The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . May 14, 2013

Outside my window . . . it's sunny and pleasantly warm. A true spring day.

I am thinking . . . that sinus infections should be outlawed. 

I am thankful . . . for time to take care of things around my own house. I spent yesterday cleaning and catching up on laundry. Today has been catching up on phone calls, emails, and handling text messages.

In the kitchen . . . last night was roasted chicken, pinto beans, and spring greens with cucumbers. Tonight depends on what's in the freezer.

I am wearing . . . denim capris, a summer tank top, crocs, and a sweat jacket because it's not as warm as I thought.

I am creating . . . a pillow for my front porch made from scraps of cotton yarn I have left over from previous projects using this pattern.

I am going . . . to keep working on putting things back together in my house. It's such a good feeling when I have the time and energy to nest in my little home.

I am wondering . . . about this quote:
"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just ordinary people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise…life is like an old-time rail journey – delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is the thank the Lord for letting you have the ride… "
Gordon B. Hinckley

I am reading . . . Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey. Very dark!

I am looking forward to . . . the upcoming summer and opening of the pool at the YMCA. I do love getting my swim in and then lounging in the sun with a good book and a cold drink.

I am hearing . . .  the tv as I type after lunch today.

Around the house . . . the clutter is diminishing . . . slowly.

I am pondering . . . the state of the Union. If I think about it too much my head may explode!

One of my favorite things . . . is striking order. I've said it many times before, but in the deepest places in my heart I love organizing.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . a meeting tomorrow followed, I hope, by the long awaited haircut and possibly a pedicure! Thursday is lunch with friends and a meeting called Women's Mental Health:Navigating Emotional Wellness. Then Friday I'll probably be back at my FIL's house, and Saturday I'm attending a Quiet Day of prayer hosted by Dovehouse Ministries.

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

half of the front of the new porch pillow

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Bliss

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just ordinary people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise…life is like an old-time rail journey – delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is the thank the Lord for letting you have the ride… "

Gordon B. Hinckley

I met Rachel Held Evans this past weekend. And I told her she had given me a moment of bliss with her explanation of Proverbs 31. She gave me an eshet chayil (woman of valor) for being a survivor of abuse. 

It was Mother's Day. I had told my family in advance what my preferences were for the day (that may not sound difficult, but it is for me), and even stuck to it when son disliked my choice of restaurants for lunch. 

After lunch (omelets and crepes -- son decided it wasn't so bad afterall!), I spent time cleaning off my sitting porch. I'm the primary user of this little porch off the sliding doors from my office/craft/snafu room, so each spring I spruce it up the way I want it to be. This year I've added a chair from my father-in-laws porch, and some of the plants that were sent to his funeral. I also added the new mushrooms my kids gave me for Mother's Day. I know. But I love mushrooms. They are happy.

(ignore the weeds)

Once I'd done all I could on that, I sat in my new/old chair and started crocheting a scrappy cotton yarn leftovers pillow for my chair. With my feet propped up on my makeshift footrest and a big glass of Fresca next to me.

Later there was a nap and then I cooked dinner for everyone.

Here's what I realized about that one moment of bliss. It grew all day. The whole day was really a kind of bliss. Because I followed Hinckley's advice. I thanked the Lord for every little bliss I had that day. Hearing Rachel speak. Meeting her afterwards. The exchange of kind words that felt so genuine and sincere. Lunch at The Perch. Puttering on my porch. Rest and recouping. 

And then I felt ready and recharged to take on my job of wife, mom, friend, and survivor.

Guess what, I am a woman of valor.

Eschet chayil!

linking up with Just Write

{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.

(photo by A. Pennington)

Comfort

The Republic of Tea makes a tea blend called "Comfort and Joy". I love this tea for the flavor and the name. Unfortunately it is only available at the holidays. Yes -- it tastes a lot like Christmas, but I like the idea comfort and joy in a cup all year long.

Webster's defines comfort as -- to give strength and hope to; to ease the grief or trouble of.

The word itself even sounds comforting. I think of comforters -- big, fluffy blankets to curl up in or under. Rest, peace, comfort.

And then I remember the Comforter. The one Jesus promised to send to his apostles. The one He sends to us. (John 14:26 KJV). And I realize I am promised and provided with the peace of God brought by His own Comforter. 

I am comforted.

linking up with five minute friday

When Mama Ain't Happy

I lost it yesterday.

In the kitchen with my husband and son.

The anger, hurt, tired, and frustration of the past few weeks hit the breaking point. 

I yelled. I screamed. I may have used some profanity. I slammed cabinet doors and shook my finger in my son's face.

He'd been home from college for just about three hours.

The good news is that I feel better, and they could take it. They seemed to understand on some level, and it doesn't upset them when I yell. Especially since it's not their fault. Actually my son laughs and tells me how to fix the problem, and my husband (a little more experienced with me and anger) cracks a wry grin and nods his head -- a lot.

Once I got past their amusement at my frustration, I found it was rather freeing to tell them how I was feeling. I was even able to laugh along with them at some of it.

We made a plan and clarified some confused communication. I reminded my son that, even though his brain works just like his dad's, my does not. I don't have their genetic make up. Plans must be clearly verbalized. (They are not unlike dealing with Spock on Star Trek. Logic is king.)

So this morning I have a list and a plan. And when that list is dealt with, I'm switching gears to do the things that are important to me. With no guilt. 

Maybe the paranoia, exhaustion, and anger will take a break for awhile anyway.

Lord willing.



linking up with imperfect prose on thursdays

The Tilt of Her Head . . .

see more at Wordless Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday Bloggers

The 3rd Time's the Charm

Sorry to be so wordy today, but I just had to share this amazing blog post I read. Pass it on.

Elizabeth Smart and the Psychology of the Christian Purity Culture

peace and blessings!