8.03.2010

About the "B" Word

I used the "B" word at Habit yesterday. I thought I might elaborate here. The "B" word is bad, and my children know better than to use it.

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Boredom. Yes, I've been feeling bored. I told my husband and he just laughed at me and said he'd love to be bored. Just last month I wrote on the blackboard that boredom, like youth, is wasted on the young. Then all of the sudden, it struck me.

This is not the type of boredom marked by inactivity. No, there is plenty of activity going on here. This state of boredom is marked by disinterest, unrest, lack of excitement, tedium. Blah. There are plenty of things I could be doing, even more things I should be doing, but I feel like doing nothing. It might sound a bit like being depressed, but I'm about as happy as can be these days. Happily bored.

The sewing machine is gathering dust and craft supplies are tucked away in the closet (ok, closets). I've read several books lately, but don't really feel like starting a new one. I've been enjoying a relative state of order about the house (a note to those who have been over recently or are coming over soon - please note my use of the word relative in describing the order of my house). Boredom has its perks. My countertops have been clean for days.

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When Avery was about 9 months old, she crawled over to her wooden stacking rings, which were disassembled on her play mat, put the rings back in order and crawled away from the toy. She didn't touch touch the toy again. I've observed both kids going through similar phases over the years - they get bored with their current selection of toys or activities that have engaged their attention and go through periods of unrest. I guess I'm going through a phase. Does it mean I'm on the brink of a new developmental stage? Perhaps. I did just turn 34.

So this morning I did what any bored person might do - I trolled the internet, got caught up on my blog roll, found a pattern for a sweater I must make.

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I might as well keep my hands busy while I go through this phase and have something to show for this period of boredom, besides a relatively tidy house. Unless, of course, I get bored of knitting.

"...the number one reason knitters knit is because they are so smart that they need knitting to make boring things interesting. Knitters are so compellingly clever that they simply can't tolerate boredom. It takes more to engage and entertain this kind of human, and they need an outlet or they get into trouble." Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (quote found while googling "boredom and knitting" - I told you I was bored)

31 comments:

  1. Oh my...I feel you there!!

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  2. we have all been..ahem might be there. i wondered a few nights ago "how many times have i felt my life was at a crossroads?" i am sure you are on the brink of something new and exciting. be sure to share when it happens!

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  3. we have all been..ahem might be there. i wondered a few nights ago "how many times have i felt my life was at a crossroads?" i am sure you are on the brink of something new and exciting. be sure to share when it happens!

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  4. yup I am there too- unless, of course I am at home (and not work) and then I am a maniac.

    big things onthe horizon, calm before the storm, season of change... who knows.
    hang in there and knit away lady!

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  5. Definitely know that feeling. My husband and I go through phases: "What do you want to do?" I don't know, what do you want to do?" "I don't know..."

    It usually hits me hard at the end of autumn, when the air starts to smell like snow. A general disinterest and mild apprehension.

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  6. Hear you loudly and very clearly - I myself haven't even picked up knitting since I left your house. I feel much the same - and I really like the idea of being on the edge of a new developemental stage. I could use one. The only thing that is still calling out to me is the garden and the thought of new plantings for fall.

    Loved the post.

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  7. maybe it's the heat?

    ha! "quote found while googling "boredom and knitting" - I told you I was bored" - well bored lady, you just made me laugh out loud.

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  8. I'm trying to wrap my mind around the idea of "happily bored." In the state of mind you're describing, I generally don't feel happy. This is an intriguing concept. Must ponder further.

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  9. Loved the quote...so fun! I understand the feeling of being happily bored. :) That has happened to me...I see it sunny outside but when I get out there it's too hard to breath because of the high humidity. And I'm bored of being at home but with no money I'm happy about about being at home :)

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  10. I know that feeling...but I can never enjoy it because I always feel guilty for wasting time. By the way, I love your new header...beautiful!

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  11. love love love the way you 'put' this whole boredom phase into words. Ive been like this for a couple of weeks now and couldnt have explained myself until reading your post as to why?
    I picked up some old crocheting while I was bored.
    The quote is a good find.

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  12. So I am not alone in feeling this way. I walk around my house looking at all the things I could be doing - things that I usually like to do, but nothing seems to engage me. It's a restless feeling that I am sure will pass.

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  13. I like that quote about boredom. And you do sound to be more in a state of (unknown) transition than bored. When my daughters tell me they're bored, I tell them I haven't had the luxury of being bored in 10 years, so I really can't relate! :)

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  14. I feel the same way...maybe lack of something new?

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  15. Seriously. I feel you. We are hitting that phase of summer ourselves. Good thing we have a climbing trip on the horizon, so they are keeping their eyes on that prize. I started a knitting project myself last week, though I can barely stand the thought of the wool sweater to be, in all this heat. Love that yarn, and your new header is perfectly August.

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  16. Yes, yes, yes! I am 20 years older than you and going through the exact same thing. In fact, my Hubby asked me just a few days ago if I was depressed. I told him I didn't think so, but my mind keeps going back to it. I have a ton of projects that are either in progress or ready to be started -- knitting, sewing, crafting, scrapbooking -- and I just can't seem to get excited about anything right now. And, frankly, I don't care if the dust bunnies take over the house. But I think you're right. It's just good old fashioned boredom. I need to figure out how to kick start myself back into action.

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  17. looking forward to spending some "boring" time knitting with you and Michelle. I'm going to give Michelle a refresher course, she needs to knit a baby blanket. I'm making a baby kimono now, along with my other WIP's.

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  18. I think it's the summer doldrums.

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  19. oh man. i am right there with you.

    and i also wish i didn't click on that link for the sweater. i just happen to have a baby around here who probably neeeeeeds that sweater for fall...

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  20. oh yes, i'm so there!

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  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  22. I can completely relate! It's nice to see someone put it so well into words.. :) Can't wait to see the sweater!

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  23. here, here, here! That is exactly how I feel!

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  24. hehe you make me smile although I realize this is not a laughing matter! I understand how you feel and in the middle of reading this thought to myself "Watch out for Molly the creative powerhouse she will be on to something incredible next" I think it is 'good' when my kids say they are 'bored' that means that they come up out of it doing something AMAZING! xo

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  25. You in Albany and Kate in New York wrote similar posts on the same day. What sort of blogland kizmit is that? :) Check it out. I love the humor and serendipity you both expect just around the corner AND making us all feel like it's okay to hit a creative slump in early August. http://www.masondixonknitting.com/archives/2010_08.html#002930

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  26. I've been in this place for close to 6months now - only wish my house for clearer for all the boredom (though, I can only imagine how worse it could be!).

    I'm moving into a new studio space this week, and willing myself that this new change - new space, friend, light (+ no kids for a few days a week!!!) - will break me out of the boredom.

    I do understand exactly what you mean about not being depressed, because I too am happy. I'm just bored in where I am right now....

    Thank you for your words.

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  27. Just PeachesAugust 15, 2010

    Einstein once said:

    “I lived in solitude in the country and noticed how the monotony of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind”

    I think you may be on the cusp of some very creative thinking.

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  28. Funny...I'm experiencing something like that right now and I'm NOT freaking out-yea. I usually panic if I don't know what I'm working on next and the few projects I've started aren't holding my interest so I'm letting them go. Mean while I'm organizing and cleaning up a bit and just kicking back being "bored". Kind of nice...

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  29. Hey Molly, are you on Ravelry?

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  30. hi amy!

    i have a ravelry account, but i rarely log on. mostly i'm here and on flickr.

    ~molly

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