Keeping House

We're in the final stretch of 31 Days of Writing. I'm pretty content. I've only missed 2 days so far -- although I did make up Day 9. Yesterday just never happened. I don't usually write on Sundays, so those have been the hardest.

I asked my husband yesterday what I should write about. He said I could compare my life to the Titans football team this season. I should be offended by that, but there are some comparisons. We both just seem to run out of steam before the job is finished.

I thought about writing about the cooking I did this weekend. 

Monkey Bread

Roasted Compari tomatoes and zucchini

Polenta with garlic and olive oil

Grilled barbecue chicken

Not to mention the baked shrimp scampi, baked salmon, succotash, and new potatoes for dinner last night that I forgot to take photos of. Apparently the cooking mojo came back over the weekend.

What I really keep thinking about though is the idea of making homemaking meditation. It's so easy in our current society for the idea of staying at home and making a "home" to be viewed as a waste of time. I fight it everyday in my own head. My kids are grown, but I still want to be at home doing these kind of things. I just need a little more validation and appreciation for it. I'm no Martha Stewart and I don't want to be, but I do like taking care of the home front. 

I read a book years ago, Keeping House: The Litany of Everyday Life by Margaret Kim Peterson. It really spoke to me about recognizing that making and keeping a home are spiritual endeavors. They provide intrinsic value to our lives. Homemaking cannot truly be valued in our money driven society. 

So I don't really know what I'm trying to say here. Maybe I'm just preaching to the choir. I want to feel proud of the job I have and I want to feel valued; like what I do is enough. The fact is I'm the only one who can make me feel that way. For today I choose to believe that the path I've chosen is a path of value, and that I am making a difference.

Blessings!

linking up with 31 Days of Writing

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . September 2, 2014

Outside my window . . . it's already 77*. Sunny and with an array of clouds wisping across the sky.

I am thinking . . . about a some lovely encouragement I got from a dear friend last night. 

I am thankful . . . for a calmer week ahead and the busyness of the weekend being behind me.

In the kitchen . . . last night was a variation on Enchilasagna. I'm working on using up some of the food items that have accumulated in the freezer and pantry (+ I'm just not into cooking right now!)

I am wearing . . . one my cotton gowns (as usual)

I am creating . . . a rug for the guest room and a shawl. Pretty soon I've got to get started on projects for Presents with a Purpose.

I am going . . . to a meeting and then to run some errands. After that home to do some housework and crafting.

I am wondering . . . how best to carve out some real writing time for myself.

I am reading . . . Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo. Quite entertaining. I keep forgetting it's a novel and not a travelogue.

I am looking forward to . . . getting back to my Precept Bible study group on Thursday. We are studying Exodus this fall.

I am hearing . . . Yaya wheezing (normal for her) and I think I just heard ds get up to get ready for school.

Around the house . . . I've been doing a bit of reorganizing. Moving household supplies and books. It's a bit like spring cleaning only for autumn.

I am praying . . . for peace around the globe. It is frightening to see so much anger and hostility towards others. I know God has control.

One of my favorite things . . . is re-organizing. It's the librarian in me, but I love grouping and categorizing items, especially when it makes things easier to use.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . it's a pretty quiet week. I am thankful for that. 

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

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . August 26, 2014

Outside my window . . . there is blue sky with big, fat, fluffy, white clouds. It's 76* degrees but I'm sure it's gonna get a lot hotter! Think the dog days of summer.

I am thinking . . . about weight and exercise. There's been a great deal of discussion on those topics of late, and I'm trying to determine what I really want to do about trying to get more serious about losing some weight, while figuring out what a new exercise routine might look like.

I am thankful . . . for a good weekend. Time spent with friends and family. A good worship service on Sunday. Meeting some new people at church. And the obligatory and enjoyable Sunday afternoon nap.

In the kitchen . . . things are quiet mostly. Casual eating at it's finest. A lot of scrounging (as we call it) and very little planning.

I am wearing . . . a gown that I made from a sheet.

I am creating . . . a new lifestyle. That sounds rather impressive, but it's really more about a new time in my life and how to use that time wisely.

I am going . . . to an appointment in a bit and then to run some errands. Later today I get to see my hairstylist (doesn't that sound fancy!) for a much needed cut.

I am wondering . . . about motives. My own and others. How we get to the places and choices we do and what drives them. How often am I aware of my own true motives?

I am reading . . . Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo. I'm not sure who recommended this one, but I found it for free on a Kindle sale and downloaded it. I've only read 12% (Kindle equivalent of pages) but it's pretty good so far.

I am looking forward to . . . the return of the autumn routine. I say this every summer late in August. I grew up with a professor father so my whole life has revolved around the school calendar. I'm not sure how I will cope once I don't have anyone around my house in school!

I am hearing . . . Yaya snoring. It's post breakfast nap time.

Around the house . . . the bestie and I worked on clearing out bathroom cabinets. I don't know how it happens, but if I don't do this every 6 months or so my cabinets are crammed full of duplicates and products someone tried and didn't like.

I am praying . . . about writing. That may sound like an odd thing to pray over, but I'm contemplating this idea of a memoir and how I would even go about it.

One of my favorite things . . . is candles. I love to keep a candle burning in the kitchen while I'm around the house. During the winter months I tend to burn them all over the house for extra light and warmth.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . appointment and errands today. Wednesday dd is coming over to do some cleaning for me (it's not completely altruistic -- think symbiotic). Thursday is looking like a day to myself -- I should plan something fun. Then on Friday dh needs some snacks (pigs in blankets) for work and I have a dentist appointment. Saturday dh and I are planning a day together as he doesn't have class, and then Sunday it's back to church.

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

flowers from dh for out 29th anniversary this past Saturday

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . July 1, 2014

Outside my window . . . it is 79* and very muggy. The skies are mostly overcast. We have been in a very muggy cycle here which is unusual for this early in the summer.

I am thinking . . . about my friend, Robyn, who died on Saturday. 

I am thankful . . . for meeting up with old friends yesterday at visitation. The only upside of funerals seems to be the opportunity to connect.

In the kitchen . . . there's been quite a bit more going on in there. Sunday lunch was homemade pizzas. Sunday night was pork loin, fresh beans, rice pilaf, and homemade chocolate chip brownies. And last night was apple chicken sausages, mashed potatoes, and mixed veggies.

I am wearing . . . my homemade gown

I am creating . . . a new summer weight shawl with my yarn purchased on vacation in Fairhope, AL. I'm using this pattern, and here's what I've got so far --

I am going . . . to Robyn's funeral this afternoon and then out with several friends to reminisce.

I am wondering . . . about the old saying "Deaths come in threes". Robyn died this past weekend, and Alan's cousin was moved from hospice to the hospital. Lots of praying going on in my house right now.

I am reading . . . The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny.

I am looking forward to . . . time this evening to reconnect with old friends.

I am hearing . . . total quiet. It is lovely. Dd is away house/cat sitting. Ds is sleeping in since he doesn't have to work today, and the dogs are outside.

Around the house . . . I'm working on getting things ready for family to visit for the July 4th weekend.

I am praying . . . for peace for Robyn's family and friends, and that the funeral will be a beautiful celebration of her life.

One of my favorite things . . . is being able to function at my own pace. I have to work at times to slow down to the pace I like because I am so different from my dh.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Robyn's funeral today. Housework tomorrow. Family coming in on Thursday. Celebrating the 4th on Friday. And then we will see what the weekend brings.

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

one of my many eclectic shelves

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . June 17, 2014

Outside my window . . . the sky is clear blue. It's 77* and I'm sure it's going to be another hot and muggy day. Summer is definitely in middle Tennessee.

I am thinking . . . about new bedroom windows installed yesterday and a new den couch and ottoman being delivered today. Exciting developments on the home front!

I am thankful . . . for my bestie who talks with me and encourages me all the time.

In the kitchen . . . dd kept things spick and span while we were out of town, so all I need to do is restock the kitchen. Tonight is salmon, sweet baby peas, and polenta.

I am wearing . . . my cotton batiste gown.

I am creating . . . a life. Yesterday I was bemoaning being in-between craft projects. A friend reminded my that everything I do is "creative" in one way or another. A good perspective adjustment.

I am going . . . to sit on my new couch this afternoon and hope I like it as much in my den as I did on the showroom floor!

I am wondering . . . about respect. It seems that our current society has lost the concept and I'm not sure how we can reclaim it.

I am reading . . . Sherlock Holmes: The Ultimate Collection on my Kindle. Really enjoying these stories.

I am looking forward to . . . getting into my summer routine.

I am hearing . . . the dogs snoring and dd getting ready for her day.

Around the house . . . I'm feeling the desire to do some rearranging or at least redecorating a bit from my stash for the summer months.

I am praying . . . for my friend with pancreatic cancer. She is under hospice care now. Her husband has been so wonderfully loving and supportive through this journey.

One of my favorite things . . . is slowing down. I like it more and more as I am getting older. Not slowing down because I can't do as much, but because I enjoy taking more time to savor experiences.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . getting settled with our new acquisitions, a meeting today, another tomorrow night, a walk with a new friend on Friday, and starting a new class on Lectio Divina on Sunday.

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

dh was excited to find his favorite Austrian

candy on the shelves in Atlanta

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . June 10, 2014

Outside my window . . . it's 71* and sunny with wispy clouds in the sky. Apparently we'll have more rain and storms this afternoon and evening, but for now it's gorgeous!

I am thinking . . . about everything I need to get done before 2 pm. Oy vey!

I am thankful . . . for an amazing message I received yesterday in response to my blog post. Sad and uplifting at the same time.

In the kitchen . . . my bestie and I cleaned thoroughly yesterday (in truth, she did most of the cleaning!). I made quiche on Sunday, bean burritos for lunch yesterday, and macaroni and cheese with hot dogs for dinner. Haute cuisine!

I am wearing . . . another cotton gown. Are you sensing a theme here?

I am creating . . . very little. I'm hoping that a few days away at the Gulf may inspire me once I get home.

I am going . . . on a brief vacation with dh. We are leaving later today and tooling our way through Georgia and Alabama to the Gulf for a view days of rest and relaxation.

I am wondering . . . how many people there really are out there who struggle with the after shocks of abuse. The more I write about my own experiences the more I learn about others who have or are struggling right along with me.

I am reading . . . Sherlock Holmes: The Ultimate Collection on my Kindle. Good reading for traveling.

I am looking forward to . . . our getaway!

I am hearing . . . peace and quiet. My favorite way to start the day.

Around the house . . . we are awaiting the delivery of our new sofa and ottoman for the den, and the installation of several new windows. 

I am praying . . . for a friend struggling with pancreatic cancer, another friend who is job hunting, and traveling mercies for dh and me.

One of my favorite things . . . is creating a healthy, tasty, attractive meal. This was Sunday's lunch -- baked tilapia with steamed rice and veggies.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . heading out on vacation. That's really all I've got going this week.

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

sweet little ride parked in front of my house during

 my neighbor's yard sale

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . June 3, 2014

Outside my window . . . 73* and overcast. It sure looks like rain.

I am thinking . . . about a conversation my dh and I had last night about healing and anger. Interesting thoughts and ideas.

I am thankful . . . for peace and quiet this morning. I am all alone in the house for the first time in a long time and it is lovely!

In the kitchen . . . 4 Bean Enchiladas last night. Tonight I'm thinking about salad.

I am wearing . . . my cotton gown from Vermont Country Store.

I am creating . . . flannel bears for my bestie's VBS program

I am going . . . on vacation next week to visit some family and then spend a few days in Fairhope, AL at the Cabbage Patch Cottage

I am wondering . . . about attachment theory and externalization. See what happens when your husband is in grad school?

I am reading . . . The Salt Garden by  Cindy McCormick Martinusen. It's a re-read from several years ago. I remember really liking it.

I am looking forward to . . . getting my summer routine established. Not sure what it's going to look like, but I know I need more routine than I've got right now.

I am hearing . . . peace and quiet. Except for the thoughts whirring in my head.

Around the house . . . the den is in disarray. We sold our old sofa and coffee table on Sunday and are awaiting the new items' delivery in 2 weeks!

I am praying . . . for guidance on some questions I'm wondering about right now.

One of my favorite things . . . is feeling happy. Or at least content. Both have been in short supply of late, and I'm working on getting my mojo back.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . nothing terribly pressing, so I'm still trying to acclimate to the new summer work/class schedules for everyone.

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

latest addition to the hedgehog collection

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . May 27, 2014

Outside my window . . . already 75* and overcast. I think it's going to be a muggy day.

I am thinking . . . that sleeping through the night changes my perspective considerably.

I am thankful . . . for safe travels for all my peeps yesterday.

In the kitchen . . . banana bread over the weekend. Grilled burgers tonight.

I am wearing . . . my homemade cotton gown.

I am creating . . . not much. Things have so hectic I can't seem to get organized. Hope springs eternal!

I am going . . . to an appointment and then have the house to myself for the rest of the day :)

I am wondering . . . what may triggering some additional stress I've been feeling lately.

I am reading . . .  The Silent Twins by Marjorie Wallace.

I am looking forward to . . . having some quiet planning time today with everyone out of the house.

I am hearing . . . lots of quiet this morning. Alan and Claire are out of town, and Sam's gone to take care of a neighbors dogs. Just me and my dogs hanging out this morning.

Around the house . . . not feeling much motivation to clean. Organizing is okay, but that whole cleaning thing is just not appealing right now.

I am praying . . . for a friend looking for a job. Another friend who has just begun chemo for pancreatic cancer. For my family and me to have a good summer break.

One of my favorite things . . . is creating things of beauty, and yet I have so much difficulty organizing my time to allow that to happen.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . a calmer week than last week. I am hoping that will make it possible to get back on track.

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

a happy basket of color

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . May 13, 2014

Outside my window . . . the sun is shining and the sky is blue. It's 75 already. We're still dealing with high pollen which makes breathing a bit problematic for us asthmatics!

I am thinking . . . about an email I got this morning from another survivor and how best to respond. I am honored and a bit afraid at the same time.

I am thankful . . . for a slower paced day today.

In the kitchen . . . lots of kale salad, slaw, and pasta salad -- and it's not even Memorial Day yet!

I am wearing . . . one of my favorite cotton gowns. It has pockets in it!

I am creating . . . a mandala using this pattern for Lucy's Yarndale project. Here's my start

I am going . . . to have a window installer come by and measure for some new windows for our bedrooms.

I am wondering . . . so many things! 

I am reading . . . Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige 

and Something Other Than God by Jennifer Fulwiler

Remember last week when I had nothing to read? Not a problem anymore.

I am looking forward to . . . a weekend get-away with dh and a chance to see a friend from college.

I am hearing . . . the blessed quiet as the dogs are settled, dh and dd are gone for the morning while ds is still snoozing away.

Around the house . . . dd cleaned as my Mother's Day gift. Quite lovely :)

I am praying . . . for a former co-worker dealing with multiple health issues including pancreatic cancer, and a young lady whose mother died on Sunday.

One of my favorite things . . . is flowers, but I'm very good at killing plants. I'm trying my hand again this summer, but keeping everything in pots. So far I have geraniums and begonias. I bought some clematis to plant as well. Here's hoping I can keep them alive all summer long.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . an appointment today, contractor this afternoon, day at home tomorrow (!), Bible study on Thursday I hope, and then off to Philadelphia with the hubs for the weekend.

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

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . January 28, 2014

Outside my window . . . well it's a blazing 14 degrees here. Actually I know I shouldn't complain since other locations are much colder. It's another grey day, but still no snow.

I am thinking . . . that I pulled off a nice "study" dinner for dh and his friends last night.

I am thankful . . . for a dear, sweet friend who provided me with a tangible reminder of God's love.

In the kitchen . . . last night was slow cooked citrus pork chops, steamed asparagus with garlic, cooked carrots, rosemary sea salt rolls, and blueberry dump cake. Tonight is still up in the air!

I am wearing . . . my usual. Robe, slippers, gown, and my parrot shawl.

I am creating . . . order. Still working on closets and cabinets. Today I'm tackling the laundry room with my bestie's help.

I am going . . . to counseling today. Wednesday is usually counseling day, but I had an unexpected change in plans, so today it is. We are working on another episode of abuse that has been very difficult to work through.

I am wondering . . . (as I often do) if I'm doing this life "right"? Does anyone else struggle with this?

I am reading . . . Hell Hole by Chris Grabenstein. It's number 4 in the John Ceepak Mysteries. Almost done!

I am looking forward to . . . warmer weather! I know it's supposed to be cold in winter, but we have had an unusually cold winter, with no snow, which is at least fun as rule.

I am hearing . . . dd chatting with the dogs. She amuses me in that she talks to them the same way she talks to me, so sometimes I get confused to whom she is talking. (Awkward sounding sentence, and yet grammatically correct -- I think!)

Around the house . . . still looking good! Need to pick up some from last night's dinner, but that's about it.

I am praying . . . for so many people who are struggling with illnesses, loss, and awaiting tests results. Praying for God's peace to cover all of them.

One of my favorite things . . . is pulling off a nice dinner. 

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . cleaning out the laundry room, counseling, grocery shopping, cooking for Room in the Inn, Bible study, another study night dinner, date night, and then SUPER BOWL Sunday!

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

another photo from FIL's stash

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . January 14, 2014

Outside my window . . . it's 37 degrees and sunny. MUCH better than last week's frigid 9 degrees!

I am thinking . . . about having been married for 28 years. Someone complimented Alan and me for the longevity of our marriage especially given all of the struggles we have had. Longevity isn't enough in and of itself, which is why we continue working to find better ways of communicating and supporting one another. We have definitely not arrived at perfection!

I am thankful . . . for good friends who embrace my children, and how my children embrace my friends.

In the kitchen . . . last night was salmon and leftovers from Sunday's lunch party. Tonight I'm thinking a pot of turkey chili sounds good.

I am wearing . . . all the usual gear -- cotton gown, flannel robe, and flannel slippers.

I am creating . . . 2 scarves based on Moogly's Big Rib Scarf pattern. Once I finish these I hope to start Moogly's Afghan Crochet-a-long.

I am going . . . to continue the cleaning out routine. Today's project is the craft cabinet in the bonus room. I'll try to take before and after shots.

I am wondering . . . about "communication dances". How people get into ruts and routines, and how difficult it is to change the dance even for a better method of communicating.

I am reading . . . The House of Dies Drear by Virginia Hamilton. Almost finished, and it is really good.

I am looking forward to . . . spending some time with my bestie today -- sorting and chatting.

I am hearing . . . my daughter chatting and the dogs puttering around.

Around the house . . . things are looking FABULOUS. Really I'm so excited.

I am praying . . . for many people who are struggling with various issues. I find that the more I engage with others, the fuller my prayer life becomes. 

“Prayer is not an old woman’s idle amusement. 

Properly understood and applied, 

it is the most potent instrument of action.” 

-- Ghandi

One of my favorite things . . . is feeling peace. I recognize that is a rather wide open and generic "thing", but it is true. Peace is the sensation/emotion I desire most.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . we're back in the routine -- appointment and grocery on Wednesday. Precept Bible study on Thursday. Friday is currently open. A painter/friend is coming on Saturday to give us some estimates, and Sunday we are having friends over for lunch. I haven't seen them in years and am really looking forward to catching up.

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

clean closet!

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook