“He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.” ~ Albert Einstein
The purpose of the outhouse has been in finding the good in every day, no matter how rotten a day’s circumstances may be, and expressing that gratefulness through words and images. This week. Shew, this week. When I should be settling into the holidays and celebrating the successful end of my first semester in the Historic Preservation Master’s Program, I’m instead faced with plumbing problems from a brand new, very expensive bathroom sink that’s ruined part of the equally brand new and very expensive wall. This just brought to a head the whole remodeling situation. Remodeling I don’t mind – filth and chaos is usually temporary after all – but too many bad designs and hateful workers at a cost far more than should be legal have really gotten me down. Despite my best efforts to stay cheery and upbeat about it for months on end, that faulty overpriced sink fixture has upset me so much that I’ve considered selling the house. (leave it to me to stuff those feelings out of politeness until I explode and unload – classic me) Yet, in the midst of my anger and sadness have been people who have lifted my spirits and restored my faith. Most have no idea how their kind words have calmed me. One of them was my beloved colleague Judy who gifted me There There, a book I’ve had on my wish list for months. She didn’t know that. She just knows me that well. I’m 20 pages in and it’s exquisite. Absolutely deserving of the accolades. This week I’ve gotten sweet Christmas cards from my beloved friends from far and wide. I’ve shared wonderful lunches and conversations with friends I don’t get to see nearly enough. And look at that adorable dog! These friends and family, two and four legged: they matter. Crappy sinks don’t. Lesson learned. I am indeed grateful for all of it, even the bad stuff.
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