There's almost nothing about the dandelion that humans can't make use of. People of many different countries have eaten its buds, leaves, and greens. Besides being tasty, it contains high levels of several vitamins and minerals. Its flowers are the prime ingredient in dandelion wine, and its roots have been turned into a coffee substitute. Herbalists from a variety of traditions have found medicinal potency in various parts of the plant. Last but not least, dandelions are pretty and fun to play with! In the coming weeks, I invite you to approach the whole world as if it were a dandelion. In other words, get maximum use and value out of every single thing with which you interact.
“Since the world has changed so much, the same values don't lead to the same choices anymore.”
-Jonathan Safran Foer
I think it's time to start knitting again, after all fall is here.
Fall is my favorite because:
- Scarves!
- Layering!
-Snuggly blankets!
- Fall scented candles!
- tights!
- I can save money on pedicures!
- hot chocolate!
- I don't sweat when I get out of the shower, or when I'm getting ready for work!
- Open windows while I sleep!
“It's always possible to wake someone from sleep, but no amount of noise will wake someone who is pretending to be asleep.” -Jonathan Safran Foer
It has been almost a year now that I have lived by myself. If there is one thing I am sure of, it's been one of my best decisions ever. I have grown as a person in the following ways:
1) I am cleaner- there is nothing like having a place to yourself and therefore having no one to blame the mess on. I clean (lately almost to an obsession) every Sunday. I know, I know, many of you probably doubt my sincerity,especially my sister. But it's true. I even clean the wall edges that build up dust, regularly. I wash my dishes, wash my sheets at least biweekly, dust, hang up my clothes, do laundry before I run out of underwear, sweep twice a week, mop my floors, and light candles religiously.
2) I thoroughly enjoy my own company- well, actually, I have always enjoyed my own company. But living by myself has allowed me to enjoy myself day-after-day. I talk to my animals. I don't have to talk to anyone regularly. I'm alone with my own thoughts, and surprisingly more positive because of it. I don't have to make small talk when I am not in the mood. Everything is my own, the way I want it. I sit in silence daily. I am more productive. When I take work home, I actually do it... well, 50% of the time, which is a lot better than 0% of the time. Finally, there is no where else I would rather be.
3) I walk around my house, anyway I want, without shame- no, I don't really walk around naked. BUT, I can wear the same sleepy dress everyday, and there is no one here to notice or make comments. I own about 10 sleepy dresses, and I prefer maybe 2 of them; therefore, I wear the two regularly. I leave the door open when I go to the bathroom, and there is no one to offend. I leave the door open when I shower. My whole space is my own, and in it I feel very free.
4) I have a more consistent routine- some people might think that routines are boring, but I thoroughly enjoy my own routine. Only boring people are bored, as the saying goes. When I get home from work, I put on my sleepy dress, take off my make-up, and lay in bed checking Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and my gnome village (yeah, my gnome village, it's an app). I lay in bed for about 45 minutes whether I sleep or not, and then I make dinner. While I make dinner I watch TV, sometimes it's the news, sometimes it's Netflix, but most of the time it's mind-numbing. Then, I take my evening shower, crawl into bed at about 8:30, read for an hour-and-a-half, and go to sleep.
5) I am healthier- I go grocery shopping ONLY FOR MYSELF! I don't buy things that aren't good for me, because I know I would gobble them up in an evening. I don't buy candy. I rarely buy bread or meat. If it's not in my house, then I don't eat it (well, Panda Express is right down the road, which has been dangerous) but normally, I fix what I have. I eat a lot of salads, stir-fries, and cheese. I also drink a lot of wine, which can be both good and bad, depending on your perspective. I vote "good".
“Life overflows with imperfections, but some matter more than others” -Jonathan Safran Foer
Week of October 25th:
As you contemplate what you want to be for Halloween, don't consider any of the following options: a thoroughbred racehorse wearing a blindfold; a mythic centaur clanking around in iron boots; a seahorse trying to dance on dry land. For that matter, Sagittarius, I hope you won't come close to imitating any of those hapless creatures even in your non-Halloween life. It's true that the coming days will be an excellent time to explore, analyze, and deal with your limitations. But that doesn't mean you should be overwhelmed and overcome by them. Halloween costume suggestions: Houdini, an escaped prisoner, a snake molting its skin.
"She wants to know if I love her, that's all anyone
wants from anyone else, not love itself but the knowledge that love is there,
like new batteries in the flashlight in the emergency kit in the hall
closet." - Jonathan Safran Foer
