Guided by Love

Let your love be like the misty rains, coming softly, but flooding the river. ~Malagasy Proverb

Yesterday was pleasant overall. I started off not feeling very well, I slowly went about my planned tasks for the day with a quiet determination. Laundry, dishes, cleaning out the fridge, clearing my desk, dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and even time in the garden. Everything was accomplished in due time, because it was my desire to create a welcoming nest for my husband to come to.

I was guided by love.

It is love that causes one to create beauty in their home and life on a daily basis. A tidy home that smells fresh and looks pretty is a healing balm for the weary soul. To meet my husband's need for rest and rejuvenation is a blessing, given how he willingly goes out into the world to slay and conquer dragons in his effort to provide the best he can for our family. He is my hero; my knight in shining armor!

It is love that causes me to speak tenderly and overlook the occasional sharp tone of voice when he's tired and grumpy. Often it is due to work stress and I seek to be a light in the darkness. When he relaxes a bit and at last smiles, I know he is feeling better and all is well.

It is love that causes me to work hard here at home so that my husband has no worry that things will be taken care of on the home-front. I seek to stretch his paycheck as far as I possibly can in an effort to create a lovely home-life on a budget.

It is love that causes me to want to pretty up before my husband comes home. Often I'm still in my nightgown and robe when he leaves for work, so I want to look my best when he returns home at the end of the day. I stop what I'm doing and greet him with a smile, a kiss, and a glass of sweet tea.

Love lightens burdens. Knowing your loved makes the world a little brighter. At the end of the day, love is all that matters. Today, let love guide you in all you do...

Sunny Monday

Alfred returned to work this morning and I miss him already. But my heart is soothed by the knowledge that he will return home tonight and each night afterward.

Yesterday we worked in the yard ~ Alfred mowed and edged the lawn. I planted gladiolas and bright, happy-faced violas. I still have more to plant and I hope to get to it soon, but there are several days of rain expected this week. I'll just have to do it when I can.

I have felt so spoiled lately. I didn't feel well last night and Alfred ran me a warm bath {I may have over done it with yard work} and took care of me. When I turned out the light to go to bed he said to wake him if I needed him during the night. He is so sweet!

Today I will be flitting around the house tidying up and creating a restful haven of love, light, and beauty for my family. May your day be blessed!

The Journey

This is what my new car looks like. It's a black 2009 Dodge Journey. Did I want a new car? Not necessarily. But Alfred was concerned about a few quirky things that were acting up on my old car, particularly since the warranty had expired. Being a diesel technician for Chrysler, he knows the cost of repairs.

So Friday we were off to a car dealership. We had done some looking and research online and really liked the Journeys. We found one we liked that was a demo car for the owner's wife, so it was priced cheaper. The owner snatched his wife {not literally!} out of the car to sell it to us, but she can go pick out any other car she wants on the lot so it's not a big loss.

Anyway, Alfred was looking at the warranty - lifetime warranty on the power train {motor, transmission....all of the expensive repairs!}. We also wanted more room because my old car only held the five of us and when Alfred's son, Joel, comes to stay with us, someone has to stay home when we go anywhere or drive a second vehicle.

We got a great interest rate at 5.38% and surprisingly my credit rating was better than Alfred's which is funny because I do not work outside the home. But I was glad to see our credit rating has gone up.

I made sure I oohed and aahed over the car and expressed my utmost appreciation and girlish delight to my loving husband. Men really like to know that they are appreciated and all they really want is for us, women, to be happy. It makes all their hard work worthwhile.

Gratitude List ~ Week 12

~ Enjoying time with Alfred before he returns to work tomorrow.

~ Several flats of flowers given to me free by my neighbor.

~ Sunshine today after several days of rain and severe thunderstorms.

~ A new car with a fabulous warranty.

~ Seeing two deer standing along side the road.

Secret #12: Planning to Achieve Your Goals

We've come to the end of our blogging book group Jamie hosted on The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin.

I am an excellent planner. I love to write out my plans, but I am not always great about following through. There are several reasons for this. I get overwhelmed. I let life's distractions get in the way of pursuing my dream. And I have a tendency to put everyone else first and then have nothing left {time, energy, creative ideas} to give to myself.

Knowing my weaknesses, it is up to me to create pockets of time within my days to dream and write. No one else can do it for me. With that in mind, I am making a commitment to myself to spend at least thirty minutes each day writing.

No more excuses. Procrastination will not help me reach my dreams!

"The true secret of creativity is doing it."
~Cathleen Rountree

"For those who must follow the via creativa, the creative path, I say: Go. Go right now, and as soon, and as often as you can. Keep going."
~Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes

And my most favorite quote from this chapter:

"I am going to have a life with more ecstasy--this truly expansive connection, energy, and oneness." ~ Marilyn Veltrop

Yes! I am open to a life of creativity and abundance. I am allowing all good things to come into my life as I walk in gratitude and authenticity.

A Blog Award

Penelope from Penelope's Oasis has graciously awarded me the I <3 Your Blog award.

Thank you, Penelope! It is always an honor to receive awards.

Now I shall pass my award on to:

Holly Loves Art

My Unconventional Life

A Vision Splendid

Here are the Rules:

1. Add the award logo to your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you. (That's me!;-)
3. Give the award to other blogs. (However many you choose!)
4. Add links to those blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message (in the form of a comment) for your award recipients on their blogs.

enCouragingBliss: When We Were Six

this week's assignment from Christine from BlissChick:

Tell us what you were like when you were about six.

Would that little girl be happy with your life now?

When I was six, I was confident and carefree. I loved learning and had lots of friends. I was always outside playing. Mama said whenever I would go off from the house, I would return bossy. I loved to sing and can remember my Aunt Vonnie being amazed at how well I harmonized along with songs playing on the radio {I want to say the song was Islands in the Stream by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers}. I wanted to be a singer, a teacher, and a mommy.

As a 6 year old, I loved:
* birds
* music
* singing
* keeping my bedroom neat as a pin
* rearranging my furniture and pretties
* playing outside
*learning

I think the little girl I was would be happy with a good portion of my life as it is now with the exception of excessive worry, panic attacks that keep me home-bound much of the time, lack of true friends in real life, and not being able to keep my house as neat as I would like to.

The things I loved at the age of 6 are, for the most part, still with me. She just needs a little more courage to break out of her shell and play freely.

Thoughts for Another Rainy Day

Raindrops are like fairy whispers. ~Author Unknown

What are the fairies whispering to you?

Bella's Lullaby

One of my favorite scenes from Twilight. The piano music is so beautiful that it makes me want to cry...

Bliss

It's been pure bliss having Alfred home again. The children and I have missed him so much! Alfred will be home with us until Monday when he will return to civilian work. Until then, we shall treasure and enjoy our time with him.

The day is rainy and gray here today. Not that I mind...it creates the perfect atmosphere for restful naps. The master bedroom is all dark, like a cocoon. I like to sleep with a fan on for it's white noise, plus it helps block out the sounds from the main living area. Freshly laundered linens, lavender scented or clean cotton, and a steady rain on the roof top makes for a pleasant experience.

The rest of the day will likely be spent reading, watching movies {Twilight, yet again!}, talking, laughing, and nibbling on delicious home-cooked foods. May your day be filled with comfort and peace!

The Homecoming

Within you I lose myself... Without you I find myself Wanting to be lost again. ~Author Unknown

Today is the big day. Alfred will finally be home! There were times when I thought this day would never come, and yet here it is. His expected arrival time is between 2:30-3pm. So I am off today to give the finishing touches to our home this morning and get myself prettied up. I'm hoping the rain holds off so I can spend the afternoon outdoors reading and journaling as I wait for my Beloved to come home.

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Learning, Living, and Working Together

The girls and I had an enjoyable day. We made chocolate chocolate chip cookies and the girls played with their baby dolls. Kenzie decided to drag her wooden kitchen set out to the kitchen so she could cook along with me, despite the fact that both girls helped with cookie baking.

I set up a cozy little reading nook in the living room. I placed a small chair {similar to this one} by the window beside a basket full of children's books. The basket holds books such as:

Science Fun at Home by Chris Maynard
Audubon Field Guide for Southeastern states
The Burgess Seashore Book for Children by Thornton W. Burgess
Christian Liberty Nature Reader: Book 1
Nature Math: Right in Your Own Backyard
The Happy Hollisters at Happy Cove by Jerry West
Ida B...and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World by Katherine Hannigan
"B" is for Betsy by Carolyn Haywood
The Raggedy Ann Stories by Johnny Gruelle
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Prudence and the Millers by Mildred A. Martin
Betty Crocker's Cookbook for Boys & Girls
The Browning Boys by Isabella Alden
Little Mommy by Sharon Kane
The Child's Story Bible by Catherine Vos

The girls played outside for a while and then Kayla began to feel unwell. It was discovered that she was running a fever. Kenzie remained outside riding her bike and then set about gathering items from nature to set on fire {with my help, though it wouldn't stay lit} to heal all of those in the family who are sick or not feeling well {three people at the moment}. My little medicine woman in the making! This child has an active imagination and likes to be on the run, doing lots of different things.

My girls {at ages 12 and 8} have asked for new baby dolls....ones that look life-like. I found these sweet dolls for them. In an age where children are growing up much too fast, I am thrilled they still want to play with baby dolls and still have that innocence about them.

I am so thankful for our cozy days at home - learning, living, and working together.

Gratitude List ~ Week 11

A sunbeam to warm you, A moonbeam to charm you, A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you. ~Irish Blessing

~ Coconut scented lotion that reminds me of the seaside.

~ Alfred bought me the Twilight movie and a new printer for my computer.

~ Silly cats who chase a small soft football that the girls toss back & forth to each other.

~ Watching a large hawk that landed in one of our pine trees the other day. So pretty and majestic!

~ Writing, when the words and ideas come easily.

The Cure

The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea. ~Isak Dinesen

How true is the above quote! At times when I am upset, I like to do some decluttering and deep cleaning. I get lost in what I am doing and forget about my problem. At other times, I need the cleansing of a good cry. But my favorite escape is to stand along the seashore and take in the sights and sounds of the sea...

For the next three days, I don't have to leave the comforts of home. My plans are simple. I shall divide my time between the house and garden; alternating between work and relaxation. The sun is shining and it's warm out with a cool breeze. There isn't a cloud to be seen in the blue sky. When my indoor work is done, I will head outdoors to let Mother Nature nurture my soul.

May your weekend be a blissful retreat!

Happy Spring!

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. ~Ruth Stout

The first day of Spring is such a festive affair! After a long, cold weather we wait expectantly for warmer temperatures, greenery, and flower blooms. Our hope is renewed as we venture outdoors to soak in the sun's warm rays. The colors surrounding us are vivid and bright and our hearts are merry.

In my mind's eye, I think back upon childhood days where I could run wild and free with bare feet and my long blonde hair blowing in the wind. Bike riding, popsicles, doing flips in the yard pretending to be a gymnast, swinging on the swing set, hop-skotch, playing tag, climbing trees, singing, playing in the sprinkler. The carefree days of innocence.

With Spring's arrival, I feel young and carefree once again.

Secret #11: Subtracting Serenity Stealers

This week in Jamie Ridler's blogging book study on the 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women we are subtracting serenity stealers from our lives.

On the outside, my life is pretty calm and uneventful. Some may even describe it as boring. Within my mind it is a different story, there is turmoil, fear, anxiety, and negativity. This, I feel, is the cause of my panic attacks.


Change is rarely easy, but neither is staying the same. It will take time to reprogram my thoughts and, in essence, transform my life. I just have to be gentle with myself during the process realizing there will be setbacks and have the courage to continue to move forward and push through these self-erected boundaries.

I believe the panic attacks are the ultimate result of burnout and this was my body's way of saying enough. Perhaps I need this time hidden away from the world in order to heal?

Mitten Strings for God

I have heard about a lovely little book on various blogs and finally decided to order it. Mitten Strings for God: Reflections for Mothers In a Hurry by Katrina Kenison looks to become a favorite.

From the description:

Katrina Kenison shares her own search for a more satisfying balance in her life. The result is a lyrical and tender series of reflections, interwoven with gentle suggestions and advice, that remind us what happens when we slow down and are fully present in our lives. Suddenly there is room for joy and play and intimacy, space for wonder and reverie, and time to awaken to the beauty of the world and discover the sacred in the ordinary. Tranquil in our own hearts and minds, we can offer our children the one thing they need more than anything: us. And we recieve something priceless in return--the chance to savor our lives and the precious people in them.

Sounds perfectly heavenly, does it not?

We've just returned from Kendall's dentist appointment. I had to take a half a Xanax to ward off a panic attack and am feeling quite tired. So while my children are happily occupied with a few new crafty items that arrived by mail, I will take a rest. The housework can wait until this afternoon.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Joys in the Garden

It is a wonder to behold. The petunias I planted last year have begun to bloom once again! Petunias are annuals that are only supposed to last one season. But mine have defied the status quo and are determined to bloom and grow.

I really enjoy my time outdoors with my hands in the dark soil. Weeding, planting, or pruning...it's all good. Yesterday I planted a few sprigs of monkey grass and a couple other plants that my neighbor had given to me. I want to buy more morning glories and sunflower seeds to plant. Perhaps a few more petunias to add to the ones I have in my large containers.

Mama and I are going to put in a small garden this year. Tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and green beans are what we will be planting. I really hope for an abundant harvest. I still have a lot to learn as far as gardening goes. But what a blessing it will to use fresh vegetables from my own garden!

Other nature notes:

~ My rose bud has bloomed into a beautiful flower. The first this season!

~ My hydrangea is growing once again. There are new green leaves. I can't wait until there are lovely blue blooms.

~ I have noticed a lot of black crows lately. I never realized how large they are. Very interesting...

Health and Nature

Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them? ~Rose F. Kennedy

I hope you had an enjoyable St. Patrick's Day. I spent the morning at the doctor's office getting blood work an x-rays done. I am to return in two weeks time to see what the lab results reveal and to see what the next step will be. The doctor believes I also have psoriasis {though mine isn't nearly as severe as the cases shown} which is nothing new to me - I just haven't been diagnosed with it.

The psoriasis began when I was 15. I was officially diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2004 at 30 years of age, though I had been living with it since 2000 after Kenzie was born. No one in my family has ever had RA, but I believe major stress over a long period of time was the culprit.

Stress and strain can cause havoc in your body (I should know), so it is highly important to minimize it as much as you can. Nothing is worth the deterioration of your health. I'll step off my soap box now. *sheepish grin*

Once home from the doctor, I made lunch {tuna sandwiches and chips} and settled in to watch Your Brush with Nature, an art painting show on PBS. Next, a cozy nap was in order. Then I spent the rest of the afternoon outside enjoying the fabulous weather and worked on weeding my flower bed. The ground was really soft after several days of rain, so it made it a lot easier.

While outside I was able to watch geese flying by in the morning and evening. I have one rose bud on two rose bushes. I am seeing green leaves beginning to sprout out on my trees and am noticing more butterflies. Ah, the joys of Spring-time!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I'll seek a four-leaved shamrock in all thy fairy dells, And if I find the charmed leaves, oh, how I'll weave my spells! ~Samuel Lover

I am off to go to my Rhuematologist appointment, but I wanted to pop in and wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Be sure to wear green so you can avoid being pinched. {grin}

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ March 16th Entry

For Today...

Outside my window... warm and cozy inviting rain

I am thinking... how glad I will be to have Alfred home again.

From the learning rooms... reading about Albert Einstein, art, handwriting, nature study, math and more...

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

From the kitchen... taco salad and perhaps chocolate chocolate chip cookies for dessert?

I am wearing... denim skirt with a striped top in citrus-y colors

I am reading... my Bible

I am hoping... for rain to give our seeds a drink

I am creating... new garden page in my journal with what we planted and when

I am hearing... soft rain on the roof top

Around the house... laundry needs to be put away and floors swept and vacuumed.

One of my favorite things... watching Spring unfold.

A few plans for the rest of the week... a doctor appointment for me and a dentist appointment for Kendall; Karate practice today and Wednesday...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Please visit Peggy's blog to read more Daybooks!

Soul Food

As women and keepers-at-home, the home is and always will be chiefly a woman's realm. It is our place to shine as brightly as the noon-day sun. Our job is not for the faint of heart. To keep our home running smoothly takes diligence, perseverance, creativity, and self-discipline.

Though times are tough {and may get tougher still}, I feel it is best to bring back the importance of the home circle, make our homes the happiest little places on this earth, and create a beautiful life for ourselves and our families.

This way of living is our soul food.

Beauty is created by paying attention to the domestic details through sight, scent, touch, hearing, and even thoughts. Beauty is lovely but it is also practical for it feeds our souls. It is uplifting and provides hope that tomorrow will be a better and brighter day.

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. ~John Muir

In today's world we are hungry for connection and community. We all want to know someone cares, that what we do matters, and that our lives count for something. What better place to achieve our ideals than in living our daily lives with beauty and grace?

The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all. ~Leo Rosten

Why not be a light in this dark, troubled world by reaching out to those in need physically, mentally, and emotionally? Smile at those you meet whether friend, stranger, or foe. Lend a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand. Be an inspiration in your little corner of the world. You can make a difference!

I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives. ~Tracy Chapman

Gratitude List ~ Week 10

I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.
~e.e. cummings

~ A lady in line in front of me at the grocery store gave me a $10 off/$50 purchase coupon that would expire she would be able to use it.

~ I have all of the goodies purchased to go in my children's Easter baskets next month.

~ Nine more days until Alfred is home!

~ Seeing a movie on tv that I have been wanting to watch.
{Speak with Kristen Stewart}

~ A day of rest and rejuvenation.

Rain

{source}

The best kind of rain, of course, is a cozy rain. This is the kind the anonymous medieval poet makes me remember, the rain that falls on a day when you'd just as soon stay in bed a little longer, write letters or read a good book by the fire, take early tea with hot scones and jam and look out the streaked window with complacency. ~Susan Allen Toth, England For All Seasons

It has been a lazy kind of day. I managed to get my grocery shopping done this morning and make it home in between downpours of rain. After taking care of a few basic domestic duties, the day was spent watching movies {Speak and Christy}, reading a magazine {Southern Lady}, and taking a nap as the rain drummed on the roof top.

I love the coziness of a rainy day. There's something about the rhythmical drumming of the rain that causes me to slow down and breathe a little deeper. I tend to be more contemplative on rainy days, for they are perfect for quiet occupations such as stitching or journaling. Soft music playing, candles glowing, and the aroma of something tasty bubbling away on the stove only adds to the peaceful atmosphere.

I am continually seeking to build my home with the works of my own hands and to create a comfortable nest for those I love and for the ones who seek refuge here. Within the four walls of my home, I am the creator of my world and can make it whatever I want it to be.

What are you creating today?

Secret #10 ~ Living in Abundance with Positive Priorities

This is the tenth week in our blogging book study of The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin hosted by Jamie Ridler. It's all about abundance and positive priorities.

An abundance mindset doesn't come easily to me. After my parents divorced when I was ten years old, we lived hand to mouth pretty much. Overall my childhood was good because of my Mama, but it would have been better if there weren't incessant money worries.

Essentially I have carried that scarcity mindset into my adult life. I tend to worry about not being able to make ends meet and becoming debt-free. And all of this recession/depression talk doesn't help matters. But I am diligently working on shifting my scarcity mindset to one of abundance.

My idea of abundance is having the freedom to choose the life I lead. For me, that means becoming debt-free {I have a plan in place}. It means writing, music, reading, stitching, painting {I've always wanted to paint and will soon buy the supplies needed once I figure out which medium I want to try...watercolor, oil, or acrylic. Ah, decisions!}, gardening, being out in nature, good food, living green-er, learning along side my children, enjoying my husband and children, taking each day as it comes, and being mindful.

A simple life of creativity.

And looking over my idea of abundance, I realize that I already have much of my ideal life. I do believe in practicing gratitude and choosing to look upon life through rose-colored glasses. I'm not hiding my head in the sand. I'm all too aware of what is going on in our world today. But I am embarking on a new journey of abundance and trust that things will work out for my good. Just call me Pollyanna...

One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats. ~ Iris Murdoch, writer

Lovely Links

13 Things That Improved My Health - High Desert Home

I Need More Crafts Like I Need a Hole in My Head - Charming the Birds From the Trees

Dreaming - The House in Roses

That First Step - Down to Earth

Kae's China Delights - Tales From An O.C. Cottage

Spring Fever

With the beautiful weather we've had this past week, I'm afraid I've neglected my blog. When we aren't doing lessons or going to karate classes, we've spent a good portion of our time out of doors. We've got Spring Fever!

Indoors, I have been deep-cleaning and have spent more time in the kitchen preparing tasty meals and whipping up baked goodies. With Alfred being gone since the beginning of February combined with getting used to the medicine I was prescribed, I'm afraid I haven't had much homemaking inspiration. But I am beginning to feel better and have been able to tackle the neglected areas of my homemaking.

And now with only twelve more days until Alfred comes home, I am feeling a renewed sense of energy and hope. The dark, cold winter has come to an end. The dark days and lonesome nights will soon be a memory. Spring and my hope has arisen like the dawn.

Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. ~Anne Lamott

A big giveaway!

Lori from Just Pure Lovely is hosting a huge giveaway....$150 worth of Fashion Office Line Products! I <3 paper of all kinds. I have always said if i was to be stranded on a desert island, a pencil and paper is a must. So pop over to Lori's blog....you can enter up to four times for this awesome giveaway!

The Weekend

It was a beautiful weekend. I spent most of my time out-of-doors and you sure can tell it by my sun burnt arms and face. But the weather was just too nice to sit inside. To be out in the sun, taking fresh air into my lungs, taking notice of subtle changes in nature with my hands in the soil was nearly heaven on earth after the seemingly long cold winter.

I worked on weeding my flower beds and pruned my rose bushes. Oh, the cuts on my hands from the thorns and my aching back! The bird bath was scrubbed and refilled with fresh water, bird and hummingbird feeders filled.

Indoors, the laundry was done and Kenzie helped me make cake-like brownies. We watched movies, took a nap, made dinner and cupcakes, and cleaned up the kitchen. There was no hurry or pressure. It was a pleasant weekend when all was said and done.

I hope you had a pleasant weekend, too!

Gratitude List ~ Week 9

As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world. ~Adabella Radici

1. The length of days extended by an hour gained with Daylight Savings Time.

2. Laughing so hard my stomach hurt.

3. Visiting with my Mama and siblings reminiscing about growing up and our childhood days.

4. The warmth of the sun. I feel like I am finally beginning to thaw out from Winter's bitter cold.

5. Having a variety of smallish purses, picked up for a song at thrift stores, to change as the mood strikes.

A Flower

If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden. ~Claudia Ghandi

Secret # 9: Transcending Rejections and Roadblocks

We are nine weeks in to the blogging book group based on The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women, hosted by Jamie Ridler. This week is about moving past rejections and roadblocks.

Life is full of rejections and roadblocks. There is no way around it. {And if you've managed to sail through life untouched, please share your secret!} Most of us get back up after we've licked our wounds and carry on.

An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one. ~Charles Horton Cooley

But when you have poured your heart and soul into your craft, your art, I imagine it is even harder to deal with rejection. As a writer, I make myself vulnerable on a daily basis through my blog. Gail wrote: "Putting yourself out there and sharing your work qualifies as an act of courage and tests your fortitude." Indeed, it does!

All art requires courage. ~Anne Tucker

We all have a choice. We can choose to stay as we are or we can step out into the limelight of our own making. We must have faith in ourselves and our art and refuse to give up! So, yes, lick your wounds if you must, but be persistent in the pursuit of your dream. And never let 'em see you sweat...

Art is your emotions flowing in a river of imagination. ~Devin, Los Cerros Middle School, 1999

Wind Chimes

Wind chimes in your yard will serenade garden creatures - squirrels, fairies and angels.
~Author Unknown

After a lovely afternoon out-of-doors, I returned inside with sun-kissed cheeks and a happy heart. It is still a bit cool, but it's been months since I've been able to spend time enjoying nature and soaking up the sun. Spring is slowly awakening from her Winter slumber.

Mama brought one of her favorite wind chimes, made by a neighbor in Iowa, down with her. It now hangs in my front yard. Its sweet sound is music to my ears as I adore them. I am hoping to add more to my yard in the future. I have a few wind chimes indoors as well. When the windows are open, they dance in the breeze. Sweet garden creatures, large and small, are always welcome here...as are fairies and angels.

These days I wake up to a lively serenade from my feathered friends who have returned from their Winter travels. And we've had wonderful opportunities to observe the larger bird species, such as vultures and hawks.

There were about 15 vultures flying over the house and the creek yesterday. Kenzie and I watched in awe as they swooped low and around trees, finally settling in the trees on the other side of the creek bank. They have such a large wingspan and make gliding along the wind currents look so easy.

Today I watched a large hawk flying just over our property. He landed in the wooded area off to the back side of our house. I wondered if there may be a nest there? It certainly is odd to see these birds flying so low and close, but I watch with quiet fascination.

My children have gone shopping with Mama, so I have a bit of quiet time to myself for a few hours at least. It is a rare luxury for a homeschooling mother. I am off to prepare dinner and enjoy the solitude.

Wishing you the sweetest of dreams tonight...

Breathe and Play

Breath is Spirit. The act of breathing is Living. ~Author Unknown

Ah...to step outside and take a deep breath of fresh air. Spring is surely on her way! The windows and doors are flung open wide to allow the sun and March breezes to fill our home. We welcome her with open arms and rejoice in her warm embrace.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. ~Nadine Stair

Do you remember running barefoot in the warm months? As a child, I couldn't be bothered to put on shoes unless we were going somewhere. I liked the freedom of running free without restraints. There was a simplicity in childhood that was lost as the years marched on and I grew up. But that freedom of youth can be reclaimed. How wonderful it now feels to walk barefoot in the freshly tilled earth as I work in the garden?

Would you like to come out and play?

Blessings

{Mary Kay Crowley}

My Mama is finally here. After an 18 hour trip she and my youngest sibling, Taylor, arrived last night close to midnight. Now when my other sister, Chelsea, moves back down at the end of this month, the family will all be together again.

It is warmer out already today and will be even warmer tomorrow. I am looking forward to planting flowers and working in my garden.

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

We still have 20 more days before Alfred will be home. Will that day ever come? The days pass by ever so slowly. But absence makes the heart grow fonder and it is working out patience in me. It is a lesson I am repeatedly having to learn.

I have no major plans for today other than puttering about the house, spending some time out of doors, and enjoying time with my family. Wishing you a wonderful day!

Personal Sabbath

Now, more than ever, we need to rest. Women especially are always on the move trying to tick things off our to-do lists and are struggling to keep our heads above the water. We have all of these labor-saving devices and yet we can't seem to accomplish as much as our ancestors did. Perhaps it is because they knew the secret...

They observed the Sabbath and rested.

You're not a church-goer, you say? You can still keep the Sabbath and reap the benefits. Your personal sabbath can be any day of the week. Simply set aside one day out of seven to rest and recharge. Use this day for reflection and renewal.

Have all of your work done the night before. Have an easy crock pot meal or warm up delicious leftovers. Listen to pleasant music. Go for a leisurely walk. Sit and stitch, crochet, or knit. Make your personal sabbath a day you look forward to. By slowing down and getting off the whirlwind of this world for a day, it is sure to improve your outlook on life.

This, too, shall pass...

The wind blows mightily out of the north again today and the cold chills me to the bone. Old Man Winter is not yet ready to let go. His icy fingers hold on with a death-like grip.

On a day like this it is hard to believe that Spring is just around the corner and that later in the week temperatures will be in the mid 70s. Until then, we will stay snug and cozy indoors, only going out when absolutely necessary.

This, too, shall pass...

Life is full of change. Winter changes into the warmth of Spring. Spring leads to the hot, humid Summer. Summer leads to refreshing Autumn. And Autumn leads to Winter once again. How boring life would be without change and variety!

If you are having troubles, know that it will not last. Tough times make us stronger. God uses things to change us that we think we will not be able to endure. I have shared before how difficult my marriage was. Sometimes we need to look ahead with eyes of faith to the time when the situation will be over. This, too, shall pass!

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
~Isaiah 61:3

A Giveaway

Cynthia at Cynthia's Cottage Design is having a giveaway. The prize is one of five hand-painted signs. Aren't they lovely? So head over to Cynthia's and browse around her wonderful blog and enter the giveaway...

Gratitude List ~ Week 8

1. The girls went fishing with my sister and a local newspaper phtographer took their pictures to be in the paper. They had loads of fun, too!

2. No more clumps of dog hair to vacuum up for Gracie went to the vet to get groomed this week. She has to be sedated and I feel so sorry for her, but she'll be cooler during the Spring and Summer months. She looks like a naked kangaroo though...

3. Twenty-three more days until Alfred comes home. I sure do miss him!

4. Mama and my youngest sister, Taylor, are moving down from Iowa today and will be staying with us for the time being. It will be nice have company and help while Alfred is away.

5. A $25 coupon from CVS for filling a new prescription.

Welcome March!

A light exists in spring
Not present on the year
At any other period ~
When March is scarcely here.
~ Emily Dickinson

"Like a restless heart looking for love, the frozen earth yearns for spring. But to rush a season or romance is to miss Life's subtle nuances. March is our go-between. So change your mind about change. It's here today, gone tomorrow. Lighten up. Luxuriate in the fullness of waiting. Stop juggling until you find your balance. Celebrate new rites of passages. Let Mother Nature nurture. Cultivate sacred space. Find the "inscentive" to make a clean sweep. Get lucky. Weed your closet. Send ghosts packing. Play around with alternative remedies - the color of daffodils, the fragrance of lavendered linen. Take a deep breath, have a good cry, puddle-jump over problems. Stand still, so you can spring forward to a fresh start."

~ from Romancing the Ordinary by Sarah Ban Breathnach