bringing out more of my offline life, running away from evenings spent on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram or email.
Anyone care to join me? It’s going to be awesome.
Surprisingly, I did not pull out my camera this morning to photograph the first major snowfall. Rather, I pulled out the shovel and cleared our walk and drive and that of a neighbor.
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Shoveling should come first! As should helping those who are unable to shovel their own walks. That was nice of you.
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Hmm, after dinner is the only time I really have to write. But I tend to flash through facebook and check up on the kids, then I’m out of there. I do spend a lot of time on Ravelry (Knitter’s social community). When you’re kind of isolated, sometimes these connections are good. And good thing the Corgis like the snow. They demand to go out and play fetch or walk me to the mailbox – even in the dark. I get my awe studying the night sky. 🙂
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Yes, the dinner-time shut down doesn’t work for every schedule. You raise a good point. What I’m really after is a better balance. And that’s often difficult for those of us who work online or are in isolated areas. But getting your awe from the night sky is a beautiful thing! And, because of your isolation, I suspect your night sky viewing surpasses our light-polluted view by quite a bit.
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I’m trying to do the same. Four more classes and and two finals, then I’ll post grades and cybernate for a while.
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Cybernate is a fabulous term! Good luck on the finals.
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Awe and wonder are both amazing things.
As is time disconnected.
As we launch helter-skelter into the sweaty season I love, love, love the snowy magic you gave us.
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Happy to give you pictures that cool you off!
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I’ve actually been noticing that I haven’t been sitting at my computer by lunchtime. I don’t even check in on my devices. I’m pretty much walking away around the same time I’m sitting down to my mid-day meal. It wasn’t a conscious choice. Just something that’s been happening the past few weeks.
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You’re paying attention to the rhythm that works for you. That’s what’s important.
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Thank you, Kathleen. I am spending too much time on Facebook, online searches, the computer. Your encouraging words and the other comments here may help me “get a grip” on letting go. Best to you and Happy December! xoA
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Happy Holidays, Annis! And thank you.
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