In one of the preschool grades of our children's school there was a block on the curriculum entitled "TNT." Try New Things. I thought it was delightful. Then again, when one is four there are so many new things coming toward you that I imagine the idea behind this is as much acquiring coping skills as broadening one's horizons.
In the last few weeks we have started a number of new things. My oldest's transition into high school has been remarkably smooth. And busy. I have started a couple of new projects at home and away. And Mr. Blandings and I have started taking horseback riding lessons. "Why?" seems to be the common response to this news and, as it was my idea, I feel the need to justify it somehow, but really it just sounded fun.
It is fun, but it is harder than I thought it would be. I was aware that I usually don't want to try something at which I don't think I will be successful. This doesn't reflect well on me, I know, but there it is. I was, let's say, impatient at the first lesson. I wasn't getting it and Bill was and I found it annoying. (Both my not getting it and his getting it.) In addition, during the lesson I realized I don't like it when people tell me what to do. Even this perfectly lovely and capable woman whom I was paying to instruct me. Who was helping me. Obviously, there were lessons that needed learning beyond keeping my feet flat and my knees in. TNT.
Thanks for your patience while I have patched things together over the last couple of weeks. I am headed to Omaha today to try another new thing. If you are anywhere near the area do come up, over or down to the Lauritzen Garden Antique Show. Lauritzen is one of the best antique shows in the country. Both Charlotte Moss and Suzanne Rheinstein will be there speaking and shopping. I will be wandering around as well. My second riding lesson was yesterday so if you see someone who looks like me with a little hitch in her get-along, please say "hello." More information on the show and its events here.
Image, the work of Roberto Peregalli and Laura Sartori Rimini, featrured in Vogue, October 2011; photography by Andrea Passuell for Rizzoli.Labels: Musings from the Dream House
