I have too much to do. How can I be living in the middle of nowhere and feel like I’m in a rat race? I just finished a book and so many things slide when I’m in those final harrowing weeks. I need to figure out what bills got forgotten. It’s the end of school and there are summer activities and camps to prepare for. I think my car needs new brake pads and something’s wrong with my internet phone line. I need to get the bedding laundered for the last bed I haven’t made up back at the old farmhouse. The cousins are hosting their annual big party this Saturday and the farmhouse has to be ready. I have to make pies and cornbread for Georgia for the party. I still haven’t printed and mailed the hard copy of my book to my editor. I’m teaching an online class this month and I have chickens to feed and boxes to unpack and a new house that desperately needs some attention. Oh yeah, and I should probably hoe, but I can’t even think of doing something fun like hoeing (yes, I just said hoeing sounded fun–this is an indicator of my current state of mind) because my life won’t slow down enough for me to catch up to it.
I’m frantic.
I got in the car (how can it be time to pick up the kids from the bus? I need more DAY!), sat down in the car and turned it on.
And this song by Alabama was playing on the radio:
I’m in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life’s no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.
And then on the way home, I got stuck behind this woman, the one other woman who goes down the road to pick up a child from the bus, and she drives so slow. I mean, she is the slowest driver on the planet. Does she not know we can go 15 mph on this road? Do we have to go 5???
Then she stops. In the road. And gets out of her car. While I am stuck behind her because there is no way to get around her.
And she picks up a turtle from the road and gets back in her car with it.
I am pretty hardheaded, but I think the universe is trying to tell me something.
Kathryn says:
What is that song, Just Breathe? I know how you feel. On Friday, six internet friends from all over the country are coming here for the weekend. Never met some of them, others I have met in various airports as I have passed through their towns. We’ve known each other for about 10 years now, and shared our life journeys in such a wonderful way. However, I am nowhere near ready. Not even close. It will get finished, and if it doesn’t, tough noogies. The important thing is that we will have a nice weekend, and if the living room floor doesn’t get waxed, I will just change out the lightbulbs to 15 watts and tell them it is atmosphere.
Enjoy your cousins! What fun. The picture is beautiful. What a lovely spot to just breathe.
On June 4, 2008 at 5:21 am
Kathleen in MI says:
The universe isn’t trying to tell you something, it’s SHOUTING! :clock:
On June 4, 2008 at 6:01 am
Carolyn says:
From Simon and Garfunkel’s 59th Street Album, “Feeling Groovy”:
Slow down, you move too fast.
You got to make the morning last.
Just kicking down the cobble stones.
Looking for fun and feelin’ groovy.
Peace xxoo
Carolyn
On June 4, 2008 at 6:18 am
jane says:
I am in the midst of a move on the 16th. on the 8th i have a 4 day conference to attend, i have to finish packing and get all the stuff doen to move to another city, end the job here and begin one there so i can relate.
so stop and smell the turtles. i am so thankful she picked it up. I hate it when i see animals run over by us busy people in the middle of the road. i trust when I am stuck behind someone i am suppose to be late somewhere and let it go. it was meant to be.
i suppose we do think country life should be less hectic but that is the romantic version. just rewatch Places in the Heart which was filmed near me in Texas. whether you are in the country or the city with three kids – life is always hectic until they are grown and on their own. then you have time to prop up your feet with some sweet mint tea on the porch, good book and coexist with the wind. however, they do grow up fast so enjoy in the midst of the hectic times.
On June 4, 2008 at 7:04 am
jane says:
kathryn
I am impressed you have friends over the internet for 10 yrs. it is so risky. i am glad it has worked for you. I can be such a great tool. I love the movie You’ve Got Mail. Unfortunately for kids it is dangerous which is so sad. IN my day we had letters as pen pals. enjoy your weekend and let the house go.
On June 4, 2008 at 7:08 am
Kim A. says:
I know technically we aren’t supposed to interfere in wild animals’ lives, but I’m so glad this woman rescued that turtle from probable death.
Suzanne. Visualize yourself lying on your death bed (seriously) and ask yourself what will matter to you then. Making up beds and cleaning house? Working harder and longer? My guess is those things won’t matter.
Take a glance at the big picture and then your priorities will fall into place. It’s not about doing more during a day, it’s *how* you are doing it and why — mindfully, with Joy, or frantically, amidst chaos.
Sending Light for peace and serenity.
-Kim
On June 4, 2008 at 7:19 am
Meghan Rosenstengel says:
Slow down, you crazy child
and take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile it’s all right, you can afford to lose a day or two
-Billy Joel, Vienna
On June 4, 2008 at 7:25 am
Cheryl S. says:
There does seem to be a message in there somewhere. Maybe you should listen??? 🙂
On June 4, 2008 at 7:35 am
Heidi says:
Everything has its time and place – its up to us to let go of it so it can happen as it is supose to. 🙂 WAY easier said than done… Getting ready for this baby coming has been more than I thought I could handle – but I have found that what gets done is what NEEDS to be done, what doesnt was not as important as I thought that it needed to be. 🙂 Cleaning is important, BUT it will always be there and the other things that you do with and for the kids wont. 🙂 That is how I try to prioritize my schedual. As much as I love a clean house, nice meals etc. I have this HUGE RESENTMENT for people on tv (Martha Stewart to be precise)who have the answers to all of our domestic troubles…. uh-huh sure ya do… its called HIREING cleaning staff, gardeners, assistants and anyone else that you may need to do your ‘everyday’ stuff. 🙂 I think that woman have been conditioned to feel as if they are ‘less than’ because they dont get everything done that she seems able to do. Commercials on tv also come to mind – like detergent commercials. Everyting is spotless, no dust, no mud, no frozen pizza suppers nothing that would not be 100% WONDERFUL – as the chic in the commercial sits drinkin tea in the middle of the afternoon.. LOL
Sorry Sue to be so long winded, but woman just dont need to be pushed so much by society and ourselves. We are our own worst enemy at times. 🙂 ***BIG HUGS*** to you – let it go.
On June 4, 2008 at 7:46 am
Blaze says:
Well at least she didn’t run over the turtle.
Its nice that in there are still people who will stop and move one out of the way rather then just squish the poor little slow dude.
I’m sure the turtle appreciated it.
🙂
On June 4, 2008 at 7:47 am
Ann from Montana says:
I try to remember the Zen: Chop Wood, Carry Water – when the number of things to be done starts feeling overwhelming. It is in that concentrating and ENJOYING whatever task I am doing at the moment that is helpful to me – not jumping ahead in my head to the next 3 things I need to do. Always thinking of the next thing doesn’t allow enjoyment of the current thing and I never feel caught up.
On June 4, 2008 at 7:55 am
MARY says:
:butterfly: Chill out, woman!!!! All will get done. Have a great day!!!!! :treehugger:
On June 4, 2008 at 8:05 am
Beckynsc says:
Cause and effect.
If she hadn’t gotten in front of you, you might have been in such a hurry that you wouldn’t have seen the turtle.
It’s all about saving the life of a turtle. Simple, yes. And showing you life is important, slow down and someone else will be looking out for you, too. :yes:
On June 4, 2008 at 8:14 am
Annie says:
It is impossible to be mad at a person who stopped and saved a turtle. Impossible.
On June 4, 2008 at 8:23 am
Sarah in Sanford says:
I have days like that when I am rushing around and nothing seems to go the way I would like. I just have to stop and breathe. I remind myself that if I am lucky enough to live into my eighties, this one bad(or too busy)day won’t amount to much in the huge scheme of things. It is one little blip in a huge span of my time on the planet. That usually smooths things out for me.
On June 4, 2008 at 8:24 am
Lisa J says:
I have loved that song since the day it came out! Some pretty good words to live by. Awesome picture too, I always enjoy a good shot of trees, clouds, and sky. Happy Wednesday.
On June 4, 2008 at 8:30 am
Fannie M Wiggins says:
I learned a long time ago that the faster I go the behinder I get. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. Make a list of everything that needs to be done. Then decide what is absolutely essential for now. There is always tomorrow and next week. Family will always come first no matter what else is on that list, so start there. That turtle is slow but with the help of the woman in front of you, he will eventually get where he is supposed to be. It’s not how fast you dance but how much you enjoy it. :woof: Remember, what is the point of having roses if you don’t stop and smell them once in a while? Have a great day and :hug: to all.
On June 4, 2008 at 8:34 am
Mental P Mama says:
Thanks for the reminder…stop and smell the peonies. :butterfly:
On June 4, 2008 at 8:44 am
Tina L says:
“The hurrier I go the behinder I get” I don’t know who said that but I repeat it all the time.
That picture is Georgous! I’d be too busy looking at the scenery to do any work. LOL
I think you should take a time out. Sit on the porch swing or one of those rockers with a big glass of iced tea and a good book. Take a little break and breathe. You will feel much better and get a lot more done. Also, delegate. I bet those kids could manage to do some laundry, dusting, and chicken feeding. HaHa That is easy for me to say but never worked very well in real life. Getting my kids to do anything was usually took longer than doing it myself.
Good Luck
On June 4, 2008 at 8:52 am
becki says:
I was going to quote those same Billy Joel lyrics. I love that song. I don’t know who BJ was trying to reach in this song, but it really hit home to me. I was probably the only one in the “13 going on 30” theater crying her fool head off when the song played.
Let’s hear it for everyone that helps turtles cross the road or slows down for kids and animals.
On June 4, 2008 at 8:55 am
Remudamom says:
Slow down and smell the turtles.
On June 4, 2008 at 9:01 am
Amy Gravis says:
I fear if I lived somewhere as beautiful as that, I’d NEVER get a thing done. A sky so striking just begs for someone to enjoy it…even for only a little while. Give it a quick glance for me on occasion.
On June 4, 2008 at 9:11 am
Jyl says:
I have a saying that I tell everyone…You can come and see me anytime, but if you are comeing to see my house you better make an appointment far in advance.
On June 4, 2008 at 9:14 am
Jill S. says:
I know JUST how you feel.
On June 4, 2008 at 9:23 am
Marissa Ann H says:
I live in a rat race literally and can relate! I work full time, have an 8 year old and of course there is the house that needs taken care of – I need another ME!
On June 4, 2008 at 9:35 am
Sharon Elkins says:
What a beautiful picture of the clouds with that totally awesome blue sky.
My favorite saying is “The faster I go, the behinder I get”.
On June 4, 2008 at 9:37 am
Karen B says:
:hug:
On June 4, 2008 at 9:44 am
kacey says:
yes, I’d say the universe was/is telling you something. Take time to enjoy the simple moments. The rest will fall into place somehow.
On June 4, 2008 at 9:44 am
Doris says:
I tried to be superwoman for the first 55 years of my life. Now I am retired and worn out and my bed gets made maybe twice a week and sheets changed maybe every 2 or 3 weeks. I find having a spotless house is not near as important as it used to be ! Nobody ever really noticed it anyway ! Do what you enjoy and leave the rest. It will wait on you,I promise !
On June 4, 2008 at 9:48 am
Claudia W says:
I finally got my life to where I getthings done when I get things done. Not that I am perfect at it, but I manage to get the important things where they need to be when they need to be there. If someone wnats something I know I can’t or don’t want to manage, I tell them I haven’t got the time. Cause, well, I don’t. I’m happier. Hang in there, everything that everyone has saidbefore me is right. Go sip a glass of iced tea on your porch, that is what it is there for!
Love the picture!
On June 4, 2008 at 10:15 am
Shirley says:
That great sage and prophet Jimmy Buffett has a song he wrote post Katrina that has a line it:
Breathe in —
Breathe out —
Move on.
Sometimes we tend to hold our breath while hurrying and it makes our rushing around even more frantic.
On June 4, 2008 at 10:40 am
Jen (aaron-n-jen.com) says:
Take a breath, woman! 🙂
On June 4, 2008 at 10:42 am
Treasia says:
My favorite quote of all time is: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but rather the Moments that take our breath away.
On June 4, 2008 at 10:47 am
Amy says:
I am having one of those hectic weeks too, it’s Show Week and there just isn’t time to breathe. I find myself racing to the theatre, racing to pick up another pair of socks for a costume, racing home, racing thru dinner. I’ll slow down today and look for a turtle! Thanks for the reminder from the Universe.
On June 4, 2008 at 10:50 am
Tobey says:
Then we have Travis Tritt, in one of my favorite songs
“And it’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shinin’ when I close my eyes
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good?”
reminds me there are things to enjoy in each day, no matter the circumstances or what needs to be done.
On June 4, 2008 at 11:09 am
ninepoundhammer says:
I can empathise. I spend 40 minutes commuting (each way) into town to work and then try to get things done around the ranch before the sun goes down and on weekends. I need to build a chicken run, fence in my 10 acres, cut the grass, feed and water the chickens, feed the dog, play with the kid, spend time with the wife, teach a class at church (and run a committee and be a deacon)…
You are not alone. Just do what you can, when you can. You’ll get through, as Johnny Cash sang, ‘one piece at a time.’
On June 4, 2008 at 11:19 am
Susan says:
Life is good!! :heart:
On June 4, 2008 at 11:28 am
Susan says:
The way you spend your day is the way you live your life…
On June 4, 2008 at 11:28 am
shirley T says:
the little ole’ lady probably knew the bumpy road was hard on the car. Save a car, drive slow!
On June 4, 2008 at 11:47 am
Shimmy Mom says:
I love that Alabama Song! I think we all have time that we feel like that. I know I often look at the working moms or women with more kids than me and think, How do they function? Because I get to stay home with 4 kids and feel like I never have a minute just for me.
On June 4, 2008 at 11:55 am
Crystal B. says:
Life can be hectic at times. I guess we just have to take a moment and realize everything doesn’t have to be done in a day.
On June 4, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
And our power just went out, so I think the universe is telling me I can’t do anything at all and I should go sit on the porch swing and read a book!
On June 4, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Kathy R says:
Would you please quit describing my life! After a night of thunder and lightning, with bolts of lightning hitting the hillside outside my window, I’m just lucky the internet came back. I’m typing quickly, because it may just go down again with the next strike. My garden is plowed, but the plants are sitting on the back porch, and the asparagus just arrived by FedEx yesterday. The chicken coop is finally ready after a trip to Ripley for netting and fence posts and chicken feed. It was my birthday Monday, and I celebrated by going to the Taco Bell while we were at Tractor Supply. This is the life I’ve always wanted, but it sure isn’t Southern California! What happened to my plans to make quilts from that 400 yds of material I’ve collected, or working the garden to fill those 16 dozen canning jars in the root cellar? I don’t have any more time that I did before the move to the country, and in fact, some days I even have less…but I’m happier. And so are you. It shows!
On June 4, 2008 at 12:51 pm
wkf says:
Yes ! It is saying get your children to hoe THE GARDEN. remember you want goats , too. They will have to be milked.
You will have to regiment every second of your day! Yuck!!!!! or don’t sleep… :flying:
On June 4, 2008 at 1:00 pm
robin says:
porch…book…rocking chair….breeze blowing through trees…birds singing just for you. i vote for the porch.
On June 4, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks&Me says:
I’ve felt the same way this summer with two “coincidences”.
In the beginning of May, our friends invited us to stay with them in Northern Indiana and attend Shipshewana days (an Amish celebration).
Then my daughter and her husband invited us to join them for a week in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania which is also Amish country.
I’m wondering if God is telling me to simplify even more! 😥
On June 4, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Jean says:
I’m 63 and I still haven’t figured out how to get everything done. You have to pay bills which means you have to work which makes that the first priority. You have managed to build a beautiful house in a beautiful place, raise three kids, start your chickens, your garden and fulfill your obligations to extended family and so much else. I am in awe! Yes – the power going out is probably God telling you to take a breather and sit on your lovely porch drinking tea. I appreciate all the good advice in the comments. Wishing you a wonderful day.
On June 4, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Susan says:
That is Mother Nature saying slow down and enjoy your life, after all you are just one person! :yes:
On June 4, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Tori Lennox says:
I think the universe is trying to tell me something
Yes, stop and rescue the turtles. *g*
On June 4, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Jodie says:
I just saw the ad for candle diffusers on your page. Get one or a few. And relax. You can handle it. Let go of somethings that aren’t important and work on the most critical things 1st. You love baking and get a chance to make some pies and cornbread. Oh happy day!
On June 4, 2008 at 2:19 pm
ML says:
Jyl, I love your saying! It’s perfect!
On June 4, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Katharina says:
Suzanne, I spent what was very likely the most beautiful day of the year, Sunday, indoors baking. I told friends that I would bring two or three desserts to a dinner. I thought they depended on me for those desserts. I love to bake, I enjoy baking, but the beautiful weather was calling me to be outdoors, planting, weeding, enjoying the outdoors. Nevertheless, I baked and I baked and then I got into the car to go to my frineds dinner. There, on the counter, was a beautiful looking chocolate caramel cake with whipped cream topping that everyone raved about. My desserts were delicious, but barely touched. Everyone dove into that chocolate cake like there was no tomorrow. I spent the most beautiful day on earth indoors baking food that no one wanted. I cried. I was depressed and miserable. I had a difficult time enjoying the company of my friends. That day is gone. Now we have cold, rain and I can’t be in my beloved gardens. I think I will follow my heart next time. If there are no desserts because I was outdoors, then I will go buy some ice cream and topping and tell them just what I said in this comment. You, girlfriend, are not alone.
On June 4, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Estella says:
Stop and smell the roses, Suzanne!
On June 4, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Donna says:
Oh wow, being a prior dental assistant, does Princess still get visited by the Tooth Fairy? I wore braces and didn’t need them. I still have dreams that my brace bracket fell off or I need to get my braces off..horrors. LOL
Wow, you ARE busy…Just set priorities…the most important things first…the rest can wait. Although, they ALL sound like priorities. LOL I would mail that book first, do the bed, handle Georgia’s things…all of course after you pick the kids up from school…and then do camp things…you know…you are an ace at organizing. :clock:
On June 4, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Donna says:
P.S. …I would offer to come lend a hand…but you don’t want ME baking your bread or rolling out pie crust – I still need practice. LOL Plus, being in L.A…it’s a bit far to drop by and help, but I wish I could!
On June 4, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Brandy says:
Close your eyes, take a deep breath and make a list. Prioritize the list. As you reach each one, cross it off. It will make you feel better. But, don’t forget to keep breathing!
On June 4, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Egghead says:
That’s right….sit on that porch swing, eat pie and read a good book. Universe is certainly letting you know.
On June 4, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Amy Addison says:
Suzanne, I think the Universe is beating you over the head. Take a deep breath and then another. Slow down for a moment. Everything will get done. Lists are good. Prioritze. Delegate. There are many things your children can help you do.
Just think how upsetting it would have been to have run over a turtle because you were rushing.
Summer is just around the corner and the lazy days will be here soon.
On June 4, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Princess THATS RIGHT THE PRINCESS THE ONE AND ONLY says:
mother is called taking sometime for ur self i do it all the time just lay back relax and watch t.v.
On June 4, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Princess THATS RIGHT THE PRINCESS THE ONE AND ONLY says:
i ment it’s not is
On June 4, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Kelly Myers says:
Suzanne, I am out of breath from just reading about your days of late!
The Universe is speaking to you and it is saying that you should take your shoes off, grab something to drink (your choice) and head out to the wonderful porch of yours and rock yourself into relaxed bliss.
I read that the power went out. Sounds like the universe is speaking more loudly now. I don’t want it to get any louder, so take thee to the rocking chair!
Relax, laugh, love and breath!
On June 4, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Kathryn says:
Princess, you are a wise young woman, and a credit to your family.
On June 4, 2008 at 6:38 pm
catslady says:
I love when the power goes out and read is exactly what I do – I don’t have to feel guilty for not doing a million other things. Yes, you’ve been given a message :yes:
On June 4, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Birdi says:
Life has so many things to be done. Enjoy what you can and do what you have to. Remember that all things happen for a reason and that you will not be given anything that you cannot handle. You are allowed to sit on the ground, tissues in hand, look up at the sky and ask….”Are you sure I can handle this???” I do it all of the time. Farming is a labor of love and if you truly love it it isn’t work. Take time to have a moment for you. YOu take the most beautiful pictures and share those special bonds with your family….remember you as well. take care.
On June 4, 2008 at 8:15 pm
happyathome says:
FYI, I think the multi tasking is killing all of us! You can only do so much. Take time to enjoy what you have. And besides, you realize it was a new moon…….
https://lifeislikechampagne.blogspot.com/
On June 4, 2008 at 11:27 pm
TeresaH says:
:clock: the sands of the hourglass are to be savored and enjoyed not scooped away…
Hope things slow down and you can enjoy the kids and farmlife.
I’ve also stopped the car and saved a turtles life before.
On June 5, 2008 at 12:51 am
Diana says:
I like your stories. But was curious why the women didn’t put the turtle on the other side of the road instead of her car. Do you think she was going to eat it? I know turtle can be a meal for some rural folks(turtle soup,etc.). If you do move a turtle from the road you need to leave it in that area and in the direction it was going otherwise it will just turn around.
On September 13, 2009 at 12:40 pm