Reading multiple books at a time is akin to working on multiple projects at a time
It’s all happening.
Dear Reader,
Are you a person who likes to read one book at a time and not start a new one until you're finished? Do you do the same with your projects? Or, like me, are you a person who reads many books at a time and constantly starts new projects?
Why do I read multiple books at a time?
I started thinking about this the other night as I was rereading one of my current books in rotation, Swann's Way. What I was thinking about is how I always read at least two novels at a time, and often a couple poetry books as well. Why do I do this? For many reasons, I think. One of which is that I tend to lead with emotion and feeling with almost everything I do. If you do this too, you know how necessary it is for those of us who do it, but also how difficult it can be sometimes. This means, that I have to have several reading options available at all times based on my mood. Even though this is the main reason, there are also some practical reasons as well. I always have at least one book that it is quite difficult, so it requires my undivided attention and concentration. Since I live in a house with a husband, two teenagers, two cats, and two dogs, I don't necessarily have the time to put that effort into a book everyday, and sometimes I might not even want to, depending on how my day went. So, then we factor in the second novel. This one is always a light read. A book I can read when people are having conversations around me, or even when I might be tired at the end of the day. Sometimes this might be a YA novel-most recently, a reread of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. I can jump in and out of a book like this without missing a beat. Then we add in the poetry books. It's always necessary for me to have at least one of these in the rotation, but usually it's two. I can always find a quiet moment to sit and read a poem, maybe even several if it's Emily Dickinson. Right now, the two books I'm reading are Devotions by Mary Oliver and The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry. Not sure if audio books technically count as reading, but I also have an audio book in the mix. Currently I'm listening to book six of the Outlander series. If I'm going to dork out as to why I simultaneously read (and listen) to so many books, I'd say it's also because I am more of a global learner. Having a lot of things going on at once is very comforting to me.
Let's apply that same concept to projects
When it comes to crochet, I think it involves a bit more practicality than emotion. I have six handmade totes that each contain different projects. It's a nice way to keep things mostly in order, and since I take my projects with me everywhere I go, it gives me choices. I have been known to crochet while I'm walking(don't worry, I look up periodically and I never cross the street while crocheting), while reading, and even though I get motion sick very easily, even in the car. How do I do this? When my kids were very little and I was reading piles of children's books a day, so I taught myself how to crochet without looking. I'm currently working on cotton bucket hats, a dress, summer sweaters, and weaving in the ends on a cardigan I made for myself.
Regarding sewing, I think I tend to work on things in groups, which sometimes might involve the same types of things and sometimes not. This alleged system could also be completely overridden if I receive a donation or find something at the thrift store that inspires me. Then, I like to dive right in and get to work. Often if I'm working on a garment that's more complicated, or a custom order, once I'm finished with it I like to move on to making something that's very freeing. This usually involves going through all of my scrap bags and just basically making fabric by patchworking and appliqué. I never really know what the finished piece will be. It might turn into art for the wall, a purse or tote, a patch, maybe even jewelry. Currently I'm working on two dresses, a top, a baby quilt for a family member, totes and drawstring bags, and several art projects.
Is there a unifying theme?
Well, let's see if we can tie all of this together somehow. I'm not promising a Dickensian ending, but I'll try my best. Even amidst a bit of practicality, emotion is the overriding theme. Universally, I'm a person who needs to constantly keep myself busy. The way that I read, work, and live my life is how I keep my head, hands, and heart happy.
I also paint, collage, and make jewelry, but maybe we'll leave that for another newsletter.
xo,
Christa
Thanks for reading-I’m glad you’re here.