Often, in this unfathomably crazy and discombobulating world, I lament the fact that I’m not an isolated hermitess living off in a most remote woodland area.
I would inhabit a quaint cottage (think Sleeping Beauty’s cottage in the glen) and keep a fire stoked for hot drinks at all times. I would surround myself with eclectic furniture and glassware, deep book-filled shelves, piles of blankets, drawing supplies, and delicious snacks. Think of a younger and artsy Strega Nona without the oodles of noodles.
Through my Dutch door, I’d look out at my simple garden (strawberries, cucumbers, and mint for mojitos), the bat houses dotted about the premises, and wait for the intrepid USPS to come pick up my regular handwritten and wax-sealed missives that inform loved ones of my well-being. I may be a secluded solitaire, but I definitely don’t wish those I care about to worry.
Now, some of these things mentioned above – eclectic furniture and glassware, books, blankets, and drawing supplies – are already in my possession; they’re just not situated in a far-off cottage, but rather, in my apartment that has a view of a fast food establishment.
Part of wishing to be a hermitess is the desire to take a break from society and the masses. I, like many others, come across frustration, anger, discontent, lack of consideration, and disrespect when out in public, and to be honest, it’s exhausting and takes a toll on my emotional and mental health.
However, as much as I’d love to take a magical sabbatical in a forest with just opossums, foxes, and bats for company (much like a good witch), there is a part of me that would miss positive human interaction. So, in the wake of Thanksgiving, I’d like to highlight some humans I’m immensely grateful for.
The Kilwins employee who graciously kept his cool and unswervingly served me and a troupe of other patrons during a busy afternoon when he had no assistance behind the counter.
The credit union teller who helped me make a deposit with a cheery smile when the ATM refused to accept my check.
The North Perk Coffee baristas who always make sure to ask how I am with the utmost genuine attitude, which is just as much a pick-me-up as the caffeinated drinks I order.
The Deutsche Bahn train rider who took pity on me and translated the German intercom message when the monitors with English translations weren’t working.
The parents who clean up the toys in the Children’s Library even when their progeny aren’t the ones who made the mess.
The New York Times bestselling author who liked my Instagram post mentioning her book.
The wild niece of mine who recently asked for Aunt Ham (me) to sit next to her at our weekly family dinner.
The friends who send voice messages, search for me when I’m lost, encourage me to squeeze onto the subway, and offer to put on their Dr. Martens and beat up people in my defense.
The book club attendees who eat pancakes or drink themed cocktails with me as we discuss romance reads and high fantasy.
The family who helps me with car issues, shares hilarious memes and videos, and listens to my woes and victories with equal levels of interest.
The creative boss with impeccable taste who supports my endeavors while also giving the best soul-squeezing hugs.
The social media followers who ‘heart’ and comment on my Instagram posts, providing me with the encouragement to keep growing my small business and putting my writing out into the world.
The boyfriend who makes me laugh every single day, even when I’m sick, sad, or severely overwhelmed when my cup runneth over with responsibilities. Plus, he’s the best dance partner.
These 13 individuals or groups of individuals make it easier to withstand and overcome the plights of modern life, whether they be nameless faces who offer to help or people I’ve known for decades.
Refraining from bolting beyond the trees into my cottagecore hermitude dream allows me to share a smile with a stranger, help a child find a book, support other small business owners, connect with friends over coffee, and tell people’s stories through words. So, as much as I bemoan being a part of the hustle-bustle, hectic world that sometimes allows negativity to reign supreme, I am thankful for the experiences, relationships, and connections it has afforded me.
Someday, I hope to settle somewhere between “city life” and selective seclusion. Maybe I’ll get the cottage with the Dutch door located in a semi-accessible location where I can welcome both friends and foxes to my home. As they say, life’s all about balance, right? But in the meantime, I appreciate what and who I have in my life and where I’m at, and I hope you share that sentiment, too.
Coming up next:
December – It’s the holiday season!
P.S. This month marks the second anniversary of Organized Rambling. I don’t know how two years have already passed me and this blog by, but I’m also grateful for this creative outlet!
3 responses to “Organized Rambling: A Grateful & Hopeful Hermitess”
Happy blogiversary! And remember, if ya need me, my Docs are always…at the ready. 🙂 Actually, I may be snagging some Fugus soon because it’s time to level up mwahaha.
I am thankful for YOU — your friendship and your writing! I don’t think you know how much of an inspiration you are to people (like me) who are constantly questioning this career path.
Thank you!! Your friendship and support mean so much to me! It’s hard to see myself as a source of inspiration for others, but I’m gonna take your word for it <3
[…] my family in the Upper Peninsula on and off during my childhood and young adult life. Having been a homebody-not-yet-hermit in my youth, the concept of going away to camp didn’t jive with my spirit, and the older […]