Goodbyes

The reason it hurts so much to separate is because our souls are connected. ~Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

Tomorrow Alfred is leaving for two months of Army training in Georgia. Neither of us like being apart, but we'll get to talk every night by phone. Today will be filled with last minute preparations - packing, haircut, and the like. I will make a special homemade dinner, lasagna with buttered dinner rolls.

I bought the cutest little Valentine card to slip into his bag as a surprise since he won't be here for Valentine's Day. He has some surprise he's been planning for the last month, but I won't get it until he comes home in March. I've tried bribing the kids for hints but they won't talk! :)

While Alfred is gone, I will be working on projects around my house ( decluttering and painting walls). Before too long (hopefully!) it will start warming up and I can begin working in my yard and garden. Bringing beauty to my home inside and out...

Secret #4 ~ Surrendering to Creative Cycles

This week in our book study hosted by the fabulous Jamie, we are surrendering to our creative cycles:

I had never paid much attention to the highs and lows of the creative cycle. In reality, I didn't even realize that is what it was. I just knew at times I was bursting with ideas and enthusiasm and at other times I had such low-energy and felt scattered.

When I am on the high end of the creative cycle, I tend to get things done that I have avoided. I feel good. I am optimistic.

But on the low end, I don't want to get out of bed. Thinking back, I need a bit more quiet and solitude. If it's warm, I go outside to sit and ponder life. I journal and get everything down on paper. I take more naps. I seem to focus more on self-care during these times.

I am wondering if our creative cycles are linked to our hormonal cycles? I think they very well could be.

I loved what Leah said during her interview with Jamie. She uses the low times to explore and refill the well so that when the high times come, she is full of creative ideas. It is a reminder to me that the low times have their purpose and it's not all bad.

What a relief! ;)

Happiness

Some pursue happiness, others create it. ~ Author Unknown

There was a period of time in my life when I was very unhappy. My marriage was strained. I sought control and perfection. Stress brought about health problems. I thought stuff would fill the aching emptiness in my soul. But it never did...

It wasn't until I accepted the reality of my situation that my life began to change. It wasn't instantaneous, but I began to slow down and really think about where my life was headed. I had to be still, go within, and re-evaluate everything in my life.

I realized I had to let go. It wasn't easy. Change rarely is. Slowly, but surely my life began to change. My outlook on life changed. I began to change.

I held my breath expecting failure, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Sometimes there were setbacks, but I persisted in moving forward. My marriage improved. I started to laugh again, and sing, and create. I spent time out in nature thinking and journaling. I started to count my blessings. I began to pray again.

My days are now filled with a greater sense of peace and contentment. I choose to look at life through rose-colored glasses. I make the best decisions I can at the time and trust that things will work out for my good. Life is not perfect, but the good far outweighs the bad.

I learned the secret to happiness. The power was within me all along. I had to create my own happiness...

Specialists in Living

During the dark days of the Depression an editorial in the October 1932 issue of Ladies' Home Journal encouraged readers to remember that "The return of good times is not wholly a matter of money. There is a prosperity of living which is quite as important as prosperity of the pocketbook." But the magazine stressed that "It is not not enough to be willing to make the best of things as they are. Resignation will get us nowhere. We must build what amounts to a new country. We must revive the ideals of the founders. We must learn the new values of money. It is time for pioneering--to create a new security for the home and family....Where we were specialists in spending, we are becoming specialists in living."
~an excerpt from Simple Abundance

How fitting this thought is for this day and time!

Why do we get so caught up in the cares of this world that we forget to relish in the simple joys and rhythms of everyday life?

It is my mission to create a glorious home life...a home life so merry and grand that no privations shall be felt by my family as we strive to become debt-free. But how? By using my skills and creativity and making use of free resources available to us.

From the most basic ingredients I can fulfill my family's need for nourishment and make it pleasing to both the taste buds and the eye. I can bake cookies, pies, and cakes. With a few inexpensive seeds, I can create gardens of flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

With a can of paint and a few yards of material, I can transform a room and refresh tired furnishings. With a needle and thread, I can stitch quaint pictures to frame, embroider pillowcases, or add a lace edging to my bath towels.

With my library card, I can borrow thousands of dollars worth in books, dvds, and music cds. We can explore the different parks in our area, go to the beach or the river, and walk the bike trail. With the internet, the world is my oyster...I can research anything I am interested in, I can find how-to instructions for do-it-yourself projects, and correspond with others near or far!

The girls and I love to browse the thrift shops to find quality housewares, clothing, books, etc. for pennies on the dollar. So when in need of a particular item, we start checking those shops and often can find what we need at a fraction of the retail price.

All that is required is a little ingenuity and a shift in perspective.

I am choosing to focus on today - to make it the best day ever - filled with simple pleasures and joy for the taking. To give myself over to the sacred in the ordinary, to add more beauty in my life. To spread cheer, encourage others, and offer a smile to all who cross my path.

A life well-lived is a treasure, a testament of faith, and shows the determination of the human spirit to not only survive, but thrive against all odds.

Birds in Nature

A forest bird never wants a cage. ~ Henrik Ibsen

Love (for Alfred)

Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imagination. ~Voltaire

Seventeen years. That's how long we've been together. I have spent half of my life with you. We have grown up and grown together over the years. And now I can't imagine my life without you.

I love you because:
~ you are so handsome
~ you make me laugh hysterically
~ you like my cooking
~ you are strong
~ you know how to do so many things
~ you are adventurous
~ you like to listen to me sing
~ you give great massages
~ you are still a mystery
~ you are a good provider
~ you are supportive and encouraging
and
~ you love me for who I am and who I am becoming.

I love you, honey, and look forward to spending the rest of my life with you.

Love, ME
xoxo

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ January 26th Edition

FOR TODAY January 26, 2009...
Outside my window... it looks to be a dreary day with gray skies and a bit of fog. The squirrels are scampering about searching for food and nuts they hid during the warm months. The bird feeder is full with feathered patrons gathered 'round.

I am thinking...about how much I'll miss Alfred when he leaves for two months of Army training!

I am thankful for... the gift of a brand new day.

From the learning rooms... living books, painting shows, Van Gogh, poetry, math, algebra, nature, spelling words

From the kitchen... sloppy joes for dinner and an apple pie.

I am wearing... jeans, white tee, and a red cardigan sweater.

I am creating... space in which to breathe.

I am going... to karate practices this evening.

I am reading... the Bible, Simple Abundance, 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women

I am hoping... to get a new dryer this week!

I am hearing... classical music - String Quintet No. 21 by George Onslow

Around the house... I am still in the process of decluttering and simplifying which is coming along quite nicely.

One of my favorite things... quiet morning times.

A few plans for the rest of the week: visit the farm down the road if the weather is nice, Karate practices, help Alfred get ready for his trip, schedule the girls' haircuts...

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Please visit Peggy's blog to participate or to read other Daybooks.

Thanks for stopping by!

Gratitude List ~ Week 4

Photo: Abundance Highway

~ Our taxes have been filed and we're getting a smallish refund.

~ Russel Stover chocolates

~ The path of simplicity...

~ Lower phone & electricity bills for the month.

~ A menu plan for the week with all of the needed ingredients in my pantry.

Secret #3 - Follow Your Fascinations

This week is about following your fascinations in Jamie Ridler's 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women book study. It is safe to say I was far more adventurous as a child than I am today, but I am a rebel at heart.

I am fascinated by the idea of living a unique life - not following along unconsciously with the norms of society because that's what everyone else is doing. I like to question things and come to my own conclusions. I have always been different from others in my every day life, too. How boring would life be if everyone were the same and liked the same things? I thrive on variety and being eclectic.

My main focus this week has been on my home as I clear out the excess. I am intrigued by the idea of living small after seeing the tiny apartments (at 382 sq. ft. and 478 sq. ft. respectively) Sara used to live in. It has just spurred me on in the process of simplifying and decluttering. I am fascinated and inspired!

What encourages me and helps me to be brave? Positive feedback. Journaling. Talking things through. Other people's stories of how they conquered obstacles and had the courage to walk the path of their own making. Prayer.

I haven't done much in the way of writing other than blogging, but I did dabble in the writing of a short story. I shared it on my blog here. That was my biggest risk of the week. It felt good to face the fear and my inner critic and do it anyway!

From Chaos to an Oasis

Photo: Pottery Barn Kids

The decluttering process continues! I tackled the girls' room yesterday and what a mess it was. Three hours later, there were two garbage bags of junk disposed of and two dollhouses, one box of clothes, two unused book bags, three Easter baskets, and two bags of toys/dollhouse accessories that are heading to charity. Did I mention there was four loads of laundry that needed to be done?!!

I have a feeling there will be more decluttering to be done in the future - particularly with their clothes. But it feels so great to get rid of all this stuff. It's like a little more weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

Now their room is a peaceful oasis where they can play, create, and have the sweetest dreams as they sleep.
***
* I will post about Secret #3 from 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women later today when I have more time!

An Award

Gypsy from Barefoot in the Sand has given me this lovely Triple Award. Thank you Gypsy!

Be sure to check out Gypsy's blog...she is so creative and makes lovely collages!

Green Joy

Plants cry their gratitude for the sun in green joy. ~Astrid Alauda

Violet's New Life

Violet Young woke up long before the sun arose over the horizon. Wrapping herself up in her robe as she went, she made her way into the kitchen to get the kettle going for coffee and to get a start on breakfast before her husband, Tyler, woke up. She believed in starting the day with a good hearty breakfast.

With the aromas of sausage, biscuits, and country gravy wafting through the house, Tyler snuck up behind Violet wrapping his arms about her waist and with a quick kiss on the cheek, said, "That smells mighty fine, ma'am.", in his best cowboy voice with a twinkle in his eyes. "You best eat before it gets cold," she said with blush-stained cheeks. After all these years, Tyler could still make her blush like a school girl!

They sat down to a prettily set table and enjoyed their breakfast and morning conversation. They discussed plans for the day. For Tyler, there was Spring planting to tend to. For Violet, there was homemaking duties, chickens to feed, and to tend to the needs of their young children. Each day was full and satisfying.

It had been a year since they had moved out of the city onto their little farm. Their family and friends thought they were crazy, but they desired something more from life. They were no longer content to live unconsciously. So they had buckled down and paid off their debts as quickly as possible, while they built up their savings. In the meantime, they learned all they could about frugality and living as self-sufficiently as they could.

As luck would have it, on a Sunday afternoon drive, they stumbled upon a quaint farmhouse situated on a couple acres of land on the outskirts of town. The price was within their means as it was a sight to be seen, but Violet could envision a lovely home. It had good bones, but was in need of a lot of elbow grease, time, and tender loving care.

Then the real work began. The home and property had been uninhabited for several years. The grounds were overgrown with weeds and vines and the house was covered in a thick layer of dust and grime. They rolled up their sleeves and worked diligently from dawn until dusk day after day.

Most of the elders on neighboring farms chuckled as they watched the Young's humble beginnings. But one day, Joshua Phillips arrived on his bush hog to offer Tyler help clearing the property of it's underbrush. His wife, Eva, had followed in their old red pickup to help Violet in the house. They had not forgotten what it was like starting out. The Phillips freely shared their knowledge with Tyler and Violet and a friendship built on respect quickly bloomed.

It was hard to believe that a year had passed already, but Violet was happier than she had ever been. She had told Tyler so just this morning and he heartily agreed with her. "Every day with you, love, is the best day of my life." he'd said before he kissed her and started his work for the day. She smiled to herself at the recollection.

What was not to love about their new life? They lived by and enjoyed the fruit of their own hands. Their children were able to run free in the fresh air and sunshine, surrounded by nature. Though they were living lighter upon this precious earth, their lives were richer and more satisfying. They worked hard and sleep came to them easily each night.

The Young family considered themselves blessed for they were living the good life.

An Old Favorite

Yesterday, the kids and I watched The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross. I used to watch this show when I was a teen! Now I am glad I get to share it with my children.

Bob loved nature and had the most calm, soothing voice. As he paints he talks about the happy little trees or fluffy little clouds that he is painting. He made painting seem easy and would say that there are no mistakes, only happy accidents (and even those can be fixed).

Kenzie wants to be a painter and as the show started there was already some paint on the canvas. She says "it doesn't look like anything!" It will, I say, just give it time. By the end of the show, she was won over. She wants his books and dvds now!

Bob left this world much too soon in 1995, but thankfully his shows are still aired on PBS stations. If you have the chance to watch one of his shows, please do. You won't regret it!

Order and Simplicity

In Simple Abundance, Sarah Ban Breathnach writes:

"Begin to think of order not as a straight-jacket of "shoulds" (make the bed, wash the dishes, take out the garbage) but as a shape - the foundation - for the beautiful new life you are creating."

This thought struck a cord within me and I have been pondering it for several days. Order is an essential component to creating a life of simplicity for me. I am re-evaluating every item in our home and am letting go of all that is unnecessary.

As I release the excess, I feel freer and have greater clarity. I can then fully appreciate the belongings I do have because they are not overpowered by tons of stuff. I can find what I need with ease. Cottage-keeping is made simpler, leaving me time and energy for other worthwhile pursuits.

How lovely it will be to have just enough and nothing more! It is my goal to have clear spaces - nothing under the beds, in the corners of the rooms, and flat surfaces streamlined. A place for everything and everything in its place.

I am creating a new life of order and simplicity.

Simplicity

It's pretty bad when you take an afternoon nap and dream of decluttering! But the fact is, I have been thinking a lot about just that and how it corresponds to simplicity.

If that wasn't enough, after watching the Karate Kid movie marathon last weekend, I am finding I am increasingly drawn to Asian culture and decor. It appears to be centered around nature and natural elements. It's simple in design and I like the fact that there can be great beauty in simplicity.

I like the idea of a minimalist lifestyle, but I'm not sure I can go to quite that extreme. It is my ideal to simplify, to let go of the material excess - only keeping what is useful and beautiful. I'd rather have quality over quantity. Time to spend on the things that really matter - relationships and time to pursue my passions - this is what a quality life is made of.

"Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." ~Lao Tzu

Cheesy Potato Soup

3 cups peeled, diced potatoes
2 cups water
3/4 cup diced celery
3/4 cup diced carrots
1 Tbsp. minced onion
2 tsp. dried parsley
2 cups milk
1 cup Velveeta, cubed

Put water in pot. Add potatoes, celery, carrots, onion, parsley; cook until tender. Add the milk & cheese.

Turn heat to low & simmer until cheese is well melted. Add salt & pepper to taste.

Serve with cornbread!

*For picky eaters - eliminate celery, carrots, onion, and parsley as shown in picture above. Still tastes fabulous!

Gratitude List ~ Week 3

~ Connecting with kindred spirits through the 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women book study.

~ Learning something new on daily!

~ Singing along to my favorite songs.

~ Sipping hot cocoa on cold nights from a heavy red mug.

~ Falling into a peaceful sleep almost as soon as I lay my head upon my pillow.

Rhythms of Home

The weekend is finally here! We've had an especially busy week with an extra karate practice thrown in and just life in general. When life seems hectic and is at risk of spinning into orbit, I graciously step off of life's carousel to regain my equilibrium and restore my inner peace.

It is time for the comfortable rhythms of home.

This morning I gathered up the dry, crusty bread bits to toss to my feathered friends. They waited in the tree branches, tilting their heads from side to side, curious by my actions. It has been so cold here the past few days and they are going through the birdseed in record time. I watched a buzzard glide just above the tree tops, so graceful and seemingly effortless as he was carried by the wind currents. In the distance, I heard a hawk's screech.

Now I can turn my attentions to my home's interior.

There is laundry to be done. What a blessing on a cold day to pull the clean laundry from the dryer - warm and fragrant. I inhale the scent and whisper a prayer of blessing, gratitude, or a plea for help as I fold each person's clothing.

Baking always draws forth from me the spirit of homemaking. Donning a homespun apron, surrounded by my mixing bowl, big spoon, and measuring cups, I provide nourishment for my family with by the fruit of my own two hands. At times I experiment, much like a scientist, adding a dab of this or a bit of that.

Today I will prepare my homemade hot chocolate mix and will bake cookies for my family. Even when the budget is tight, I can often come up with some baked treat for dessert. I try my best to create an atmosphere of abundance within my home. Homemade luxuries help with that. If Mama has made dessert, things can't be all that bad...

And with those thoughts, I will close for now. Wishing you a restful weekend. Stay warm and cozy indoors with happy occupations!

Week 2 - Honoring Your Inspirations

I tend to be free-spirited and can not stand to feel boxed in and scheduled. My tendency has always been to do things as I feel like it. Some things must be tended to regularly, especially when you have a family, like meals, laundry, and karate practice. Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and panic attacks (though the latter is improving), I have my physical limitations as well.

With that being said, it is my chief aim in life to make my home a place of beauty and inspiration, and a peaceful haven. I am continually evolving as a woman and keeper of the cottage. Ten years ago, I read Simple Abundance for the first time and my life was forever changed. I had discovered what made my heart burn with passion. I wanted to write!

Never before had the written word touched me in such a way, but I squashed it down with excuses and self-criticism. The glowing embers quietly burned within me, patiently waiting for me to step outside of my comfort zone, let go of my excuses, hush my fears and simply begin!

My inspirations are many. I inherited a love of music and reading from my Mama. Nature soothes my soul and invokes in me the sacred out of the ordinary. I am drawn to beautiful images and photography. I sketch, make collages, ATCs, cross-stitch, and embroider. I am a novice gardener. I sing and make up silly songs out of conversational phrases at the drop of a hat.

On a more practical level, I tackle home improvements myself as finances allow. I concoct potions as I learn more about home remedies and homemade cleaning agents. I try new recipes and turn humble meals into feasts. I am finding the home is a well-spring of inspiration. I write about what I know...my life.

My life is my art!

Food Adventures

The art of living easily as to money is to pitch your scale of living one degree below your means.
~Sir Henry Taylor

Determined to slash as many expenses as possible over the coming year in order to save more money and apply more money to debt pay-off, I am re-evaluating the food budget. I make much of our food from scratch with the exception of breakfast. The reason being I am not a morning person. But I am willing to change that in order to stretch my husband's pay as far as possible and quicken our path to debt-freedom.

As I did the grocery shopping this morning, I intentionally avoided the cereal aisle with all of its sweet sugary temptations. I did have the girls with me after all!

Once home, I made a list of breakfast possibilities. I had great deal of breakfast items on hand already, so I didn't need to buy much. Here's my list:

Oatmeal with fruit and milk
Pancakes
Muffins
Toast of various kinds
Fruit smoothies w/fresh strawberries
Eggs, bacon, and cheese grits

Not too shabby, eh? There's a nice variety and they are all relatively easy to make. Thankfully, they actually like my home-cooking. I think Alfred will be shocked as I am going to get up early enough to send him off to work after having eaten a good breakfast, but you gotta keep them on their toes by doing the unexpected.

It makes life a little more interesting!

The Simple Life

To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life.
~John Burroughs

Swirling Creativity

Creativity is swirling around within these four walls. As I have made my writing a priority, I am seeing glimpses of creativity and passion in my children as well.

Kenzie has always been a mover and a shaker. She likes to do things, explore, run. She's adventurous, wild at heart, and carefree. And now she has declared her passion is painting and she will be a painter when she grows up. She will have her art to show her children and grandchildren. "Sure it's messy, but it's fun!" she says.


Right now as I write she is happily painting, humming sweet little songs to herself.
She's found her bliss...

Gratitude - an excerpt

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Do you keep a gratitude journal? On Sundays, I make a list of five things I am grateful for. My list may contain things like: a purring feline in my lap, a new recipe my family loved, hugs and kisses from my family, a glorious afternoon nap with rain on the roof top, or feeling refreshed after sitting outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine watching nature.

It is better to keep a daily list, but just the fact that I am acknowledging the goodness that already exists in my life ought to count for something, right? The point is no matter how horrible things may seem, I have an abundance of things to be grateful for. And gratitude opens the door for more to be welcomed into my life, because it (whatever it is) is appreciated and not taken for granted.

How much better it is to look at life through rose-colored glasses and focus on the good things! Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. When life seems its bleakest, there is almost always a silver lining. This, too, shall pass. Why make the time harder than it is?

Instead of wallowing in self-pity and despair, I find it best to keep myself busy. I will put on music I love (the louder the better!) and tackle cleaning chores I have put off due to time limitations. Cleaning out closets is a good activity. Or how about giving one room a deep cleaning? Stretching, scrubbing, rearranging, decluttering. As I get into my work it helps to clear my head and I feel better afterwards. I'm no longer fretting over that which I can not change and I also have the perk of a cleaner home as a side benefit.

Most of the time, my problems are not so great that they can not be solved. Maybe I need a creative solution and I am just having trouble thinking outside-the-box? When the weather is nice (read warm), I like to sit outside with the sun beaming down on me with an ice cold drink and my journal. Taking in the fresh air and nature's wild beauty is soothing to my spirit. As I write, often a simple solution comes to mind. Now satisfied, I return indoors to my family with a sense of calm and a smiling face.

On occasion, I will have none of the above, thank-you-very-much! On those dark days, I allow myself the day to pout, mourn, or nurse my wound - real or imagined. Comfort is an absolute necessity. Perhaps a good cry is needed or a bit of solitude. Sometimes it is hard to pin-point exactly what it is I need, but the yearning for what is missing remains. By simply allowing myself to feel those negative feelings and let them pass, I have found that they do indeed pass and the brighter, sunshiny days return.

I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing. ~Agatha Christie

Education is Life

The girls asked for homemade muffins, so I looked up a recipe online and decided upon Nigella Lawson's Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins. Sheer BLISS, were they! I enjoyed mine with milk as I reading the latest issue of Country Home.

The girls were happily occupied with board games. A childhood favorite of mine, Perfection, and Connect 4. We were listening to classic rock. I am amazed at the wide variety of music my children both know and love. Connections were made - both in learning and on a heart level.

Flipping through the channels, we found a painting/art show on a public tv station, called Brush with Nature. It is a how-to series based on the oil-painting techniques of Heiner Hertling, an artist who works outdoors and each episode includes a painting lesson. Today, he painted a fox. We also enjoy watching Bob Ross. We clocked the shows so we can watch them each week.

There is always so much to do and to learn. To be able to pursue our interests and passions, learning along the way, is one of life's greatest blessings! Now we are off to the library to find things that are interesting and fun.

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. ~John Dewey

Good Things

Inspired by an older post at Under a Pink Sky, I decided to write out my list of good things.

Watching:: birds at the feeder, landscapes on country roads, the number on the scale, what I eat, the sky...

Listening:: to birds singing, 80s hair bands, laughter, the clock ticking, purring cats...

Doing:: Yahtzee, blogging, journaling, frequent trips to the library, writing, exercise, cottage-keeping, singing, dreaming...

Creating:: a book, inspiration collages, oatmeal raisin chocolate chip cookies, memories, fun...

Thinking:: of Alfred, coloring my hair dark brown, commitment & discipline, simplicity...

Wishing:: for Spring to come soon, abundance, peace, a bit of solitude, balance...

Reading:: many blogs, decorating magazines, Simple Abundance, The 12 Habits of Highly Creative Women, The Secret, cookbooks...

Feeling:: courageous!

Inspiration for Today

Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. ~Harold Whitman

What makes you come alive?

I've Taken the Plunge

I am now in the process of writing my first book! It is a non-fiction account of a year in my life as I journey toward greater simplicity and that it entails. I will share my joys, struggles, reflections, as well as lessons learned along the way.

In a time of economic uncertainty, I believe there are readers who are not merely looking for a how-to book, but rather a glimmer of hope and truth. It is my wish that I may offer both to my readers. We all need a bit more inspiration in our lives.

Here's to A Year of Simplicity!

Gratitude List ~ Week 2

~ Creating a cottage-keeping notebook to help become better organized.

~ The vast amount of information and knowledge available on the internet.

~ Taking a nap on dark, rainy days.

~ Finding ways to further reduce expenses to enable us to save more.

~ Finding inspiration everywhere...

My Best Cookies Ever

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1.5 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cups walnuts (optional)

Directions:
Preheat over to 350 degrees

In large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light & fluffy.

Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda & salt; stir into the butter mixture until well blended.

Mix in chocolate chips & walnuts.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 8-10 minutes in preheated oven, or just until set.

Cool slightly on the cookie sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

*My family has now declared these cookies their favorites!*

Enjoy!

Secret #1: Acknowledging Your Creative Self

"Your creativity is waiting for you like a dancing partner."
~ Barbara Sher

I am participating in Jamie Ridler's blogging book group on Gail McMeekin's book, "The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women. As I read the first chapter, several sentences jumped out at me.

"Painting, writing, decorating, and gardening emerged as glorious expressions of my awakened creative self."

"I had to acknowledge that I was indeed an artist at heart. I've always been intrigued by creative souls."

and...

"Claiming my artistic self as a woman became the path to healing and recreating my life."

This is where I am on my journey. I had believed that in order to be considered an artist I would need to make extravagant crafts, make realistic sketches, or write exquisite poetry. I enjoy dabbling in these things on occasion and when the mood strikes - but perhaps those are not my gifts.

What if my gifts are of a more practical nature? Creating a lovely home on a budget, gardening, cooking mostly from scratch, baking delicious treats, embroidery, mothering, nurturing relationships...

I am passionate about music that moves me and speaks to my soul. I love to sing simply for the joy it brings and my husband loves it when I sing. I am never without a book in progress. I keep a journal religiously, but my dream...

For years, I have yearned to write a book. I begin and then trash it. It's not good enough. What do I know anyway? I am just a stay-at-home wife and mother. The excuses are a mile long. It is time to break free from these fears and move forward and unleash the creative longing in my spirit and transform my life in the process.

Dreams and Gardens

In my garden there is a large place for sentiment. My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams. The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful. ~Abram L. Urban

Just Ask!

Down the road, there is an older couple who has a small hobby farm. We drive by there every day and love to look at the cows, horse, goats, and chickens. I saw the lady outside and stopped. I asked if she was still selling eggs. She is!

Then I asked if I could bring the girls down one day when they fed the cows so we could watch. We just happened to be driving by one day at feeding time and the cows were running across the pasture...It was the funniest thing! She said sure. She'd even let the girls help feed them. Then she said Red the horse needed some attention, too.

How cool is that? Country people rock! They are so open to sharing their lives and knowledge with others who are sincerely interested.

One day soon when the weather is nice we'll go up there to visit and see the animals up close. I had been telling the girls I was going to stop and ask her one day and I think they were surprised that I actually did it. Kenzie asked me if I was scared. I said I wasn't because the worst she could say was no.

It was another reminder that it never hurts to ask!

For Kendall

Sixteen years ago today, I held you in my arms for the first time. I counted your fingers and toes. I held you close and covered you in a million kisses. My baby.

Now here you are, taller than I. You are kind-hearted and fun. You bring laughter to our home with your sense of humor. You still share what's going on in your world with me. You are open to new ideas, to possibilities.

On this day, I wish for you that all your dreams will come true, for continued growth and learning, to maintain a sense of wonder about the world around you, abundance, wisdom, to live with passion, to be a seeker of joy, to find peace and contentment as you live a life of your own in this world.

Happy 16th Birthday, Kendall! We love you!

My Living Room

This is where the blog magic happens...

Just another angle to get a full shot of my desk area...

My comfy couch....pay no attention to the duster!
How did I miss that?

My "coffee" table, formerly a wooden toy box.

Trying to get a decent shot of the top of the tv. I love my Sea Captain that sits atop. He has such character.

Thanks for visiting my living room!

Fluff or Fitness?

I have taken the plunge and committed myself to regular exercise. I've always longed to be fit, but lacked the motivation and discipline to keep it up. I have never been physically fit. I was never into sports as a child as I leaned more towards the arts. When Alfred & I met, I was simply young and thin.

Now I am ready to take control of my health and reshape my body! I love soda, but it doesn't love me so I am reducing my soda intake and am now drinking 2 quarts of water daily. Oxygen magazine is a wonderful resource for fitness and nutrition as well as a source of inspiration.

I'll share weeks one and two of my plan for those interested:

Strength Training: Do 2 sets of 15 repetitions for each exercise
Cardio: Start with 20 minutes; add 5 minutes each week

Mon: Upper Body
Tues: Cardio
Wed: Rest
Thurs: Lower Body
Fri: Cardio
Sat: Rest
Sun: Cardio

Upper Body Exercises: Do in numeric order!
1. Push ups
2. Bent Over Dumbbell Row
3. Dumbbell Shoulder Press
4. Dips
5. Biceps Hammer Curls
6. Crunches

Lower Body Exercises:
1. Squat
2. Stability Ball Hamstring Curl
3. Lunge
4. Side Lunge
5. Calf Raise

Before every strength workout: Warm up 5-10 minutes with light cardio (march in place).

After every strength & cardio workout: Cool down 5-10 minutes. Follow u with light stretching and flexibility work.

Breakfast should be your biggest meal! Go for oatmeal & berries, followed by boiled or scrambled egg whites and a slice of dry toast. Make tea, coffee, or water your beverage.

*Other meals should be prepared the night before & eaten every 2.5-3 hours to keep your metabolism up. You need a lean protein paired with a carb for energy.

Meal Ideas:
Grilled chicken breast & an apple
Water packed tuna & brown rice
Cottage cheese & a salad
Egg Whites & a sweet potato
Ezekial bread & 1 Tbsp. nut butter
Beans & chopped barley

Don't worry if you don't have all the equipment or the right foods. Many exercises can be modified to allow for medical conditions and you can do a lot using just your body weight or use soup cans instead of dumbbells.

Foods - cut out all the processed junk & sugar. Eat more veggies & whole grains. Eat smaller portions. Use a small salad plate instead of a regular dinner plate for meals....a little trick I use.

Above all, just start!

And then continue to be consistent!

Really, that's all there is to it!

Prettying Up My Kitchen

Saturday while Alfred was gone, I focused my attention on prettying up my kitchen. It's not perfect by any means....there are many things I still want to do in the area of home improvement, but it's neat, clean, and organized. :)

This is where my counter starts...coffee central. I don't drink coffee, but I make it for Alfred. I love the little John Deere tractor tin that holds the sugar/creamer. It has a cute country scene on it. I'd like to find cute glass containers to gold the creamer/sugar. I'll have to keep my eyes open at the thrift shops.

This picture is rather dark, but this is my sink and the view out of the window. I have a wind-chime hanging in the window. Once Alfred re-installs my curtain rod, I'll hang my country cottage curtains.

Trying to get better lighting, but it didn't work too well...

Here I added the little rack above the stove to hold my most used spices/salt & pepper shakers. The crock pot is out because I was cooking a roast. See the cow & pig pot holders hanging on the wall? That was my very first cross-stitch project about 12 years ago! I still think they are cute. :)

This is the end of my island. My silverware currently is in cups made by my children when Alfred was in Iraq. They didn't look very organized in the drawer. The cups are a temporary solution until I can find something better. However, I do like the fact that they are easily accessible...

This is my microwave cabinet made to look cutesy with faux flowers, candles, and a cat cookie jar.

And finally, the kitchen table with various candles and a country cottage house. Please pay no attention to the wrinkled table cloth! We usually don't use one as the kids usually spill something on them or the cats decide to table surf...

Thanks for visiting my kitchen!