I was reading Laura Ingalls Wilder's "The Long Winter" last night. It seemed fitting, given the weather my province has been experiencing - apparently we have not had this much snow in one winter since the mid '70's. Anyway, as I was reading, I was brought fully back into the wonder that I felt when I read the Little House series as a child. I also realized how much of an influence they have had on me.
Reading about life when it was simpler is somehow grounding. In the spanse of human life on earth, I know we haven't been living with technology for that long. I feel more connected to my human-ness when I am closer to the earth, and doing little things in life that connect me to my ancestors, things like growing my own food, making bean soup last a few days, and taking time to sit and make things with my hands. Last week I made two large pots of borscht, and was surprised at how the simple, small list of ingredients made such a flavourful, filling soup. I thought about my Ukranian and Hungarian great grandparents and wondered what their borscht tasted like.
I don't begrudge technology though. In fact, I owe my life to modern medical science in a way. But I just think, to feel full and connected to life, it's important to feel dirt on my hands every once in a while.
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