Journal

I'm (re)claiming this word! When you glossed its current meaning, I recognised myself, and then when you gave the deeper original meaning, I thought, yes! it's more accurate - and romantic - than just continuing to describe myself as a generalist who likes to dabble. This butterfly is now old enough to not care so much what others think, especially in my family, who exalted specialists over generalists, and I take great delight in exploring new areas of creativity and no longer worry that a thing is not perfect on first attempt. The joy is in the dabbling, the exploration, the discovery of new areas of creativity. And more often than not, I revisit earlier abandoned projects and either repurpose them, having gathered a little more skill or understanding, or finish them. And even if I don't, it doesn't matter, I still know more about a thing than I did before. I have learnt that while I may move on from one all-consuming passion to focus on another for a while, those (even rudimentary) skills are not lost: I just really enjoy having a garden of creative delights to sup from as the whim takes me. And my seemingly broad skill-set (however shallow...) impresses my family no end!!

Dear Jane, your latest very interesting commentary on the 'dilettante' put me in mind of a comment from a friend.

A few years ago I took myself off on a road trip around the UK, living in my estate car, visiting and enjoying numerous landscapes and environments. At the tail end of the Summer (Heather season) I found myself visiting an old school friend near Kirriemuir. As I was sharing my experiences of the continual travel, her husband commented "you'll no stick" which was given as a complement and I took it as such, thinking later that his comment reflected my life in general to my late father's vexation! The idea of not 'sticking' speaks to me of continual flow, which I consciously invite into my life!

I deeply resonated with all that you said about experiencing a myriad of creative ventures. I crave 'the new', the different techniques (mainly to do with fibrecraft) in order to satisfy my desire for delectable deliciousness delighting my life!

Sweet Harmonious Blessings
Lynda

When I was growing up my family always said, "Gill is the musician, Karen is the artist, Geoff is the mathematician/scientist, and Kathie...she bakes bread."
That was because I was interested in so many things - anthropology, gardening, embroidery, dancing, herbs, sewing, writing poetry...and baking bread! and I still am, HAH! makes life so interesting.
I love how you linked "dilettante" changing its meaning to the emphasis on growth, productivity, toxic capitalism, extractive colonialism! Wow. THANKS!
By the way, because you mentioned Philippa Gregory's 'Normal Women' I listened to her read the audiobook - quite a journey, quite a reveal, so thanks for that too. I look forward to listening to you every Friday...can't wait for more!