The Artist's Way - Week 2 check in

I did better on the Morning Pages...5 days out of 7. Still no Artist Date as I was feeling under the weather and my family all had/have what I suspect to be the flu.

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My Crazymaker would be myself. I overanalyze and tend to make things harder and more complicated than need be.

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Five Imaginary Lives:

1.Psychiatrist

2. Actress

3. Wildlife Conservationist

4. Cake Decorator

5. Bookstore/Boutique Owner

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Things I love:

Singing, stitching, sit outdoors when the weather is nice, journal, craft, draw/sketch, read, shop craft & thrift stores, garden, yoga, beach, take pictures, blogging, dance, watch good movies, go out to eat, have a "spa" night, go exploring, chocolate, napping...

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While I didn't get to the yoga this week, I have worked on my cross-stitch a little each day as I had little bits of time. I am currently reading The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery. I journal almost daily. I gave myself a pedicure and painted my toes Ruby Red. I nap when needed.

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All in all, it was a good week for me.

Dreamy Links

{source}

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Emmelines

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Effortless Elegance at Sanctuary

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Organic Play at GardenMama

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The Art of Being Feminine

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Camilla at Home

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Beach Cottage Love

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Enjoy!

Gratitude List ~ Week 34

1. TLC from my husband and kids while sick.

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2. Autumn is just around the corner.

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3. Seeing and hearing a hawk pair yesterday.

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4. Flowers in bloom...

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5. The feel of clean sheets against freshly shaved legs.

Bed Rest

I woke up with body aches and a slight fever. I guess I couldn't escape being ill after all. At least I waited until every one was on the mend. Now they can all take care of me!

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.::Bwah ha ha::.

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Posting will be limited until I return to good health.

Tasha Tudor Day, 2009

{photo: Richard Brown}

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With my family being ill, I haven't planned anything special to celebrate Tasha Tudor Day, but I couldn't let the day go by without acknowledgement.

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Since I first discovered Tasha, I have been an ardent fan. Reading "Drawn from New England" only fanned the flames of my desire to know more about her and her life. The more I learned, the more my admiration for her grew.

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What I love most about Tasha Tudor is she lives exactly as she pleases. Her world was filled with creativity, nature, joy, and enchantment. She lived a fairytale life of her own making and this endeared her to me.

In honor of Tasha Tudor's memory and spirit, I pledge to:

~ live by my own lights

~ slow down and live gently

~ use my creativity to enhance my life

~ embrace domesticity and revel in making a cozy nest for my family

Rainy Day Occupations

The skies are grey and dark clouds hang heavily overhead. The rain has returned. Not that I mind, for I have nowhere I need to go. I am busy nursing my family back to health as they are all ill. So far, I have been a champion with no symptoms of illness. May it remain so!

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I began working on a cross-stitch project that I've had for several years now. I tend to work on it for a week or so, then put it away for months at a time up to a year. I am working on the fall section now. I would like to finish it this year, but I no better than to hold myself to it.

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What are your favorite rainy day occupations?

Nature Ponderings

Nature is alive all around me. There are blue, green, and orange dragonflies with translucent wings, wasps, and fat bumblebees. The bluejays are crying. I think there may be a nest in the cedar tree. The cardinals are chirping. The woodpecker's call sounds like it belongs in a jungle. I watch orange and yellow butterflies flit by in all their dainty prettiness.

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The sun feels good on my skin and there is the occasional slight breeze. I must enjoy these days before the bitter cold keeps me locked away indoors. I hear the whirring of small engine airplanes as they fly overhead.

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Leaves are beginning to fall from the red leaf maple tree. Has the recent cool morning weather tricked it into believing Autumn has arrived?

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The hummingbirds are enjoying the simple sugar mixture I made for them. They are so squeaky, but, oh, so lovely. I can hear the buzzing of their little wings as they zip to and fro.

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A blue dragonfly gathers its courage and dares to sit upon the arm of my garden bench. We sit companionably side by side - quiet and still. I admire his irridescence which reminds me of the clear blue sea with the sun gleaming on the water like sparkling diamonds.

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There is so much beauty that surrounds me. When I stop and take the time to observe nature, my soul finds rest and I am wonder's captive.

Artist's Way - Week 1 check in

Chapter 1 in TAW was eye-opening for me and I found myself nodding yes to several quotes:

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"As a rule of thumb, shadow artists judge themselves harshly, beating themselves for years over the fact that they have not acted on their dreams."

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"Most of the time when we are blocked in an area of our life, it is because we feel safer that way. We may not be happy, but at least we know what we are--unhappy. Much fear of our own creativity is the fear of the unknown."

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I did the Morning Pages only one day this week. I am thinking I need to switch to writing them at night before bed - when I have time to myself to actually do so.

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Neither did I go on an Artist Date...unless you count weeding the flower garden alone as such. I could give a list of excuses, but I am a homebody at heart. I will try again this week.

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Imaginary Lives: If I had five other lives to lead, I would be:

~a writer

~ a singer

~ work on a cattle or horse ranch

~ a cop

~ an adventurer

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My affirmation is: I, Tracy, am a brilliant and an inspired writer.

Her Retreat

Though my home is humble, it is my favorite place to be. I love my home because it has everything I love gathered together in one place: my family, books, music, pictures, a cozy comfy bed, flowers, birds, and more.

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A woman needs her home to be a retreat - a place of beauty and comfort - against the harsh world in which we live. It doesn't take a lot of money to create such an atmosphere. It only requires a little ingenuity and creativity.

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Take, for instance, curtasins. I have brick red curtains that are sun-faded in my bedroom. I plan to dye them black for they are covered by blinds and another set of curtains, but I am hoping they will help to darken the bedroom even more. We like to sleep in total darkness with only a fan on for white noise.

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I have cream colored curtains in my living room and kitchen that I want to dye pink. Rit dye costs less than $3 - that is considerably less than buying new curtains!

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There were many pieces of broken concrete in the yard when we moved here. I have gathered the pieces up and lined the small flower bed on the end of the house, as well as created borders around three sega palms and another plant. Not only am I not adding to the landfill, but it will help keep Alfred from chopping down my plants accidently with the weed eater.

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Granted, you may not always be able to make everything you need, but you can still save money and make a cozy home. I like to shop at thrift stores and dollar stores for clothing, housewares, linens, home & holiday decor, purses, books, picture frames, etc.

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Home is chiefly a woman's domain. It is the place where we can let our creativity reign: whipping up a delicious new recipe in the kitchen, planning vegetable and flower gardens, sewing or stitching, painting (walls, furniture, art!), making soaps, candles, or jewelry. The sky is the limit!

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Today, let us continue to grow, learn, and embrace our creative selves to create a personal retreat for our families and ourselves.

The Weekend

We woke yesterday to cooler temperatures - perfect for working out in the yard. Alfred edged along the driveway, house and around the trees; bush-hogged along the woodline and creek; and cleared the driveway with a blower. I weeded the loooooong flower bed along the fence and started on the small on along the short side of the house. I finished the small one up this morning bright and early after I sent Alfred off to work and while I was still in my pajamas!
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The hummingbirds have discovered the feeder. I enjoy watching them zip to and fro, chirping as they go. They are so small and fast! Ours are Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds and they also enjoy my Morning Glories.
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After a nice long nap, I set about cleaning house while Alfred worked on our neighbor's truck. I got all the laundry done, cleaned the kitchen, swept the floor, cleaned the living room including dusting and vacuuming, put away clean clothes, and vacuumed the Master bedroom and bath. Dinner was simple: sausages with biscuits and country gravy.

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And now, it is a fresh new day full of possibilities! My plans for today are to do a little housekeeping, do a little school work, and spend some time out-of-doors in the fresh air and sunshine. How about you?

Gratitude List ~ Week 33

1. Enjoying movies galore from NetFlix. Why didn't I subscribe ages ago?

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2. My new computer which makes blogging & visiting so much easier!

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3. The hummingbirds are back! Alfred & I noticed them today (Saturday) and I've made up some simple syrup to fill the hummingbird feeder.

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4. Reading books in bed at night before I go to sleep. I just finished Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen which was really good. It reminds me very much of Practical Magic (book & movie).

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5. Slashing my phone/internet service by $25/month. I can keep my phone service (I'd planned to cut it off) and get 30 minutes of free long distance and my DSL is now three times faster - and I'm paying less! It never hurts to call and ask about new deals because every little bit helps. :)

Howdy!

I have the sweetest husband in the world! Now, my birthday isn't for three weeks yet, but Alfred decided to give me my birthday gift early....a brand new computer!

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We purchased my old one nearly five years ago after Alfred returned from Iraq. It had a 256K memory and was slower than molasses...especially recently. The poor gal was a dinosaur!

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Now I have a Samsung 18.5 inch LCD monitor and a HP Pavilion Slimline tower with 4GB of memory. It is absolutely fabulous and I am so happy with it! My honey set it all up for me and everything. Now I can zip along the internet highway with the best of them.

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Zippity-do-da...

Wishcasting

Who is the "you" you wish to be?

I wish to be a woman who is secure in who she is and is not afraid to follow her own path and walk against the norms of society if need be.

I wish to be a woman who loves herSelf and her body ~ just as she is right at this moment.

I wish to be a woman who loves freely and deeply; allowing mySelf to be vulnerable and reveling in my femininity.

I wish to be a woman who has embraced her inner Wild Woman.

I wish to be a woman who lives a life that is creative, magical, full of whimsy, passion, with a touch of adventure.

A Sense of Safety

After my parents divorced and we moved to a new town in another state, I would hurry home from school. Home was my place of safety. Home was where I could be free and be myself. Home was where I could be free from the pressure of trying to fit in. It was my place of belonging.

I recognized long ago that I am different than others and I am not willing to change the essence of who I am in order to fit in. Other than my family, I lead a pretty solitary life and I am okay with that. It leaves me time to dream, plot, write, craft, cook, stitch, read, journal, garden in peace.

Today, my home is still my refuge...it is my place of safety. Home is my place of comfort. It is here that I laugh, sing, and dance. It is here that my inner Wild Woman feels free to come out and play and is accepted just as she is with all of her complexities and eccentricities.

The Wizard of Oz

1. The Wizard of Oz (1939), 2. The Wizard of Oz (1939), 3. The Wizard of Oz (1939), 4. The Wizard of Oz (1939), 5. The Wizard of Oz Musical Plate, 6. The Wizard of Oz (1939), 7. Ruby Slippers, 8. The Wizard of Oz (1939), 9. Judy Garland as Dorothy

Seventy years ago on this day in 1939, The Wizard of Oz was made. So I created this mosaic in honor of Oz's anniversary.

There's no place like home...

Ruby in the Modern World

Ruby's days always began with time spent in prayer and reading her Bible. God was her mainstay and her days were always better after having that time with Him each morning. Afterwards she would get breakfast started and coffee perking for Bill. She liked to prepare a hearty breakfast for him as he worked so hard to provide for their family. She also packed a good lunch for him to take with him. Ruby enjoyed taking care of the man that God had blessed her with and she sent him off to work with hugs, kisses, I love yous, and a smile.

Once Bill had left for work, it was time to awaken the kids for breakfast. After they had dressed for the day, it was time to do school and chores. Ruby counted it a privilege to be able to homeschool her children and remain at home to care for her family and home. She had always longed to be a wife and mother and her wish had come true.

Ruby loved homemaking and had fun feathering her nest. She had an eclectic style of decorating for she decorated her home from her heart. She added touches of romance - crocheted edgings on her towels, doilies and scarves draping tables, candles, and fresh flowers from her garden. It was her desire for Bill to come home from the harsh realities of the working world to a place of tenderness and comfort.

Though their meals were simple, Ruby always set a bountiful table for dinner. She worked hard to cook and bake everything she possibly could from scratch in order to keep her growing family well-fed and to live within Bill's income. She also had a vegetable patch in the yard and a small herb garden, which helped to reduce her grocery expenses.

Though times were tough given the current economy, Ruby never complained. She felt blessed to be at home rather than be out in the work force. She was truly a rare gem in today's society. With the Lord's help, she and her family never went without anything they truly needed.

Cookies and Claudia

{Flickr}

It's raining buckets outside today as we are getting remnants of what was once Tropical Storm Claudia. The girls and I decided to bake a double batch of chocolate chip cookies, and my, do they smell delicious! I have a pork roast cooking in the crock pot for tonight's dinner of Barbecue Pork Sandwiches.

As I type, I'm listening to Bob Ross talking while he paints happy little places. He had such a soothing voice and kind demeanor. This is an enjoyable part of my Mondays where I take a break to relax and watch the show.

Over the weekend I bought flower seeds for this Autumn, Poppies, Marigold, and Pansy. As the summer blooms fade they will be replaced with Autumn hues and will give us something to look forward to yet again in the garden.

The rest of my day will be spent puttering around the house bringing order and beauty to our rooms. I will take a luxurious nap, drifting off to dreamland while listening to rain on the roof top...one of my favorite things. As I go about my daily round, my heart overflows with gratitude for this life I live.

Ruby's Homeschool

Ruby was young when she began having babies and she loved her children with a passion. She was tender and gentle with them, but was firm as needed.

She loved them so much that she couldn't bear the thought of them being away from her many hours each day once they became school age. With Wild Bill's blessing, she set out to teach them all they needed to know from the comfort of home.

She went to the cedar hope chest in her bedroom and opened it up. Inside there were all of her books from when she was a young girl in school. Ruby used McGuffey Readers to teach reading and spelling, Ray's Arithmetic to teach how to figure, a King James Bible for spiritual and moral growth. For art, the children drew and painted. Ruby showed them how to make paint by crushing flower petals and adding water to make watercolors.

Ruby and Bill also taught their children many practical skills. Both the boys and girls helped in with the garden. The boys learned basic cooking skills, mainly for survival. The girls learned everything there was to know about food prep - from canning and preserving to cooking and baking.

Ruby also taught the girls sewing, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, and the art of keeping a home. Bill taught the boys how to chop wood, mend fences, wood-working, hunting, animal husbandry, and barn chores.

The children loved being at home with their parents. While there was always work to be done, Ruby made sure they had a few hours in the afternoon that were free - so they could play, go fishing or swimming in the creek, or simply lie on their backs in the grass gazing up at the clouds and daydream.

Now Harriet Olson was the town busybody and decided to pay Ruby a visit...unannounced, of course. Ruby was startled by the knock at the door and Willy, the oldest boy, looked out the window and upon seeing Harriet told Ruby, "It's Mrs. Olson. She's so full of hot air, I'm surprised her head doesn't explode!" "Willy, mind your manners!" Ruby declared, as she smoothed her hair back and removed her apron.

Ruby took a deep breath and opened the door with a smile. "Why Harriet, how lovely of you to visit!" Harriet stepped in and looked around with disdain. The children were all about the kitchen table doing the school work. "Children, you may take a break and go out to play while Mrs. Olson is here." said Ruby. There was loud cheering, particularly from the boys, as the children scampered outdoors.

Ruby worked to clear the table as fast as she could as Harriet sat down. "Would you like a cup of tea?" Ruby asked.
"Actually, Ruby, this is not a social call." replied Harriet coolly. "I am here to see why these children are not in school!"

Harriet's husband was on the school board committee. He was a kind man who was well-loved in the community. He had told Harriet to mind her own business when she told him her plans to see why Ruby's children didn't go to school.

"Well, Harriet, Bill and I decided to teach them here at home." Ruby said quietly.
"What on earth for?" Harriet asked with disgust.
"We see no need to send them off for several hours a day when they can learn all they need to know here at home.

"Without proper socialization they will become social outcasts and...and heathens!" Harriet declared forcefully.
"They have plenty of socialization, Harriet. There is church each Sunday, church picnics, barn-raisings, dances, and holiday gatherings. They get to see their friends plenty and they are not outcasts or heathens!" Ruby said trembling with anger.

"We shall see what the school board thinks..." Harriet said standing from her chair. Ruby strode over to the door and upon opening it said, "Good day, Mrs. Olson."
"Hmmph!" she huffed haughtily and Ruby slammed the door behind her.

Still trembling, Ruby fixed herself a cup of tea and sat down at the table. Tears rolled down her face as she spilled out her heartache to her Lord. No care was too small or deemed unimportant to Him. She opened her Bible and her eyes fell to the passage in Deuteronomy 6: 5-7.

"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

And Ruby felt her burden lift and she knew in her heart that no matter what trials or challenges she faced, the Lord would see her through. He always did.

Gratitude List ~ Week 32

~ A good first week of homeschooling.

~ Story ideas bubbling up in my head.

~ Shaving $35/month of our living expenses by dropping our satellite package to the absolute minimum ($14.99/month) and joining NetFlix.

~ A break from cooking dinner last night.

~ Snuggling up with my man each night as I drift off to sleep.

Ruby

Ruby was a free spirit, but under her husband's covering she was kept from getting into folly and foolishness and for that she was thankful. She could get into much trouble if left to her own devices. Not intentionally, of course, but Ruby didn't always think things through.

Her husband, Bill, loved her deeply in spite of her shortcomings. And Ruby loved Bill with his wild cowboy ways. He certainly kept her tap dancing to keep up with him. Life was never dull for Ruby and Bill. They lived on a wing and a prayer. Each day was a miracle in that they always had just enough to see them through. The good Lord would not forsake them, and He always kept His Word.

Ruby stands at the window looking out upon her little homestead and gray overcast skies. She is thinking about Autumn being just around the corner and Winter will be quickly on its heels. Ruby, always seeking to provide the best for her family, worked all through the summer to make sure her family had warm clothes when the snow began to fly.

After dinner each night, she sat in her rocking chair by the fire and knitted socks, mittens, scarves for her family to wear and blankets to add to their beds. Her days were filled with cooking and baking from scratch to keep her family well-fed. There was the garden to tend, which was the family's mainstay. If the garden didn't produce, they didn't eat.

Ruby prayed over her vegetable and herb gardens, and she had the largest vegetables around. She was going to enter one of her pumpkins at the county fair this year. She was sure she could win the blue ribbon prize and $25 to boot! That money would go a long way in stocking up on baking supplies for winter and "cowboy coffee" for Wild Bill. Ruby hoped to have enough to buy more yarn, embroidery thread, sewing thread, fabric in order to make more clothes for herself and her family, and perhaps some penny candy to go in the children's Christmas stockings .

Bill was also busy with his work around the homestead. There were farm animals to tend to: Bessie the milk cow, chickens, a few pigs and horses. On Saturdays he helped out Mr. Brady at the General Store delivering groceries to earn a little extra money. And occasionally he stopped by Widow Miller's to check on her and do odds and ends. She was well off and paid him a fair wage for any work he did for her.

This extra money would go for new shoes for the children before the weather turned cold and a silver cross necklace for Ruby for Christmas. Bill had seen her look with longing at it in the Spring when they had gone to the General Store to buy supplies and knew right then and there that it would be the perfect Christmas gift for her. She would never ask for anything so fancy. She didn't want to burden Bill, but he knew her heart. Nothing was too good for his Ruby!

In the evenings, Bill worked out in the barn. From leftover wood he whittled animals, made a Jumping Jack man, a spinning top, small cradles for the girls' dolls, and various other toys for the children. Ruby made doll clothes for the older girls cloth dollies. Suzy the youngest wanted a dolly of her own, so Ruby would make her one this year. She also crocheted doilies, made needle cases out of felt or flannel to keep sewing needles from rusting, made hot pads and such as gifts to give away to others.

Ruby was always seemingly running to keep up with her busy household, but she always made time to read her Bible and prayed continually. Her life was filled to the brim, but Ruby wouldn't have it any other way!

Hopes, Dreams, and Wishes

Robyn asked on Our Artist's Way:
what are your hopes, dreams and wishes?
what do you wish to create?

I wish to live a life of bliss.
Mindfully present and enjoying each minute of the day...
not allowing a moment to pass by unconsciously.

Moving my body regularly,
eating foods I love that are good for me,
reading, writing, stitching.
Dreams in technicolor.

Home sweet home,
filled with all things good...
and memories.
An oasis.

Writing.
Finding my voice.
Using my God-given gifts and talents.
Be-ing. Creating.

Gratitude and contentment,
peace and joy,
mercy and forgiveness.
Love.

Relationships overflowing with communication...
with words and without.
A smile. A touch.
Tenderness, laughter, passion.

Comfort, trust, and abundance.
Being true to mySelf.
Embracing my femininity.
Setting boundaries.
Self-care.

Growing spiritually.
Helping and encouraging others in need.
Being a light in the darkness.
Worship.

Freedom...
to be myself,
to live the life I choose,
from a poverty mindset...
that I brought with me from childhood.

I wish...
to live the life of MY dreams -
not someone else's dreams for me.

I wish to create....
a beautiful life filled with purpose and meaning.
A life of Simple Abundance.

Learning

Last night the girls and I sat outside beneath the night sky hoping to see Perseids shooting stars. We didn't have much luck. At one point I saw one flicker and then another. I became so excited until I realized it was simply fireflies! The girls got a good chuckle over that...

The girls are doing excellent in their studies. I love the way their faces light up when they catch on to something new that we are studying. What was difficult for them last year, is easier now.

I am waiting for several books for Kendall to come in, but his learning is more along the lines of his interests and more hands-on: Natural disasters, chemistry, Asian culture/history/martial arts, practical skills, cooking/baking, writing, and cosmetology (and yes, he is totally straight!:).

There are so many connections being made each day that it is hard to keep track of it all, but the learning continues even after the morning book work is done.

Once book work is done they have the rest of the day to pursue their interests, play, explore, spend time outdoors in nature, play games, dolls, help me with baking, and more. Nothing beats homeschooling!

First Day of School - Aug. 10, 2009

Good Morning message for the first day of school

The girls doing their book work

Learning about fractions

Spelling

Drawing and dolls

Kayla making a s'more for National S'mores Day

Kenzie making a s'more

Yummy...

That's some good stuff!

How I Do It: Homemaking During Lean Times

When finances are tight that is when I get creative. I have to be especially with meals or we wouldn't be able to eat! I am determined to provide a cozy nest and make my home an oasis whether we have little or much. I am convinced that living the good life is not dependent on an abundance of money. If Mama has a quiet peaceful heart, then her children are less likely to worry. You have to create the spirit of abundance - by keeping the cookie jar filled, setting a beautiful dinner table (with inexpensive foods), keeping the home clean and tidy, and making sure you keep up your appearance (clean, neat, and sweet-smelling).

Children do not need a bunch of stuff. They need happy memories of home being their haven, of Mama listening to them and laughing with them, of stories being read to them, going for walks with them or a trip to the park, and tucking them in at night. They need to know they are loved. They need attention, understanding, and patience. My girls (at ages 12 and 9) read, draw and paint (watercolors and poster paints), play outdoors, watch tv, help with baking, do puzzles, play board games, play dolls, do chores, play on the computer, and get in their small pool to splash around and cool off. We take advantage of free community events, go to nature trails, parks, and beaches.

I look for games and puzzles at thrift stores (sometimes the dollar stores). Paints are cheap, as are crayons, paper, and pencils. We borrow books and movies from the library. I buy much of our clothing from thrift shops. When grocery shopping, I use coupons and shop the sales, but mostly I buy basic ingredients and make my own foods.

I noticed the kids were going through cereal like crazy, so I stopped buying it and will now make pancakes, muffins, and eggs with toast. This saves me money and it tastes better and is more filling. When making pancakes and muffins, double or triple the recipe to save time later on in the week. I bake cookies, cakes, and brownies. We eat a lot of inexpensive meals with hamburger - but I purchase roast, pork chops, and chicken when on sale (buy one, get one free). We have canned/frozen veggies, homemade breads, homemade mac and cheese, instant potatoes (my hands hurt when I peel potatoes from my RA) or baked potatoes. Lunches are leftovers or sandwiches (bologna, turkey or ham & cheese, egg salad, pb&j), or ramen noodle soup (my kids love it!). We drink Kool-aid, sweet tea, and water. I am always on the lookout for new recipes and inexpensive meal ideas.

We do have quite a bit of debt, but we are actively working to become debt-free and build up a reserve of savings. I am continually learning and trying new things as I strive to whittle our expenses and make our home a cozy, restful place. Our work as homemakers is important - we set the atmosphere of our homes. Every day, we are either building our homes or tearing it down with our own hands and words. Pray continually, practice gratitude & contentment, and expect to work hard, but remember that "all hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." (Proverbs 14:23 NIV)

Gratitude List ~ Week 31

~ Laughter, such good medicine.

~ Sold the Harley and reduced our debt.

~ Received $9 in ECBs on Thursday.

~ Recipe ideas for simple dinners.

~ Alfred and I holding hands.

Rainbow Trail

{source}

Walk on a rainbow trail;
walk on a trail of song,
and all about you will be beauty.
There is a way out of every dark mist,
over a rainbow trail.
~ Navajo song

Summer Distractions

"I meant to do my work today ~
But a brown bird sang in the apple tree,
And a butterfly flitted across the field,
And all the leaves were calling me."
~Richard Le Gallienne

Dark Days

The sky darkens and looks threatening with gray-black clouds, blotting out the sun. Thunder rumbles long and deep as lightning crackles with electricity, lighting up the sky like the brief flash from a camera. This is the weather pattern for our afternoons now.

I like to stand at the window and gaze out upon the storm's beauty. It reminds me of a woman, a complex creature and tortured soul, who longs for something more in this life and lashes out in anger.

I find thunderstorms a bit romantic - in a dark, gothic sort of way. Though it is technically daylight hours, the sky clouds over like a widow's veil. My pulse slows down as I watch the rain. I am contemplative and quiet. I move quietly across the floor to light candles. Their glow warms my spirit. Celtic music carries me away to places unknown. Depending on my mood, I like to bake, stitch (cross-stitch or embroider), journal, or simply lay in bed listening to the rain on the roof top in solitude.

Even the dark days can have a silver lining.

Six Quick Takes

1 ~ Last night Alfred put up our tent and the girls slept outside in the fresh air. The girls considered it an adventure as sleeping outside is quite out of the ordinary. I believe Kenzie would sleep out-of-doors every night if she could!

2 ~ Yesterday I didn't get to declutter, but the day before I culled another box of books. Today I will jump back on the declutter band-wagon, do laundry, and clean until everything sparkles.

3 ~ I am going to be an Auntie again! My sister Laura just found out she is expecting. :)

4 ~ I have decided to use the evening hours after dinner (when not at karate classes) to work on my stitching. I have several WIPs and many more projects that I haven't yet started. I want to clear out these unfinished projects. Perhaps give them away as gifts for Christmas and birthdays?

5 ~ I received my copy of Jeanne d' Arc Living magazine. Even though I can't read a word of it (it's in Danish), I adore the photos! White, simple, clean, peaceful, and beautiful are the words I would use to describe the photos. I am leaning towards that type of decor for my own home.

6 ~ I'm looking forward to Autumn, which is just around the corner, so I can spend more time outdoors. It has been so hot and humid lately with afternoon thunderstorms nearly every day. A bit of cool air will be refreshing.

It has begun!

I spent my Sunday clearing clutter in the master bedroom, bath, and my closet (otherwise known as the dungeon!). I cleared out a ton of my stuff, rearranged a few things, hung different curtains, cleaned really well, and reorganized. And there is nothing under my bed! I then hauled the trash out to the can and loaded my car with donations boxes.

My bedroom feels more like an oasis now than a catch-all.

Wishing you all the sweetest of dreams...

Welcome August

August creates as she slumbers, replete and satisfied.
~ Joseph Wood Krutch

This past weekend was the final straw. Alfred could not find his beret that goes with his military uniform and tore through the house leaving a mess in his wake in search for it. That was the straw that broke the camel's back.

I am in the midst of a radical and ruthless decluttering. I am a woman with a mission. If it isn't truly loved, useful, or beautiful - out it goes....no ifs, ands, or buts about it!

I want space, room for our home and I to breathe deeply, a place for everything and everything in its place, and beauty in simplicity. I'd be lying if I said it is easy. The fact is it's overwhelming to think about giving the house a complete overhaul, but it is what is needed.

The clutter consumes and takes on a life of its own, leaving me weary and my senses dulled. It has been slowly sucking the very life from me, draining me of vitality and creativity. But all is not lost!

With the dawning of August, I feel determined to take charge and write a new chapter in my life.

Gratitude List ~ Week 30

~ The rain disappeared and the sun began to shine for the annual family picnic.

~ Aloe vera gel to soothe my sunburn.

~ Our new Iso-Cool pillows.....ahh comfort!

~ A bulletin board hung in my kitchen to hang cool learning tid bits.

~ Won a free one month family membership to the YMCA.

We're off on a picnic...

Today is the Army NG's Annual Family Picnic for Alfred's unit. It's a day of great family fun with good food, chit chat, and a pool to swim in if the rain doesn't spoil the fun! I can hear thunder rumbling in the distance, so we'll see... :)

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!