I've been struck today by thoughts from other people. Like these:
• "If it ain't good news, I don't want to hear it!"
• He decided to keep in touch with his daughter by sending her a text every single day. (I thought I might try this on someone I wish would keep in better touch. Wondered if I might be perceived as a pain if I did. Probably, so maybe I won't.)
• "You have to pick the hard (things in life) that will make you happiest. If you can stop looking for easy, your happiness will come that much sooner."
• Be patient. (That one's a real difficulty for me....)
• And this one by Thornton Wilder: "There is a land of the living, and a land of the dead and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning."
Tonight I'm grateful for wisdom, and those who are willing to share their portion.
Mind Meanders Mid-Week
So, we've had a young couple staying with us for a few days. It's been delightful. Last night they cooked dinner for us: salmon, roasted cabbage, broccoli and chinese almond cookies for dessert. How very fun. She speaks chinese so she taught me something to say to my young granddaughter who is in the Chinese Immersion at school. Can't wait to try it out! I hope they've enjoyed their stay.
Yesterday I was asked if it's spring yet, if any of the willows have green leaves yet. I'm happy to report that if we have another few days of weather like today, the leaf-ettes I saw on the globe willows this morning will indeed be full-fledged leaves. YAY for spring.
Read an article about memory. A recent study (and is there anything in the world that hasn't had a study done?) showed that memory functions better in a tidy environment. And further, if the mess was self-created even less memory function surfaces. I guess that means I'd better tidy up my desk.
I pass the new middle school when I walk in the morning. School starts promptly at 7:30 a.m. I'm generally walking past between 7:50 and 8 a.m. I have yet to recall a morning where I didn't see a mother or two dropping off her child for school. Yes, seriously late. Appears some of us missed out on the promptness gene.
Perused the yard yesterday and discovered.....blooming crocus! I so love flowers.
And I've been thinking about people's contributions to the world. We all make them. Good, bad, kind, indifferent. I'm hoping that my contribution will at least be positive in some small way, that I won't leave the world worse for my having been here. If, somehow, that happens, I will have succeeded.
Yesterday I was asked if it's spring yet, if any of the willows have green leaves yet. I'm happy to report that if we have another few days of weather like today, the leaf-ettes I saw on the globe willows this morning will indeed be full-fledged leaves. YAY for spring.
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| No Memory help here.... |
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| Happy. |
Perused the yard yesterday and discovered.....blooming crocus! I so love flowers.
And I've been thinking about people's contributions to the world. We all make them. Good, bad, kind, indifferent. I'm hoping that my contribution will at least be positive in some small way, that I won't leave the world worse for my having been here. If, somehow, that happens, I will have succeeded.
Good Things
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| My orchids . |
I like my visiting teachers. I feel like I have a couple friends there.
Popcorn at the movie purchased with a $2 off coupon somehow tastes better.
Even dumb movies are fun when shared with a friend.
I wished more people had attended the symphony - they would have left feeling buoyed up and enriched.
Practicing and practicing and practicing for my piano solo in church (was asked to fill in literally 48 hours ahead of time) and having the practice pretty much pay off was good. My goal: to bring the Spirit to the worship of the congregation. Hopefully I succeeded.
There's something about the hymns that feeds my soul. The practice became a sort of balm to my heart (and I didn't really think my heart hurt all that much). I'm so grateful for lovely music.
I'm not really a great cook (don't care much for cooking) but found it so rewarding when company asked for seconds on my lasagna.
People who are younger who are patient with us older folks show great kindness.
Hugs are a great invention. (And so are brownies.)
I love that there are people who are articulate and share their wisdom.
Hope. Yep, a really good thing.
Spring Fever Day
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| Isn't my trail inviting? |
Which I entered with much trepidation. Came away feeling better. An extra payment ensured we won't be having to pay any more. YAY!
Early appointment meant I wasn't able to get out on the trail this morning. Early afternoon found me restless - anxious to be doing something, anything - anything but what I was doing. Headed down the trail to the library. Which is always a great place for me to be. Whilst perusing a section of books (I leafed through about 7 or so) I noticed....snoring. Yep, this guy in a chair facing the window looking out on earth's loveliness was having a nap. Sounded (literally) like a great idea.
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| The snoring guy's view, if he'd looked. |
February isn't usually this beautiful. But here we are, 40 degrees outside, just a hint of a breeze, brilliant sunshine and everyone wants to be out soaking in the day. Found myself just sort of meandering along the trail, reluctant for my impromptu walk to end. It was w-a-y fun to share the last little bit with my bestest friend.
Days like today remind me to be grateful. For seasons, sunshine and sunglasses. For hugs from a daughter and The Husband. For water to drink.
Good and A Little Less So
Good: Out on the trail this morning, I watched a jet leave contrail that shone in the moonlight. Stunning. I also heard the roosters call to the sun to get up, watched the sun rise in answer, saw horses receive breakfast and watched a skunk scurry across a yard. What a lovely way to begin the day.
A little less good: I'm accustomed to seeing odd bits of stray and forgotten clothing along the trail - like a hat here or a single glove there. But it isn't often I see a single sock. Really? Someone's toes must be very cold. (It was only 31 degrees out.)
Good: I often see both perspectives on a problem. That can help me be more understanding.
A little less good: Because I often see both perspectives I'm often conflicted. Like I am now. Like both The Husband and I are.
Dislike feeling conflicted. Want the way to be crystal clear.
Good: having a productive day completing my Visiting Teaching, getting all the laundry done, the pantry filled, a baby gift delivered.
A little less good: having an unfulfilled craving for some sweet treat that I have pledged to avoid.
Good: my fun moose covered socks brought to me by a dear friend after her Alaskan cruise.
Good: comfy shoes for my aching arthritic feet.
Good: Something good to read, a project to work on and a new song to learn for accompanying someone in church.
Good: having adult children (and other people) reach out in kindness instead of expecting me to do all the heavy lifting in a relationship.
Good: knowing what to fix for dinner, and having all the supplies handy. And having plenty of food.
I'm thinking the good far outweighs the little less good. I am grateful.
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| Lost hat. |
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| Someone's toes are cold. |
Good: I often see both perspectives on a problem. That can help me be more understanding.
A little less good: Because I often see both perspectives I'm often conflicted. Like I am now. Like both The Husband and I are.
Dislike feeling conflicted. Want the way to be crystal clear.
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| Love these socks! |
A little less good: having an unfulfilled craving for some sweet treat that I have pledged to avoid.
Good: my fun moose covered socks brought to me by a dear friend after her Alaskan cruise.
Good: comfy shoes for my aching arthritic feet.
Good: Something good to read, a project to work on and a new song to learn for accompanying someone in church.
Good: having adult children (and other people) reach out in kindness instead of expecting me to do all the heavy lifting in a relationship.
Good: knowing what to fix for dinner, and having all the supplies handy. And having plenty of food.
I'm thinking the good far outweighs the little less good. I am grateful.
Winning
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| My happy orchid. Flowers are a blessing. |
He said, "Never win an argument."
I've been mentally exploring that idea ever since. Perhaps putting my thoughts down in black and white will help refine them. And this will by no means be comprehensive, rather pretty simple/basic. So...
I'll presume that most arguments are in some ways pretty trivial - meaning they're over stuff that really doesn't matter in the long run. And I'm going to also presume that they involve a lot of ego. So, if someone decides they aren't out to win: end of argument. If they refuse to go after a "win" they remove their ego from the equation. Removing their own need for validation/ego feeding says to the other person - you are more important than winning, you are more important to me. It doesn't really matter who is right or who is wrong, what matters is our relationship. What matters is you.
That can be pretty powerful. Whether in a family setting or with a co-worker, a friend or pretty much anyone. It might take some discipline and a deep sense of "really, what does it matter who is right or wrong?" (And sometimes perhaps it might matter, and might be worth standing up for... but maybe that's a different discussion for another day.) It involves a sense of security, knowing exactly who you are and your infinite eternal value. Involves as well the ability to then go forward behaving exactly that way: that it unequivocally does not matter. I'd like to see if I'm woman enough to put it into practice.
It might be interesting to chat with this 97 year old and see if that is, indeed, what he meant when he said to never win an argument.
Reminds me of this quote I read somewhere:
If you have to choose between being kind and being right, choose being kind and you will always be right.
Experiment
Just a couple odd observations from this Friday:
• Walking in the off-and-on-barely-drizzle started the day off to perfection.
• Most of the dogs are inside in the rain. Didn't have to endure quite so much barking at me.
• Bald guys have an advantage in the rain. Wet skin is better than wet skin covered in wet hair.
• I'm quite fond of hoods. And waterproof jackets.
• I'm the first one to get my jammies on (if it's dark outside and past 6 p.m - I do have some standards after all). But, I don't think I've ever gone to the store in them. The skinny guy we saw last night in his oversize flannel superman pj's must have thought since he had a jacket on we couldn't tell he was wearing his jammies. In my own brazen opinion, a trip to the grocery merits clothes.
• Immersed myself in several things this afternoon: a good book, a new sewing project, my iPad. What a luxury to have so many options.
Experimented with a new (to me) dessert recipe: molten lava cake. Was a nervous wreck. 'Twould be sacrilege to ruin chocolate. I'm delighted to say that it turned out just scrumptious! An absolutely divine way to end my days caloric intake.
Today's thoughtful quote and one which I really like: (And how grateful I am for wise people who graciously share their wisdom. I love that we can count nearly innumerable treasures in our daily lives.)
• Walking in the off-and-on-barely-drizzle started the day off to perfection.
• Most of the dogs are inside in the rain. Didn't have to endure quite so much barking at me.
• Bald guys have an advantage in the rain. Wet skin is better than wet skin covered in wet hair.
• I'm quite fond of hoods. And waterproof jackets.
• I'm the first one to get my jammies on (if it's dark outside and past 6 p.m - I do have some standards after all). But, I don't think I've ever gone to the store in them. The skinny guy we saw last night in his oversize flannel superman pj's must have thought since he had a jacket on we couldn't tell he was wearing his jammies. In my own brazen opinion, a trip to the grocery merits clothes.
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| Yummy molten lava cake. |
Experimented with a new (to me) dessert recipe: molten lava cake. Was a nervous wreck. 'Twould be sacrilege to ruin chocolate. I'm delighted to say that it turned out just scrumptious! An absolutely divine way to end my days caloric intake.
Today's thoughtful quote and one which I really like: (And how grateful I am for wise people who graciously share their wisdom. I love that we can count nearly innumerable treasures in our daily lives.)
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.
Still Finding People Interesting and Still Liking Thursday
Why I have such an affinity for Thursday I'll likely never know. I just like it. Slept in a bit this morning which meant it was too late and too wet for me to walk the trail. So, I'm still finding my treadmill to be an acceptable (and a luxury to have) substitute.
Since we're having such a strange spot of weather I decided to take advantage of the mild day and spend some time raking the twigs and leaves in the front yard. We actually have green(ish) grass under the dead debris. I even came across a nice fat (and I'll assume juicy) worm! And while I am just fine with it still being February and thus still winter, my heart did a teensy happy song when I came across these bulbs just poking through the dirt. (Now I'm wondering if I've harmed them by raking up the leaf-covering-insulation. We'll get snow and they'll freeze and we won't have flowers. Or perhaps not. We'll attempt a bit of optimism here.) There are even peony sprouts coming up! YAY for lovely flowers!
Had to run a quick errand - which brought to mind the interesting people part of the day. 57 degrees out, the air barely moving so it's shirt sleeve (and for some flip-flop) weather and there's a lady in a calf-length hugely-puffy down coat buttoned up to her chin. And then there was the teenager waiting for her driver amusing herself by squeezing pimples and wasn't she aware they were parked right by the door so everyone going in and out of the post office had full view of her self-grooming? (Or am I alone in thinking this is an activity best done in private?)
Completed a project for a granddaughter last night. Next step: framing. I so hope she'll like it. It was great fun to do and I thought of her often as I worked on it. My next project will be Christmas gifts for a couple friends of mine. We've exchanged Christmas and Birthday gifts so often we've begun to repeat (at least I have) items. I don't think I've done this one before, and am actually feeling a bit challenged by the object. But we'll see what happens. I'll give it my best shot and maybe, just maybe, it will work out. (One of these days I'll get to the towels I promised to do for my daughter. Gratefully, she's patient with me.)
I've been wishing for a bit of routine. It seems like we don't get much of it. The Husband works every day and I have a regular day for laundry - that sort of thing. But really, not lots of the same stuff over and over. Then I came across this cartoon the other day. Decided that Buckles has it right. Too much mind-dulling isn't good. A bit of crazy is just right.
Today's gratitude: for prayer. For answers to prayer. For a mindful Heavenly Father.
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| Future Peonies! |
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| Future daffodils! |
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| I like his philosophy. |
I've been wishing for a bit of routine. It seems like we don't get much of it. The Husband works every day and I have a regular day for laundry - that sort of thing. But really, not lots of the same stuff over and over. Then I came across this cartoon the other day. Decided that Buckles has it right. Too much mind-dulling isn't good. A bit of crazy is just right.
Today's gratitude: for prayer. For answers to prayer. For a mindful Heavenly Father.
People Are Interesting and Lesson Learned
Watched a guy waiting for the Trax train yesterday. Headphones on head. Dancing. Not wild gyrations calling attention to himself. But just a gentle-I'm-really-enjoying-this-song-here-all-by-myself-don't-need-anything-from-anyone dance. And he could really move. I hope I'll remember this for a long time, it brought a smile.
And there I am, on the trail, bundled up in my warm pants, jacket, gloves and earmuffs (the very most critical part of my winter walking ensemble. After all, it was barely 30 degrees out.) And this kid passes me on his way (riding his bike) to the middle school. His attire: heavy coat - complete with a snug fur lined hood, thick mittens, heavy shoes (& I presume thick socks). And shorts. Yes....shorts.
Went to the movie on Saturday with some friends. One of those based on a true story. My advantage was that I had read the book (and loved it, as well.) So grateful for uplifting occurrences.
Decided this morning to dispense with my final spritz of hairspray to hold my style. Won't be doing that again. In ten minutes I had no style. And it wasn't even humid. Lesson learned.
Was so delighted on the last leg of my morning walk to look up and see...The Husband! What fun to share the last half mile with my bestest friend. Enjoying the sunrise. And each other.
Ran across this quote that I so love.
“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.
― Douglas Wood, Secret of Saying Thanks
And there I am, on the trail, bundled up in my warm pants, jacket, gloves and earmuffs (the very most critical part of my winter walking ensemble. After all, it was barely 30 degrees out.) And this kid passes me on his way (riding his bike) to the middle school. His attire: heavy coat - complete with a snug fur lined hood, thick mittens, heavy shoes (& I presume thick socks). And shorts. Yes....shorts.
Went to the movie on Saturday with some friends. One of those based on a true story. My advantage was that I had read the book (and loved it, as well.) So grateful for uplifting occurrences.
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| Good Morning Sunshine! |
Was so delighted on the last leg of my morning walk to look up and see...The Husband! What fun to share the last half mile with my bestest friend. Enjoying the sunrise. And each other.
Ran across this quote that I so love.
“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.
The more we say thanks, the more we find to be thankful for.
And the more we find to be thankful for, the happier we become.
We don't give thanks because we're happy.
We are happy because we give thanks.”
― Douglas Wood, Secret of Saying Thanks
Odds And Ends
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| Add water and freeze. |
Had the strangest dream last night. Involved our son, his wife, their 11 and 7 year old daughters, cell phones, sneaking into cars for rides, blocked off streets and it was totally incomprehensible. Wherever did that come from? (Didn't make for very restful sleep, more like stressful sleep.)
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| Yummy apple! |
Having been raised in Washington state you'd think I'd have an affinity for apples. Never have. Have generally avoided them, dislike most varieties. Until I discovered the Pacific Rose. Their harvest time is short, but they have the most delicious flavor. Found them the other day, stocked up, might not find them again for another year. Is it true: an apple a day...?
Been reading a book of a genre I don't generally read. Have been thoroughly enjoying it. Good to get out of my area-of-preference-comfort-zone. How grateful I am for those who have such a talent for words and their usage. It enhances my life. How grateful I am to be able to read.
Swirling Mind
Sometimes there's so much swirling through my mind it's a wonder I'm not completely nuts. When that happens, then I talk. And talk. Just to get things out of my head. It also keeps me up at night. Am I the only one?
So, I worked all last year, keeping track of my steps, anxious for the reward. (Yes, I can possibly be bought with a reward...) Finally decided last week to redeem my reward in the form of a gift card at Amazon. I struggled before making the final leap. What if it didn't work out? But last week I ordered the gift card. All the while planning to get a new Dooney bag. Nearly every day since ordering the card I checked Amazon and yep, the bag was still there.
Today, the card arrived. Hastening in to my computer I pulled up Amazon and sure enough....the bag is no longer available. Oh, I could get it in aqua or pink for the spring. Just wasn't what I had in mind. Sigh...
And here I am whining about a blessing. What a huge luxury to have $200 to spend on whatever my heart desires (within the constraints of the retail offerings). And I'm grousing a bit because what my heart desired is not longer possible.
Read an obituary this morning for a woman I knew in my childhood. She was 103 when she left this earth. She was a widow for 57 years. I remember that she somewhat intimidated me, but that she was kind.
Been thinking about funerals. Remarked to a friend yesterday I don't want a funeral. She reminded me gently that funerals are for the survivors. Stubborn as I am, I stuck to my guns. I do not want a funeral. Just, please, gather at the gravesite, dedicate it with a prayer as is our religious custom, think a kind thought or two and move on. Carry me in your hearts, remember my attributes (if there are any) and forgive me my myriad faults. Know that I loved Heavenly Father and the Savior, that I absolutely adored The Husband and tried to be a worthy soul. Not that I plan an exit any time soon, just making my wishes known and hope they'll be respected.
Today's gratitude: for my knowledge of the Plan. It helps me navigate this life, making my way through the frustrations, joys and my own shortcomings. It gives me hope.
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| What shall I buy? |
Today, the card arrived. Hastening in to my computer I pulled up Amazon and sure enough....the bag is no longer available. Oh, I could get it in aqua or pink for the spring. Just wasn't what I had in mind. Sigh...
And here I am whining about a blessing. What a huge luxury to have $200 to spend on whatever my heart desires (within the constraints of the retail offerings). And I'm grousing a bit because what my heart desired is not longer possible.
Read an obituary this morning for a woman I knew in my childhood. She was 103 when she left this earth. She was a widow for 57 years. I remember that she somewhat intimidated me, but that she was kind.
Been thinking about funerals. Remarked to a friend yesterday I don't want a funeral. She reminded me gently that funerals are for the survivors. Stubborn as I am, I stuck to my guns. I do not want a funeral. Just, please, gather at the gravesite, dedicate it with a prayer as is our religious custom, think a kind thought or two and move on. Carry me in your hearts, remember my attributes (if there are any) and forgive me my myriad faults. Know that I loved Heavenly Father and the Savior, that I absolutely adored The Husband and tried to be a worthy soul. Not that I plan an exit any time soon, just making my wishes known and hope they'll be respected.
Today's gratitude: for my knowledge of the Plan. It helps me navigate this life, making my way through the frustrations, joys and my own shortcomings. It gives me hope.
Kindness
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| I never tire of our view. I think the world is glorious. |
So, this morning when I had to run to the store (what does it mean when every single handicapped parking spot (and there are like 15 of them) at the Super WalMart has a car sitting in it? And, no, I wasn't looking for one for myself.) I caught myself thinking about my own attitudes. While shopping, I got annoyed a couple times. Though I'm not usually one to make any comments or behave rudely (at least I don't think I am, I try not to be that way- but I can't say I never have) I was struck by the mental adjustment I had to make. Yes, people are thoughtless. And self-absorbed. And inconsiderate. And unaware. (And sometimes even deliberately unkind.) But I don't have to be that way. (I guess when one is a natural grump, one has to work harder at being kind, at not sharing the grumps.)
Then I came across this quote by Emily Dickinson. And became (again) an instant fan of her view. I think she would be fascinating to chat with. (And there is some question as to whether she actually said this or someone else did. Whatever, I still like the sentiment.)
"Sometimes when I consider the tremendous consequences from little things … a chance word … a tap on the shoulder or a wink of an eye, I am tempted to think there are no little things." — Emily Dickinson
Getting Things Done
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| Snow on the newly trimmed tree stump. |
Spent some time on the treadmill (we woke up to snow and more snow) - managed to get in over 11,000 steps before 8 a.m. Exercise: check, and done.
Managed to get the laundry all washed, dried and folded. In addition to vacuuming the floors, running to the grocery, fixing lunch and paying a bill or two. House chores: done.
All that busy work left me feeling quite accomplished. (Except for those things on my list that I expect to complete over the coming days/weeks/months. Cleaning/paring down has commenced.)
Gave me time to wonder how our oldest son is faring. The day after his birthday the sewer backed up into his apartment. He lost some clothes and I imagine other stuff, too. That kind of thing would definitely put a damper in my week. But, he's a good sport and hasn't complained.
Received a phone call yesterday from a sweet soul - she hadn't seen me at church and wanted to check on me and make sure I'm ok. What a lift to my spirits. I generally feel pretty extraneous and invisible. Felt marginally less so after her call.
And today's gratitude is for the moisture (snow) we've received. For a working washer and dryer. For kisses dropped on my lips as The Husband passes through. How lovely. And for shared chocolate cherry cordials. They somehow taste better when gifted.
"Magic is believing in yourself. If you can do that, you can make anything happen." --Goethe
Thinking....
Thinking about what The Husband related to me yesterday after he returned from Stake Priesthood meeting. We remember a couple years ago, when a counselor in the Stake Presidency lost his son to a drug overdose. The Husband learned yesterday in the meeting that about that same time the counselor's son (returned missionary, married in the Temple) announced he was atheist. What followed was the expected self- (parenting) doubt, the guilt, the pain and all the other accompanying emotions. In spite of all that, the counselor steadfastly declared he would defend to the death his son's right to choose. How profound - and aligned with our Father's plan. Far too many relationships suffer (and perhaps die) because of far too many people that just don't "get" that concept - who coerce/control others to bend to their own particular standard (of behavior or thought or whatever). The Husband calls this Plan B. My admiration for this man (and yes, all who allow others their agency) increased.
And on a lighter note: after an expensive trip to Costco on Saturday morning, The Husband fixed ribs for dinner. There was plenty - to share and to have 3 meals from. I found myself (the entire weekend) feeling grateful for foil. We don't often use lots, but when we utilize it, it makes life so much easier.
This afternoon will be spent vacuuming the church building, there will be another funeral there this week. Sigh...
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| Makes for easier clean up |
This afternoon will be spent vacuuming the church building, there will be another funeral there this week. Sigh...
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