The Simple Woman's Daybook -- November 17th

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is cool and clear. Seven doves just landed in my front garden! Gathering seeds from the ground and bathing and drinking from the bird bath. Little yellow finches are perched on the finch sock. I love my bird feeders in the morning!

I am thinking...about the doctor's appointment I have later today. Not looking forward to it, but trying to keep a realistic attitude about it.

I am thankful for...this one is tough for me today. I've been struggling with a round of depression for the past 2 weeks or so. I am thankful to have friends to talk with who continue to put up with my ups and downs, even when I can't explain what's going on.

From the learning rooms...a presentation on Frankenstein; an extra credit paper on the American economy; a cooking project; Davy Crockett; German; and more ACT prep. (I'm glad it's ds and not me! LOL!).

From the kitchen...a new recipe for Cheese and Ham Corn Muffins. We had them last night with Bean Soup.They are really a meal in themselves. I'll post the recipe soon on Mellie's Kitchen.

I am wearing...my summer weight robe. I've been shopping for a robe for the winter and can't find one I like. I may just go get some flannel and make one for myself!

I am creating...new prayer strands and rosaries. Also trying to finish those ponchos for dd and me.

I am going...to therapy, and then the dreaded doctor's appointment. On the bright side, Beth Moore small group Bible study is tonight.

I am reading...The Feast and How to Be Cool. I just can't seem to find much time for reading, not to mention that concentrating has been difficult lately.

I am hoping...for some improvement in this mood. Sorry to be kind of a downer.

I am hearing...the news -- so much bad news and not enough good news.

Around the house...things are scattered looking and feeling. I need Mary Poppins to come in!

One of my favorite things...is quiet productivity. 

A few plans for the rest of the week...two Bible studies; physical therapy; striking some order around here. (That last one seems to be a recurring theme.)

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Saturday Poetry -- Litany by Billy Collins

Litany

BY BILLY COLLINS

You are the bread and the knife,
The crystal goblet and the wine . . .
Jacques Crickillon 

You are the bread and the knife,   

the crystal goblet and the wine.   

You are the dew on the morning grass   

and the burning wheel of the sun.   

You are the white apron of the baker   

and the marsh birds suddenly in flight.   

However, you are not the wind in the orchard,   

the plums on the counter,   

or the house of cards.   

And you are certainly not the pine-scented air.   

There is just no way you are the pine-scented air.   

It is possible that you are the fish under the bridge,   

maybe even the pigeon on the general's head,   

but you are not even close   

to being the field of cornflowers at dusk.   

And a quick look in the mirror will show   

that you are neither the boots in the corner   

nor the boat asleep in its boathouse.   

It might interest you to know,   

speaking of the plentiful imagery of the world,   

that I am the sound of rain on the roof.   

I also happen to be the shooting star,   

the evening paper blowing down an alley,   

and the basket of chestnuts on the kitchen table.   

I am also the moon in the trees   

and the blind woman's tea cup.   

But don't worry, I am not the bread and the knife.   

You are still the bread and the knife.   

You will always be the bread and the knife,

not to mention the crystal goblet and—somehow—the wine.

Billy Collins, “Litany” from Nine Horses. Copyright © 2002 by Billy Collins. Reprinted with the permission of Random House, Inc.

Source: Poetry (February 2002).

Check out this post for more Billy Collins fun:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVu4Me_n91Y

Thankful Thursday -- November 11, 2010

So it's Thankful Thursday again and I'm struggling to come up with my list this morning. It's not that I'm not grateful. It's more about not feeling well. 

I have been having "female" troubles (as my grandmother would've said) for the past several months. Last week I gave in and went to the doctor about it. Given my history, the idea of this kind of exam makes me anxious. I spoke with my primary care physician last week, and knowing my history she suggested I go straight to the gynecologist. Blech! 

It so happens that the ob/gyn practice in her building is owned by a friend of mine from high school. These doctors delivered my babies (you know the ones that are 20 and 17 respectively!) so I do have a previous relationship with them. I went across the hall and asked the receptionist if I could have a word with Dr. "X" as I was an old friend of his. She looked pretty skeptical, but took my name and went to check with the doctor. In a few minutes she came back, all smiles, and said I could wait in his office. (I guess she hears that kind of thing all the time.) So I went to wait in the office. I decided I would feel better just laying the PTSD and abuse on the table right up front. 

When he came in, I explained the medical reason for my visit, and then dumped the emotional issues on him. He is also my best friend's gyn. He offered for her to come with me to the exam (I just may take him up on it!). I think it's going to be okay and I'd really like to get this taken care of. 

I was supposed to see him today, BUT Aunt Flow showed up yesterday -- of course! So the appointment's been changed to next Wednesday. I feel like crap, but at least I set the appointment. I hope to be feeling better for the weekend, and then get this appointment behind me. In a long-winded way I guess I'm saying that I'm thankful for having taken control of a situation that I needed to handle, and working on making my life better.

May your Thankful Thursday be full of blessings. Check out Women Taking a Stand for more sharing of gratitude.

The Simple Woman's Daybook -- November 9th

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is cool and clear. The chickadees are enjoying the seeds in the bird feeder. The doves have moved on from cleaning up the seeds dropped on the ground.

I am thinking...about what is really important for the upcoming holiday season. I really want this season to be calmer. More about people and feelings, than about stuff.

I am thankful for...having everyone under one roof and all getting along so well. It is a blessing!

From the learning rooms...a paper on Davy Crockett; watching movie adaptations of Frankenstein; German; and ACT prep (again!).

From the kitchen...a fresh batch of homemade hot chocolate mix and plans for more pumpkin bread. Also the first batch of Teddy Bear mix for our weekend family get away.

I am wearing...my summer weight robe. Does anyone see a problem with this? I do! I have no winter weight robe.

I am creating...new prayer strands and rosaries. I hope to be posting new ones soon on my Etsy store.

I am going...to physical therapy, and then spending the afternoon with my bf, LB.

I am reading...The Feast and Stalin's Ghost.

I am hoping...for a good day with productivity, rest and quiet time.

I am hearing...quiet, which is lovely.

Around the house...things are coming together bit by bit. Dh has begun painting in the remodeled bathroom.

One of my favorite things...is feeling at peace. Things have been hectic for the past several weeks, but I think (hope) we are returning to a more peaceful routine around here.

A few plans for the rest of the week...a doctor's appt that I'm not looking forward to. Two Bible studies this week, and more crafting I hope.

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

New prayer beads for the shop!

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Update on Fall Into Reading 2010

Well I thought it might be time for an update on my reading program. So far I've completed two of my six books, plus one unplanned read.


1. The English American by Alison Larkin. This was an interesting read, based on the author's on experience as an American baby adopted by British parents. It wasn't the usual predictable feel good story, but rather a more realistic picture of the issues that adopted individuals deal with. Plus the characters were likable and intriguing.

2. Caught Stealing by Charlie Huston. This one was a bit of a stretch for me. One friend highly recommended this series. When I posted that I was planning to read this, another friend warned that I might want to reconsider this. The book is laced with extreme violence and foul language. Now I'm a big girl. I read The Millennium Trilogy. I got through the whole thing relatively unscathed, with Caught Stealing the violence felt gratuitous and unnecessary (in the volume included, anyway). Hank, the main character, is an interesting addition to fiction heroes, but I don't think he's worth two more books laced with detailed violence.

3. The Myth of You and Me by Leah Stewart. This one was unplanned. When I completed #2, I started The Feast: How to Serve Jesus in a Famished World by Joshua Graves. It is excellent and I'm still working on it. It is not good bedtime reading, however, because it makes me think too much! I pulled Stewart's book off my shelf just to have something to read at night. I was quickly pulled into a fascinating story about female relationships and the impact that they have on our lives. I highly recommend this one.

So that's where I am so far. I'm still reading The Feast and need to pick up the new Dexter book, but oh yeah, I started another novel I already had here at home, Stalin's Ghost by Martin Cruz Smith. I'll let you know how this next batch goes. Until then, Happy Reading!

Saturday Poetry --- A Book by Emily Dickinson

A Book

There is no frigate like a book

To take us lands away,

Not any coursers like a page

Of prancing poetry.

This traverse may the poorest take

Without oppress of toll;

How frugal is the chariot

That bears a human soul!

Simple Woman's Daybook -- November 2nd

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is STILL pitch black! I am ready for the time change.

I am thinking...about how busy the last week has been. I haven't felt as if I've had the time to do any of the usual stuff. Home from vacation, dd is home, a sick doggie who had to have surgery and is still requiring extra trips to the vet -- Calgon take me away! (But I still don't have a bathtub!)

I am thankful for...that dd is home and apparently doing so well! She has a job interview later today.

From the learning rooms...we met with ds' history teacher last week. I had him for history when I was in high school, so it was lovely to see him. He admitted he doesn't teach like he used to, mores the pity! He really should have moved on to university teaching, so it looks like it's going to be a really long year for ds and history!

From the kitchen...freezer bread just came out of the oven for breakfast.

I am wearing...my winter gown and my summer robe! It might be time to start swapping out the clothes officially!

I am creating...a rosary to complete an order for my Etsy store, and then I'm making fleece ponchos for dd and me to wear on our autumn trip to Pickett Park.

I am going...to the doctor today. Blech! Going to talk about "female" troubles and see if she has any plausible suggestions.

I am reading...The Feast by Josh Graves. It is wonderful!

I am hoping...to be able to slow down a bit and clarify what I really want to be doing with my time. I feel as if I am a leaf being pushed along by a strong autumn wind!

I am hearing...silence -- which would normally be lovely, except ds is supposed to be getting ready for school.

Around the house...the laundry (and ironing) are calling my name.

One of my favorite things...is the smell of autumn leaves! Dd and I have been walking the dogs together and we both enjoy the smell of sugar maple leaves and pine needles mingling in the cool autumn air.

A few plans for the rest of the week...slowing down! I need more time to think than I have been getting lately, so I am making a deliberate effort to allow more quiet in my life.

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