{this moment}

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

The Simple Woman

FOR TODAY . . . November 18, 2014

Outside my window . . . the sky is a brilliant blue. My neighbor's sugar maple is still holding onto a few orange leaves. It is 18 degrees!

I am thinking . . . about this quote my bestie sent me --

I am thankful . . . a warm home and lots of hot tea!

In the kitchen . . . I'm enjoying the return to warming food -- breakfast casserole, hot fruit compote, chili, grits and tomatoes. 

I am wearing . . . my homemade cotton gown, flannel robe, and a shawl.

I am creating . . . a new afghan, just because! I'm using this pattern from Attic 24, and a lovely set of DK yarn from Stylecraft.

I am going . . . to therapy, then lunch, and home to do home-y things all afternoon.

I am wondering . . . if there is something to be done about my winter sinus headaches. I seem to wake each day with a pounding headache. I run a humidifier, drink lots of water, and follow the allergist's instructions, but I'm still getting daily headaches. Arrrgghh!

I am reading . . . Wicked Autumn (Max Tudor #1) by  G.M. Malliet. I was hoping for another good mystery series, but I'm not really enjoying this one too much. I'll finish it up, but then move on to something else.

I am looking forward to . . . a warming trend toward the end of the week. We don't usually have these kind of temperatures until January or February, so it's been difficult adjusting from 50s and 60s to 20s and 30s.

I am hearing . . . the hum of electricity and the wheezing of the dog. 

Around the house . . . I'm trying to get into a better routine with day to day cleaning. I never would have imagined that after 29 years of marriage, I'd be struggling with finding a good, consistent routine for housework.

I am praying . . . for peaceful holidays for everyone. 

One of my favorite things . . . is colorful yarn. I'm loving this new project because it is all about the color.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . therapy today, yoga class tomorrow, and Bible study on Thursday (if I can get myself there!). The weekend is pretty clear except for shopping for annual Thanksgiving food drive at church. Don't want to forget to fill those bags!

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

today my father in law would have been 82.

Happy birthday, Byron!

and Squeaker turns 15!

linking up with The Simple Woman

{this moment}

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

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 . . . 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 . . . 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 . . . February 25, 2014

Outside my window . . . the sun is shining in a pale blue sky. Wispy clouds are gliding across. We're at 38* right now heading up to 50*!

I am thinking . . . about getting back into a routine. Things have been floundering a bit for the past week or so. I need that routine to settle my spirit.

I am thankful . . . for good conversations with my family, even when the topics are difficult.

In the kitchen . . . last night was an experiment that went well. Black eye pea and chicken soup. I'm still working out the exact proportions I used.

I am wearing . . . the usual.

I am creating . . . still finishing up the edging on a burp cloth and working on a new baby afghan design.

I am going . . . finish up the ironing today. Then I'm going to pick a sewing project to work on just for me :)

I am wondering . . . about Paul's thorn in the flesh.

I am reading . . . finished up The Hangman's Daughter. It ended better than it began. I may try the next on in the series after all. I started Anatomy of a Disappearance: A Novel by Hisham Matar. It's quite intriguing and is making me interested in Egyptian history.

I am looking forward to . . . things settling down around here a bit. It's been quite hectic and I'm hoping for some "mellow" to appear soon.

I am hearing . . . quiet! Ds just left for school. The dogs are settled for their morning nap and dd is still in bed.

Around the house . . . I need a day of just being at home with no one else around to putter and clean.

I am praying . . . prayers of gratitude for a friend's good CAT scan results, and prayers of healing for a young lady struggling with emotional issues.

One of my favorite things . . . is springtime. I know I'm jumping the gun here, but we've had a few really nice days that have given me hope of an early spring.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . nothing out of the ordinary planned right now, so I'm just hoping for routine.

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

a new stash of yarn!

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

Crafting

linking up with Wordless Wednesday & The Jenny Evolution

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

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . December 31, 2013

Outside my window . . . 25 degrees with a heavy frost and clear blue skies.

I am thinking . . . it's the last day of 2013. It hasn't been a bad year. Challenging might be the better term. We are ending the year with a mixed bag of stress and joy, but isn't that the way with most years?

I am thankful . . . for good friends and professionals that continue to support me daily, but especially when hard things hit.

In the kitchen . . . Honeybaked Ham Soup. Gotta get to the store and buy my black eye peas and greens for tomorrow's traditional meal.

I am wearing . . . my favorite homemade gown with my flannel robe and slippers and my parrot shawl.

I am creating . . . still in the wait and see mode. I need to get the holidays finished and packed up before starting anything new.

I am going . . . to do yoga with besties, LB and CCD, this morning. Do some laundry, and otherwise hang out with my guys.

I am wondering . . . about the ebb and flow of struggles. Do some people really glide through life without angst and drama?

I am reading . . . The House of Dies Drear by Virginia Hamilton. I've always wanted to read it and picked up a copy on my last trip to McKay Used Books.

I am looking forward to . . . the holidays being over. Don't get me wrong, we've had a good season overall, but I'm ready for a more dependable routine.

I am hearing . . . the ticking of the clock and Alan puttering and drinking his tea in the den. He surprised by being at home when I got up this morning.

Around the house . . . time to start de-Christmasing the house. I like having it all put away, but the process can be a bit daunting.

I am praying . . . for peace and contentment for all in the coming year.

One of my favorite things . . . routine. I bet I come back to this one every year!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . yoga, soup making, a quick trip to the store, quiet at home celebrating tonight, and maybe a friend's house for a bit tomorrow. Then back to Bible study on Thursday.

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

reading shelf for the new year

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . December 24, 2013

Outside my window . . . I woke up to snow flurries! It's 28 degrees with clearing blue skies. We might hit 32 today.

I am thinking . . . it's Christmas Eve and I've never been this calm. Lowered expectation really help :)

I am thankful . . . that Alan and Sam had a fun few days in D.C. while Claire and I had fun here at home. They are due in tonight just in time for cookies, eggnog, and sparkling beverages.

In the kitchen . . . today there will be Milk Salad, pecan pie, chocolate chess pie, Cranberry Orange Bread, and Christmas Eve Cinnamon Buns.

I am wearing . . . sweat pants and my Rugby sweatshirt with stripy socks and Crocs.

I am creating . . . nothing new right now. After the holiday I have lots of plans.

I am going . . . to bake, wrap presents, and doing a bit of straightening up around the house, and then sit back and enjoy the rest of the day and night.

I am wondering . . . at the amazing gift of Christmas.

I am reading . . . The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. I'm working my way through it slowly for two reasons. The language is so lovely, and two, it's the holidays so there hasn't been much time for savoring beautiful phrases.

I am looking forward to . . . exchanging gifts with the family tonight and tomorrow. I enjoy watching others' reactions, and as I am a kid at heart, I love receiving gifts!

I am hearing . . . wind chimes, Claire wrapping presents to be delivered today, and the dogs wandering the house.

Around the house . . . just a bit of picking up to be done. Clean sheets on our bed. Lots of baking. It's a good day.

I am praying . . . for safety for all who are traveling this week. 

One of my favorite things . . . a day or two of doing what I want.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . enjoying the holiday week!

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

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook