The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ March 2018

FOR TODAY . . . March 12, 2018

Outside my window . . . I woke to snow and scattered cherry blossoms. That's how we roll in Tennessee.

I am thinking . . . about waiting. I am in a season of waiting right now. I've been fighting it for awhile, but recently I've shifted my focus and am trying to embrace it instead. 

waiting -- part of the process of leaving the petty life, the false life, the old life

I am thankful . . . that I have joined a new community this year. The Rule of Life is a group of committed individuals seeking to develop a more intentional practice of the spiritual disciplines. It is a blessing to have these like-minded people with whom to travel this year. #dovehouseministries

In the kitchen . . . last night we had barbecued pork chops, Japanese veggie blend, and  Celebration Blend potatoes. I love these little bags of specialty potatoes because I've never met a potato I didn't like.

I am creating . . . a corner to corner baby blanket in a lovely yarn of blended shades of pale pink, yellow, and white. 

I am going . . . to be at home all day! I'm hoping to get some ironing done and work on items to sell in the shop, Sweet House of Madness at Mercantile 615 (if you're in the Nashville area!) 

I am wondering . . . how best to organize all of the merchandise I'm amassing for the new shop. My basement is in disarray right now, and that tends to stress me out.

I am reading . . . well actually re-reading The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and reading When the Heart Waits by Sue Monk Kidd for the first time.

I am looking forward to . . . the coming spring and getting outside more and more. Walks with Millie -- more of a paseo (a slow, idle, leisurely walk or stroll).

I am hearing . . . the heat just clicked on and occasionally the wind chime outside my window.

Around the house . . . there are stacks. I've been organizing which leads to chaos before there order appears. 

I am praying . . . to know God's will and to have greater trust in His plan and timing.

One of my favorite things . . . talking with my children. We all went out to dinner last week for birthday and it was lovely sitting around talking, eating, and listening to their chatter.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . a couple of meetings tomorrow, working on prepping items for the shop, and puttering around the house. I love to putter when the mood is right.

Here's a picture for thought I am sharing . . .

this is Millie! She came to live with me in May.

She's part chihuahua and part feist.

linking up with The Simple Woman

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . August 6, 2013

Outside my window . . . it is gray and cloudy. We had rain early this morning and there may be more today. We've had an unusually wet summer.

I am thinking . . . about the therapeutic relationship. It's an odd thing. There is such a level of intimacy, but in reality it is a one-way street (as it should be). My husband and I watched the first episode of "In Treatment" last night and it was disconcerting for me to watch someone else sit on the sofa and bare her soul.

I am thankful . . . for a good weekend of celebrating my husband's 50th birthday, and having my post from yesterday reposted on emily t. wierenga's stuff I dig (I Thought I Was Fat).

In the kitchen . . . we had oven fried parmesan chicken, succotash, and green bean casserole last night at my ds's request.

leftovers packed for dd's lunch

I am wearing . . . yoga pants and a print yoga tank with my everyday flip-flops. Restorative yoga this morning at 8:30.

I am creating . . . the half granny square shawl. I think it's coming along quite nicely. I'm just not sure I have enough of this yarn to make it as large as I'd like.

last week

this week

I am going . . . to keep on keeping on, as the saying used to go. I've got quite a few things to accomplish before the end of the week, including packing for our diving trip to Cozumel.

I am wondering . . . why it takes so long to release certain things. Maybe full release is like faith -- more of a process than a destination.

I am reading . . .  started re-reading Outer Banks by Anne Rivers Siddon. A good summer read for my upcoming vacation. (Just getting a head start, let's say)

I am looking forward to . . . another day of sewing, crocheting, and crafting with my bestie, Linda. We are trying to get together once a week to encourage one another on various projects. I think this is our third week in a row!

I am hearing . . . absolute quiet as I'm up before dogs and kids.

Around the house . . . FIL's possessions are still cluttering the bonus room, but his house is completely empty. Once we return from vacation, I'm making the mess on the ping pong table a top priority!

I am praying . . . I am praying for a fellow blogger whose cancer has returned with a vengeance. Read more about this incredible lady at Someone Wake Me Up.

One of my favorite things . . . is feeling pleased with my daily accomplishments. The hard part of that is recognizing that feeling is a choice. 

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . sewing w/Linda, appointment and errands tomorrow, helping a friend with a new project on Thursday, packing and last minute errands before flying off to Cozumel for a week of diving with my husband!

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

calculus in the living room!

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . July 30, 2013

Outside my window . . . it's cloudy, but cooler this morning. We may get some more rain later today. 

I am thinking . . . too many things! I need a chance for some meditative quiet.

I am thankful . . . to be feeling better again.

In the kitchen . . . last night was a summer pasta dish that I hadn't made in quite a while. Tonight is looking like hamburgers.

I am wearing . . . my cotton batiste nightgown.

I am creating . . . a new curtain for the back bathroom (almost done -- just lack the final hem); a sewing machine cover (which I've kind of gotten stuck on); the corner to corner afghan (which is in basket. That counts as working on, right?); and the half granny square shawl. Here's my progress on it.

I am going . . . nowhere today because my bestie, Linda, is coming over for another sewing day. It's amazing how much more productive I am with her here to chat with while I'm working.

I am wondering . . . Enriched Air Diver course I'm working on right now. Dh and I are headed back to Cozumel in August, and I'm working on nitrox certification.

I am reading . . .  The City of Shadows by Michael Russell on my Kindle Fire which is moving slowly, and still listening to The Girl with No Shadow by Joanne Harris although I'm not really enjoying it.

I am looking forward to . . . autumn. We've had an odd summer, weather-wise, around here. I'm curious if our change in season will follow suit.

I am hearing . . . the dogs whining for breakfast and dd packing her lunch.

Around the house . . . dd cleaned for me over the weekend, so things are looking quite well. It's so nice and relaxing having things in order.

I am praying . . . for my husband's friend who had a tumor (benign) removed from her pituitary gland. She is a young married with a small child. I am praying for a quick and full recovery.

One of my favorite things . . . is chatting with my daughter while she gets ready for work each morning. I sit at the computer while she cooks her breakfast and packs her lunch, and we chat about her plans and mine.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . meeting in the morning, yoga tomorrow afternoon, more crocheting and sewing, dh's 50th birthday is Saturday and I'm still not sure what all we are doing to celebrate, so it could be a very busy weekend!

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

my dd (and her friend Audrey) in their natural environment!

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . June 4, 2013

Outside my window . . . the sky is a cloudless blue and the temperature is a lovely 64 degrees. The pollen count is, unfortunately, still incredibly high. Yellow finches are visiting my feeder, and I've got to remember to water the plants today.

I am thinking . . . about so many different things that my mind is going 90 miles a minute. I need to do some journaling to get myself centered.

I am thankful . . . for an improved mood around the house last night. We are still recovering from losing my father-in-law, and the stress has been running high.

In the kitchen . . . last night was baked salmon, steamed asparagus, and easy cheesy grits. Tonight will be steaks, baked potatoes, and broccoli salad.

I am wearing . . . still in my jammies and summer weight robe, but I'll be changing soon to meet my friend for lunch.

I am creating . . . a fabric lined crochet basket. 

Here's mine so far --

just 2 colors and I haven't picked my liner fabric yet.

I am going . . . to have to get a pedicure soon, or people are going to start running from me in fear!

I am wondering . . . about the dreams I had last night. Very strange and they included so many people from my past.

I am reading . . . Looking for Mr. Goodbar by Judith Rossner and still working on Mom in the Mirror by Dena Cabrera and Emily Wierenga.

I am looking forward to . . . lunch with my dear friend Christine, who I haven't seen in far too long.

I am hearing . . .  nothing but quiet as I type on my laptop.

Around the house . . . I think I'm making progress. I need to make a list of small things that I keep overlooking and spend an afternoon taking care of those.

I am praying . . . for a friend's father, 3 people I know who are pregnant, my children and husband.

One of my favorite things . . . is watching "Dr. Who". I've just gotten started on this (I'm only on the 2nd season, so don't spoil anything for me!). Most nights dh, dd, and I sit down and watch an episode together. We have yet to convert ds.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . lunch today, a meeting tomorrow, Thursday and Friday are looking open so I'll probably make a run to FIL's house to work some more there, and then it's the weekend again.

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

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . May 28, 2013

Outside my window . . . it's summer and 73 degrees. I need to sweep my front porch, but dh mowed this weekend, so if the pollen's not too bad I may get to enjoy the porch for awhile today.

I am thinking . . . that things are beginning to "normalize" around here. Not that "normal" occurs in my house. Maybe "stabilize" is better word choice.

I am thankful . . . for the first swim of the season yesterday.

In the kitchen . . . burgers yesterday (of course), but tonight is Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Tomato Basil Polenta, and Strawberry Spinach salad.

I am wearing . . . yoga clothes, as I'm hoping to get a relaxation yoga cd in this morning.

I am creating . . . order in my yarn area. It's gotten all jumbled, so I started pulling it all out and sorting it yesterday. I hope to complete the organization today.

I am going . . . to stay home and do "homey" things all day long.

I am wondering . . . about this article that I read yesterday -- 9 Habits of Super Positive People. I think I may post part of it on my refrigerator.

I am reading . . . Mom in the Mirror by Dena Cabrera and Emily Weirenga. Excellent so far. I highly recommend it. And I'm also starting the Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell. It is the first book in the series that the BBC TV show, Wallander, is based on.

I am looking forward to . . . a productive day of organizing and playing with yarn.

I am hearing . . .  birds chirping and the dogs running around.

Around the house . . . dh and I made serious headway on the ping pong table yesterday. We had been letting things accumulate there, so we tackled it yesterday morning.

I am praying . . . for so many people! I have several friends who are pregnant, so I'm praying for them. Also a friend of a friend who had a heart attack yesterday.

One of my favorite things . . . is listening to music. Somehow that got lost over the years of kids' music and TV and chattering children. I've been using Pandora quite a bit lately, and it's reminded me of older music I really enjoy.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . a meeting tomorrow, and then the rest of the week looks pretty clear. I need to make another trip to my FIL's house, and a trip to McKay to sell some more used books, music, and movies. Friday night dh and I have tickets to the Sounds baseball game (our local minor league team).

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

let the sorting begin!

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . May 21, 2013

Outside my window . . . it's sunny and warm. We're in the 80's again today. Lots of birds and bugs flying around.

I am thinking . . . that I am blessed. 

I am thankful . . . for my bestie, LBB, and ds who helped me make some serious progress around the house yesterday.

In the kitchen . . . last night was pot roast, roasted tomatoes, garlic potatoes, and green bean casserole. Tonight we're having 4 Bean Enchiladas and spinach salad.

I am wearing . . . workout capris and a sleeveless swing top.

I am creating . . . a pillow for my front porch made from scraps of cotton yarn I have left over from previous projects using this pattern. Almost done. I bought the pillow form today and just have to finish it up today or tonight.

I am going . . . to enjoy being around the house again today, striking some more order before I have to make another trip to FIL's house on Thursday for more packing up.

I am wondering . . . when the pollen will settle down around here. We have been on high alert for a good stretch, and it really makes it uncomfortable to get outside and enjoy the spring weather. Oh well, this too shall pass : )

I am reading . . . Mom in the Mirror by Dena Cabrera and Emily Weirenga. Excellent so far. I highly recommend it.

I am looking forward to . . . getting my summer routine up and running. I'm not sure exactly what it will look like, but I'm making plans.

I am hearing . . .  peace and quiet, and a little traffic.

Around the house . . . huge progress made in the dining room and kitchen yesterday. Cleaned out the china cabinets and all the kitchen cabinets. 

I am praying . . . for all the people impacted in Oklahoma by the tornadoes yesterday.

One of my favorite things . . . is not being over-extended. I am beginning to feel that I'm getting a little control back in my schedule and it is quite lovely.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . not much this week which is just fine with me. More puttering around the house, more crocheting, more beading, a meeting tomorrow, and dd's birthday as well on Wednesday. Then work at FIL's on Thursday, and Friday's looking pretty clear.

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

my study spot for last Saturday's quiet day

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . May 14, 2013

Outside my window . . . it's sunny and pleasantly warm. A true spring day.

I am thinking . . . that sinus infections should be outlawed. 

I am thankful . . . for time to take care of things around my own house. I spent yesterday cleaning and catching up on laundry. Today has been catching up on phone calls, emails, and handling text messages.

In the kitchen . . . last night was roasted chicken, pinto beans, and spring greens with cucumbers. Tonight depends on what's in the freezer.

I am wearing . . . denim capris, a summer tank top, crocs, and a sweat jacket because it's not as warm as I thought.

I am creating . . . a pillow for my front porch made from scraps of cotton yarn I have left over from previous projects using this pattern.

I am going . . . to keep working on putting things back together in my house. It's such a good feeling when I have the time and energy to nest in my little home.

I am wondering . . . about this quote:
"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just ordinary people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise…life is like an old-time rail journey – delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is the thank the Lord for letting you have the ride… "
Gordon B. Hinckley

I am reading . . . Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey. Very dark!

I am looking forward to . . . the upcoming summer and opening of the pool at the YMCA. I do love getting my swim in and then lounging in the sun with a good book and a cold drink.

I am hearing . . .  the tv as I type after lunch today.

Around the house . . . the clutter is diminishing . . . slowly.

I am pondering . . . the state of the Union. If I think about it too much my head may explode!

One of my favorite things . . . is striking order. I've said it many times before, but in the deepest places in my heart I love organizing.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . a meeting tomorrow followed, I hope, by the long awaited haircut and possibly a pedicure! Thursday is lunch with friends and a meeting called Women's Mental Health:Navigating Emotional Wellness. Then Friday I'll probably be back at my FIL's house, and Saturday I'm attending a Quiet Day of prayer hosted by Dovehouse Ministries.

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

half of the front of the new porch pillow

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . May 7, 2013

Outside my window . . . it is partly cloudy with a cold wind. Hopefully the rain is gone and we will see some sunshine today.

I am thinking . . . about trying to get some order around our house.

I am thankful . . . for my bff, Linda, who helped me work on sorting things at my FIL's house yesterday.

In the kitchen . . . chicken and herb tortellini with marinara sauce.

I am wearing . . . my summer weight robe, but I'm wishing I had on something a bit warmer.

I am creating . . . a scarf to give a way, and some prayer beads that were special ordered.

I am going . . . to get my haircut this week or die trying!

I am wondering . . . about the calming effect of my daily Bible devotion. It is amazing to me how much better my days run when I make sure to get those few quiet moments in each morning.

I am reading . . . Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey. Very dark!

I am looking forward to . . . another fun day on Saturday with my besties. I am in need again : )

I am hearing . . . birds chirping. 

Around the house . . . we have a nest of house wren (I think) in a box on the carport. The box had been set outside to breakdown for recycling, but the mama bird found it and built her nest in the back corner. We now have at least 3 baby birds! I saw them begging for food yesterday as I was unloading the car.

I am pondering . . . this idea of normalcy. Perhaps what I'm really craving is routine. I find that the older I get the more I like my routine, and the more it annoys me to have it disturbed.

One of my favorite things . . . is planning new crafting ideas. I have orders for prayer beads waiting in my in box, and I've reached the point in crocheting that I can pick something to make "just because". I love that!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . working at FIL's house, fighting the chaos in my own home, date night with dh, and a fun day with the besties.

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

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . April 30, 2013

Outside my window . . . it is sunny and warm. Perfectly clear blue skies.

I am thinking . . . about my father-in-law, Byron, who died early Saturday morning.

I am thankful . . . for the support of friends and family during this difficult time.

In the kitchen . . . there is food provided by dear friends to keep our family fed.

I am wearing . . . the usual summer weight robe, but now I've added flip-flops.

I am creating . . . a scarf and a new yoga bag.

I am going . . . to the final visitation and then the funeral for Byron.

I am wondering . . . how I can be this tired when I slept 8 hours last night.

I am reading . . . finishing up V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton, and hope to start on The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing.

I am looking forward to . . . next week. I don't want to wish my life away, but I will be glad when the stresses of this week are past.

I am hearing . . . my husband making phone calls to notify groups of his father's death.

Around the house . . . we have chaos. There has been little or no time for housework, and we are bringing in things from Byron's house for sorting and cataloging. 

I am pondering . . . why feeling exhausted and wanting things I know I can't have (right now) lead me to feelings of guilt.

One of my favorite things . . . English muffins -- with butter and jam. This morning it was apricot jam.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . visitation, funeral, interment, sorting, and cleaning at Byron's house. And hopefully some rest by the weekend.

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

Glen Campbell "Wish You Were Here"

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . April 23, 2013

Outside my window . . . we are looking forward to mid-70's and sunshine today. A perfect spring day.

I am thinking . . . about my father-in-law and my husband. FIL is losing ground quickly in his fight against pulmonary fibrosis. It is a sad and difficult time for all of us.

I am thankful . . . for all the wonderful support, help, and prayers my family has received throughout my FIL's illness. It has made all the difference for of us.

In the kitchen . . . not much of late as we are grabbing a bite here and there as we can.

I am wearing . . . the usual summer weight robe, but now I've added flip-flops.

I am creating . . . a baby blanket. Shhh . . . it's a secret.

I am going . . . to see a friend for lunch tomorrow and another for lunch on Sunday.

I am wondering . . .  about the meditation seminar I attended on Saturday. I really enjoyed it and learned so very much. I want to add daily meditation to my routine, but am wondering if now is the best time.

I am reading . . . finishing up V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton, and hope to start on The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing.

I am looking forward to . . . seeing some folks I haven't seen in a long time later this week.

I am hearing . . . me sipping my tea.

Around the house . . . spring cleaning has not continued as I'd hoped, but I see more in the future.

I am pondering . . . the vagaries of death. We are unfortunately somewhat fixated on death and dying right now. I am praying for a peaceful transition or graduation as my FIL calls it.

One of my favorite things . . . are pinwheels spinning in the wind. I have two on my front porch that make me smile each time I see them spin, especially when the sun hits them just right creating a prism of light on my workroom walls and ceiling.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . the aforementioned lunches, a new yoga cd (thanks, dh!), finishing up my library book, and getting through the week in general.

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

cotton summer weight yarn for another project

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . April 9, 2013

Outside my window . . . is a beautiful view of white beaches and surf. Dh and I are in Gulf Shores for a few days, and loving it.

I am thinking . . . my FIL. His health is continuing to decline. We snuck away for a few days to recharge our batteries so we will be better able to care for him.

I am thankful . . . to be in this lovely place with my dh. The problems at home haven't gone away, but it is a great blessing to have a little break, some rest, and soak up some rays!

In the kitchen . . . NOT ME. I'm off kitchen duty for the week and it's quite nice to be served instead of serving.

I am wearing . . . casual beach attire. Capris and t-shirts, or bathing suit and coverup. 

I am creating . . . finishing up the scarf and then got a baby blanket to finish.

I am going . . . to sit here with my tea for a bit and then maybe take a walk on the beach.

I am wondering . . .  how little I can get away with doing today.

I am reading . . . A Cast of Killers by Sidney Kirkpatrick. I saw this on a friend's Facebook page and was intrigued. I love old Hollywood stories, and this is about an unsolved murder from 1922.

I am looking forward to . . . another afternoon of lazing on beach with my book.

I am hearing . . . dh chatter about his work emails. He always checks them when we're on vacation so he doesn't get slammed when we get home.

Around the house . . . dd is holding down the fort. She is taking care of the dogs, and checking on FIL regularly.

I am pondering . . . very little right now. I'm letting my "ponderer" take a break for vacation.

One of my favorite things . . . is the beach. We didn't "do" the beach when I was growing up. I started going to the beach with friends in high school and college, but dh is the one who has helped me really appreciate it. There is such a calming effect from just sitting on the beach with a good book and letting the sound of the waves and wind wash away the stress.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . enjoying Gulf Shores until we head home this weekend. Then a fun day with my besties on Saturday.

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

it's so cool having a my own photographer

photo by dh (Alan Pennington)

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook