The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . November 8, 2011

Outside my window . . . at 6:40 this morning the sun was shining. This is the upside of the time change. It is so much easier to get up and going with the sun burnishing my windows. I saw a sweet little birdie at my feeder this morning, and I have no idea what it was nor did I get a photo.

I am thinking . . . about how easily I can become frustrated.

I am thankful . . . for new lessons learned. I have been consciously focusing on learning to enjoy the process. I realized that I have a tendency to rush through everything just to get to the end result. I have been working recently on learning to enjoy the process of cooking, crocheting, eating, showering -- so many things bring joy when I slow down and "live" the process.

From the learning rooms . . . I'm not hearing much about school work these days. Ds's focus is all on the wrestling. I am so proud of him for how he is approaching the process -- practice, eating, drinking, even washing his own practice clothes! Just hope his grades aren't suffering!

In the kitchen . . . last night was beef stew and fresh bread. I'm not sure about tonight as we are supposed to have another day in the 70's and I'm still not feeling up to par. We will see what the day brings! (And I made the first batch of Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix yesterday.)

I am wearing . . . my pink Just Love Coffee t-shirt and my summer weight robe.

I am creating . . . another shawl from the Autumnal Shawl pattern. This time I am using Naturally Caron Spa yarn in rose bisque.

I am going . . . . to run a quick errand and then stay home doing laundry, paying bills, and crocheting.

I am wondering . . . why I can't remember to return my HORRIBLY overdue library books!?! What's that about?

I am reading . . . Wicked by Gregory Maguire. I read this years ago when it first came out. The kids and I went to see the show last week and it got me wondering about how the novel and musical differ. I have an affinity for this story as I played the Wicked Witch of the West in our high school production of "The Wizard of Oz".

I am hoping . . . for a good turn out for our Presents with a Purpose sale at church this weekend.

I am looking forward to . . . my confined water scuba classes this weekend. I have 2 more of these and then 3 more open water dives to complete my training. Dh and I have planned a trip to Cozumel for my open water dives!

I am hearing . . . quiet as dd just left for school.

Around the house . . . I'm thinking about holiday decorations. I enjoy having the house decorated, but not the process so much! I think part of that is feeling as if my home needs to look like a Macy's display, so this year I'm planning on toning it down a lot!

I am pondering . . . . the benefits of looking for a part time job.

One of my favorite things . . . is feeling useful and productive.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . keeping it quiet and hoping to throw this infection once and for all.

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

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Batch #1

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Made by You Monday -- Recycled Cotton Shawl

 Lion Brand recycled cotton yarn  

in Marine and Sunshine
(instructions can be found at
ABC Knitting Patterns
although this is a crochet pattern)

head over to Made by You Mondays at Skip to My Lou to see more.

Wordless Wednesday -- recent craftiness

for more photos visit Wordless Wednesday

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . October 18, 2011

Outside my window . . . it is partly cloudy and cool this morning. There is a change on the way though. Rain, cooler temperatures, and strong winds from the north moving in later this afternoon and evening. I'm rather looking forward to cooler weather.

I am thinking . . . that watching my kids struggle in relationships may be harder than working through my own.

I am thankful . . . for antibiotics. I developed an ear infection in both ears on Friday. Thankfully I was able to get into to see the doctor and get some antibiotics. I am on the mend.

From the learning rooms . . . the first quarter of senior is in the books. Ds is happy with all but one grade.

In the kitchen . . . pork roast, tater tots and broccoli salad last night. I'm thinking a new recipe for Brunswick stew and some fresh whole wheat bread for dinner tonight.

I am wearing . . . nightgown, flannel robe and my new winter house shoes.

I am creating . . . I'm actually almost finished with the shawl I told you about last week.

I am going . . . nowhere if I can help it. I'm planning on keeping my outings to a minimum until I finish these antibiotics.

I am wondering . . . how soon I'm going to get a break from viruses and colds. I'm in a bad cycle! LOL!

I am reading . . . Manner of Death by Stephen White.

I am hoping . . . to feel more like doing some housework today. If I'm going to be staying in I'd like to get some cleaning up done.

I am looking forward to . . . dh finishing the condo he's been renovating. I'm ready for him to be home in the evenings.

I am hearing . . . the hum of the computer and the occasional bird through the open door. One particularly raucous blue jay!

Around the house . . . things are still chaotic! I'm beginning to think that it's a permanent condition.

I am pondering . . . . my role as a parent in relationship to my ds and gf. They had an argument last night. I talked with him about it, but he asked me not to talk to her about it, so I find myself playing "neutral" with her about something that makes me mad!

One of my favorite things . . . is the turning leaves. My across the street neighbor has a huge sugar maple in his front yard. I love watching it go from green to bright orange, red, and yellow. Truly God's handiwork -- although I always liked the idea of Jack Frost!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . taking it easy until this ear infection clears up.

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

 the almost finished shawl

(the picture doesn't do the 

colors justice)

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More to Feel Good about than Last Friday

Last Friday was NOT a Feel Good Friday. (For more details go here.) Today, however, is a Feel Good Friday. Want to know why? Let me tell you.


:: Yesterday morning I hit (and surpassed) 1000 views on my blog for this month. Now maybe for some of you bloggers out there 1000 views doesn't sound that great, but for me it was pretty exciting. I don't know what I average a month, but I do know that until this month my highest count had been 874. So thank you to everyone who clicked on my blog. Keep coming back, and not to sound ungrateful, but I'd love more comments.
:: Dh and I have been helping with the marriage ministry at our congregation for the last little while. Last Sunday we taught the morning class. It just went really well. So well in fact that later in the week I ran into one of the participants in the grocery store and he HUGGED me. I love feeling as if we are helping others and making a difference!
:: I'm feeling better emotionally than I have in a while. I think my hiatus from home last weekend helped a lot (see yesterday's post).
:: I am really enjoying the study of Daniel I am doing on Thursdays. For whatever  reason this study is really piquing my curiosity. Yesterday we did the in-depth study of chapter 1. There is so much information packed into those 21 verses!
:: Finally, we're supposed to have cooler weather this weekend. I love autumn with cool days, sunshine and crisp evenings. It's shawl weather time and that just makes me smile.

Sweet November Shawl

Wishing everyone a Feel Good Friday and a lovely weekend!


catch up with more "Feel Good Friday" at lia sophia tomgirl

Sweet November in Parrot

still fringing

for instructions see April Draven Designs

for more photos visit Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

I love this color combination plus this project is all mine : )

for more photos visit Wordless Wednesday

The Simple Woman's Daybook -- July 19, 2011

FOR TODAY
Outside my window. . . is sunny and incredibly muggy here today. Condensation has settled on the windows. It's going to be a long day!

I am thinking. . . that it is past time for me to be well! I'm going back to the doctor this afternoon to try and get rid of a bladder/kidney infection that just won't go away!

I am thankful. . . for all the prayers that are being offered up on my father-in-law's behalf. He is in the hospital for tests today. Please add him to your list if you feel so moved.

From the learning rooms. . . ds is reading Night by Elie Wiesel. He is also working on preparing for AP courses in psychology and human geography.

In the kitchen. . . not much since I've been sick. Last night the kids made dinner: grilled burgers, baked beans and chips. 

I am wearing. . . my gown and robe. I need to get dressed soon, for my doctor's appointment.

I am creating. . . a shawl for the KFH's mother. Just about done!

I am going. . . to crochet, rest and go to the doctor.

I am wondering. . . why life always seems to "pour" challenges and never just "sprinkle".

I am reading. . . well I tried to read Dingley Falls by Michael Malone but I just can't do it. I don't care!

I am hoping. . . for good tests results for my dear father-in-law today and a speedy recovery if that is God's plan.

I am looking forward to. . . feeling better soon and getting back to a normal routine -- whatever that is!

I am hearing. . . the TV. I watch too much tv when I'm not feeling well.

Around the house. . . things are clean! I have hired my ds's girlfriend to clean house for me twice a month. She came to clean yesterday for the first time and did a great job! 

What a blessing : )

I am pondering. . . not much except feeling better!

One of my favorite things. . . is my iPod Touch. Last night dd showed me a cool free app that has multiple Bible translations and reading programs. I'm hooked on this one!

A few plans for the rest of the week: we are in wait and see mode around here. Waiting for tests results and Mama (me) to feel better.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing. . .

Cute alphabet posters @ allsorts

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