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Free time to be treasured, not squandered

How do we spend our free time, our recreational time? That question would have been rhetorical for our pioneering ancestors. Their “downtime” no doubt included mending harnesses, repairing boots and darning socks.

How do we spend our free time, our recreational time? That question would have been rhetorical for our pioneering ancestors. Their “downtime” no doubt included mending harnesses, repairing boots and darning socks.

With so many labour-saving devices, we have to search for activities to fill the hours. With a very physical job, I take less of the luxurious long walks I so enjoy -- I have purchased a treadmill. It provides me with much-needed exercise but I am able to remain at home. I also am able to walk and read my book, a dangerous endeavour outdoors.

I do admit to letting my skills as a seamstress lapse. The machine is old, the need for a line of clothing small and the operator has become blasé. I enjoy crocheting and still produce many afghans. I love letter correspondence, despite the prolific use of Facebook and email. Few of my friends respond, but I always hope. A personal letter or card does much to brighten an otherwise mundane day.

I have become an experienced armchair traveller, with a love of the Tuscany region of Italy, thanks to Frances Mayes' book Under the Tuscan Sun. I have seen the sun-baked piazzas and the vertical stone houses guarding the steep hillsides. My senses are overwhelmed with sharp aromas of grapes, olives, tomatoes and flowers. And everywhere is the dazzling sun. The name of Mayes' reclaimed, restored house is Bramasole, yearn for the sun. I know the climate is unbearable for me, a child of moderate summers and icy winters.

I forage about in British mysteries. I could easily find my way in a quaint village setting. From long practice, I frequently solve the case along with the Inspector, explore the ancient church with its vaulted ceilings, dim interior and hushed atmosphere.

When I feel the need to step backward in time, I choose Laurie R. King's Sherlock Holmes series, quite a departure from Doyle's original. I also dip into Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries. I see the luxury of the upper crust, in vivid contrast to the desperate need of the poor. The choking poverty, fear and despair remind me of much of today's world.

For insight and relief, I devour books like Phil Callaway's Who Put My Life On Fast-Forward? He invites me to walk alongside and participate in his life, the joys and disappointments. Part III of the book is entitled Winning the Race Without Being a Rat. The book is full of quotes like this one from Calvin & Hobbes: “God put me on earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now I'm so far behind that I will never die.” How about “the fruit of the spirit is not lemons” or “live so the preacher won't have to lie at your funeral.” Callaway takes the difficult issues of daily life and teaches us to cope with laughter, yet without trivializing.

I keep a journal -- a jotting of thoughts, ideas and events. I have a notebook with a collection of quotes, like Phil Callaway's gems. Others recorded there are:

Benno Przyblyski (guest speaker) -- hugs are why God gave us arms. Joel Osteen -- God cannot steer a parked car.

Church sign -- blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.

How do you spend your free time? Here are a few suggestions: Tell your children that you love them. Call your mom; she'll be amazed. Read a few good books. Go for a walk. Listen to birdsong. Write a poem. According to William Henry Davies, “A poor life this if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare.”

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