The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . February 19, 2013

Outside my window . . . it's a sunny 42 degrees. The sky is blue with fluffy clouds racing across the sky, as the wind is still strong even after the storms last night.

I am thinking . . . about living in the present. It's very easy for me to constantly plan for what I'll when this or that happens. I need to be more present in the now.

I am thankful . . . for the Lenten season. It makes me more aware, and I've been doing much more non-fiction reading -- Prayer by Richard Foster [along with (in)courage] and Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter.

In the kitchen . . . last night was a new variation on a bean soup. I really liked it, but the recipe still needs some tweaking.

I am wearing . . . my husband's robe, because it's warmer than mine!

I am creating . . . not much right now. I have TOO many projects going, and can't seem to concentrate on any of them.

I am going . . . to work on some organizing today that will hopefully make it easier to relax and get focused on some of those projects.

I am wondering . . . about perception. Truth is vital in all communication, but so is learning to understand that others' have different perceptions. Truth must be discussed with open recognition of perception.

I am reading . . . weight loss for people who feel too much by Colette Baron-Reid. It's an interesting premise. I hope it helps some as weight is a constant struggle and issue.

I am looking forward to . . . my upcoming birthday. Age hasn't dampened my enjoyment of birthdays. I still look forward to gifts, cake, and being the center of attention for that one day.

I am hearing . . . traffic as people head to work, and the dogs settling in after a breakfast and some time in the yard.

Around the house . . . I'm still pleased with the general condition of the house, but I keep seeing bigger cleaning projects that need to be taken care of. How do you keep up with those kind of tasks?

I am pondering . . . how important it is to spend a little time outdoors every day. It seems to be a very European concept that Americans (at least in my area) don't embrace. My neighbor is from Wales, and everyday, rain or shine, hot or cold, they get there kids out and at least walk around the block. When I make the time for this myself, I see a huge improvement in my mood and outlook.

One of my favorite things . . . is new idea my husband recently planted. Think of the cutest animal you can, and then type "happy ____" into Google, and click on Images. A guaranteed quick fix to the "blahs". Try penguins, just for fun.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . no specific plans (yet) for the weekend. So things are looking calm for now.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . . 

my husband's recent acquisition

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