The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . December 1, 2015

Outside my window . . . it's gray and cool and rainy. The same way it's been for days.

I am thinking . . . about what the future holds and how I will know God's calling.

I am thankful . . . for good friends who help me and provide me with opportunities to help them.

In the kitchen . . . last night was Chicken Pot Pie. I've got to check the freezer to determine what we will be having tonight.

I am creating . . . a new prayer shawl in variegated sock yarn called the Lydia Shawl

I also made a poncho for my cousin's daughter that was a big hit over Thanksgiving.

I am going . . . to do laundry, run some errands (once the rain stops), and hopefully do some sewing.

I am wondering . . . how the future will unfold. It's hard to believe that 2015 is almost over, and 2016 is just around the corner. 

I am reading . . . The Absent One by Jussi Adler-Olsen. It is the 2nd in a series about a cold case department in the Copenhagen police department. 

For Advent, I'm reading Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional by Asheritah Ciuciu.

I am looking forward to . . . a workshop on Contemplative Leadership this Saturday. It is part of the centenary celebration of the life of Thomas Merton. For more information click here.

I am hearing . . . the slow drip, drip, drip of rain. My fingers on the keyboard. And the hum of electricity (which I take for granted until it goes off as it did yesterday afternoon!).

Around the house . . . my bestie came over yesterday and we straightened up from Thanksgiving and began decorating for Christmas. I would never get any holiday decorating done if not for her!

I am praying . . . for my friend whose husband died on Sunday. For the mother of another friend who has a cancer diagnosis. For my bestie's parents as they settle into a new assisted living apartment. For my bestie as she begins working through cleaning out her parents' home. And for my husband and me as we work through some issues in our marriage. Transitions can be tough.

One of my favorite things . . . is seeing the house neat and orderly.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . it's a full week! Tomorrow I have lunch with dd, therapy, and a 2nd visit to the sleep clinic. Thursday is a haircut. Friday I have a dentist appointment and another appointment with DH in the afternoon, and then date night. Saturday is the workshop, and then it's Sunday again with worship, the second Sunday of Advent, and small group in the evening for a cookie swap.

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

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . September 28, 2015

Outside my window . . . it's cloudy and muggy. We've got storms moving in later tonight and all day tomorrow.

I am thinking . . . about how to improve my ability to express what I want.

I am thankful . . . that our trip to Chicago went well (even with a reaction to the seafood from the dinner on Thursday night!)

In the kitchen . . . the cupboards are BARE! There must be a trip to the grocery store later today.

I am creating . . . the poncho which is growing quite nicely. I got a couple of compliments on it while crocheting on the plane.

I am going . . . to catch up from my weekend away and spend a bit of time crafting with my bestie.

I am wondering . . . about the tan and white cat that just walked across my patio. I see her from time to time around my house and wonder who she belongs to.

I am reading . . . Marnie by Winston Graham. The novel that the Hitchcock film is based on. 

Also, The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton. 

I am looking forward to . . . another trip coming up! This fall is a travel fall which is rather unusual for me. In a couple of weeks I'll be going to Austin, TX to spend a week in a spa! Happy anniversary to me :)

I am hearing . . . peace and quiet, although I just had a phone call from the hubs, and I do wonder if ds is supposed to be going to classes this morning. Hmmmmm.

Around the house . . . dh vacuumed when we got home yesterday and ds cleaned up his mess in the kitchen, so it looks like today will be laundry and grocery shopping.

I am praying . . . for strength and knowledge.

One of my favorite things . . . is seeing new things. I so enjoyed the museums and architecture while we were in Chicago.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . everything is pretty normal which is just what I need.

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

The Tsavo Man-Eaters at the Field Musem

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . September 21, 2015

Outside my window . . . it is mostly cloudy and 59 degrees. We've been having really nice temperatures this September. I hope it continues! 

I am thinking . . . about what to do today -- crafting, laundry, and planning dinner for sure.

I am thankful . . . my weekend trip to St. Joseph Monastery in Whitesville, KY. I went for a silent meditative retreat through Dovehouse Ministries. As is always the case, the weekend brought refreshment, rest, and deep relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

In the kitchen . . . no cooking all weekend, so it's time to get back in gear and figure something out.

I am creating . . . a poncho for me. When I picked up crocheting again some 7 years ago, one of the first things I wanted to make was a poncho. I'm finally getting around to it!

I am going . . . to help my bestie look over some items for a yard sale and then we are coming back to my house to work on crafting for Presents with a Purpose and just for fun.

I am wondering . . . how to keep the calm and focus from the weekend going in my daily life here at home.

I am reading . . . Marnie by Winston Graham. The novel that the Hitchcock film is based on. 

Also, The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton. I saw a documentary last week about Merton that really galvanized my desire to learn more about him.

I am looking forward to . . . a long weekend in Chicago to celebrate DH's 25 years of service with his firm. I haven't been to Chicago since 1985!

I am hearing . . . someone mowing the lawn and the dog wandering around the house.

Around the house . . . things are looking quite nice. The boys did a good job of keeping things neat while I was away.

I am praying . . . God's peace to dwell in my heart and for Jesus to stand with me in adversity.

One of my favorite things . . . is having things look nice. DH cleaned the carport and put a roof on the deck while I was gone this weekend. What a nice surprise when I pulled into the driveway.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . mostly the usual things and then off to Chicago.

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

Mary's Way at St. Joseph

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . August 24, 2015

Outside my window . . . it's sunny and unusually pleasant for August in Nashville. 

I am thinking . . . how quickly order can be undone around the house. I know it won't take that long to straighten things up, but wow.

I am thankful . . . for a good weekend and many congratulations on our 30th wedding anniversary.

In the kitchen . . . pumpkin bread TWICE last week.

I am creating . . . a writing routine. I'm reading On Being a Writer by Kroeker & Craig along with Kate Motaung and her crew at heading HOME. I'm trying to keep up! 

I am going . . . to strike a bit of order around here and then head over to my bestie's house to work on Presents with a Purpose (more info to come).

I am wondering . . . about conversations and perceptions.

I am reading . . . too many books at one time! I have 5 books going at once and my brain just can't handle it. I'm going to have to cull, but I don't know how.

On Being a Writer by Kroeker & Craig
The Dark Side of Genius: The Life of Alfred Hitchcock by Donald Spoto
The Witch Of Portobello by Paulo Coelho
A Year by the Sea by Joan Anderson
A Good Life: Benedict's Guide to Everyday Joy by Robert Benson

I am looking forward to . . . a personal quiet day I have scheduled for Wednesday. The Sisters of Mercy offer individual and group retreat rates, so I am taking advantage of it and have planned a day of personal quiet and reflection.

I am hearing . . . the ticking of the clocking and the dog's gentle breathing.

Around the house . . . a bit messy with the return of both the dh and the ds. 

I am praying . . . for Harrison Waldron the young man who is in a coma from an ATV accident, and an 11-year-old boy at my daughter's church who has a brain tumor.

One of my favorite things . . . is finding new places to eat. Dh and I ate our anniversary dinner last night at Saffire. It was lovely and the manager served us complimentary champagne when we arrived.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . all the usual suspects plus the quiet day, and hopefully a visit with a friend who's been sick for quite awhile.

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

by Mary Engelbreit

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . August 17, 2015

Outside my window . . . it's cloudy and raining. We've had a rainy August. I'm not complaining as the rain does help keep the temperatures down, even if the humidity is still very high.

I am thinking . . . difficult conversations. How is it that 2 intelligent adults can have discussions with so much effort and thought, and still not be able to see eye to eye?

I am thankful . . . for good friends and a pleasant brunch on Saturday with The Fun Girls, e.g. Linda, Caroline, Sandra, and Keith (honorary title).

In the kitchen . . . fresh banana bread yesterday. Dh asked for something sweet, and I told him I could do apple cake or banana bread as I had apples and bananas that needed to be cooked.

I am creating . . . still working on the new prayer shawl and looking at some sewing projects that have piqued my interest --

this sturdy fabric basket

and this origami lotus bag

I am going . . . to my bestie's house today to help her with some projects. She got a new sewing machine and we're going to play with it! 

I am wondering . . . about dreams. I woke up with classical music playing in my head today. I have no idea what the piece was or what I dreamed that led to it. Of course, there are worse ways to wake up.

I am reading . . . The Keeper of Lost Causes (Afdeling Q #1) by Jussi Adler-Olsen

I am looking forward to . . . getting a massage on Friday!

I am hearing . . . the sound of the rain hitting the vent pipe. The clicking of the keys on the computer. The ticking of my clock.

Around the house . . . things are straight, and that makes me happy.

I am praying . . . a friend's son-in-law who was severely injured in an ATV accident over the weekend. Will you pray for healing for Harrison, too?

One of my favorite things . . . is Hitchcock films. I've been watching some of them lately and am reminded of what a craftsman he was.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . to LB's today, a couple of annual doctors' appointments. Ds comes home from his week of climbing out west. Dh has a seminar Thursday through Saturday, and Sunday will be our 30th wedding anniversary. We are going out to eat and trying to plan something else to do that night, but we haven't come up with anything just yet.

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

I found this drawing a clothing catalog,

and I really liked it so it tore it out to keep

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . August 10, 2015

Outside my window . . . it's overcast and already muggy.We are expecting thundershowers today, so I'm glad I get to stay inside.

I am thinking . . . about several people I know who are struggling with medical issues right now. Praying for a positive outcome for each and everyone of them.

I am thankful . . . to be on the downhill side of the latest round of steroids. Sometimes I think the cure is as bad as the flare when it comes to summer asthma issues!

In the kitchen . . . last ds and his gf made spaghetti and cheesy garlic bread. They finished up with an apple dump cake which is now sitting on my counter calling to me :)

I am creating . . . peace in my spirit (I hope). This has been a stressful summer (as summers often are) and I am still working on honoring what lowers my stress. And a prayer shawl of course.

I am going . . . to work on blog planning later today. I want to do 2 daily writing memes this fall. In September I am going to attempt the 50 day blogger challenge with A Pinch of Faith which will overlap with 31 Days a writing challenge, every October, every day with Nesting Place and Crystal Stine. 

I am wondering . . . about how much the medication I am on is adding to my stress. I hope MOST of it is drug induced. 

I am reading . . . The Keeper of Lost Causes (Afdeling Q #1) by Jussi Adler-Olsen

A Good Life: Benedict's Guide to Everyday Joy by Robert Benson

A Year by the Sea by Joan Anderson

I am looking forward to . . . several activities and trips I have planned in the upcoming months. I'll let you in on them as they get closer.

I am hearing . . . G'morning Johann

I bought this cd when my kids were small. We used to listen to it in the mornings to help us start the day off right. I've recently begun to incorporate more music into my daily life and went with this old favorite today.

Around the house . . . just the basics today and keeping it simple and slow as I'm still in recovery mode.

I am praying . . . for dd as she is quitting smoking!

One of my favorite things . . . is my new prayer practice. I find it very soothing and comforting. Much like a conversation with a dear friend. I realize that setting aside time to talk with and listen to God is so important. I am glad I am learning this new practice.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . keeping is simple and hoping that the asthma continues to improve.

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

linking up with The Simple Woman

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . August 3, 2015

Outside my window . . . it's 74 degrees. The pollen is high and predictions are for bad air quality. At least right now it feels lovely, though.

I am thinking . . . about my bestie. He 86-year-old father became ill over the weekend and is in the hospital. A citywide church singing was held in his honor on Sunday. He was supposed to have been there to lead congregational singing, but instead watch via Skype from his hospital bed. Get well soon, Daddy Paul!

I am thankful . . . for a positive experience with my first week following my new "Rule" from the retreat a couple of weeks ago.

In the kitchen . . . today is DH's birthday! He requested a cheesecake topped with chocolate mousse and ganache, so I'm trying out this recipe for his birthday dinner. Wish me luck.

I am creating . . . another prayer shawl

I am going . . . to stay inside as much as possible today. Hoping that whatever the trigger for all this asthma trouble is will be departing soon!

I am wondering . . . about less and resting more in God.

I am reading . . . Tiny Little Thing by  Beatriz Williams

A Good Life: Benedict's Guide to Everyday Joy by Robert Benson

A Year by the Sea by Joan Anderson

I am looking forward to . . . continuing with my personal "rule" and kindly creating a routine for this new portion of my life.

I am hearing . . . silence. It's just Squeaker and me in the house this morning.

Around the house . . . I'm crocheting and reading, and DH has been working on RC planes again. The ping-pong table is getting lots of use, just not for it's intended purpose.

I am praying . . . for my bestie's dad to feel better soon. They will be moving him to rehab today or tomorrow to help him build up some of the strength he's lost in the past few weeks.

One of my favorite things . . . is being kinder to me without allowing me to feel guilty about it. That may seem strange, but I've spent a lot of years beating up on myself, and have only recently begun to truly show kindness to me with less judgment.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . .  celebrating DH's birthday today; continuing with my "Rule"; crocheting; reading; continuing in my kindness to me; and whatever the asthma doctor tells me to do!

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

one of my favorite views in my kitchen

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . July 27, 2015

Outside my window . . . it's 79 degrees. I've been noticing that leaves are beginning to fall from my cherry trees. It seems early for that!

I am thinking . . . about this quote from yesterday's lesson: Cynicism is a lazy form of grief -- Ian Cron.

I am thankful . . . for a relaxing evening and a good night's rest.

In the kitchen . . . last night was just me, so I had fried eggs, chicken sausage, an English muffin, and fresh strawberries. Yummy!

I am creating . . . I have completed the summer shawl!

before blocking

rinsing in Eucalan

blocking

I am going . . . to work on some things around the house today with my bestie. She is a cleaner extraordinaire, so I'm taking advantage of her skills today.

I am wondering . . . what the future may hold.

I am reading . . . The Minotaur by Barbara Vine

I am looking forward to . . . designing and creating more prayer shawls.

I am hearing . . . silence. It's just Squeaker and me in the house this morning.

Around the house . . . things are looking better, and with LB's help today, it should improve even more.

I am praying . . . for dh and ds as they travel today. Ds drove dh for his business trip and they're planning on getting a bit of climbing in as well.

One of my favorite things . . . yarn, and I got a new collection in the mail last week.

Although I'm not doing the Scheepjes CAL, I wanted to try this yarn. You can read more about it a creative being (this was one of Wink's last posts, so it might have been a sentimental purchase as well.)

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . this is my first week of fully putting into practice the work I did on my retreat 2 weeks ago. I am praying for good things and kindness to myself as I approach my prayer life in a new way.

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

my new desk lamp!

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . July 20, 2015

Outside my window . . . it's 81 degrees and hazy. The humidity is already 83%! It's going to be a long, hot day.

I am thinking . . . that this is not the way today was supposed to go!

I am thankful . . . for safe travels that included getting halfway to Knoxville and turning back for home when dh realized he'd left his briefcase behind!

In the kitchen . . . FRUIT! I've been trying to get more fruits and veggies into our diet since reading this article. So, FRUIT!

I am creating . . . continuing with the summer shawl. I'm adding the final color (pink) now and then it will be on to edging. I'm excited to see how this one turns out.

I am going . . . to rest and relax as much as possible today, as the sinus infection symptoms have returned. Hoping to knock it out completely in the next day or two.

I am wondering . . . how dh is doing? He's having to drive himself on his business trip today since I woke up sick.

I am reading . . . The Girl In Between by Laekan Zea Kemp. It's a free Kindle book about a teenager suffering from Kleine-Levin Syndrome. I just started it last night and it's quite good.

I am looking forward to . . . digging deeper into books by Robert Benson. These 2 came in the mail on Saturday.

I am hearing . . . silence. Dh is driving out of town (bless him!) and ds is on jury duty today.

Around the house . . . I must vacuum! We have one dog. She's nearly 16 years old and is half beagle half dachshund and you simply would not believe how much she sheds! Vacuuming is one of the hardest jobs for me to do when my asthma is flaring, so I have "Squeaker dust bunnies" everywhere!

I am praying . . . for dh as he travels today. He has a difficult time driving for long distances and I hope that his pain will be manageable.

One of my favorite things . . . is a stack of new books! I've got quite a few right now ranging from the daily prayer books to Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . it looks like a quiet week which is a VERY good thing! I'm ready for some days spent at home doing homemaking and crafting.

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

a new coloring book I got for myself 

(dd got the same one for herself!)

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