Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Between The Lines

The incomparable Carey Mulligan in Never Let Me Go

Since we took the desert getaway last month I've been in a pretty zen place trying to maintain better balance in my life. Inside time vs outside time, reading vs watching some tv, work vs down time. I'll just go ahead and state the obvious:it's a lot easier said than done. I'd go so far as to say, at least for me, it takes some focus and deliberate action to stop working, stop watching tv (I am on a reality hiatus though!) and give myself permission during the work week to go outside and get some fresh air. Ahhhh the joys of working at home.

Something I've been trying to do on the weekend is leave my immediate neighborhood and explore another. For some reason it's so refreshing and helps me return with a fresh perspective, despite the pile of laundry still waiting upon my return. This weekend we went on an antiquing adventure in a neighboring city. There was no set agenda and we mostly wandered, but that time spent amongst other people's old things was really great. Everything has its own story, belonged to people who had their own stories and if we took anything home, helped add to that journey. This must be what getting old is because I spent a lot of time dawdling around thinking about where things must have come from and what they must have lived through.

Fresh off our antique adventure, the Chef zipped off to work and I sat down to scan for a good movie. Enter Lars and the Real Girl. I've easily seen it 10 times, yet every time I gather some new nugget that changes the way I think. Continuing on in movie mode, I caught Never Let Me Go just as it started and dove right in. Far from lighthearted and much more gut wrenching, I sat as riveted as the first time I saw it in the theatre and went to bed that night completely content. Good movies are like good books: they're almost better the second and third time around.

For some reason Monday was a brutal day. You know those days you open your eyes and just know it's coming for you? Yeah. One of those. By 5pm I was so past done it was all I could do to make it down the hall and crawl under the covers, blankets over my head. As I laid there in the semi-dark I couldn't help wishing Zoila (Jeff Lewis's housekeeper) would appear, turn on the tv and put in a season of Felicity to wash my less than stellar day away. As I continued lying there--no Zoila in sight--it donned on me: after all these years I still love for someone to tell me a story. I've been an avid reader my entire life, spent many a childhood night reading by flashlight after lights out, and count books amongst my dearest friends. Somehow getting lost in a well-written story, wherever it's coming from, helps me get centered and feel less alone, more connected.

Light at the end of the tunnel before I threw in the towel and went to bed at the same time as a second grader.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

I loved Lars and the Real Girl and Never Let Me Go as well! Please tell me you've seen "An Education?" Carey Mulligan is fab!

Anonymous said...

Getting the Nook was one of the best things I've done in recent history. Makes getting books and reading so much simpler so I'm getting to read a lot more. More reading, less crappy television - good stuff.

Anonymous said...

I love Mad Men! Well written, smart television, which is something I'm in need of since I can so easily get sucked into the vortex of crappy reality shows.

Polly said...

So tell me what you are currently reading!

Lori said...

I love reading too Carrie ~ it really soothes my soul ~ it's a little getaway every time I pick it up. It's the same way with a good movie and although I do not get to see near enough of them there are some I will watch over and over again ~ St. Elmo's Fire anyone? Hope Tuesday is kinder to you than yesterday was! xo

Closet Fashionista said...

I really need to do that too, take some time away from tv and my computer...my vacation is coming at a good time, I'll have 5 days with practically nothing (though I'll have to be posting a bit of Potter news on my sites with my iPad since that's the point of my vacation, haha)
Never Let Me Go was so sad!!! :( But I agree, I love a good story, though I don't read many of them anymore...I'm so lazy. But I settle for good movies (hello, Pride and Prejudice! :D)
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

RosaLovesDC said...

I've been reading more lately, I used to devour books like you have no idea. If you liked Never Let me Go, I totally recommend the book, it's really good, much better than the movie.
And I love Zoila, I wish I had a Zoila too, specially on days like the one you described. Hang in there kiddo.

Barbara von Enger said...

I adore reading. I live amongst the books. Reading is so good for one's spirit. I love reading in warm sun especially;-)

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

Here's to today being a better day. Although looking at the clock, yours must have started really early lady!

Lisa - respect the shoes said...

The bad part of getting an e-reader? Those darn download-for-free books for the Kindle. Granted, I shouldn't be complaining about anything free, but I've been speeding through e-books at a record pace lately and all those story lines start jumbling together after a while. And like a Bravo/VH1 reality TV show, some are guilty pleasures and some are pure high drama crap ...

Courtney Erin said...

I love this - I'm a good story lover all the way, be it books or movies or tv.

Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

Tiffany Kadani said...

I love stories! My husband tells the best stories so I think I lucked out in that department. Hope you are have a fun break. Been enjoying the posts on facebook.

A Crimson Kiss said...

God did Monday kick my ass. But a little time outside, with a good story, and far away from the things that torment you really does us both good!

And I just wanted to tell you that even striving for balance means you're achieving it–plenty of people aren't even aware they're not getting enough down time, fresh air or restoration. Keep fighting the good fight!

Amber said...

Monday killed me too. I have been in zombie mode for the past few days and the last thing I wanted to do was to go into work but alas I need to bring home that bacon. I loved both those films as well. Have you seen An Education? Its perfection.

Claire Kiefer said...

This is such a beautifully written post. :) I'm a sucker for a good story, too--especially if it's being told enthusiastically from someone's mouth or in a book. I have never been much of a movie person, but I did see the Hunger Games this weekend and loved it as much as the next person. Glad your rough day yesterday is over, and hoping today is better.

LyddieGal said...

I feel like I so rarely venture out of my same old places, my comfort zone... there is so much to see. I need to make an effort to be a bit more adventurous.
and to remember to get outside.

Chic on the Cheap

TheChambrayCountess said...

A good story, in whatever way it is told, is such a great thing. Always underestimated and overlooked, but always appreciated. Glad you went to bed early and I hope the rest of the week gets better. I am impressed by your quest for balance, too, I am inspired to take a little more care in my own life :)

Josie said...

Carrie... It's so good to hear from you. I'm super glad that you're doing so well and the whole zen thing is working out... And more fresh air during the week is something we ALL need.
xo Josie
www.winksmilestyle.com

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

oh, i am so jealous that you have the luxury to center yourself in this way. unfortuantely, i work in an office building in a not-very exciting part of town so it's not that realistic or desirable to just stop and walk around- so envious (especially when I'm at my desk and see your instagrams!). No matter how you are doing it though, I just am happy that you are. I have been trying to reach this place lately too and it's inspiring to read of others' journeys.

and i agree, getting lost in a story is sometimes just what the doctor ordered.

Ashley said...

Never Let Me Go was an enthralling book. I couldn't stop reading it until the end and then I wished I could just turn back time for them all. Might not be as good if you already know the mysterious parts, but I highly recommend it anyway!

this free bird said...

Oh Caitlin. I wish it were that easy to just stop. Lots of phone calls, deadlines, pressure have kept me indoors from Sunday night through Friday night for far too long. Trying to implement change and carve out a break a couple times a week.hope you can get to a point where you can do the same. I used to work in an office and it was especially tough! Hang in there, girl!!

this free bird said...

Thanks Ashley! I think I'm going to read the book because so many people mentioned loving it. Next on my list!

allergic to vanilla said...

That movie killed me, I sat in complete sadness for about thirty minutes after it ended, and didn't want to let go of my bf. :( ....but, glad you liked it!

x carlina
allergictovanilla.com

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