I have decided to come out as the true hermit that I am. Here’s my shopping list for the Hermitage:
1. Two dozen feral cats.
2. A beat up lawn chair.
3. Fuzzy slippers in pastel colors.
4. Granny panties that go up to my armpits.
5. Two live chickens.
6. A subscription to Parade Magazine.
7. CDs of every musical by Harvey Feirstein
8. The whole Cheryl Tiegs Wig Collection
9. A 50 Gallon drum of Yuban Coffee
10. Support hose.
11. A dozen Muu Muus made from old yoga pants.
12. Install wall-to-wall shag carpet
So come visit, just wear boots and avoid the tabby, she bites. And if you are out late at night and see me taking out my trash wearing a man’s raincoat, just nod your head, waving will spook me.
Seriously though, the world is changing and freelancing will be the work that most of us will be contracted for. Which means we will be working from home or a studio. That cuts down our socialization. We start nesting in our work areas and develop online relationships that keep our conversation chops sharp. Are we hermits? In a way we are, but our human nature is to be with people. I see more networking groups developing to serve the Hermits. Is there a business in this? Maybe, but lets concentrate on the healthy part of a social life before we start thinking of ways of charging for it.
Tracy Crossley | 19-Nov-08 at 9:39 am | Permalink
I love the part about nodding instead of waving–hilarious! It is true, when it comes to our daily lives and what they are becoming. Oddly enough, it is also true about the social aspect,there seems to be more opportunities to network than ever before. I truly in my heart and soul believe it always comes back to people. We have our solitude, but we crave others at times. I appreciate so much more in relationships than ever in my life. Lovely writing, thanks Ophelia!
Azathoth | 19-Nov-08 at 9:55 am | Permalink
I don’t think that freelancing is inherently the problem. Actually, I find that freelancing on site enhances my social life rather than inhibits it. I feel like I have gangs of friends all over town, and every few weeks or so I get to go hang out with a different bunch. Working in from home in relative isolation for extended periods does however does make me squirrelly. I do my best to get a fair number of gigs that require me to leave the house.
Patricia | 19-Nov-08 at 3:15 pm | Permalink
Granny panties and Harvey Fierstein CD’s? Check and check. I even got Harvey to autograph my Playbill right after his most recent Broadway musical this summer — Does that must make me some kind of Tsarina of the Hermits?
Ophelia | 19-Nov-08 at 4:00 pm | Permalink
Azaroth,
I freelance off site as much as possible. For two reasons, one I get more done, and two I prefer the set-up I have here. Not because I am anti-social, because I am too social. I tend to talk more and work less in an office.
I get squirrely all the time. Actually that will become a problem.
Thanks for commenting and visiting. :O)) ophelia
Ophelia | 19-Nov-08 at 4:03 pm | Permalink
Patrica,
Wow. That is cool. I once dated the chef who worked for Harvey. That’s as close as I got.
I am on my way to Muu Muu Hermit Level 2 (out of 5). :O)
We can go out sometime and round up some feral cats in our matching Muu Muus.
:O)ophelia
Ophelia | 19-Nov-08 at 4:03 pm | Permalink
Thanks Tracy! You get the badge for Commenter of the Year. :O)
Patricia | 20-Nov-08 at 4:19 pm | Permalink
Darling Miss O:
I’m there! And when we are feeling especially festive, let’s wear sweaters on our heads a la Edie Beale!
Having dated Harvey’s chef!?, I’m sorry, but that makes you the coolest one by far.
P.S. And you’ve put Muu Muus back in the zeitgeist. Did you see Chris Elliott wearing one last night on Letterman?