December 7, 2009
making do
I started thinking of the concept of “making do” and realizing not many people were left that would utter such an antiquated phrase, but yet I grew up hearing it and witnessing its implementation. My mother was the best at doing this. She grew up having to “make do” but she later challenged herself to do it when it was no longer a question of economics, it was just a revelation of her character. I remember a little lesson she slipped into my life one day. It was nearly Christmas and she was in the spirit of things and was decorating her house. She had pulled some boxes (cardboard not Rubbermaid) from the attic and rummaged through drawers and closets and went into the woods and magically, the house was decorated. She had not made one trip to town, not for bulbs, or lights, or the latest Christmas trend. Instead, she challenged herself to “make do”. She shared that with me on that day. Anyone can decorate a room, trim a tree, cook a meal, etc. if they spend enough money, but how many of us have the creativity and resourcefulness to do it with what is only on hand? She said it was something she did intentionally; she tried to prepare a meal, decorate for the holidays, dress, whatever by only using what she had. It gave her satisfaction and made her feel as though something was created, not purchased and money was saved not spent. I do not remember any of my mother’s purchases or shopping habits, but I do remember her character and her creativity and her ability to “make do”. I will remember this during this season of spending and over consumption and try to stay closer to the earth and further from the mall. I will fill my house with pine branches and magnolia leaves, force narcissus bulbs, and I will go into the attic and take down boxes of ornaments. I can imagine cinnamon simmering on the stove, Christmas cookies in the oven, citrus from my trees and hot chocolate with cocoa and Christmas cups.
This Christmas I will “make do.
till next time,
p.s.
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