Books 2.1

Write 31 Days Day #14

This is my new approach to keeping up with my reading list. I have placed, what I hope, are decorative stacks around the house. This is because I can't seem to remember what's next! It also helps me to control purchasing more books. When I complete a book, especially devotional titles, I need to know what's next, and stacks make that easier.

This stack includes:

--Saving Jesus from the Church by Robin R. Meyers

--Circle Maker Praying Circles around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson

--A History of Christianity Vol. 1 by Kenneth S. Latourette

--Prayers by Michel Quoist

--TrueFaced by Bill Thrall and Bruce McNicol

--The Sacred Art of Lovingkindness by Rabbi Rami Shapiro

--A Million Little Ways by Emily Freeman

--Faith Unraveled by Rachel Held Evans

--We Make the Road by Walking by Brian McLaren

--Devotional Classics by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith

Clearly I have my work cut out for me.

Blessings!

Books!

Write 31 Days Day #7

I love books. This should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me. My father was a literature professor. I minored in English in college and went on to get a master's degree in library science. I worked as a librarian until my first child was born. 

I love to read. Again no surprise. I also collect books. I used to pride myself as a public library reference librarian on my self-control in buying books. Not so much anymore. After I quit working in that environment it became more difficult to have a constant supply of books to read. I became a slave to Amazon (as my Amazon Prime credit card shows!). 

An unforeseen problem showed up as well. I began to enjoy non-fiction almost as much as I had previously enjoyed fiction. And I like to underline things. Libraries frown on that. I read from my Kindle quite a bit and really enjoy highlighting passages, and I LOVE that Goodreads saves them for me. I'm also keeping a journal of quotes and passages I want to return to, but it's so much easier, in the moment, to just underline it!

One of the perks of my recent plot twist has been more time to read. I set a goal for myself to read 52 books this year. I'm doing pretty well at 33 completed. I'm in the middle of 4 others right now -- which should tell you something in and of itself!

I'm currently reading:

Sacred Space 2017 a daily devotional/prayer book by the Irish Jesuits

Never Unfriended by Lisa-Jo Baker. I read a few pages each morning along with my other devotional reading.

The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen, a Southern writer whose books bring magical realism and southern charm together.

Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh. My daughter loaned me this one yesterday. It is hilarious so far. Possibly not good pre-bed reading as I couldn't quit laughing (language/coarse humor alert)

So what are you reading this weekend?

Blessings!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . January 12, 2016

Outside my window . . . it's sunny and cold but not nearly as cold as it was yesterday morning!

I am thinking . . . about changes.

I am thankful . . . for my son's safe return from his travels out west. He got home yesterday afternoon from a 10-day drive from Tennessee to California with stops throughout the west for hiking and climbing. He with his best friend and they had a wonderful time full of great experiences.

In the kitchen . . . last night was crockpot white chicken chili. Perfect for the very cold day we'd had.

I am creating . . . another prayer shawl. I seem to be on a roll but I'm having trouble with some tendonitis in my thumbs. I may have to slow down a bit :)

I am going . . . to get back into some kind of yoga routine. I've fallen off the map on yoga and I'm beginning to feel it in my body.

I am wondering . . . how to handle TV next Sunday night. NFL Playoffs and Downton Abbey. Choices. Choices. (And no I don't have DVR)

I am reading . . . I finished up The Absent One (Afdeling Q #2) by Jussi Adler-Olsen. I borrowed it from the library and had to return it before I finished so then I had to wait for it be available again! Now I'm re-reading B is for Burglar by Sue Grafton as I continue my way through the Kinsey Milhone stories. Next up is A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.

I am looking forward to . . . going to LB's house tomorrow to help her out with a few things and then taking her out to eat for a belated birthday lunch.

I am hearing . . . my son figuring out his day.

Around the house . . . things are officially undecorated. Yay! Love the holidays, but love having things back to normal as well.

I am praying . . . for clarity and peace.

One of my favorite things . . . is watching old movies. I recently watched "The Inn of Sixth Happiness" (1958).  It is currently on Netflix and I highly recommend it.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . several meetings, fun times with my bestie, a haircut, and then football playoffs this weekend.

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

blocking my completed scrappy prayer shawl

linking up with The Simple Woman

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . January 5, 2016

Outside my window . . . it's sunny and cold with a heavy frost sitting on the ground.

I am thinking . . . several meetings today and what I will discover.

I am thankful . . . the prayers of faithful friends.

In the kitchen . . . we've had Inside Out Ravioli, Honey Baked Ham and Bean Soup, and Chicken Pot Pie recently. I'm not sure what tonight will be.

I am creating . . . a prayer shawl made from all those left over bits and pieces. Kind of like a crazy quilt.

I am going . . . continue praying and talking and having faith that things will get better around here.

I am wondering . . . how long it will take me to get back into a routine following the holidays.

I am reading . . . well, really re-reading A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton. I'm not sure how many times I've read the Kinsey Milhone novels, but it seemed like a good time to revisit them.

I am looking forward to . . . my next day of crafting with my bestie.

I am hearing . . . Squeaker's nails tap-tap-tapping on the floor. It's incredible to me that she 16 years old and still so active.

Around the house . . . undecorating from Christmas . . . SLOWLY!

I am praying . . . for my relationship with my husband; for peace; and for many friends who are having struggles right now.

One of my favorite things . . . doing my blog.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . lots of meetings and errands this week. Hoping for some time for quiet thought and meditation.

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

linking up with The Simple Woman

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 . . .

linking up with The Simple Woman

Books and Healing [day 4]

I am a librarian by profession, so books have always been my first line of defense. When I was diagnosed I went looking for books to verify the diagnosis and help me understand what it really meant. I also love to read fiction and was surprised at how certain novels impacted my recovery. Spirituality became difficult and yet incredibly necessary, and so I looked for books to help me reconnect with God in a more authentic manner. The following are just some of the titles I've found helpful.

Allen, Jon G. Coping With Trauma: A Guide to Self-Understanding. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Press, c1995.

Benson, Robert. A Good Life: Benedict's Guide to Everyday Joy. Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, c2004. (out of print)

Claiborne Shane, et al. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, c2010.

Engel, Beverly. The Right to Innocence: Healing the Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse. New York: Ivy Books, c1989.

Evans, Rachel Held. A Year of Biblical Womanhood. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, c2012.

Godden, Rumer. In This House of Brede. Chicago: Loyola Press, 2005.

Herman, Judith. Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. New York: Perseus Books, c1997.

Lucado, Max. God Thinks You're Wonderful! Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, c2003.

Martel, Yann. Life of Pi: A Novel. New York: Harcourt Inc., c2001.

Meyers, Robert R. Morning Sun on a White Piano: Simple Pleasures and the Sacramental Life. New York: Galilee Book, c1998.

O'Connor, Flannery. A Prayer Journal. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, c2013.

Palacio, R.J. Wonder. New York: Alfred J. Knopf, c2012.

Peterson, Margaret Kim. Keeping House: The Litany of Everyday Life. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, c2007.

This is day 4 in Write 31 Days

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

linking up with The Simple Woman

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

linking up with The Simple Woman

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

linking up with The Simple Woman

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

linking up with The Simple Woman