I was relating my to-do list to my husband and he told me that his associate calls that her Punch List. That was a new term for me. Whatever you call it, it's always great to have a list of goals/jobs to complete. Just making the list alone mostly keeps you faithful to that, and also, completing the list helps you get closer to the vision you hold for your life.
I'm spending some time this morning thinking about my list, a list influenced by many people around me.
Thoreau's Cape Cod
My neice told me to read Thoreau's Cape Cod as we walked the shore from Nauset Light Beach to Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod last weekend. She inspired me to read the book as she spoke of the way Thoreau describes the beach. I love to read how others describe places I love, and I also enjoy thinking about the change over time about places by reading historical accounts of locations. My neice is well read so I take her recommendations seriously.
Cooking, cooking, and more cooking
Since the pandemic struck, like many, I've been cooking a lot. My cooking has definitely improved as I learn to blister cherry tomatoes, sautee garlic until its aroma peaks, and simmer soups until the vegetables are just right. I'm especially enjoying cooking all kinds of beautiful, colorful, tasty, and healthy vegetarian dishes. I like how fresh these dishes are and the fact that all the waste can be easily composted and then used as good soil for next year's garden. This is a positive Earth-friendly cycle. There's a bit of adventure as I cook these dishes since I'm making dishes from all over the world, and as I cook I often think about and sometimes research the places where the recipe orginated. This is a true pleasure that brings others pleasure too--a win-win.
Vision Making
I love ideas and I love to create vision--I see potential and promise everywhere I look, and I know that there are so many ways that we can improve life in significant ways. It's a passion for me to look for better and create plans for making those ideas for betterment come to life. I will continue this endeavor in the days ahead by reading, writing, researching, thinking, conversing, and seeing where this path takes me.
Family Traditions
I love family traditions and want to keep our family closeness alive and well. This requires a lot of revision during a pandemic, but nevertheless I will focus time and attention in this direction.
Health
Since I face a few health concerns, this has to be a focus. I must admit, it's not my first choice, but it's a necessary choice that I consider my new job. As much as I like to deny the challenge that this is, it's a challenge I must face.
Gardening
I'll continue my indoor/outdoor gardening pursuit with a focus on herbs and spices.
House Updates
There's lots of rather dull house chores to do to update and keep the house in good shape. I'll likely match these rather dull chores with good music to make the jobs bearable.
Those are the big items on the current Punch List--let's see where this takes me.