Something I Struggle With? Well, It Isn't Boredom, That's For Sure!

...For A Life Made By Hand and Creative Catalyst #95

The Questions:

About a quarter of my day is spent waiting.  I drive my kids and sometimes their friends, their siblings, and sometimes their friends, to and from dance, rehearsals, performances, other lessons, and social events.  Schedules overlap each other, so there is never quite enough time to return home, but still plenty of time spent waiting, an hour here and an hour there.  Invariably, the following dialog arises and repeats itself every so often when I meet someone new:

Q: "Aren't you bored to death?"  A: "No."  

Q: "Can't you find someone else to do this?"  A: "Yes, but I really don't want to.  I like it."  

Q: "You LIKE it?  Why?  What do you do with yourself with all that time?"  A: "Well, it's like this...

My Day:

...Six days a week I spend mornings and early afternoons in my studio, catching up on the business of the day, and creating as much artwork as I can.  Time flies.  In fact, it's suspended when I'm creating, so I'd live there and never come up for air if it weren't for a forced break.   And I get one.  Not just any break, but one that's meaningful.  One that shares my time with others, helping them safely get where they need to go, is full of purpose and gets me out of myself!  Not to mention that I'm with young people, listing to young conversation, young laughter, young music and young ideas.  And that these kids are all into the arts, some dance, some music, some performing arts, is like a boost of vitamins for my creative heart!  How can I be bored?  When I drop them off, I take my laptop, sketchbook/journal and tote bag of portable supplies to the nearest Starbucks, library, Barnes and Noble, or park, and proceed to work in a change of scenery.  What could be better?"

Q: "But don't you get bored?"  A.  "No.  I don't think you get it.  I really love this routine."

Then comes the *are you OK?* look, or the not-so-subtle rolling of the eyes.  Sometimes, a smirk.  

The Struggle:

And this is what I struggle with.  I struggle with the response I get from people who just don't get it.  Who think I should *get a life* when what they don't realize is that I happily gave up their idea of *a life* years ago when I found what makes me whole.  Perhaps the only life they understand is a life that's missing something, and they don't get *whole*.  But there is a certain type of lonely, very softly but deeply felt, when someone can't relate to your happiness. And no matter how you explain it, they just don't get it.  Maybe they're also a little threatened by it.  So sad, to be able to relate to a void, but not to wholeness.

Community:

Fortunately, my family, my artistic friends, and the art community online all provide a wealth of understanding and connection, so I've never felt alone or unsupported.  And while there are plenty of ways that life can leave you feeling fragmented, time spent in artistic creativity and artistic company really can restore the soul.  Still, I can't help thinking that there must be some way to bridge the gap between those of us who see the world in all its beautiful colors, and those who don't.  

And now, I'm off to:

Pour a glass of wine

Watch a movie with my family

Read more of The Magic Mountain

Turn off the lights, drift into peaceful sleep, and have pleasant dreams!

Have a great day, Everyone!

Comments

[Rosie]

Spot on! I don't get time to be bored... why are they bored? You should also point out to these less fortunate mortals (I was tempted to type 'morsels'!!), that life is a one-off, unique chance - NOT a practice run! I love that you have so many books to work in - and I love that we are friends and I always learn so much from you - sometimes about you too!!
Right, as it's snowing here today, I'm off to check out those links... a toute a l'heure, cherie! 'o)

[Stacy]

I loved this. Non-creative minds just don't get it and they never will. Only boring people are BORING. We don't need other people or things to entertain us. Oh what lovely thing and thoughts happen with small pockets of time. I can only imagine...

[Terri @ Pringle Hill]

Loved, Loved, LOVED this post! Reminds me of when my kids were in high school. Before they drove, half of my life was spent in the car. If I had to do it again, I'd do it the same way. I loved being with them and their friends. I knew where they were, and I knew who their friends were too. It was a precious slice of time that I look back on fondly. Hugs, Terri

[Clau]

This is gorgeous, Barbara. I enjoyed reading your post.