Gather

Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May

It's the first phrase that came to me. 

Today is my birthday. I like the idea of gathering of years of life and experiences. I'm in my fifties, but I don't dread birthdays. I still love them. A day all about me! A day to remember the past year and look forward to the next. 

This year I'm hoping to gather even more rosebuds. Learn more about myself and those I love. Gather in more memories and love to share and savor. 

Tonight I'll gather with some of the people I love best in the world to eat a meal of my choosing. To celebrate me. Tomorrow I will gather with my best friends and celebrate me some more while eating and laughing and talking and crafting. And I'll gather more joy and love to store up to look back on when things are feeling bleak.

Even if it's not your birthday, you don't have to wait to gather up the good things in life. Gather them while we may. 

Savor. Enjoy. Gather.

linking up with Five Minute Friday

It's my birthday & I'll smile if I want to . . .

I'm a big believer in birthdays, and today is mine! So here a few things that make me smile. I hope they make you smile too!

1. 

http://www.clairefletcherart.com/penandink.html

2. 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/248612841903675307/

3.

http://acornpies.blogspot.com/2009/11/how-to-make-gnome-hat-for-young-child.html 

4. 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/248612841903509524/

5. 

http://society6.com/jennafreimuth/I-Heart-Tea-rsb_Print#1=45

6. 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/248612841903248859/

7. 

http://www.emilygarces.com/

8. 

http://imgur.com/9wv9CCo

9. 

http://screencrave.com/2010-08-04/jeff-goldblum-quits-law-and-order-criminal-intent/

10. 

linking up with Writer's Workshop

And He's 20

(photo by Alan Pennington)


see more at Wordless Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday Bloggers

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . July 9, 2013

Outside my window . . . we have sunny blue skies with a temperature of 78 degrees. The humidity is already on the rise.

I am thinking . . . about this day 20 years ago. After spending nearly 3 weeks in the hospital, my son arrived at 5 am 5 weeks premature. He weighed in at 5 lbs. 13 oz. I was quite sick with pre-eclampsia and stayed in intensive care for a full day after he was born. Thankfully we both survived and fully recovered.

I am thankful . . . for my ds and all the joy he brings into my life. My dh wrote this about him today --

Today my little boy turns 20. He's not a rowing champion or a chess master nor did he win a decathlon. He's not a Rhode's scholar but I wouldn't trade all that for his heart of compassion, his gift of music and wonderful sense of humor (among other things). Per his teachers at graduation, the 3 words that best describe Sam are hilarious, visionary and spiritual. What an amazing person. Love you Sam and very proud of who you are. 

Happy bday!

In the kitchen . . . I'll be baking Bananas Foster Upside-Down Cake later today for his celebration this evening

I am wearing . . . my cotton batiste gown and an old denim shirt that belonged to my FIL.

I am creating . . . my first amigurumi. Still working on it. It's going to be bigger than the pattern but I figure I'm learning. (For some reason this type of crocheting is quite intimidating to me. It could be my perfectionist tendencies. I'm using this pattern so it's very simple.)

I am going . . . to meet my brother's new wife and children this morning. They live in New Mexico and are home for the first time since getting married in May. I have new nieces and another nephew.

I am wondering . . . about these words -- truth, integrity, peace, salvation, word of God.

I am reading . . . Joyland by Stephen King, and I'm listening to The Girl with No Shadow by Joanne Harris. It's the sequel to Chocolat, a personal favorite (along with the movie!).

I am looking forward to . . . an upcoming get-away with dh in August. Back to Cozumel!

I am hearing . . . peace and quiet.

Around the house . . . we are making good progress in getting my FIL's things assimilated into our home.

I am praying . . . for my children as they move into the next phase of their lives. Dd will finish college this summer. Ds is turning 20 which is a milestone in and of itself.

One of my favorite things . . . is my morning ritual of tea and computer time. I do my blog, check Facebook and emails, and then go to Feedly to see what's happening in the blogosphere.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . celebrating with ds tonight, getting back into an exercise routine, more home improvements, reading, crocheting, and sewing.

Here are pictures for thought I am sharing . . . 

happy 20th to my dear son!

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Happy Birthday, DD

see more at Wordless Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday Bloggers and Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop

Wordless Wednesday

see more at Wordless Wednesday

Five Minute Friday -- Opportunity

It's the perfect opportunity.
The "boys" are out of town for 2 weeks.
I am going to clean and organize and exercise.
Things are going to be totally ship shape when they get home.


That was the plan last Saturday.
We survived graduation and getting them off to the airport.
Claire and I got manicures and pedicures.
We went home to straighten up before the "girls" came over for dinner and a movie.
I cleaned the kitchen.
And the sink spat things back at me.


Never mind.
We had take out and fun watching an old movie and eating ourselves silly on homemade chocolate chip cookies (thank you, Linda).


On Sunday, I became plumber wife.
I did a lot.
It didn't do any good.


On Monday I called the plumber.
My sink works again.
While waiting for him to arrive I weeded in the front yard.


Tuesday morning Claire and I went out shopping for her birthday.
We stopped for cold drinks.
My back decided weeding had not been a good idea.
We celebrated her birthday, carefully.


Wednesday, I admitted defeat to the pain.


Thursday, I got a massage.


Friday -- it still hurts.


I just hope next week works better.



link up at The Gypsy Mama

Wordless Wednesday -- Loves of My Life

for more images go to Wordless Wednesday
(2nd photo by Alan Pennington)

Thankful Thursday #10

"I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude 

for all that God has given me . . . "

Romans 12:3a

"And cultivate thankfulness . . . "

Colossians 3:15b

   Deep gratitude that has led me to cultivate thankfulness. That is where I come to you from today. 

   Tuesday was my 50th birthday. As I told a friend, it's very hard to think of myself as 50, when in my head I'm still 28. I don't know why, but I quit aging at 28.

   But I didn't really, and I am so grateful, because of all that I have experienced and learned in those years! Some of the lessons have painful and hard, and others have been exhilarating and joyous. I would not trade any of them, because each has brought me closer to God. 

   This Thankful Thursday finds me reveling in appreciation, gratitude, and thankfulness for all the people God has brought into my life to teach me about Him. Gratitude for all the people who took time on Tuesday (and other days) to message, call, text, write, or see me, and bless me by sharing their appreciation of me. 

   In my gratitude, I want to share 3 scriptures that have become my guiding lights over the years. I can explain why each one means so much to me, but I would rather let you listen and find what God wants you to garner from His word.

“See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven."

Matthew 18:10

"Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else . . ."

Galatians 6:4

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

I Peter 5:6

Blessings!

link up at Women Taking a Stand

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . March 6, 2012

Outside my window . . . sunny, cold. The bird bath is frozen, but there is hope for warmth later in the day.


I am thinking . . . that I am 50 years old today. How did that happen?


I am thankful . . . for my husband who continues to walk with me, and my best friend, Linda, who is my soul sister.

In the kitchen . . . no cooking today, since it's my birthday, but last night we had Chicken in the Jug, baked sweet potatoes, and blueberry muffins.

I am wearing . . . the usual -- red plaid flannel robe and my red and gray slippers.

I am creating . . . baby blankets! I have 5 baby blankets to complete by the end of June, but yesterday I spent my craft time working on quilting the lap quilt I started 2 years ago just before the flood hit Nashville.

I am going . . . . to get a mani/pedi, and then have lunch with the Besties.

I am wondering . . . about truth telling and sharing the bad stuff. Telling is the key to healing from abuse, but there is a lot of fear in telling, even after all these years.

I am reading . . . The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney. It's an interesting, if somewhat fluffy, read. I'm also reading Ezra for Bible study, Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon, and Lenten devotionals on YouVersion.

I am hoping . . . to sleep better tonight. Allergy season seems to bother me most in my sleeping. I may try one of those Breathe Right strips tonight.

I am looking forward to . . . my day of birthday fun and weekend dinner with my dh and friends on Saturday night.

I am hearing . . . the teapot coming to a boil in time for my second cup of tea.


Around the house . . . I'm finding my way.

I am pondering . . . the idea that love must be offered in a way that the receiver can accept and understand. That means the givers must adjust, sometimes, their method of showing love to accommodate the receiver's needs.

One of my favorite things . . . fresh, hot biscuits. That's what I'm having for my birthday breakfast.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . as much fun as possible today, Bible class on Thursday, date night on Friday, fun celebrating on Saturday. This week is all about ME!

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

birthday breakfast!

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook -- March 8, 2011

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . .  . it is partly cloudy and around 45 degrees. It's supposed to be a little warmer today than it was yesterday. 

I am thinking . . . about my dh who is out of town dealing with the aforementioned work ick. Please pray that it will all be resolved today and he will get to put this behind him.

I am thankful for . . . a lovely birthday weekend, full of fun, love and family.

From the learning rooms . . . getting through one more week before Spring Break!

From the kitchen . . . two new scone mixes from World Market. One for cinnamon raisin scones which we had yesterday for breakfast -- quite tasty, and blueberry which we'll probably have later this week.

I am wearing . . . the usual morning attire -- flannel jammie pants, t-shirt, and my flannel robe.

I am creating . . . chaos? No not really, I'm just not sure what to do next. The shawl for KFH's mother? Finish the baby blanket I started? Start the linen dress I bought fabric for last week? Maybe that bag I've been thinking about? See, too many options.

I am going . . . to do yoga with dd this morning. We are going to do it here at home using Yoga for Beginners with Patricia Walden.

I am reading . . . Out of the Deep I Cry by Julia Spencer-Fleming.

I am hoping . . . to have a more productive day today. Yesterday was kind of low key, so I need to accomplish a bit more today.

I am hearing . . . ds and his gf chatting about her job interview this afternoon.

Around the house . . . dd and I just about have the living room back to normal. It is amazing how much my general mood improves when the house is looking better.

One of my favorite things . . . is hedgehogs. And look what my dh had put on my birthday cake:

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . I'm trying to figure out how to get a pedicure and massage in this week. You wouldn't think it would be that difficult, but there you go!

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

Ds showing me how birthday cake should be enjoyed!

Hosted by The Simple Woman's Daybook