Mrs. Miniver

Reading Mrs. Miniver by Jan Struther and it's pure magic. I'd seen the movie with Greer Garson years ago, and had forgotten that a copy of the book was tucked in one of our bookshelves. A friend emailed me, before Christmas, saying that she'd found a copy of the book and wondered if I'd like her to send it to me. That comment sent me to the shelves, and there it was--a wonderful 1942 library copy. I'd ordered it long ago (before Amazon became so famous) from another homeschool mom and had gotten it and many other books in a lot sale. A treasure!

Reminds me of my copy of I Capture the Castle, which came from a local library used book sale. I grabbed it because of the author's name, left it on the shelf for several years as well, and once I read it, pronounced it a favorite. Same here with Mrs. Miniver. So delightful. I've not finished it yet, but will leave you with a sweet quote.

'There were the sounds of movement in the house; they were within measurable distance of the blessed chink of early morning tea.'--page 48

This is Your Brain in Love

This is Your Brain in Love by Dr. Earl Henslin is excellent. And while I'm familiar with books that talk about the four personality types---both the introvert and extrovert, Dr. Henslin goes a step further and writes about more specifics. From brain scans, it's apparent that there really is a difference in how the brains of individuals look, and those facts help in deciding what behaviors need changing and if supplements or dietary tweaking needs to happen.

The book includes quizzes to help the reader find their own particular 'love style' and that of their spouse. The questions are right on target and the solutions to problem areas make perfect sense. I'd recommend this book to anyone who's married and is seeking to understand either their mate, or themselves. It's been my experience with friends and family members, though, that often problems arise within their relationship, and everyone just accepts that fact. This book says that you have an alternative. If you want to either save a marriage or enrich it, this book is a wonderful resource.

But besides all of the above, Dr. Henslin is a wonderful writer. I'd like to see him try his hand at fiction. :)

I'm a member of Thomas Nelson's blogger book review program and more information can be found at their website.

Mildly better

Spent the afternoon all cozied up under my bathrobe in the comfy chair, with Pugs on my lap. Part of the reason I put the robe on top of me was to invite the puppies to crawl up there...not that they needed any encouragement. Least one was beside me on the sofa with her bed pillow and comforter. She's hanging onto a 100 or so temperature, so I'm dosing her with acetaminophen, echinacea and cold drinks. Looking forward to her looking better tomorrow. Her eyes are droopy---you know what I mean---and I miss her perkiness. Still, it's good for both of us to sit still for hours at a time and rest.

Not sure why I'm talking about all of this, but figure hearing what we're doing helps other women who have sick little ones. I worry when fevers linger, but realize in my heart that it's just her body's way of fighting this nonsense. You'd think that with over 20 years of mothering under my belt I'd be used to it, wouldn't you?

::sigh::

Since the first of November, we've had few lengthy periods of wellness. I think we're due, yes? I know my immune system is shot to pieces, but sure don't like this hamster's wheel of illness that's taken hold. Maybe we're soon to be out of it. Sure hope so.

Brrr

So cold my jaws hurt from clenching my teeth against the shivers. Man.

Remember, I'm in the South. We don't do the teens or single digits in weather temperatures. And my head hurts from the tension too. (what a whiner, eh?)

Thoughts on idleness

Am being held hostage by this darned cough and the need to blow my nose. You'd think that eventually I'd be well. Truth is, I was for about a day and a half last week. Huh. Must've let my guard down.

Here's something that's interesting, though. Oldest daughter was off work yesterday and made the observation that the whole house was quieter and felt more relaxed since I sat through most of it, and the kids were a bit more laid back as a result of my inactivity. Husband agreed when I shared with him. Conclusion: if the mom sits on her tush and reads magazines, the kids are more agreeable. Not sure what to make of that situation, but it is food for thought. Gary said that when I'm running around, doing my cleaning routine and all, that the children get worked up and chatter overmuch. He voted in favor of me resting more, since he's not too keen on wired-up children.

'Course the state of the house might put paid to the practice of my idleness before too long. The clothes do have to be washed/dried/hung-out, garbage has to be taken out, dinners have to be cooked and the vacuum does have to be pushed about. Maybe I need to rethink how much energy I put into these jobs (though my helpers work hard too), and honestly pay more heed to resting.

Must be the Lord has a lesson for me in all of this sickness stuff, do you think? And what's that quote....something about how things will have to be repeated before the truth of a situation hits home? Now, that's a stunning thought. Shoot, best learn it quick-like, or I'll be coughing all winter! ;)

Pug snores

Have had a self-imposed quiet day with this annoying cold/sinus thing that refuses to leave. I was sitting in the chair with both Pugs, this afternoon, and had to share Violet's cozy snoring. :)

Saturday's news

One of my so-called resolutions (if you want to call it that) is to take life a bit more lightly. I've tended to be a news addict, and with the slant the media take, it's easy to get overwhelmed fast. The thing is, used to (pre-Internet) I rarely read the newspaper, and have always regularly voted even with my previous tendency to NOT read too much junk, but this glut of information I've been feeding myself has been a negative influence on me.

So, out with the old, so to speak.

I'll let the Lord take care of the things I can't manage and will spend more time on what really matters. And today that means using Pine-Sol on all flat surfaces, washing furniture throws, vacuuming and all-around tidying up. Company for dinner!

Family in town and oldest daughter's beau over as well. This boyfriend business is new to this house, so excitement abounds when he comes to visit. Btw, they're following a courting pattern for their relationship which includes them not being alone together for any length of time (they see one another at church and Sunday School when we're not there, but that's it), and all visiting is with the family in whole or part. And old-fashioned way of doing things, but honestly, it's almost more the kids doing than ours. Daughter has initiated it, and we're all appreciating it. And it's so God's doing in how these two lovebirds relate to one another. The beau is totally on the same page regarding courtship as our daughter. So refreshing, let me tell you. Just wish the grandmothers on this side of the family could understand it. So far, they're sort of scratching their heads. (and for those of you who think we're a bit odd...stick around...this courtship business could get even more interesting!)

So be it. We rattled their cages with the homeschooling as well. :)

Off to tuck in a brief nap before getting the day really underway. Cheers.