Delightful Summer Reading

I'm currently reading the most delightful book, A Year on Ladybug Farm, by Donna Ball.

"Their husbands were gone, their families were grown, and the future stretched out before them like an unfulfilled promise...

Tired of always dreaming and never doing, Cici, Lindsay, and Bridget make a life-altering decision. Uprooting themselves from their comfortable lives in the suburbs, the three friends buy a run-down mansion, nestled in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley. They christen their new home "Ladybug Farm," hoping that the name will bring them luck.

As the friends take on a home improvement challenge of epic proportions, they encounter disaster after disaster, from renegade sheep and garden thieves to a seemingly ghostly inhabitant. Over the course of a year, overwhelming obstacles make the three women question their decision, but they ultimately learn that sometimes the best things can happen when everything goes wrong..."

I am anxious to read the sequels, At Home on Ladybug Farm and Love Letters from Ladybug Farm due out in October 2010.

Get thyself to the library and read this book. You won't regret it!

 

Gratitude

This week I am thankful for:

~ The rain and the cooler temperatures it brought along with it.

~ Reading good books on my own and with my girls.

~ Practicing the art of cheerful frugality.

~ Living a simple life.

~ Enjoying simple pleasures.

 

A Simple, Beautiful Life

I have just come inside from working out in the yard. I've been out there since 6:15am digging up roots around the pond, mowing the front yard, watering plants, and sweeping the front porch and walkway.

She does her work with energy, and her arms are strong. ~ Proverbs 31:17

After I rest a spell, I will get to work on the inside of the house. There is laundry, cleaning, dishes, and dinner to prepare for.

Of course, I add in a bit of relaxation into my days. I will likely read. I just finished Another Path by Gladys Taber last night and will choose a new book from my stack of library books. I may watch a video, also from the library and take a nap.

Alfred is working today. And the time I take during the day allows me energy for the evenings so I may give my dear husband my full attention. After having worked hard all day he needs me to be light-hearted and joyful, to make him laugh, to listen as he tells me about his day, to be his encourager and chief supporter, to be a comfort and a soft place for him to turn to. He needs me to believe in him when he doesn't believe in himself.

 

In the same way, teach older women to be holy in their behavior, not speaking against others or enslaved to too much wine, but teaching what is good. Then they can teach the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be wise and pure, to be good workers at home, to be kind, and to yield to their husbands. Then no one will be able to criticize the teaching God gave us. ~ Titus 2:3-5

 

This is the calling, not only that I have chosen, but it is also the life God has chosen for me. How can I not be rich by following His precepts? I am finding that as the excess and the dross is stripped away, what is left is a simple, beautiful life.

 

 

The Tide is Turning

It looks as if things may be turning around for us. Alfred's unit may be activated for three to six months, helping with the oil spill locally. That means he would get a regular paycheck every two weeks (and we'd know exactly what to expect unlike his variable pay now) and is still able to come home every night!

Though it would be a huge relief, we won't be spending recklessly. I plan to sock as much as I can away into savings for the lean winter months, while staying current on our bills, I will work on building a stockpile of food, household items, and toiletries. Cash is king and a stockpile can keep us from going hungry when money is tight.

I am enjoying living a simpler life. The cable has been cut and we've been enjoying movies from the library and Netflix. We're reading more books. I am going to bed earlier (9pm) and rising earlier (5am). We are talking more and spending more time outside. I feel like I can breathe again as I have slowed down and have taken more notice of my life in general.

*Frugal Doings*

~ Wrote a proposed budget for June and will be tracking expenses.

~ Making use of leftovers, either for lunch the next day or in creating a whole new meal.

~ Unplugging everything electrical that is not a necessity or in use. We won't see much of a difference on June's utility bill but should the following month.

Wishing you days of simplicity!

 

Neighborhood Crime

We had excitement in the neighborhood last night as police were looking for a suspect. I am guessing that the convenience store behind our home was robbed, because a guy came through the alley to the house next door, ditched his .45 pistol in a pile of leaves in their yard, and took off running. Two neighbors saw him, as did my youngest daughter and her friend who were walking down the street. I have no idea if he was caught. Scary stuff!

I know times are hard, but why turn to crime? Chances are, you're going to be caught and will serve time in prison. Is it really worth it? Why not go out and work, like the rest of us, and earn an honest living? Be there for your family and live honorably. It's not a sin to be poor. Do your best and let God handle the rest. This is what I would say to those who partake in crimes.

As for the rest of you, be aware of your surroundings. Keep your doors locked {car & home} and report suspicious activity. Above all, pray and stay safe!

One Day at a Time

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." ~Matthew 6:33-34

There is such wisdom in these verses. How often I have gotten myself all worked up over imagined catastrophes and "what ifs". It is usually all for nought. Time I can never get back. Wasted.

Though we are going through trying times right now, I am not going to worry myself with what tomorrow may bring. Instead, I am going to focus on today.

What can I do to bring joy to my family?

What meal can I cook that they will enjoy, nourishing both body and spirit?

How can I bring encouragement to my husband?

What homemaking needs to be done today?

Is there any area of the yard that needs attention?

See, when I take my mind off of myself and my feelings, I find it so much easier to give of myself to my family. I can't mope around the house feeling sorry for myself, as tempting as it may be. I have to build myself up in the Word and smile. I have to be a little silly and laugh, for my family's sake. If Mama is happy and smiling, then they do not worry too much, which is as it should be.

There is great comfort in knowing I am not walking this fiery trial alone. Jesus is right there with me and will see me through. Whatever trials you may be going through today, know that He is with you, too!

 

Frugal Doings

We're finding ourselves between a rock and a hard place. Alfred's work is ridiculously slow and we're having to take drastic measures.

~ Cancelled cable service which will save us $48/month or $576/year

~ Received a dime from a solicitation for money by mail which I added to the change jar.

~ Listed Alfred's motorcycle on Craigslist - hoping it will sell asap.

~ Calling creditors to let them know what's going on and to see if they will work with us...so far, so good.

~ Found three food pantries in town that can help us with food.

 It's not easy asking for help, but there comes a time when your pride must be set aside. That time has come for me. It is very humbling, but I am determined to get back on track and get out of debt once and for all.

 

Gratitude

This week I am thankful for:

~ Rain a couple days this past week. My garden was watered for free on those days by the grace of God.

~ Reading good books at night before bed or in the afternoons on the porch. That little bit of "me" time is so rejuvenating.

~ I fell early on in the week in my bedroom. Other than a bit of carpet burn on my left knee (and my pride), I was fine.

~ A nice shower after several hours of work in the yard. My skin was salty with sweat and I had dirt smudges on my face, arms, and legs and my feet were downright filthy, but that water sure felt wonderful!

~ My big dog, Gracie, let me clip her nails finally! She is a Chow/German Shepherd/Golden Retriever mix and does not like her feet touched, but after 4 years I decided I was going to show her who was boss and I won out in the end. I'm not missing any fingers either, which is a plus! :)

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead! 

 

Hard Times and Priorities

Times are hard and though I've done everything I can to make ends meet, it is not enough. In my husband's line of work (a diesel mechanic) if there no work coming in, he doesn't get paid and work has been dreadfully slow and his pay is variable so we never know what his checks will be. What's a person to do?

We'll have to economize as much as we possibly can and prioritize our bills, focusing on our basic needs. That means making sure the mortgage is paid so we have a place to live, utilities so we have electricity and water, groceries to maintain our strength and physical health, transportation and auto insurance, and gas to get to and from work.

We'll call the creditors that we are unable to pay to see if they will work with us and I'll keep detailed notes of all calls and correspondance. Hopefully things will turn around soon, but in the meantime, will you keep us in your prayers please?

For inspirational reading on this subject, please visit Brenda's blog. It's one of my favorites!

 

Progress

There is much work to be done in our yard, but it is coming along slowly but surely. It is not easy work. In fact, it can be downright exhausting. Frequent water breaks in the shade are a must. But what keeps me going is seeing progress. Little by little we are putting our personal stamp on this place we now call home.

The girls and I went to the library yesterday. I had a few books on hold, one of which was Still Life with Chickens: Starting Over in a House by the Sea by Catherine Goldhammer. I read nearly half of it last night! I'm loving this book for the author's can-do attitude and determination. It's on my Amazon widget on the left sidebar if you want more info about it. Bonnet tip to Debra for her list of books she has read and enjoyed!

I have been wanting to see the Rose Walk trail here in town so I think I'll take the girls along with my camera to get lots of pictures. A girl can never have too many rose photos, in my opinion. :)

May your day be lovely and sunshiny!

 

Changes

To change one's life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly. No exceptions.
~William James

 Changes. A lot of people don't like them, but they can be good, positive, and much needed. People are creatures of habit and sometimes we just need to shake things up to get ourselves out of the ruts of our own making. We must quit sleep-walking through our days for days make up a life. I don't know about you, but I want to live a life that is well-lived!

What does that mean? A well-lived life?

Well, for me, it means:
~ Actively practicing gratitude - not just when things are blissful, but even on the dark days. There is always a silver lining amongst the storm clouds.

~ Taking time out of each day to do things I enjoy: reading, journaling, or arts and crafts. All work and no play makes Tracy a dull girl.

~ Go exploring: our neighborhood, town, and county. I'm going to start looking for interesting places that I've never visited before. I can pretend I'm a tourist and have fun with it.

~ Slow down and be mindful. Drive slower and enjoy the passing scenery. Eat my food slowly, savoring the sights, tastes, and textures. Go about my work - inside or out - in a meaningful way instead of rushing to get it over and done with. The work isn't going anywhere, so I may as well make it as enjoyable as possible.

~ Continue learning and growing. Money-saving techniques, expanding my cookery/bakery skills, gardening, spiritual life, trying new craft techniques - oh, there is so much that I still want to learn and do!

~ Being generous with my time, money, and possessions. Jesus said it is better to give than receive. I want to be able to give more than what I am currently able.

~ Living a life of love - of myself and others. I am a little fluffier than I'd like to be, but I am coming to appreciate my body right now as it is. I'm no longer 16 years old. Nope, I'm 35 and have birthed three children which is a miracle in itself. I also want to love others where they are without judgement or trying to change them. Love and acceptance goes a long way in building people up and how much it is than tearing people down and living a life dripping in bitterness and resentment?

There is more I could write, but I think you get my point. I want to live a life of my own making. Call me a rebel if you must. I personally prefer eclectic. *grin* Life is what you make of it, so you may as well make the best of it!

 

Making Lemonade

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

The days have seemingly been dragging along. The uncertainty wears on me - physically, mentally, amd emotionally. I am tired of being tired and fretting over things that cannot be changed. It is what it is and I accept it and will from this point on move forward.

I am choosing to make lemonade out of life's lemons.

So today I am going to clean house, work in the yard, watch I Remember Mama on dvd, read with my girls, bake cookies, make dinner, and find delight in the things we do have.

All I Have is All I Need!

 

This, That, and the Other

Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. ~Susan Ertz

Today has been filled with laundry and housework and a nap in between thrown in for good measure. When I am busy I am less likely to worry and there are always things to do around the house, so no problem there.

We had a good soaking rain almost all day yesterday which was very good for my garden. A large branch fe

fell out of one of the pecan trees, thankfully missing the electricity lines!

Saturday, Alfred's father passed away. Alfred is sad and wishes they had spent more time together, but realizes his dad is in a better place, no longer suffering. He asked to be cremated and there is to be a memorial service, but there has been no word on when or where yet.

Our time on this earth is so fleeting. Let bygones be bygones. Hug and kiss your loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you. You never know what tomorrow holds...

 

Real Life and Gratitude

Life is not always perfect. That has certainly been the case for us recently. We have been going through trials and with them discouragement and anxiety. My husband's work has slowed considerably. The bank account was overdrawn a hefty sum. The grocery budget for the week was a third of what it is normally. 

God's promises are like the stars; the darker the night the brighter they shine. ~David Nicholas

At first I allowed myself a pity-party, but that did no good. I certainly wasn't a joy to be around. But then I felt determination rise up within me. I was angry and would not go down without a fight! I determined that if I had to stay in my kitchen all day, every day, my family was going to eat and be satisfied.

Let God's promises shine on your problems. ~Corrie Ten Boom

I've spent the last few days in much prayer and Bible reading. And my eyes were opened to some truths and needed changes in me and my life. It is not easy to face the ugliness within, but it is necessary to change...letting go of the bad, replacing those things with good.

Peace is not the absence of affliction, but the presence of God. ~Author Unknown

Now I have a measure of peace. These trials are temporary. My trust is in Him. I may not know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future.

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime;

Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

 

And now, for gratitude:

~ I am thankful for creative ideas for meals.

~ I am thankful for tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers planted in the garden.

~ I am thankful for the Word of God and its Truth.

~ I am thankful for being able to watch baby birds and their mamas.

~ I am thankful for the couple who wanted bushes and were willing to come dig them up from our yard to use in theirs.

May you have a blessed week!

 

  

Taking a break

Will return in a few days...

 

Hollyhocks

Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men or animals. Some seem to smile; some have a sad expression; some are pensive and diffident; others again are plain, honest and upright, like the broad-faced sunflower and the hollyhock. ~Henry Ward Beecher, Star Papers: A Discourse of Flowers

I planted Hollyhock seeds last year, but they failed to grow. Imagine my surprise when we went to visit Mama on Mother's Day and there standing proudly along the fence was a grand Hollyhock!

 

Yard Work

I have taken to spending a portion of each day working in my yard. I have cleared the garden and am now working on turning the soil. I've trimmed limbs and cut back azalea bushes. I have mowed and weeded and had Alfred dig up some bushes...until the shovel cracked. I must buy a heavy duty one for digging, but the cracked one can still be used in the garden.

I spend at least two hours outdoors working each day. There is a lot to be done, but even though my muscles are sore, I'm sweating profusely, and am bone tired at the end of the day...I love it!

I love being out in the sun and feeling the breeze on my skin. I love taking a break in the shade with a big glass of ice water while I look over my work and listen to the birds sing.

And I dream of enchanted 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

 

Beach Days

Both Saturday and Sunday afternoon we ventured to the beach. Alfred wanted to go scuba diving so the girls and I went along to enjoy the beautiful weather and our pretty beach. So far the oil that is leaking into the Gulf has not reached our beach, though tar balls began washing up on Daulphin Island this weekend.

Sea gulls at Little Lagoon

Keeping an eye on the girls...

Kenzie

Kenzie atop a mountain of sand. It has now been pushed out to block off the Lagoon so if the oil comes this way, it can't get in and kill the wildlife at the nature reserves.

Kenzie coming down the hill.

Micah, Alfred, and Kayla...

Gulf Shores - mainside

My man :)

Going out to scuba dive...

Kayla

Hope your weekend was just as beautiful!

 

Gratitude: Mother's Day Edition

Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children. ~William Makepeace Thackeray

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. ~Author Unknown

This week I am thankful for:

~ Having the best Mama in the world!

~ My Mama is one of my dearest friends.

~ My Mama is so creative and is the Queen of DIY!

~ Mama is always there when I need a listening ear, encouragement, or support.

~ Being blessed with a mother who always loved me & took care of me.

My mom is a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune. ~Graycie Harmon

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. ~Washington Irving

Happy Mother's Day, Mama. I love you!