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Last week, an instagram friend {an incredibly successful, creative, kind friend} shared a quote from a [Californian-raised] New York-based artist, Tauba Auerbach {via the AW12 issue of the gentlewoman}.
"I've been moving in a straight line and now I
just want to be able to move diagonally."
Living life in a thoughtful, focused- yet free- manner. Free to question. Free to explore. Free to dig deeper. Free to stay on course, but not to the extent of feeling stuck, forced, bored- or worse, boring. Free to bend the rules, to step out of bounds, to step back... to step forward. Much easier said than done for some [me], but somehow, a "diagonal" path sounds far less intimidating... much more doable.
This year, I have decided to step away from hosting Thanksgiving dinner. In light of everything written here and here, I decided that we needed a break. My kids are off for the entire week, and for the first time in years, I'll be able to spend time with them. Free time to try new recipes from my oldest cookbooks and newest magazines (but never have due to a pure lack of time and/or post-holiday kitchen-burnout)... Time to reflect on what I am thankful for.
We're not flying off to Hawaii- or celebrating solo. We're not forgoing turkey, or my grandma's coveted stuffing- or pumpkin pie. Nor are we permanently handing over the 'hosting torch.' Just veering off the straight n' narrow route.
Diagonally.
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Sounds like a good plan!
ReplyDeleteIncredibly sad I won't be able to see you when I'm in LA this week. Only flying in for 3 days. Miss you sweet friend.
next time- when you have more time, i ’d love to get together again. have a wonderful time with your family in LA… you did such a nice job on your thanksgiving dinner #1… i ’m always impressed by your ability to do so much (on your own)- and to not be in a state (from what i can tell!) of scrambling at the last minute. and that ombre cake?? wow…… safe travels! xoxo
Deletesometimes it is nice to steer off the path always taken for something new and different! we are not going home for thanksgiving just staying here with all little family of 4 and you know what- I am FLOORED about it:)
ReplyDeleteso happy for you!! in fact, i ’m FLOORED for you :). xoxo
DeleteCongrats to you for picking your own path. Last year when I stayed here instead of going home to Canada for the holidays I daresay it was the best Christmas I ever had. It is incredibly freeing and relaxing to not be at the mercy of others.
ReplyDeleteit seems so easy to just say NO, and maybe it is for some, but it hasn’t been for us, and now that we’re finally doing it- it is incredibly freeing.
Deletecheers to picking our own path…… :)