Friday, May 20, 2016

New Tricks


New Tricks

A few days before Easter a good friend knocked on my door.  This is a friend who has known me since the days of center parts and blue eye-shadow.  My sins and peccadillos are as familiar to her as hers are to me, and equally forgiven.  She’s the type of friend who will carry my birthday present around in her car for three months before getting it to me, but then show up with a fabulous gift for Arbor Day.  Delightfully - predictably - unpredictable, the sort of friend everyone should have.  And so sure enough, when I opened the door that pre-Easter afternoon I found her holding a large oblong box, the sort of size and shape to comfortably house a ventriloquist dummy.   Inside were two large cloth rabbits, boy and girl, long-eared and charmingly anthropomorphic right down to their little shoes.  She does know me well.  “They reminded me of you two”, she said.  (As these rabbits are only tangential to this story, I’ll place their photo at the close.  I know you want to see them.)  

Over a Diet Coke and something tasty - I don’t remember what - I noticed she was wearing a very fetching sweater.  She proceeded to share with me where she got it, encouraging me to shop there as soon as possible.  “You’ll love it!  Great clothes.”  But then… “You’re not listening to me, are you?  What are you…. Oh, you’re trying to figure out how to make this, aren’t you?  Good Lord.”  (Again, the sweater is not the point, but the link to her new favourite shop is at the close.  You’re welcome. )

She was right, of course.  I was studying that sweater with an eye to needle and wool, figuring out seams and gauge as I smiled and nodded like any normal person.  Caught out, I had to wonder.  When did I become the sort of person who would rather figure out how to knit a fabulous sweater than go shopping for one?  Truth was, the more I thought about it I realized that it had been months since I’d passed through the automatic glass doors of a shopping mall.  Another bit of me that has gradually, yet pointedly, changed.

It tickles me that as I get older, rather than comfortably folding my feathers, I appear to be evolving outward, my interests and curiosities rippling around me in ever expanding circles. More than ever there are places I want to go, things I wish to see, experiences I long to dive into headfirst.  My habits of old are not necessarily my habits of late.  Only recently, for instance, I have become a regular at my city’s gym and if you knew me well that last statement would cause you to spit your Earl Grey out all over your dressing gown.  While it’s true I regularly ramble with Edward over hill and dale, concentrated exercise activity, the sort that involves perspiring and heart rate elevation, has never exactly been on my to-do list.  But that has now changed.

Every other day, sometimes more often, I can be found at the gym, speeding along on a treadmill, or climbing virtual peaks on some contraption called an elliptical.  While I freely admit that the first day I did this I could not see the attraction in the slightest, I now find…. and this is the difficult part to admit to and/or comprehend… I really enjoy it.  I actually look forward to it.  I get loads of fist bumps from my African-American brothers exercising alongside me, though I seriously doubt they would be so generous with these if they knew I was listening to the soundtrack of The Music Man in my headphones.  And let me tell you, nothing assuages election year angst like imagining you’re chasing a tarred and feathered Donald Trump off a high cliff while running flat out on a treadmill.  Oh, how my heart rate soars!

While I doubt I shall ever achieve the perky posterior of Pippa Middleton, I do feel incredibly strong and energetic at present which is never a bad thing.  I’m also sleeping like a baby at night, which is another plus.  I may never like raw oysters or football, but it’s strangely exciting to wonder just what I might get up to next.  

What about you?  
What new avenues are you pursuing at present?

And by the way... as I approach my 8th year of writing
 From the House of Edward,
I have to wonder....
Does anybody read blogs anymore?

*****
As promised:
Rabbits....


and Shop.

45 comments:

  1. Oh yes, we're still reading so please don't stop writing your blog. My new ventures mah jong, yoga and making Bottles of Hope for cancer patients at our local hospital.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Also, although Ive been knitting since college, I learned to crochet this past year!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm getting more into photography and Instagram (@hillonthehouse). However, after being such a PE flunkie (well, not literally), I don't think I will every embrace going to a gym. Have thought about yoga classes, but I don't bend very well, though my husband is a regular rubber band - he's great at yoga. I think all that humiliation in elementary school and junior high has ruined me for any kind of routine exercise or participatory sports. I've tried videos but the will is not there. So walking and gardening it is. But going down our driveway and climbing back up is about the same elevation as a ten story building. So getting the mail has got to count for something!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yep - still reading blogs, especially well-written ones! I do appreciate your writing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. A great read to start the day. Love your Blog

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Pamela, I feel the same way - I am finding I am doing all sorts of things I would never have contemplated in the past such as listening to classical music. But your last question was the thing that made me draw my breath! What do you mean "does anyone read blogs anymore?" Please, please don't stop blogging. Your blog is my favourite place to travel to on the internet. Your book reviews are enlightening. Your travels are inspiring and your writing voice is of the highest quality. If you stop blogging I will have to move across the world and buy a house next door to you (only kidding, I'm not a stalker) but please please keep your wonderful blog going. Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes, I read blogs... At least yours. I follow you now on Instagram, but I've always loved your blog and I look forward to read you here. I recently realised that I've always been going to gym or dance classes (even if I use to think I hated it) since I quitted school and hence ballet classes. And my grandmother teached me how to knit when I was three (there are graphic testimonies). I am now learning all I can about computers and the internet, there are always new things. @monicaknit

    ReplyDelete
  8. I do indeed read blogs. Not very many but I check yours out each day. I'm excited when I get to see new photos of your trips, the London hotel, knitting. Plus you have introduced me to books that I would never have known about. So please keep writing and I'll keep reading. Would you show us a picture of the sweater/shawl that you finished before you went to the UK this last time. The colors looked beautiful. Maybe even tell us about the pattern. Rose Dwight in Dayton, OH

    ReplyDelete
  9. Of course we read blogs! Silly girl, we always want to know what you and your family are up to. We follow you on Instagram too!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Well, I'll think about it, Pamela.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yes, I do read your blog. We have a lot in common. I share your love of the British Isles, although I don't get there nearly as often. We have the same car. I love to read. And I do like knitting, and hope in the future to master more than just rectangles. As for new tricks, I've finally decided, after 22 years of teaching (and 10 years of various post-college jobs before that), to quit and become a full-time artist. SO ready for a new life, and time to pursue other interests as well!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love to read your blog. You share such wonderful insights and thoughts about our country, travels to England and Scotland and your wonderful dogs! Also love the book reviews and gift guides - and wherever do you find the wonderful illustrations - photos, paintings - for your blog? It's always a good day when a new post awaits! - Susan

    ReplyDelete
  14. Blogs are still alive and well. Though I may have eliminated many from my daily email, yours is one I wait for, forward, and often, save! I have always loved animals and have had many rescues, I have recently (within the last three years) become active in the animal rescue world, which is such a gift. As a novice knitter, back in the day, I have renewed my interest in perfecting this craft; I just might be able to finish that sweater I started twenty-five years ago! Angela Muller

    ReplyDelete
  15. I read your blog & smile when it hits my inbox.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Pamela,
    I love your account of your friend. It's one of life's perks, at our age, to be thankful for friends that have known you for ages, and all of your quirks, and still love you!
    The rabbits are darling. Way to go on the exercise. I've stepped my game up as well...sit-ups in addition to my walking and gardening are now part of the routine.
    On the topic of blogging...I think I've recently (unofficially) retired from it. I still read, faithfully, the blogs (like yours) that always delight. But I confess, I comment a little less and just don't feel like I have anything new to offer. Clearly, you have always had the best stories, whether they are about travel, dogs, knitting, life in general or politics. I love your posts.
    xo,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. After reading your comment, I clicked on your name and found your new-to-me blog. It is wonderful, and I hope you reconsider. Even if you feel you don't have 'anything new to offer' people who read your blog enjoy it, and there will always be people who come upon it and also enjoy it.

      Delete
  17. I am an admirer and a blog lover, please don't go anywhere, please don't stop!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Pamela!!

    Yes, I still read great Blogs!!

    Isn't it great to have a friend as you described? Someone who can surprise you with cute rabbits who wear the cutest shoes. It's wonderful how they know you better than you know yourself. Your friend sounds like a wonderful person who likes a wonderful friend such as you.

    Had a good laugh about the Donald!! How's that sweater coming along? I haven't been to a mall in forever. Just not interested really. Never thought I would say that when I use to stay at the mall for hours. Crazy how life changes!!

    Enjoy the weekend and I have to say while I'm typing this out, I get to look at you and Edward in the snow and I absolutely love it!!

    Pam
    xox

    ReplyDelete
  19. Absolutely still reading and anticipating so don't stop!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I definitely still read blogs, and I always love reading yours!

    Paula

    ReplyDelete
  21. I definitely still read blogs, and I always love reading yours!

    Paula

    ReplyDelete
  22. At present, I am enamored exploring the many forest preserves around me - and there are tons of them - and birding. Loving it and it gets me walking more.
    I still read blogs and write posts, though not as frequently as I once did - and I still enjoy yours and Edward's blog immensely.

    ReplyDelete
  23. i certainly still read blogs and yours is one of my favourites!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Yes, I still read a few blogs. Yours, always. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Yes, I still read a few blogs. Yours, always. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I read blogs. Yours is my favorite and I wish you would blog more.....I miss the frequency of them!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Yes I am a blog reader ,especially yours ! Don't ever stop.
    Thank you for writing yours.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I think that we all change over the years as our day to day life changes as we get older, doesn't it Pamela ?
    As for blogging, well, it's still my favourite. Many of my followers have left the blogging world and prefer Facebook but I always think that blogging is so friendly and far more interesting..... I'm sticking with it and hope that you are too !!!! XXXX

    ReplyDelete
  29. Absolutely, I still follow blogs. I have about 10 favorites. I visit them each day, always hoping there's a new post. I don't always comment, and should. You and nine others start my day...off right. Don't ever doubt the impact you make on peoples lives and now I'll tell you why.

    Some of my friends don't have computers, or they are so sick, fiddling with a computer is the last thing they want to do right now, or can't. Two have lost husbands and were married for 43 and 56 years, two are suffering with cancer, a third has a life-threatening staph infection at the site of her hip replacement.

    Now maybe I'm not supposed to do this but I copy some of your columns, paste them into word processing and print five copies. I change the font color and size to fit greeting card-size card stock before cutting them out, and sometimes even use the pictures you provide. Such as these adorable rabbits.

    Many times I'm at a loss for words but I feel for these women and what they are enduring. Sometimes I'll simply write:
    "Here's the latest from Pamela Terry. Brew yourself a cup of tea and relax for a few minutes with this little story." It's enough for them to know I'm thinking of them.

    Thank you, Pamela.

    ReplyDelete
  30. OF COURSE we read blogs - for me, it's always YOURS FIRST! And when there isn't a new post I travel back in time to your archived blogs and revisit my favorite ones. That might indicate there ARE favorites among them. Truth is - every last blog post is a favorite.

    I think I'm probably a bit past your years and can verify that as you go forward in your journey you don't fold feathers down at all - you fluff them, preen them for yourself (not for others!) and expand your flight horizongs.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Well Pamela, I hope folk still read blogs because I still enjoy writing them!
    I adore your pair of rabbits - where have you put them?
    Not sure about expanding my flight horizons but am still happily carrying on and spending time with lots of friends.
    My Broadband is playing tricks, so until it is repaired I seem to have limited access.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love that you are always trying new things. I'm fitter now that I was at college and enjoy exercise more too. I don't think I'll ever like shopping in malls, watching American football or eating raw seafood. I'm still blogging and pleased that among my regular commenters most have been with me for many years, but I'm sad that about half have dropped out, switching to twitter or Facebook. I'm not so much doing new things but doing more of the stuff I did before kids now that I'm an empty nester, such as throwing parties and dinner parties and traveling for fun. As a bit of introverted homebody, this is expanding my horizons. This summer I'm helping a friend move her bookstore to a new location and will be there for the release of the midnight latest Harry Potter book, which will be a first for me.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Yes I still read blogs!! And write my own as often as I can. I was on Facebook for two years and quit a month ago. It has changed my life for the better not being there. I like the slow thoughtfulness of blogging. I actually have a post in my head about this, and hope to write it soon.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I still read blogs and are saddened that some of my favorites are now longer being written. I love to read yours and while I may not get to read it everyday, it is a pleasure when I have a number of entries to read.

    Thank you for continuing to share you world with us!

    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  35. Pamela,
    I read your blog and a couple others. They nourish my soul. Recently bought a vintage trailer to pull around the state (west coast), joining new gal friends camping and shoppong junctiques. Sisters on the Fly is the national group, but I enjoy going alone and staying mear the beach or a stream..water..and this also feeds me. Hopefully it will lead to more creativity _ writing and painting. Have a wonderful rest of May..

    ReplyDelete
  36. Pamela,
    I read your blog and a couple others. They nourish my soul. Recently bought a vintage trailer to pull around the state (west coast), joining new gal friends camping and shoppong junctiques. Sisters on the Fly is the national group, but I enjoy going alone and staying mear the beach or a stream..water..and this also feeds me. Hopefully it will lead to more creativity _ writing and painting. Have a wonderful rest of May..

    ReplyDelete
  37. Pamela, I always read your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  38. There are certain blogs I hope will never stop, - they are so enjoyable and I like to think of the writers as far-away friends. I have to admit that as I get older and the circle of life tightens a little I don't write as often, - but I want to! My newest adventure is learning/playing the ukuele, and sometimes when I'm alone I also sing along to some of the old, easy songs...Hello My Baby, Nothing could be finer......etc.

    ReplyDelete
  39. The visits to my blog are down, despite my trying to keep up with it. Some bloggers will only comment on my blog, if I visit and comment on theirs. But I think that "People" are still reading them, but some of the longtime bloggers have gone away, and I miss them. I can only think it's because lives change and take us in different and dare I say more fun and interesting directions? (Forgive me for leaving this "Anonymous" comment, I don't want anyone to feel sorry for my poor blog and visit me).

    ReplyDelete
  40. I read several blogs.. I check some every few days... and yours is top of the list... please keep on writing. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  41. I read several blogs.. I check some every few days... and yours is top of the list... please keep on writing. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  42. Yes, we who blog are also reading blogs. I have been exercising at a health club for 15 years and yes, I enjoy it. New for me this year is being a volunteer at a retirement home/memory care home. I always enjoy your posts.

    ReplyDelete

I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!