The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . August 14, 2012

Outside my window . . . it's cloudy and cooler. We've had a wet August so far.

I am thinking . . . how quickly time flies. This summer is nearly over. Ds leaves for college in 10 days. Dh and I will celebrate 27 years of marriage on the same day. 

I am thankful . . . for lifelong friends. Last Friday a friend called me up asking for help -- real help, not painting or cleaning, but "I'm in a bad place and need some help" help. It was such a blessing to be an encourager to her!

In the kitchen . . . Last night was grilled chicken and apple sausages and Rice Jardin (one of my absolute fave recipes!) Tonight I'll be trying a new recipe called Chicken Bruschetta

I am wearing . . . my white cotton gown from Vermont Country Store. It is piped in red gingham, and soooooo comfy.

I am creating . . . still working on those afghans for the twins. I'm thinking about starting on the 2nd one so I can alternate between them to break up the monotony.

I am going . . . shopping with dd this afternoon at Old Navy. I may just buy something for myself.

I am wondering . . . about illusions. Sometimes I feel that I am surrounded by them. Television, movies, books -- but people too. Pretending to be something they are not.

I am reading . . . Red Hook Road by Ayelet Waldman. A really good read, full of interesting, flawed characters.

I am looking forward to . . . the change of season. We're a long way from autumn here, but we've had some cooler temperatures that have made me think about long-sleeves, sweaters, and scarves.

I am hearing . . . just the quiet of the early morning house. It's really so lovely.

Around the house . . . I need to make curtains for both bathrooms. I have the fabric. I know the pattern. I just need to get them done.

I am pondering . . . the difference in the way dh and I approach things. We are reading through Hebrews together. I keep noticing reminders of the Trinity. He is fixated on the who, what, and when of the book.

One of my favorite things . . . is yarn. I told myself I had to work through my stash before I bought more, and I've done pretty well, but I did get some new cotton yarn last week. Oooh, luscious colors!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . yoga, Bible study, finishing a difficult letter I am writing, swimming, decluttering.

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

I just got this t-shirt!

Sherlock, Dr. Who, Harry Potter

Love them all!

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . August 23, 2011

Outside my window. . . my cherry tree is beginning to lose lots of leaves. I can't remember if they fell this early last year or not.

I am thinking. . . structure can be a very calming thing.

I am thankful. . . 26 years of marriage to my dh, Alan, today. It is hard to imagine that we have been together that long. I feel as if everyday I learned something new about him, or am reminded of all the wonderfulness he brings into my life.

From the learning rooms. . . an interesting power point presentation on the darkness of man as presented in The Hiding Place and The Lord of the Flies.

In the kitchen. . . recently we had dinner guests. I made a layered taco salad and cherry cobbler with whipped cream. And of course a loaf of banana bread that barely lasted a day!

I am wearing . . . yoga capri and a hot pink tshirt. 

I am creating. . . a baby blanket and finishing the fringe on a shawl. 

I am going. . . to yoga class and then taking my father in law's car to be tested and get a tune up.

I am wondering. . . about perceptions. My dh recently wrote me a note called his happy/sad list. Most days I think I'm treating myself pretty well, but his perception is that I am still far too hard on myself.

I am reading. . . Red Hook Road by Ayelet Waldman which is a little depressing for me right now. I recently picked up Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch. Written in 1901, I've heard about it all my life and somehow have gotten around to reading it. It is really quite good.

I am hoping. . . to have a productive day.

I am looking forward to. . . lunch tomorrow with an old friend; and seeing "The Help" with my bff.


I am hearing. . . quiet.


Around the house. . . things are a bit less chaotic. Unfortunately that is largely due to my having a mama screaming fit on Sunday afternoon!

I am pondering. . . what God wants from me. Do I really listen, and will I know if He tells me something new?

One of my favorite things. . . are mushrooms. Yes I love to eat them, but mostly I like looking at them. I think it's all tied up in the fantasy/fairyland that I used as an escape as a kid.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . a little weekend getaway with dh.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing. . .

(pattern available at make it and love it)

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . August 16, 2011

Outside my window. . . it is cool and pleasant. What a joy around here in August!

I am thinking. . . that at least we have eliminated one significant stressor.

I am thankful. . . for my new car, lower stress, cooler weather, improvement in my father-in-law's health.

From the learning rooms. . . school's back in session. Ds is a senior. This year he is taking Human Geography (AP), college algebra/trig, Foundations of Faith, Scientific Investigations/Astronomy, Psychology (AP), English IV. Busy year.

In the kitchen. . . last night was pork chops roasted in Lawry's Tuscan Sundried Tomato marinade, baked potatoes, and steamed broccoli with butter and garlic.

I am wearing . . . cotton capri pajama pants and a white tshirt. 

I am creating. . . a baby blanket and finishing the fringe on a shawl. 

I am going. . . to the urologist for one more test. I hope this is the last one for a while.

I am wondering. . . about the volume of stress we have had in our home lately. I am so grateful that it is beginning to abate.


I am reading. . . Red Hook Road by Ayelet Waldman.

I am hoping. . . for a good report from the doctor as well as continuing improvement in my stamina.

I am looking forward to. . . the coming autumn weather. We are having a cooler spell right now which is unusual for us in August. Our highs have been in the 80's with low humidity and NW winds. Lovely!

I am hearing. . . silence.

Around the house. . . the only constant is change (and chaos). I wonder if I will ever learn to be accepting and content with this.

I am pondering. . . finding myself. It is trite but true. Every layer of abuse that I work through leads me to reconsider my likes and dislikes. Sometimes I feel as if I must be a very slow learner! LOL!

One of my favorite things. . . sitting on the sofa with my sweet puppy. She is 12 lbs., but rather that being a lap dog, she is an under the butt dog. She likes to squeeze in as close as possible to my hip and slowly burrow under me. Very funny.


A few plans for the rest of the week . . . cutting out a new dress for myself, helping my father-in-law get some car stuff taken care of, and enjoying driving my new car.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing. . .

2011 Honda Fit

which replaces this:

2006 Toyota Prius

No people were harmed in the crashing of this car.

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook