Honey & Jam

When I was at the bookstore on Thursday and bought 'Where Women Cook', I also thumbed through the new lavender (so pretty) issue of 'Artful Blogging' (which I had to put down because one Stampington magazine at a time is all I can swing). Inside the current issue, I found a blogging site (with photography and recipes---yum) I'd been unaware of, but the photographs are so wonderful, I have to share it with you. It's Honey & Jam, and the photos speak for themselves.  They are breath-taking.  The owner of the site is beautiful as well, as you can see by her photo here.

Just something inspiring to carry into your day. :)

Winding up the week

About to go over the kids' math and then we have to get this house in order. Oldest daughter has a girlfriend coming into town this evening (someone she met online), and we're in a bit of disarray 'round these parts. Plus, it looks like rain (feeling a Winnie-the-Pooh mood coming on) at least from what the radar is telling me.

And as far as plans go, it's all up in the air. If the weather holds out, might take the ones who're interested to the art gallery near us tomorrow morning (it's free if you get there before noon). Their bulbs are coming up and that's always a treat. Coq au Vin for dinner on Sunday with something dishy for dessert, maybe Key Lime Pie. And since the girls will spend the nights at my mom's, we won't be overly crowded. There's really not an inch of space to sleep a guest, but a personal want in my heart is a house big enough someday to allow for a guest bedroom. Wouldn't that be a treat? As for now, thankful for warm bodies to fill the beds we do have.

Windows up, washer chugging along, and lots to do. But none of it taxing.

Enjoy your day!

Highlights of the day

When the kids and I drove to my mom's this morning, we noticed a strange car in the driveway and jokingly one of the young ones wondered aloud if it might be the physical therapist. Got it in one! It was, and was her first visit. The highlight was the therapist being able to show my mom how to get out of her easy chair with only using her weight-bearing abilities and her good arm. Wonderful! This is amazing because Mom's been unable to sit in her den and watch television comfortably, since if she's gotten in the upholstered chair, she's had to have help getting up. So happy about this. More independence.

And, I bought a new magazine with the rest of my birthday money called, 'Where Women Cook'...one of the Stampington magazines which are so dishy. Pricey, but this one is well-worth it.

On other fronts I'm clueless, but the above is enough to keep me afloat for still another day.

A sunny day

Violet the pug is in my lap, making the act of typing very difficult.  She gets cold in the morning, though, and tends to need a cuddle.  Apparently Daisy the pug is satisfied with, what we call, the thinking chair and her covers.  One pug in my lap at a time is enough, least when I'm sitting at the dining room table like now.

Wanted to share a photo I found on Tumblr, and invite you to click on it and see the photographer's other pretties.  As for me, this garden will suit just fine. :)

Easy does it

Oldest daughter paid me, what I considered, a very high compliment the other day.  I was puttering around in the kitchen, not sure what I was doing, probably cleaning up, but she said that watching me was so restful.  Now, I'd not been intentionally feeling/being quiet and slow with my movements, but for some reason it came across that way.

I think I've figured out why the last few weeks have been so frustrating for me.  And in a conversation with one of my brothers yesterday (which was very encouraging), we sort of pigeon-holed where my head has been lately.  See, I tend to have this Zen thing going on a daily basis and try to find quiet places to put my thoughts.  Unfortunately Christians aren't too famous for being calm and restful (least not the ones I know), so deep breathing and slower movements tend to make me feel more at peace, if that even makes any sense.  I have to consciously go at my tasks in an intentional way.  One thing at a time.  Complete that action and move onto the next.  That works for me.  But stir me up with things coming up from the side, without any warning, and my center gets rocked.  Go figure.

So.  While today hasn't been too peaceful, with grocery chores, taking mom's things to her, going to the drugstore, etc., I can plan the rest of the day in that manner.  As of now, spaghetti sauce is in the crockpot, bread dough is rising, and while the house is in a mad state of disarray, if I can approach Gary's coming home in a calm state, then the rest of the bother just melts away.  He won't notice the mess if I seem okay.  He's like that.

Now is good.

A very chilly Tuesday morning

Bought a fresh, new copy of 'Jane Eyre' yesterday with some of my birthday money.  My old version is worn out---can't read it anymore without the pages falling out, not that that's a bad thing, but not very convenient.  Got the paperback Modern Library editions of Jane and 'Persuasion' and they're so pretty.  Nice covers and readable type.  The older I get, the more important an eye-pleasing font is to me. :)

Anyway, trying to mentally kick back and focus on things right in front of me.  Today will be full of a library trip, taking one son to work and possibly making a side trip to Fresh Market to look at tea.  I still have some birthday money to spend, and might indulge myself a tiny bit.  Sometimes we're due that, you know?

Hamburgers, fries and slaw for dinner, with the possibility of a chocolate layer cake.  As always, wish you were here.

Used part of my birthday money and bought Modern Library paperback copies of 'Jane Eyre' (my very favorite book of all time) and 'Persuasion'.  That publisher puts out such pretty books---nice paper, and readable type.  So collectible.  Began reading Jane again last night, and it was such a pleasure, especially with me being such a fiction glutton.  Sometimes I need a break from reviewing new books, and have an urge to get into the old books.  It's refreshing.

Not much going on in these parts.  Gary's shop is still in slow-down mode, and I'll admit it's frustrating.