Life in Numbers: Reflections

Sharing and Gratitude

When I set the theme for September’s seasonal notebook, I honestly thought I would just provide an ever-so-brief list of number-related observations, like a cross between a scavenger hunt and a poem. But, when I came to writing my first post, I found that I didn’t really want to do that. I wanted to share vignettes about how these things fitted into my day. And I’m glad I changed my mind.

Since giving up on all social media of the microblogging type over the last few years, I do still find I miss that small-scale engagement, the mutual sharing of snippets and experiences with digital friends. I really enjoyed that aspect of my notebook this month - especially hearing from people via the posts or via notes. So, thank you so much to everyone who has joined in the conversation over the last month or taken the few seconds it takes to click through to let me know you liked my posts.

It goes without saying that the updates I chose to share, even if not always positive (damp ceilings and woodworm spring to mind), nevertheless possibly painted a certain picture. None of that was fabricated, and it really was and is how I see the world - I feel very grateful for my lot in life; but obviously I didn’t include the times I had to manage an Auri meltdown on the way home from school (the day was too hot, apparently) or I woke up with even less energy than when I went to sleep (thanks, perimenopause!). Though these moments were much fewer and farther between, as they are in most people’s lives, I always think it is important to remind ourselves of the skewed version of our lives we all inadvertently share online. (This is not a criticism! I prefer to share these types of observations - but I would hate for anyone to think that I live in an idyllic little bubble where I never feel like that woman juggling motherhood in that late 1980s or early 1990s Horlicks advert).*

Thinking the other day about some of the things I particularly loved about this season’s notebook - the sharing, the delight - I found myself idly scribbling an idea for another time-bound project. Before I knew it, I had sketched out the structure of the whole thing. Expect more information on that in my next update.

And, on that note, I’ll be back on the first day of November with an update on the theme for my next seasonal notebook, which will run throughout December. Until then, Happy Autumn!

Lydia Crow
The Highlands, Scotland

*I have looked on YouTube, and unfortunately I can’t find a copy of the advert - but I’m sure she was in the Post Office, or something.