The morning started out warm and sunny and windy. I got up early and ran outside in my bathrobe to let Maria sleep – she was so tired last night. I didn’t grasp the strength of the wind and my bathrobe kept blowing up. I feel like an exhibitionist these days, running outside naked.
But it was very beautiful. It’s not beautiful now, it’s cold and raining, and according to the weather, soon to snow.
I love that we live on a busy road but in a private area, nobody close to our farmhouse. The donkeys don’t mind.
Maria and I stayed in bed until nearly noon. We talked a lot today about the importance of setting boundaries in our lives, of dealing with being so public, and in the public eye.
Most people have no trouble with it, but there are always some who get too involved in our lives and who sometimes seem to want a piece of it. Social media – blogs, etc. – make that more intense as will our impending podcast.
I have learned to set boundaries and live by them, Maria is figuring out the same thing.
This is so important for us,, we share our lives and are committed to openness and transparency. That comes with a price. Most people are very respectful of our lives and boundaries, a handful struggle with it. There are needy people in our world.
That’s a part of it, no complaints.
It’s just a part of being successful, I said this morning, people care about you. It’s a transition for her, as it was for me. When Maria started making her art, she was certain that nobody cared about her or her work.
That was worse. You always do have to be careful about getting what you wish for, that was a big lesson for me.
In part because of those concerns, we won’t be having an Open House this year. We just need to define and preserve some space around us. It’s both necessary and healthy. There was a sleepy feel to the day, not we’re getting focused.
We need to preserve the space around us.
Today, some excitement. We dragged Maria’s new white heavy metal desk into the kitchen, she plans to scour and clean it and set it up in the living room.
She loves having tasks to do, and this is a great one.
The minute I saw this desk, it called out to be Maria’s. I’ll post the progress.
I understand your need for space I had a mobile dog grooming service for 32yrs and people would say if your to busy on the days your working maybe I could bring my dog to you on your day off!!! I love your books and have most of them. So glad your posting more on fb again.
Jon and Maria,
I’ve come to about 5 or so of your open houses; I don’t stay too long (long enough to always watch Red heard the sheep) . I take some pictures there and on my way to and from your farm ( the belly dancers have such colorful costumes/clothes ). Often I come alone though one year I came with my brother and this year I bought my cousin. In 2017 I visited a local airplane show on my way home from your open house.
I’ve always enjoyed my visits to your farm and in recent days I was thinking about/looking forward to the one this year; but that’s OK. If you decide in the future to do it again I will visit with you and if you never hold another open house, I will still have my memories and photos there of.
Thank you for the days shared,
Tom Webster/
I can certainly see how you and Maria need a break. You both put so much energy into all you do. I’m sure your Open House probably requires the most effort, organization and time of all your good works which must be quite draining. Pretty much everyone will understand. And those who don’t, oh well! There will be some disappointment, but your health and well-being comes first.
I really loved this post. Boundaries are how we preserve ourselves, our energy, and how we respect ourselves. Quentin Crisp said that the takers of this world are infinite and insatiable.