20.5.10

Substitution


About a week ago, I wrote -- offhandedly, actually -- something in response to a question. The question was asked by someone whom I respect, someone with an excellent work ethic and an eye that will take him far.

My response surprised me.

I don't usually admit it to myself anymore.

It was something that, years ago, I was quite certain of. But I lost the gist...somewhere, in the mill that life becomes, I lost the simple meaning of what I wanted. To pursue design as a sort of career (something, for me, that would fit well in the small crevices of personal time that were part of the geography of being a mother of four) seemed a more-than-acceptable substitute.

But a substitute is always that. A substitute.

"What kind of work do you do?"

The answer to his question is the one that I can't get out of my mind.








(P. S. I have loved design, and always will. Like Pippi, I am a thing-finder.)







7 comments:

  1. I love that...'thing finder'... I must be a 'thing doer' then, xv.

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  2. Why is it that every time I stop here I feel you are speaking directly to me?

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  3. raising four children

    is the "highest art".

    after all

    there is no more art

    without them.

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  4. The answer to that question is quite telling for all of us! Very poignant...

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  5. Dear Victoria, I do so love these thoughts coming just after your other thoughts on luck.
    There's such a beautiful human balance I think I understand here. G

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  6. the house at otowi bridge - the story of edith warner and los alamos -it's a book you would enjoy. it was written by peggy pond church, whose life was interesting, as well.

    "the detail of life becomes the scaffolding", was pulled from edith's journal.

    what did she do? she made chocolate cake, and served it to the makers of the bomb. chocolate cake baked at 7000 feet, is a feat in and of itself.

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  7. Wow! Now you really are my idol, especially coming from a family of four siblings!

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