Biding the time through November...

I don't know about you, but I am so very done with presidential politics. I don't want to have any more conversations with friends, family, neighbors or aquaintances debating the merits or demerits of the various and sundry folk who are currently running for elected offices in our nation.  I instead intend to make some personal space and time for knitting, reading, praying, meditating, swimming, and eating watermelon.

Knitting is a skill I learned in grade school, my best friend at Nativity School, Dorothy Jane Zilkowski, and I would knit together. I learned to knit watching my mother who, although she was right-handed, knitted left-handed because she was taught by a left-handed friend. I learned the basics from Mom, but Dorothy taught me the nuances of creating patterns with differing stitches.  I began by following patterns, and later on began to create patterns of my own relying on the algebraic equation mantra that one side of the equation must equal the other side  I create Irish knit scarves making up patterns based on seed stitches, simple cables and bobbles.  They are obviously not the traditional patterns, but my own creations.  Currently I am working on a shawl that has about six inches to completion and am already thinking aobut the next project.

Reading, done well, needs continued honing.  When I was a student, I was required to read many academic texts since I majored in History and later became a teacher.  Teachers have to do lots of reading to keep up with new developments in the profession.  When I got my second Master's in Theology/Church History, I got to do quite a bit of reading original documents for my research and thesis. But now my reading is more for pleasure.  I tend to read mysteries while traveling and non-fiction if I need to sharpen the grey matter. Unfortunately, reading local newspapers has lost its charm, and I now cherry-pick my daily diet of NewYork Times, The Daily News and Staten Island Advance articles. Crossword puzzles are still personal favorites,but that is another story for another day.

Praying is a daily discipline, although I have to admit, sometimes I let prayer time slip aside for other events that I might think are more pressing.  This is not a good thing, setting aside some time every day to do this is a personal challenge and goal.  In the Christian tradition, similar to both Judaism and Islam, various daily prayer times are  carved out: Matins, Noon Prayer, Evening Prayer and Compline ( also known as Vespers) traditionally frame the prayer lives of those in Christian monastic communities and provide a structure for personal devotion.  My personal goal is to intergrate Morning Paryer and Compline into my life.

Meditation techniques were introduced to me by the Rev. Claire MacPherson at General Seminary. I have tried several types over the  years and have settled on a modified  Buddhist meditative practice involving controlled breathing and focusing.  I have actually used these techniques with unruly classes and nervous teacher/candidates with excellent results.  I find this practice is also handy when I am forced by events I have little or no control over such as standing in long lines at stores, banks or international customs.

Swimming is a summer time indulgence that just gets better and better.  I live quite close to a city municipal pool that opens for special senior water aerobics early in the morning.  The class allows me to get in some quality exercise and swim time four times a week throughout the summer months.  I miss it tremendously once the pool shuts down in September.

Watermelon??  What can I say???...the proverbial summer fruit/food.  I don't think I have ever met anyone who dislikes watermelon, and sharing it is one way to bring a smile to the faces of anyone who is given a piece.  I do like the newer varieties that are virtually seedless.

So, I am trying to occupy my mind with sunny summer distractions so I don't have to think too much about the craziness of our American election madness.  I just wish I was more successful at filtering it all out.