And I already have a few thoughts anxious to be expressed.
- Professed hermit-wanna-be that I am, I'm surprised at how buoyed up I feel this morning after my bike ride. I stopped to visit with a couple ward-lady-friends about books and bikes. I stopped to chat with a ward-lady-friend who was out watering/weeding. (She filled me in on a recently hospitalized friend and another friend who has cancer.) Stopped and visited with my neighbor and her 2 year old. I guess people really do need people.
It reminds me of our impromptu lunch yesterday at one of my very favorite eateries: Corner Bakery. (So very glad they opened one in our vicinity!) We ran into not one, or two, but five ward-neighbor-friends. I'm thinking the weather is partly responsible. I am out all year long. But lots of people we know seem to hibernate in the winter and as soon as it's spring, they all come "out of the woodwork"! It was the perfect day for eating outside: no breeze to speak of, mid-seventies - just right!
- Today was also the perfect day for a bike ride: calm winds, in the 50's, sun coming up (I am such a morning person!), my bike tires were pumped up, I had my helmet and sunglasses and it only took me just under 2 hours to do my hour ride, what with all the chatting going on.
- For the past several years we've hosted a pair of Bullock's orioles in our yard. They come in the spring, make nests and babies and then move on for the winter. This year it seemed they weren't coming. It was surely a slump in our season. Then, this morning I heard a familiar chutter, rushed to the window and there she was. The mama. Trying to feed from the hummingbird feeder (sorry, Ma'am, your beak is too short!) As I sit here, The Husband is out filling the oriole feeder. Yay! (They are just so gorgeous.) Bullock’s Orioles, Bullock’s Oriole Pictures, Bullock’s Oriole Facts - National Geographic
- Yesterday's visit to Corner Bakery resulted in a cinnamon roll (buy-one-get-one-free) that I shouldn't have bought. Was going to split with The Husband. Since I ended up with 2, decided to eat a whole one by myself. Spent the rest of the day with a miserable stomach. Swore I was going to be better. Thus: I ate the next to last brownie (on Monday (it was a holiday!) I finally managed to cook them just right) for breakfast! The guilt is killing me. (I actually tossed the very last one in the trash so as to remove temptation. Should have tossed them both. Couldn't bring myself to do it. And I'm already suffering.)
- And tomorrow is National Doughnut Day! (My crystal ball is saying it sees a possible trip to Orem to Krispie Kreme for a free doughnut. The Husband loves doughnuts.)
- It's been such a fun morning, I'm happily anticipating the rest of the day.
Mail / Late
Stopped at the post office to mail in the house payment (yes, I'm fully aware I can do it online, just for this one thing I have to do it the old-school way). Walked up to the mail slot and sent that letter sailing through. Had a mental image of the letter taking flight, right over the bin, onto the floor, where it gets trodden under foot, eventually picked up and thrown away, never to arrive at it's destination. Now I'm worried. I'll be checking to make sure the payment arrives.
As I was waiting for someone (who was late) to arrive at the house this morning, I thought about schedules and time. It is nearly impossible for me to be late. I actually start to get anxiety if I need to be somewhere and the time is short. My stomach clenches up, my breathing speeds. Where - oh where - did this come from? I know lots of people who blithely float through life, not caring if they're early (which happens rarely) or a half hour late. (A member of my book group is routinely an hour late, stays for maybe half an hour and then leaves early....I wonder if she'll be one of those that's late to Heaven? And what will they do with the latecomers?)
I've often wondered about being late to things. I dislike being late to a movie (must see every preview), wouldn't dream of being late to church, don't care to make anyone wait on me; I can't seem to be late for an appointment (never mind that doctors usually are late for my appointment) and don't ever want to be late for something fun.
I guess I don't want to be late for some fabulous opportunity, it might not ever come around again.
As I was waiting for someone (who was late) to arrive at the house this morning, I thought about schedules and time. It is nearly impossible for me to be late. I actually start to get anxiety if I need to be somewhere and the time is short. My stomach clenches up, my breathing speeds. Where - oh where - did this come from? I know lots of people who blithely float through life, not caring if they're early (which happens rarely) or a half hour late. (A member of my book group is routinely an hour late, stays for maybe half an hour and then leaves early....I wonder if she'll be one of those that's late to Heaven? And what will they do with the latecomers?)
I've often wondered about being late to things. I dislike being late to a movie (must see every preview), wouldn't dream of being late to church, don't care to make anyone wait on me; I can't seem to be late for an appointment (never mind that doctors usually are late for my appointment) and don't ever want to be late for something fun.
I guess I don't want to be late for some fabulous opportunity, it might not ever come around again.
Wonderings
I've had a few thoughts today:
- Wondered why that woman driving the rental moving van was wearing the blue gloves (like you see at the airport).
- Wondered also what another driver was thinking as she was driving one-handed (eating) while she cruised right through the red light (totally illegally)? (I wonder if her guardian angel gets overtime?)
- Wondered how they manage to pack the napkins so tight in the package that when you open the plastic the napkins practically explode. (Picture 52 card pick-up!)
- Wished we knew what this was all about: sitting on the back patio, during a breath in the conversation hearing a young girl off in the distance yell, "Yeehaw!" (Made us chuckle.)
- Felt grateful for the new patio. (Disappointed in a few hairline cracks, don't know if there's a remedy, wonder if we wasted our hard-earned cash, but still enjoying the new, more comfortable, useable space.)
- Wondered if I use too many parentheses? (I like them.)
- Wondered if today families across the country discussed as we did the amazing sacrifice of those soldiers and others in the military who we remember and honor on this Memorial Day.
- Wondered why that woman driving the rental moving van was wearing the blue gloves (like you see at the airport).
- Wondered also what another driver was thinking as she was driving one-handed (eating) while she cruised right through the red light (totally illegally)? (I wonder if her guardian angel gets overtime?)
- Wondered how they manage to pack the napkins so tight in the package that when you open the plastic the napkins practically explode. (Picture 52 card pick-up!)
- Wished we knew what this was all about: sitting on the back patio, during a breath in the conversation hearing a young girl off in the distance yell, "Yeehaw!" (Made us chuckle.)
- Felt grateful for the new patio. (Disappointed in a few hairline cracks, don't know if there's a remedy, wonder if we wasted our hard-earned cash, but still enjoying the new, more comfortable, useable space.)
- Wondered if I use too many parentheses? (I like them.)
- Wondered if today families across the country discussed as we did the amazing sacrifice of those soldiers and others in the military who we remember and honor on this Memorial Day.
Penny / Socks
"Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck!"
So, last night I found a nickel as I was walking along the side of the street. Does that mean I'll have 5 times as much good luck? And does that mean, since it was the evening and there was no more day left, that I'll have five times as much good luck all day long today? (And oops, thinking of that nickel I'd better run to the laundry and fish it out of my pants pocket so it doesn't bang up my washing machine!)
As I was leaving book group last night a lady said to me that my socks didn't match, did I know, or was it actually on purpose?
Now, I've always been a conservative. I might even at times have been described as staid. But I've come to learn that doesn't mean I can't also be fun at the same time. And true, my socks were different on purpose - who said socks always have to match, anyway?
Check these out (they're one of my favorite brands!):
LittleMissMatched™ | Girls Socks, Bedding, Pajamas, Accessories, Clothing and More
So, last night I found a nickel as I was walking along the side of the street. Does that mean I'll have 5 times as much good luck? And does that mean, since it was the evening and there was no more day left, that I'll have five times as much good luck all day long today? (And oops, thinking of that nickel I'd better run to the laundry and fish it out of my pants pocket so it doesn't bang up my washing machine!)
As I was leaving book group last night a lady said to me that my socks didn't match, did I know, or was it actually on purpose?
Now, I've always been a conservative. I might even at times have been described as staid. But I've come to learn that doesn't mean I can't also be fun at the same time. And true, my socks were different on purpose - who said socks always have to match, anyway?
Check these out (they're one of my favorite brands!):
LittleMissMatched™ | Girls Socks, Bedding, Pajamas, Accessories, Clothing and More
Tender Mercy
I tend to start out my morning walks with a prayer. I silently pray as I walk along, it's good quiet, contemplative time. And really starts the day off on the right foot.
This morning I included a request that I might be aware of The Lord's hand in my life, among other things.
After my morning oatmeal, I headed out to prune the lilacs. They're very happy bushes. We have two of them in front of the living room windows and they've gotten quite tall - I'd guess about 12 feet. Really too tall. So I set about hacking and cutting them down, quite far. (They aren't actually The Husband's favorite bush, he doesn't care for their ranginess or the fragrance of the blooms, shortlived though the blooms are.)
All during my walk as I planned out my day and again as I was working on the bushes I kept thinking: it's too bad that today is garbage day and the cans will be emptied before I get the bushes trimmed. (Our garbage is picked up usually around 7 a.m. and this happened to be a week when both cans were barely used.) I kept thinking about that huge pile of clippings that would sit around for another week.
The Tender Mercy of today: The garbage truck didn't make its rounds until about 10:30 a.m. Long after the usual time. This is such a rare occurrence that I actually can't remember the last time they were so late. But this day, when I didn't even need the late pick-up, just hoped for it, it happened just at the right time.
We were able to get the bushes trimmed and all the clippings in the cans in time for pick-up. Truly a trivial thing in the overall fabric of life. But in my heart I choose to think Heavenly Father took notice of my simple prayer and extended His hand. My next prayer will be one of gratitude.
p.s. I loved what The Husband said when I apologized for getting him all hot and sweaty. He said, "I'm not hot and sweaty, I just have spring all over me!"
This morning I included a request that I might be aware of The Lord's hand in my life, among other things.
After my morning oatmeal, I headed out to prune the lilacs. They're very happy bushes. We have two of them in front of the living room windows and they've gotten quite tall - I'd guess about 12 feet. Really too tall. So I set about hacking and cutting them down, quite far. (They aren't actually The Husband's favorite bush, he doesn't care for their ranginess or the fragrance of the blooms, shortlived though the blooms are.)
All during my walk as I planned out my day and again as I was working on the bushes I kept thinking: it's too bad that today is garbage day and the cans will be emptied before I get the bushes trimmed. (Our garbage is picked up usually around 7 a.m. and this happened to be a week when both cans were barely used.) I kept thinking about that huge pile of clippings that would sit around for another week.
The Tender Mercy of today: The garbage truck didn't make its rounds until about 10:30 a.m. Long after the usual time. This is such a rare occurrence that I actually can't remember the last time they were so late. But this day, when I didn't even need the late pick-up, just hoped for it, it happened just at the right time.
We were able to get the bushes trimmed and all the clippings in the cans in time for pick-up. Truly a trivial thing in the overall fabric of life. But in my heart I choose to think Heavenly Father took notice of my simple prayer and extended His hand. My next prayer will be one of gratitude.
p.s. I loved what The Husband said when I apologized for getting him all hot and sweaty. He said, "I'm not hot and sweaty, I just have spring all over me!"
Aid
Two kind (and good looking!) men came to my aid this afternoon when my grocery cart became seemingly inextricably entangled in a garden hose strung across the walkway (those flowers really did need the water in this heat). I even got smiles. (And I smiled sweetly back.)
I'd like to think it was because I'm young, slender, blonde and attractive. Sadly, I'm no longer young or slender. I've never been blonde or attractive.
Thus, my only conclusion must be that they were helping out an old lady. Does that make it official? That I'm an old lady? Sigh....
I'd like to think it was because I'm young, slender, blonde and attractive. Sadly, I'm no longer young or slender. I've never been blonde or attractive.
Thus, my only conclusion must be that they were helping out an old lady. Does that make it official? That I'm an old lady? Sigh....
Confession: I'm A Fraud
Let me explain. The organ and I have never been friends. When my Mom started having me accompany her (and often her with her friends) on the piano when I was just a young'un, I think she thought she'd struck gold. I've spent the vast majority of my life accompanying people, choirs, instruments, groups, funerals, weddings - whatever - on the piano and I've actually really enjoyed it. My horizons have been broadened and friendships deepened by this association. And I'm happy to do it, anytime, most anywhere (not bars). The piano has been my steadfast lifelong friend.
When I was about 15 or so, Mom had me sit at the organ and learn a few things. I took a 6 week course (free, taught by the Church) on how to play the organ. Disliked it from the very first minute. It intimidates me. I don't have the coordination to play the pedals and my hands at the same time. I don't understand the settings. I've fallen off organ benches onto the pedals (loudly) - in church no less. No enjoyment there for me.
No matter, Mom had struck gold twice. From then on I played the organ in church often. That was a calling I had in high school for a time. Never cared for it. But there I was. Stuck. I've been ward organist in most of the places we've lived. (Along with many other simultaneous music / piano callings.)
I don't think I've actually ever told anyone I can play the organ, in my heart I don't really think I can. (And I've never been fond of organ music, it isn't pretty to me.)
So today, I felt like a fraud once more. Substituted again for our friend at the organ for Church while she was off at a grandson's mission farewell. I actually have no aptitude nor proficiency at the organ. I sit there on the bench feeling the worst kind of fool, pretending that I know what I'm doing when in actuality I don't. I sit there with my shoulders back, head high, hit that bass coupler button, try to keep in time with the chorister and pump the volume way up. (And I've learned to push the bench in closer so that I don't ever fall off again!) It's all in the attitude - and sometimes I can have plenty of that.
But inside I know it's all fake. Even the attitude.
When I was about 15 or so, Mom had me sit at the organ and learn a few things. I took a 6 week course (free, taught by the Church) on how to play the organ. Disliked it from the very first minute. It intimidates me. I don't have the coordination to play the pedals and my hands at the same time. I don't understand the settings. I've fallen off organ benches onto the pedals (loudly) - in church no less. No enjoyment there for me.
No matter, Mom had struck gold twice. From then on I played the organ in church often. That was a calling I had in high school for a time. Never cared for it. But there I was. Stuck. I've been ward organist in most of the places we've lived. (Along with many other simultaneous music / piano callings.)
I don't think I've actually ever told anyone I can play the organ, in my heart I don't really think I can. (And I've never been fond of organ music, it isn't pretty to me.)
So today, I felt like a fraud once more. Substituted again for our friend at the organ for Church while she was off at a grandson's mission farewell. I actually have no aptitude nor proficiency at the organ. I sit there on the bench feeling the worst kind of fool, pretending that I know what I'm doing when in actuality I don't. I sit there with my shoulders back, head high, hit that bass coupler button, try to keep in time with the chorister and pump the volume way up. (And I've learned to push the bench in closer so that I don't ever fall off again!) It's all in the attitude - and sometimes I can have plenty of that.
But inside I know it's all fake. Even the attitude.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Was reading a book this morning that contained a wonderful quote by Mr. Emerson.
"There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance, that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better or worse as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no nourishing kernel of corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed upon that plot of ground given to him to till. The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is that he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.
What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think. This rule, equally arduous in actual and in intellectual life, may serve for the whole distinction between greatness and meanness. It is the harder, because you will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it. It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after your own, but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."
Which goes along with this quote from Elder Neil L. Andersen: "You don't know everything, but you know enough" - enough to keep the commandments and do what is right."
Working on it....
(And I just discovered chocolate on my keyboard! Wonder what that says about me other than that I'm a slob and a chocolate lover?)
"There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance, that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better or worse as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no nourishing kernel of corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed upon that plot of ground given to him to till. The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is that he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.
What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think. This rule, equally arduous in actual and in intellectual life, may serve for the whole distinction between greatness and meanness. It is the harder, because you will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it. It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after your own, but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."
Which goes along with this quote from Elder Neil L. Andersen: "You don't know everything, but you know enough" - enough to keep the commandments and do what is right."
Working on it....
(And I just discovered chocolate on my keyboard! Wonder what that says about me other than that I'm a slob and a chocolate lover?)
Ant Or Spider?
Standing at the kitchen sink (the sink is a corner sink under some windows, with a big longer-than-any-human's-arms-can-reach counter behind the faucet) The Husband says - there's an ant crawling on the windowsill.
I take a quick look and can tell immediately that it is not an ant - it's a spider! Know how I could tell? By it's walk. Now that's one amazing skill, to be able to discern a spider from an ant by its walk!
Life Is Good
Received a gift of pajama bottoms. From "Life is Good". In one of my favorite colors. With the typical "Life Is Good" daisy. Love them. (And no, not a nightgown person, spend too much of the night acting like a human rotisserie, so I get too twisted up in a gown.)
I figure when I wear them my dreams will absorb the fun color, the cute daisy and the motto. Won't be possible to have anything but sweet dreams. ZZzzzzz.....
Totally Tuesday
Trod the trail this Tuesday - tracking the text on the e-reader as I traversed the tarmac. Took some teasing for the (multi-)tasking.
And now I've run out of "T" words.....
Oh, the pressure: I'm still in the middle of the book group book (it's so depressing I can only read it briefly) an e-book came in from the library (can't renew those so I'm reading fast!) I have 7 library books in the basket awaiting my involvement, plus there's a new release waiting for me to pick it up from the library and 2 (yes 2!) more new releases in transit. (New releases can't be renewed...)
And while it may sound like whining - I actually love it. It's my security: having enough to read.
And now I've run out of "T" words.....
Oh, the pressure: I'm still in the middle of the book group book (it's so depressing I can only read it briefly) an e-book came in from the library (can't renew those so I'm reading fast!) I have 7 library books in the basket awaiting my involvement, plus there's a new release waiting for me to pick it up from the library and 2 (yes 2!) more new releases in transit. (New releases can't be renewed...)
And while it may sound like whining - I actually love it. It's my security: having enough to read.
Mother's Day
A day I usually approach with anguish and dread. This is the second Mother's Day without my Mom. And that has caused some reflection on my part. It took me a long, long time to come to terms with her mothering; a long time to believe and acknowledge that she did the best that she could.
No one knows what goes on behind the doors of a home, and in some cases what goes on is too painful, mortifying and awful to reveal to any outsider. This was the case in my family. There are very few recalled instances of happiness. I mentioned to The Husband the other day that I can actually NOT pinpoint any time when I received any physical signs of affection, hugs or anything like unto it, from my Mother. They must have occured. Surely they did. But clearly with no impact on me or I would remember feeling loved.
Therefore, I didn't learn to love or nurture from my own experience or family example. And there are lots of ways in which I know I failed as a mother. I can hope that one day my own children will be lenient in their judgements and also realize that I hoped to do better and that I truly did try to do the best that I could.
In an effort to find a positive spin on this emotionally challenging day I've been thinking of some good things I learned from my mother.
- A love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. My testimony of our church is invaluable. It keeps me attending church when it might be easier to stay at home.
- People matter. Children, family, relatives friends, acquaintances, (some of this has been learned by extrapolation and extension): all people matter, people count.
- Music is a blessing from Above. Sung, played on an instrument, played on the airwaves (or today on an iPod or some other technical apparatus) - whatever. It enriches our soul, lifts our spirits, changes our mood and fulfills our lives. (I understand that as a baby I used to sing myself to sleep. How cute.)
- Work first, play after. Although there was very little play in my childhood, I've long lived by this philosphy - and have felt the benefits of getting the hard stuff out of the way so as to be able to better enjoy the fun stuff. Without pressure of undone tasks, no cloud hanging over my head. So much better for me.
- I learned a love of books and literature. My Grandmother (whose birthday I share) told my mother she let me read far too much. I'm so glad Mom just let that criticism slip on by without action. My life has been immeasurably richer for the reading I have done. My vocabulary marginally broader, and my mind stimulated. For this one thing alone I could never express enough gratitude.
Someone asked me the other day if I was having all the family over today to celebrate. It's been a quiet day. I've heard from 3 of my 4 children. Conversations where love was expressed and laughter shared. Those are balm to my soul. I'm grateful for children who understand the importance of unsolicited affection. And My Love: my undying gratitude for the past 43 years. For the unwavering confidence in my abilities that I've felt from you, for the constancy of your declaration of my innate worth.
My heart is full on this day when I can easily recognize the blessings that are mine because of Mother's Day. It's been a long time coming and I might not be in this frame of mind again. But for today, it was enough.
No one knows what goes on behind the doors of a home, and in some cases what goes on is too painful, mortifying and awful to reveal to any outsider. This was the case in my family. There are very few recalled instances of happiness. I mentioned to The Husband the other day that I can actually NOT pinpoint any time when I received any physical signs of affection, hugs or anything like unto it, from my Mother. They must have occured. Surely they did. But clearly with no impact on me or I would remember feeling loved.
Therefore, I didn't learn to love or nurture from my own experience or family example. And there are lots of ways in which I know I failed as a mother. I can hope that one day my own children will be lenient in their judgements and also realize that I hoped to do better and that I truly did try to do the best that I could.
In an effort to find a positive spin on this emotionally challenging day I've been thinking of some good things I learned from my mother.
- A love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. My testimony of our church is invaluable. It keeps me attending church when it might be easier to stay at home.
- People matter. Children, family, relatives friends, acquaintances, (some of this has been learned by extrapolation and extension): all people matter, people count.
- Music is a blessing from Above. Sung, played on an instrument, played on the airwaves (or today on an iPod or some other technical apparatus) - whatever. It enriches our soul, lifts our spirits, changes our mood and fulfills our lives. (I understand that as a baby I used to sing myself to sleep. How cute.)
- Work first, play after. Although there was very little play in my childhood, I've long lived by this philosphy - and have felt the benefits of getting the hard stuff out of the way so as to be able to better enjoy the fun stuff. Without pressure of undone tasks, no cloud hanging over my head. So much better for me.
- I learned a love of books and literature. My Grandmother (whose birthday I share) told my mother she let me read far too much. I'm so glad Mom just let that criticism slip on by without action. My life has been immeasurably richer for the reading I have done. My vocabulary marginally broader, and my mind stimulated. For this one thing alone I could never express enough gratitude.
Someone asked me the other day if I was having all the family over today to celebrate. It's been a quiet day. I've heard from 3 of my 4 children. Conversations where love was expressed and laughter shared. Those are balm to my soul. I'm grateful for children who understand the importance of unsolicited affection. And My Love: my undying gratitude for the past 43 years. For the unwavering confidence in my abilities that I've felt from you, for the constancy of your declaration of my innate worth.
My heart is full on this day when I can easily recognize the blessings that are mine because of Mother's Day. It's been a long time coming and I might not be in this frame of mind again. But for today, it was enough.
Movie
We managed to see a movie this afternoon. (The Husband also managed to work on the sprinklers after the patio re-do, wash off the solar panels and wash my car! WOW!)
The movie was "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and while there were many things I disliked about this movie, there were many more things I truly immensely liked about this movie. To actually "get" the movie, I really think you must be of a certain age. Things just ring more true then. (Although The Husband opined that even a younger romantic soul would enjoy the overall story.)
A couple of lines that have stayed with me (as best I can recall them):
"Everything will be all right in the end. If it's not all right then it's not the end." What an optimist! And the character in the movie surely was that. What an inspiration.
And this one: "Just get up in the morning and do your best all day long. That's all that really matters." And while this isn't quite all that really matters I love the philosphy of doing your best all day every day.
Cap off a lovely afternoon with the completion of several errands and then the perfect Reuben sandwich from Corner Bakery (an older favorite restaurant made new favorite again by its recent opening in our neighborhood, thus more easily accessible) and I'm feeling good.
It is now 7:30 p.m., I have my fat pants on and the toenails painted a luscious shade of sparkly pink, the vacuuming is done, the laundry nearly complete and I'm thinking this was a good Saturday.
The movie was "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and while there were many things I disliked about this movie, there were many more things I truly immensely liked about this movie. To actually "get" the movie, I really think you must be of a certain age. Things just ring more true then. (Although The Husband opined that even a younger romantic soul would enjoy the overall story.)
A couple of lines that have stayed with me (as best I can recall them):
"Everything will be all right in the end. If it's not all right then it's not the end." What an optimist! And the character in the movie surely was that. What an inspiration.
And this one: "Just get up in the morning and do your best all day long. That's all that really matters." And while this isn't quite all that really matters I love the philosphy of doing your best all day every day.
Cap off a lovely afternoon with the completion of several errands and then the perfect Reuben sandwich from Corner Bakery (an older favorite restaurant made new favorite again by its recent opening in our neighborhood, thus more easily accessible) and I'm feeling good.
It is now 7:30 p.m., I have my fat pants on and the toenails painted a luscious shade of sparkly pink, the vacuuming is done, the laundry nearly complete and I'm thinking this was a good Saturday.
Stop
So, I was driving around doing errands a bit this morning, had a brilliant idea for a blog post, even rough-drafted it in my mind. And...yep, I forgot. Hopefully my brilliance will return at some point.
But, just to clarify: those octagonal signs, painted red with large white letters on them? That really means stop. Not just slow down and slide through, but STOP, look all directions, and when it is all clear - safe - and your turn, then proceed through the intersection. Stop signs are not, repeat, not just for street corner decoration.
But, just to clarify: those octagonal signs, painted red with large white letters on them? That really means stop. Not just slow down and slide through, but STOP, look all directions, and when it is all clear - safe - and your turn, then proceed through the intersection. Stop signs are not, repeat, not just for street corner decoration.
Out Of The Mouths....
I'd wager every one of us has (at least once in our lifetime) pronounced (out loud) some word or other - incorrectly. I vividly remember my own experience at school when I was in 2nd grade. The Husband also recalls sending his own mother into fits of laughter when he called it "the Book of k'n-ow(like I hurt my elbow)ledge.
Explaining to The Grandson this afternoon how a bird flew into the window, we heard the thud and when I came around the corner to look I saw feathers drifting all over...The Grandson said," you mean the bird didn't see the sil-how-tee?" After asking for him to repeat his sentence a couple times, trying to catch his drift, The Daughter said to him he meant the silhouette, it's french. (We have bird silhouettes stuck to the window to prevent this very thing.)
One of those cutenesses so characteristic of grandchilluns. I didn't mean to embarrass him, his innocent pronunciation was charming.
But....I have gotten quite the good chuckle out of it. (And they deserved the chuckle after "scaring" me at the back door!)
Explaining to The Grandson this afternoon how a bird flew into the window, we heard the thud and when I came around the corner to look I saw feathers drifting all over...The Grandson said," you mean the bird didn't see the sil-how-tee?" After asking for him to repeat his sentence a couple times, trying to catch his drift, The Daughter said to him he meant the silhouette, it's french. (We have bird silhouettes stuck to the window to prevent this very thing.)
One of those cutenesses so characteristic of grandchilluns. I didn't mean to embarrass him, his innocent pronunciation was charming.
But....I have gotten quite the good chuckle out of it. (And they deserved the chuckle after "scaring" me at the back door!)
Nook / Technology
So, I have a Nook Simple Touch. (I know there are those out there that think the only e-reader is a Kindle. But when I finally decided to take the plunge into e-reading, the Nook was the only one supported by our public library system. Kindle has finally managed to arrive at the public library party, (and I do have the Kindle app on my iPad) but I'm still totally enamored by my Nook. It is marvelous for travel.)
I got a skin from Decal Girl, and it was ok, but wasn't great. (Pretty picture, just not what I thought it was based on the computer image.) Mary Engelbreit just barely announced a collaboration with Decal Girl and has some pretty cute designs.
Of course, nearing Mother's Day, lots of places are having sales. Including Decal Girl. (My cellphone skin from Decal Girl has been on for over a year and I still love it!) So I splurged. Bought a replacement skin. Which arrived today. And was almost immediately applied.
AND...there was a free screen saver to match. I almost managed to get it on the Nook without help from The Wizard (i.e. my EB (Eternal Buddy) The Husband!) Finally had to have a bit of technical support - but really pretty minimal, only quick verbal instructions, with a dash of included frustration - caused by me. And it looks fabulous!
I wish I wasn't so technically challenged. Or perhaps wish I were better educated where technology is concerned. Or maybe just more adept. And somehow I don't think my "adeptness" is going to improve with age. But Thanks, My Love, for the Nook, for the new skin, for all the gadgets and gewgaws you shower on me.
"I'm not where I was, I'm not quite where I'm going, but I'm on my way."
I got a skin from Decal Girl, and it was ok, but wasn't great. (Pretty picture, just not what I thought it was based on the computer image.) Mary Engelbreit just barely announced a collaboration with Decal Girl and has some pretty cute designs.
Of course, nearing Mother's Day, lots of places are having sales. Including Decal Girl. (My cellphone skin from Decal Girl has been on for over a year and I still love it!) So I splurged. Bought a replacement skin. Which arrived today. And was almost immediately applied.
AND...there was a free screen saver to match. I almost managed to get it on the Nook without help from The Wizard (i.e. my EB (Eternal Buddy) The Husband!) Finally had to have a bit of technical support - but really pretty minimal, only quick verbal instructions, with a dash of included frustration - caused by me. And it looks fabulous!
I wish I wasn't so technically challenged. Or perhaps wish I were better educated where technology is concerned. Or maybe just more adept. And somehow I don't think my "adeptness" is going to improve with age. But Thanks, My Love, for the Nook, for the new skin, for all the gadgets and gewgaws you shower on me.
"I'm not where I was, I'm not quite where I'm going, but I'm on my way."
People
I can get "people-overload" on occasion. When lots of stuff is going on, I find a need for some solitude and quiet. I sort of felt this coming on after the whirlwind activity that characterized last week. Sunday didn't quite feel peaceful enough.
So this morning I started out with a walk on the trail: too many people. Then:
-several phone calls
-multiple errands to run - requiring interaction with people
-Son #1 stopped by
-Neighbor-friend stopped by (although I was out interacting at that particular time)
-2 neighbor-friends were chatting when I went out to get the mail - requiring more interaction
-Carpenter and 2 helpers stopped by to fix the shelves
-Daughter #2 and her son: day-after-birthday celebration (cake and The Pie pizza) with son #1. (Yum and Fun!)
-Concrete crew (5 guys) came to wash and seal the new patio (looks great!)
It felt like our place was literally Grand Central Station. (And having been there in New York City just a year ago I can say it truly felt like that only on a much smaller scale.)
My "people-overload" was worked out of my system. Thanks, You'All. It was a grand day.
So this morning I started out with a walk on the trail: too many people. Then:
-several phone calls
-multiple errands to run - requiring interaction with people
-Son #1 stopped by
-Neighbor-friend stopped by (although I was out interacting at that particular time)
-2 neighbor-friends were chatting when I went out to get the mail - requiring more interaction
-Carpenter and 2 helpers stopped by to fix the shelves
-Daughter #2 and her son: day-after-birthday celebration (cake and The Pie pizza) with son #1. (Yum and Fun!)
-Concrete crew (5 guys) came to wash and seal the new patio (looks great!)
It felt like our place was literally Grand Central Station. (And having been there in New York City just a year ago I can say it truly felt like that only on a much smaller scale.)
My "people-overload" was worked out of my system. Thanks, You'All. It was a grand day.
Tender Mercy
I've spent the vast majority of my life feeling pretty worthless. Useless, no particular skills for anything, homely and just plain undesirable. Never was even remotely popular, haven't ever held any important positions.
Sat down in Relief Society this afternoon, and a sweet sister behind me leaned forward, tapped me on the shoulder and thanked me for the e-mails I have been sending out as part of my calling (Emergency Prep Chair). Mentioned how much she enjoys reading them. Told me about a recently released Bishop/friend of hers who just was put in as Emergency Prep chair and also another friend of hers who has the same calling. Both of them commented how difficult this calling is, not really any guidelines in the handbook, and how they have a general feeling of "what am I supposed to do?"
She forwarded on to each of them a couple e-mails that I've sent out. They each requested, "more, more." She wanted me to know they are enjoyed and helpful (and shared across the state!). Thanked me for my efforts and information.
And all of this from her totally unsolicited and unexpected. Gave me pause. Made me think.
Sat down in Relief Society this afternoon, and a sweet sister behind me leaned forward, tapped me on the shoulder and thanked me for the e-mails I have been sending out as part of my calling (Emergency Prep Chair). Mentioned how much she enjoys reading them. Told me about a recently released Bishop/friend of hers who just was put in as Emergency Prep chair and also another friend of hers who has the same calling. Both of them commented how difficult this calling is, not really any guidelines in the handbook, and how they have a general feeling of "what am I supposed to do?"
She forwarded on to each of them a couple e-mails that I've sent out. They each requested, "more, more." She wanted me to know they are enjoyed and helpful (and shared across the state!). Thanked me for my efforts and information.
And all of this from her totally unsolicited and unexpected. Gave me pause. Made me think.
Bike Ride
Went for a ride on the trail this morning. Following trail etiquette, I called out a warning to the guy walking down the very center of the trail (a summertime regular), "On your left". No response. And he's still walking down the very center.
So I call out again, "On your left."
He barks: "I heard you the first time."
I said, "sorry, I didn't know you heard me."
His yelled comeback,"Well, I haven't been run over yet and I don't expect you're gonna be the first to do it."
I'm thinking: a hand waved in response would have been adequate (and no, didn't see any cast so it wasn't broken) a verbal achnowledgement, a move toward the side of the trail to give me room to pass...anything to indicate he'd heard my courtesy warning. Nada. Nothing. Zilch. And then crabbiness.
The sun was shining, the meadowlarks were singing good morning, the breeze was nearly calm. A perfect morning for feeling - at least content.
Wished I could have said something to lift his apparently grumpy mood rather than "On your left." Maybe next time I'll tell him, "on your right."
So I call out again, "On your left."
He barks: "I heard you the first time."
I said, "sorry, I didn't know you heard me."
His yelled comeback,"Well, I haven't been run over yet and I don't expect you're gonna be the first to do it."
I'm thinking: a hand waved in response would have been adequate (and no, didn't see any cast so it wasn't broken) a verbal achnowledgement, a move toward the side of the trail to give me room to pass...anything to indicate he'd heard my courtesy warning. Nada. Nothing. Zilch. And then crabbiness.
The sun was shining, the meadowlarks were singing good morning, the breeze was nearly calm. A perfect morning for feeling - at least content.
Wished I could have said something to lift his apparently grumpy mood rather than "On your left." Maybe next time I'll tell him, "on your right."
Home Depot
Any more trips to Home Depot and they're going to start calling me by name, issue me a name tag and apron and start paying me wages.
Still Learning
And take a cue from some of my lessons:
It isn't smart to walk along the edge of the sprinkler pipe trench. (Duh!)
We'll be there at 8 in the morning doesn't mean what it sounds like.
Filling out papers before going to the doctor's office means that it will only take 3/4 as long once you get there. (They basically re-did everything twice at the front desk and again once in the exam room.)
Expecting my height to change at this point in life is futile. (I am still 5' 1 &1/2" tall. Never gonna get taller. Still trying to get narrower.)
Even with the windows closed, if there's work of any kind going on in the yard, you will wake up to grit covering every surface. Don't bother dusting, mopping or vacuuming until they're done.
And my final lesson: there's adventure and excitement (and above all: Gratitude!!) around every corner, hidden in every task and waiting to spring from every undertaking. That's what makes the inconvenience have value.
It isn't smart to walk along the edge of the sprinkler pipe trench. (Duh!)
We'll be there at 8 in the morning doesn't mean what it sounds like.
Filling out papers before going to the doctor's office means that it will only take 3/4 as long once you get there. (They basically re-did everything twice at the front desk and again once in the exam room.)
Expecting my height to change at this point in life is futile. (I am still 5' 1 &1/2" tall. Never gonna get taller. Still trying to get narrower.)
Even with the windows closed, if there's work of any kind going on in the yard, you will wake up to grit covering every surface. Don't bother dusting, mopping or vacuuming until they're done.
And my final lesson: there's adventure and excitement (and above all: Gratitude!!) around every corner, hidden in every task and waiting to spring from every undertaking. That's what makes the inconvenience have value.
I Think I Made Another Mistake
When I told The Husband that we were in kind of a quiet period of time - no projects going on around the house. What was I thinking?
We got involved with the built-in bookshelves in his office. The actual built-in ones are mostly done, still waiting for the carpenter to attach the handles on the lower cupboards. A matching stand-alone shelf has been sitting in the entryway for over 3 weeks now, waiting for one side of the baseboard to be put on. I think pretty soon I'll just start filling up the shelves with whatnots and knick-knacks and pretend like it is supposed to be there.
Today: If you come to visit and want to step out the back door, watch that first step! They've been here doing the patio tear-out. Our patio has been in abysmal shape for years. Finally this year was the year to replace it. I think The Husband is kind of excited about it. We're changing the contours of the patio just a bit, eliminating a dreadful step that has tripped many a visitor over the years and I think we'll actually be using it more. (Who'd have thought "user friendly" would be applied to our patio?)
But..in the process, The Husband is out re-routing some sprinkler lines, that means lots of digging. I'm glad it's only 67 degrees out, with just a breeze. Better for digging than 87 or even 77. He works so hard for our family! Secretly, even though it's hard physically, I'm betting he's actually enjoying this work in the middle of the week.
And my physical? I was pronounced healthy! He said I was the easiest appointment he'd had all day. (Even acted a mite disappointed that I don't have any complaints.) Now, back to my usual philosophy: Avoiding doctors as much as possible. And it wasn't even remotely embarrassing or humiliating.
We got involved with the built-in bookshelves in his office. The actual built-in ones are mostly done, still waiting for the carpenter to attach the handles on the lower cupboards. A matching stand-alone shelf has been sitting in the entryway for over 3 weeks now, waiting for one side of the baseboard to be put on. I think pretty soon I'll just start filling up the shelves with whatnots and knick-knacks and pretend like it is supposed to be there.
Today: If you come to visit and want to step out the back door, watch that first step! They've been here doing the patio tear-out. Our patio has been in abysmal shape for years. Finally this year was the year to replace it. I think The Husband is kind of excited about it. We're changing the contours of the patio just a bit, eliminating a dreadful step that has tripped many a visitor over the years and I think we'll actually be using it more. (Who'd have thought "user friendly" would be applied to our patio?)
But..in the process, The Husband is out re-routing some sprinkler lines, that means lots of digging. I'm glad it's only 67 degrees out, with just a breeze. Better for digging than 87 or even 77. He works so hard for our family! Secretly, even though it's hard physically, I'm betting he's actually enjoying this work in the middle of the week.
And my physical? I was pronounced healthy! He said I was the easiest appointment he'd had all day. (Even acted a mite disappointed that I don't have any complaints.) Now, back to my usual philosophy: Avoiding doctors as much as possible. And it wasn't even remotely embarrassing or humiliating.
Can't Take Credit For This One
Was talking to a friend yesterday, mentioned that I'm not too fond of dust, it's my enemy. Friend remarked that he's wondered about dust as well. Said that we're told everything has a purpose. Can't figure out the purpose of dust. Never thought about it in quite that way. But I agree with him - what on earth could be the purpose of dust?
Waiting for our power to be restored caused me to feel gratitude for the things that I use consistently that require that electricity. Among them my curling iron. Was concerned the power wouldn't come back on in time for me to curl my hair in the morning. Obviously, if I'm posting here, the power is back on. I can go out in public with my hair curled. Whew! That was a close one.
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