The other evening after a full day Sally said to me, “Today it felt like several days came at me all at once!” I agreed heartily. I have set several resolutions and goals for myself and the business, all of which need to be worked on and launched in parallel. (More on that another day…) The consequence, is a very fast pace these days… Some might call it relentless.
In spite of the fact that time is one of the few things you can’t get back, I’ve made the seemingly incongruous decision to take a certain amount of time in the morning, around noon time and in the evening making it sacred, where I will not talk or think about work. I believe in the long run, it will enable me to work more efficiently and effectively.
What prompted this decision was that I found myself looking at very particular kinds of images as I was going through more old design magazines this past weekend. They were all restful and serene.
In one, I might imagine myself reading a book,
while in another; it would be sipping a morning cup of tea or hot chocolate as I backed myself into the day.
Maybe a little inspirational reading before the day begins.
A place to read at the end of the day.
I suppose a nap here and there would be most restorative…
I put this in because I love butterflies. Butterflies make me feel good.
Hope you are all having a wonderful Wednesday!
Cheers,
Note: Other than the second to last image,which is taken from John Saldino’s book Style these are from old design magazines I’ve been purging. I realized after the fact that I didn’t note which picture came from what magazine.
All of these wonderful places evoke a season other than one we’re in, or a least offer no reminders. I love your plan.
Hey Steve, thanks for the insight. I had not seen that.
There’s truth in what you say.
There was the day when you would have found me heading North each weekend to ski.
And as much as I love the snow – I find, more and more, my thoughts turning to warmer climes during the winter months.
Cheers,
John
Great plan John and you need to get a dog, they’re great at taking you away. Dylan makes sure he takes me away every morning and afternoon when I let everything go and play or hike with him in the great outdoors.
Love that first image and while you wouldn’t think those pieces standing alone would go together they do!
Enjoy your peace this evening!
XX
Debra~
Just getting ready to head downstairs for my quiet time…
Dogs…They have a way of doing that, don’t they?
We lost our 16 year old lab, Chipper, last October.
Very, very tough…
Then we began hearing foot falls and the clip of toenails on the floor.
We’d hear woofs at the back door.
I would see him out of the corner of my eye in the kitchen.
One day in early December, a dear friend came to visit.
We all head Chippy bark “Hello!” as he came through the door!
He’s still here!
I love taking him on my two mile walks!
Cheers,
John
PS: Dylan sounds like an awesome dog and friend.
This is such a wonderful idea, John. I so hope you are able to incorporate this into your lifestyle. Relaxing my mind even for a short while with a cup of coffee in the morning and green tea in the afternoon seems to refresh and invigorate me so I can be more productive. Happy relaxing…
As we prepared dinner this evening, Sally and I were joking that our natural rythms these days feel as though they are far more suited to a culture where there is an afternoon siesta… For now, the short breaks will have to do…
Cheers,
John
John and Sally,
I totally agree with you!! Take some time, push in the pauze button a few times a day! We all need it! But sometimes we forget it. I am sure that we can work more efficiently giving ourselves a few moments!
John, all the images here are so wonderful and as you I would love to spend some moments a day in each room here!
Have a wonderful rest of the week!
xx
Greet
PS Thank you for your nice comment on my earlier post of this week about the Lefèvre Interiors doors! I so appreciate your comments!
My work day seems to be more spread out, but I feel more energized when I come back to my desk.
It feels good. I got so caught up I what I was doing last night, I was at my desk until after 9:30.
I don’t plan to make that a habit, but the energy was inspiring…
My comments about your work come from the heart. As wonderful as cad and C&C machines are for efficiency, they can’t take the place of people who take real joy in holding a piece of wood in their hands and shaping it into something meaningful, beautiful and/or useful. My two favorite shops are small one/two person shops. One guy learned his craft building boats and doesn’t use a computer at all. But what he can do in that shop is sheer beauty. The other fellow came up through the union ranks in Boston and tired of fabricating production cabinetry. His millwork and cabinets are built like a fine piece of furniture.
Cheers,
John
I agree – breaks are a necessity! I had two very stressful days getting ready for the move and was stressed about hosting my book club last night so I couldl say goodbye to those wonderful friends. However, once they arrived I realized that it was a great reason to slow down and enjoy their company and break up the stress of the endless “to do” lists…I feel much better today!
These days, I’m sure you could use several a day.
It must feel like the pace is quickening for you as each day passes.
And as the days pass, each day begins to feel shorter…
Hold on to to the thought of what’s waiting for you at the end of it all.
Hold on to your friends. They can be such wonderful anchors.
Cheers,
John
vital to take time for oneself and replenish the sole..and these images are such an inspiration for just that..
thanks for taking us on a little journey of relaxation and retreat…
best,
maureen
Next week will be the antithesis of relaxation.
We’re off to Las Vegas to a design conference where Sally will be speaking as part of a panel discussion.
Cheers,
John
John,
I have also been trying to take time and slow done. Its not easy these days. Our life style in the U.S is always on the go. I have been thinking about getting back to my art. It also helps relax the mind. Have fun in Vegas..
Where will it all end I sometimes wonder? Do we really have to be so constantly connected? What’s the price if we are and what are you missing? If you don’t unplug, you’ll never know. Pull out the easel and paint brushes!
Cheers,
john
I love that idea. Losing Cappi is making me think harder about a lot of things in my life. Hope you and Sally have a great weekend. Mona
I hear you.
Sally is in the process of applying to work as a volunteer at the local SPCA.
I hope you and your husband are able to have some quiet time together each day right now.
We think of you often.
John and Sally
Your ideas are so timely and wise. What is wonderful is that you were able to identify what you need to nurture your creativity. It is so easy to get caught up in the minutiae.
Discipline is a “new” word in my dictionary…
It takes discipline to maintain the routine…
I think it’s helping.
Especially the long walks.
Lots more energy.
Cheers,
John