Weekend Events

Peonies in process.  YAY!

Monday morning's assessment declares the weekend was a mixed bag.

Started Saturday off playing for a baptism.  Always am delighted to do so.  However....for the last three baptisms I've played for, they've had me play for someone to sing during the meeting.  Without any practicing!! They ask if I can.  Then as I'm playing prelude, they bring the singer over to meet me and it's go from there.  It has turned out ok.  But I'm thinking with even just one previous run-through it could be so much more.  I'm uneasy going into things "blind".

Friday night's symphony was fabulous.  I so loved it.

Friday afternoon's movie: Noah.  As The Husband put it:  it was stoopid.  And I agree.

My car was dealt a glancing blow by some tall-heavy-shelves-on-wheels at IFA (we were picking up the season's lawn food).  Hesitated about reporting it but decided to go ahead and do so.  It's not a huge ow-ie - could have been so much worse if I hadn't moved the car as much as I was able in the split-second between seeing those wind-propelled shelves heading to my car and figuring out what to do.  (I'm not a seriously quick thinker.)  They're sending out an insurance adjuster.  Don't want my car to have a rust spot where the paint is gone.

Someone made it a point to say hi to me yesterday as I was playing prelude in Primary.  Loved that little bit of recognition.

Saturday afternoon's movie:  Veronica Mars.  I so dislike crass stuff.  Expected much better based on the reviews.  Can't trust those reviewers, think I'll start my own review site.

Saturday evening's LDS General Women's meeting.  Was taught to be a disciple of Christ.  I want to be one.  I try.  My heart is committed to follow Him.  My emotions/behavior are somewhat slow in their development.  I'm counting on His love and mercy - the atonement has already paid for so much.

Had reinforced again that communication/knowledge provides power.  Can succeed better at so many unexpecteds if one is forearmed with knowledge, if communication takes place.

Spent the morning on the trail.  Had to come home and find a tutorial on my new phone camera.  I love my phone.  What a luxury to have something new I've picked out.  Now I'll work on those picture taking skills that are so lacking.

Today I'm hoping that Heavenly Father continues to be patient with my faults.  That my family will be tolerant of me.  That somewhere along the line I will learn to be kind, loving, gracious, well-mannered, cheerful, true.......and that's only a partial list.  It will be a steep learning curve.

Perplexed

Just a couple things before we head out for (hopefully) some fun today! (Personal days from work are really "mental health vacation" days!)

I'm still perplexed at those females wearing the tights (masquerading as pants) these days.  And at the buyers who bought them for the stores.  Every thing is exposed, just covered with bright attention grabbing colors and bold prints.  Have all the mirrors in the kingdom broken?

And don't quite know what to make of our waitress last night.  We stopped for a quick bite on our way to the play.  Bringing our check she said she didn't know if we knew or not, but for seniors after 4 pm. it was BOGO free.  So, she gave us our free meal.  However did she know?  Was it my gray hair?  My wrinkles?  My old lady shuffle?  I'd really like to know so I can make a better effort to conceal my oldness!

And now it's time - off to a meeting, perhaps a movie, some yummy food, the symphony, Oh, what a day we'll have!

Stuff

Been thinking a lot about an article I read the other day about financial expert Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze.  They have written a book together.  The article mentioned the favorite chapter in the new book for both of them is the one on contentment. I am anxious to get hold of the book just for that one chapter.

Anyway, I was struck that one of the financial basics they teach is contentment.  I've long been a fan of contentment.  Part of it is my age.  Part of it is the fact that when I was a growing up there wasn't any cash for anything non-essential. We had to learn to be happy - and appreciative - for what we had. Thus I was never into anything trendy or brand names.  I am grateful for that, that attitude has proved beneficial through the years. I strive to be content, I think it's worth working for.

Was chatting with a sweet friend today and she said that was a gift her mother gave to her and her sisters - contentment.  In my mind, that gift is a huge one.  How blessed those sisters are.

Only he would decorate his monitor with silly putty!

Today I am grateful for The Husband.  Who has spent several decades sharing with me the beauty he sees in this world/life.  My eyes have surely been opened.

Walked into his office this morning and saw this.  Had to do a double take.  He has a couple large balls of Silly Putty (I have no idea where he acquired them) that he works with when the computers are, well, computing.  The daughter and grandson are quick to be the first to see the latest configuration.  I was slow to see this latest.  It makes me laugh every time I see it.  (Laughter is good.)

Life is definitely not boring with him.  How lucky I am.

Busy

I like being busy.  Not overwhelmed.  This is likely to be one of those weeks that require speed-skates and a helmet.  Besides a couple lunches out there's Hale Theater, the symphony and several additional non-regularly-occurring engagements.  Also a couple funerals - which we might have to miss.

And I'm already behind in my reading.  I finished 3 books this last week.  And received notice that 2 more are in transit - new arrivals,  ones that won't be renewable (so I'll have to read fast!).   Not to mention the 4 others I have checked out from the library that can be renewed that are waiting for my interest.

The lilacs are looking lovely!

Combine all that with the usual grocery shopping, and household chores, practicing the piano for a difficult accompaniment that's coming up soon, projects (Christmas gifts I'm working on that might end up being for next year, who knows), garden spots that need my loving attention, and I'm feeling the need to come up for air.

My walk along the trail this morning was delightful.  It always helps me manage the teensy bit of stress that accompanies the busy-ness of life. (But I think I'll never like daylight savings time!)

Most of these things are fun things, the sort of activity that enriches life - mind, body and soul.  The sort of things that enhance contentment, that remind me of all there is to be grateful for - and indeed, my gratitude swells.

If this particular brand of being busy keeps me from becoming old rather than aged, then I'm all for it.  I plan to be a young old lady.  My heart is grateful for all that keeps me young.

Cake

Sunday morning 10:10 and this is what we're eating, fresh from the oven.

Chocolate cake WITHOUT frosting!

Sometimes you just have to rebel.  (Or gird yourself for church.)

Oddities

Over the last couple days, I have noticed a couple odd things.

"Find a penny, pick it up...."

• Found a penny on the trail Thursday.  Not many people walk the trail with money, there's no need for it.  Picked up the penny.  Expected all day long good luck.  Didn't seem to happen that way.  (Although I didn't have bad luck either, so perhaps in a roundabout way I did have good luck.)

• Opted for a movie today (one I approached with a bit of apprehension.  Pretty much abhorred the book.)  Sat watching the pre-show and the previews for 15 minutes:  different audio than video, weird.  Haven't seen that happen before.

• Treated ourselves to a burger at Five Guys.  An employee not only offered us peanuts, but he came around and took my trash to the can.  I'm perfectly happy to clean up after myself and have been known to do that on a regular basis.  And was actually on the way to do it myself.  Felt like I should have given him more than a "thank you".

• Wandered around the grocery looking for a treat to have.  Couldn't come up with anything.

• Another newspaper obituary - this one of a lady that was my visiting teaching companion roughly 23 years ago.  It feels odd to me that in a metropolitan area the size of this one that I often see obits for people I've known.

Other things noticed, though not necessarily in the "odd" category:

• Staying pretty close to home for several days makes getting out all the nicer.

• It's nice when someone notices something about you.  Doesn't so much matter what it is they noticed, just that they're paying attention enough to really see something about you.  I'm not accustomed to being noticed.

• The house always feels so much cleaner when it's been freshly vacuumed.

• Bikes that are newly ready for spring riding = fun!

• Finally had to bite the bullet and get a new phone.  Ordered it online.  Have spent several days watching my email for shipment notification.  I'm anticipating it with great delight, didn't quite expect that reaction from me, especially considering how little I like to spend money.  (What a luxury it has been to receive free phones from the employer for Christmas.  Too bad they don't last forever.)

• Chocolate bundt-lette cake from Corner Bakery the other night did more for my mental health than my physical health.

• Over the course of this last week have read 3 books.  Three excellent books.  Again a luxury.

Today's gratitude:  for someone that holds my hand, that makes me feel noticed and cared for.  Thanks, My Love, I miss you when you're gone.

Moon

The sun has begun to color the sky pink.

The full moon has been stunningly beautiful the last couple nights.  So bright it has kept me often awake.

Miles across the valley that moon is just setting.

Yesterday's walk yielded a half a dozen or so phone/camera shots that I pared to a couple.  Even though I'm happy to not share my morning walk with 10,000 of my closest friends I almost feel sad they're all missing out on the morning's beauty.

And yes, I'm completely aware what a luxury and a blessing it is that I'm able to walk each morning.

How blessed we are to inhabit this earth.

Found: A Heart

Mentioned to The Husband the other day I wondered if Heavenly Father would even let me into heaven when the time comes. I have so many faults.  It seems with each teensy bit of progress forward I stumble backward twice as far.

I've thought about this comic from the funny pages of the newspaper a lot since I first found it.  How sad for someone to have to go exploring for my heart because there was such lack of evidence.

I try to have a good heart.  My naturally pessimistic nature often stomps all over my best intentions.

Where am I going with this?  Only here:  each day is a chance to begin anew.  To prove with great evidence that I have a heart, a kind and good one.  A generous one.  And more than a fresh chance each day, each hour can provide opportunities.  I'm hoping to seize the right ones and keep my heart soft, for there to be ample corroboration that my heart does indeed exist - without exploratory surgery.

Saturday

Every once in a while, along comes a day that is such a delight it almost leaves you breathless.  Today was one of those.

No commitments.  No schedule.  Nothing demanding action or an answer.

Found under the winter debris.  Happy.

So, we:

• Slept in.
• Breakfasted slowly.
• Spent a couple hours in the yard, chatting occasionally, keeping an eye on each other.
• Headed out (after cleaning up) to The Husband's favorite mexican restaurant for sustenance.
• And to further enjoy the beautiful day - drove down to City Creek Center and wandered the open air mall.

We also:
• Sang along to the radio.
• Held hands and kissed in public.
• Rewarded our hard yard work with Culver's frozen custard.
• Found the lost parking ticket to get out of the mall without "mortgaging the farm". (Only had to pay $1 for parking.)
• Relaxed in our easy chair.

One of those days I'll remember - it nourished my heart and my spirit.

And left me feeling gratitude (yet again) for the beauty of life.  (And for ibuprofen for my back-that-aches-from-all-the-bending-over-yard-work.)

Popcorn popping on the apricot tree!

Picked up my neighbor yesterday morning and had to stop and take a picture of her lovely apricot tree. Over the next week or two it will just get prettier and prettier with all the blossoms popping out. That tree has been in their yard for decades - something to enjoy every single year.

My life is making sense again with the return of The Husband.

It seems early for the weather to be this lovely.  Wondering if that means a hot, hot summer which I would sorely dislike.

I feel gratitude today for the seasons that I so love.

The Art Of....

I'm perfecting the art of ...whatever.  Don't know what to call it.  I guess maybe I'm working on the art of living.  Or the pursuit of artful living.  Or the life of artiness, crafting a bit of gladness from the everyday/the mundane.  ( Whatever!! Get over yourself already!)

It's been a challenge:  finding joy in life when the joy of my life is out of town.  But I've been making great effort.  I did manage to laugh today.

A great invention.

Enjoyed a brief visit from my son.  Got a laugh when I tried to fill a bobbin with thread.  My trusty sewing machine (I figured out I've had it for nigh on 26 years and it wasn't super expensive to start with) decided to mis-behave.  Normally filling a bobbin takes a few seconds - the machine just goes on high speed and it's done.  Today, it made a couple revolutions on the spindle then stopped (multiple times).  Don't know what's up with that.  Never seen anything like it.  Fortunately that particular repair job only need a few revolutions of thread on the bobbin.

Headed out on the trail (Oh, and did I mention how vehemently I dislike Daylight Savings Time?), walking along in the pre-dawn-grope-my-way-along-the-trail-darkness something streaked out of the bushes alongside me and gave me a fright.  It was an orange cat. (How do I know it was orange?  My new flashlight.) She trotted next to me like she knew where I was going.  Then decided to thread her way between my feet, tripping me up with her need for petting.  She walked next/behind me for roughly a quarter mile.  Sort of enjoyed it - except for the foot tangling thing she caused.

Had occasion to use my machine again later today.  Stitching through three layers of strap webbing and a layer of canvas can be difficult going.  And while the machine made slight noises of protest, it just kept on going.  Now if I can only figure out that bobbin thing.

And I've spent most of the last three days here at home.  I'm thinking tomorrow might be a "get out of the house" day. What luxury to have the choice.

Tonight's gratitude:  for good hugs.

Heart-ful day

Sitting watching people come into the room I noticed a familiar smile.  Received a quick hug and can I sit with you?  After ascertaining that I wasn't keeping her from her friends I said I'd be delighted to have her sit with me.  Are you alone, is your husband coming? she asked.  Nope, he's out of town.  And then  - it came.  The spontaneous natural kindness from her that actually caused a catch in my breath.  How lucky for me she said, I get you to myself.  She will likely never know how that lovely response touched my very soul.  Even now, it kind of brings a humble tear to my eye.  I won't quickly forget the much-needed love I felt from her.

Received a call from The Husband.  He could hardly speak.  That kind of sadness doesn't surface much from him - he's one of those naturally sunny-dispositioned people.  I thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest as I waited for him to manage to speak (and tried to quiet the myriad thoughts racing through my mind as to what had happened).  A long-time friend passed on. Unexpectedly.  A more generous soul would be hard to find.  (When The Husband was commuting each week from here to CA for work, this kind friend opened his home and provided, free, a place for The Husband to stay. And that's barely the beginning of his generous nature.)

I don't know if it is our age, or what, but it sure seems like we hear far to much of this kind of sad (for us, anyway) news.  The Husband wasn't able to chat with his friend when last he called.  And is feeling some regret, which also hurts his heart. The memories of his good friend will linger.  

And though it's snowing outside, it's spring inside the grocery.  I surely needed that burst of flowery color.  Even though my orchids are heavenly pretty (and blooming well), they are a bit more subdued and don't have quite this punch of color that lifts my spirits even more.

How grateful I am for kind souls.  For those who aren't afraid to love another regardless of differing status or baggage or faults or less than beautiful souls.  

Monday That Feels Like....Monday

I thought perhaps the day wouldn't be quite so super the way it started out.  I dislike having The Husband take a plane away from me.

Also not fond of Daylight Savings Time.  The only savings to be had are in the minds of a few (IMO) backward thinking people.  DST meant that it was quite dark when I headed out for my walk.  Dislike the dark.  (Really, you'd think a 60+ something year old woman wouldn't be afraid of the dark...but I am.  I admit it.  Freely.)

Good hair in a bottle.

Among my errands today was the acquisition of some hairspray.  My supply is nearly depleted.  Armed with my $3.50 coupon and the notion that the brand I like was "buy 2 get one free" I headed off to Ulta.  I like Ulta.  Just not the service I generally receive.  And yep, the shelves were empty save for one smallish spray bottle (the usual situation at my local store).  Timidly asking an employee if they had more that wasn't on the shelves I was met with kindness and helpfulness.  Even so far as to sift through two large boxes she was working on and then going into the back to retrieve two largish bottles (all they had).  Even the cashier was cheerful and helpful.  Not my usual experience there.  And what fun for a dreary Monday morning.  End result:  $50 worth of hairspray for $15 from my wallet, after emptying my last two gift cards.  (Gift cards = my enjoyment.  I so like them!)  I think I probably have several years worth of hairspray now - I like to be prepared.

My other errands weren't quite so productive but I figure I was on the plus side of the balance sheet with my successful Ulta experience.

Watched a video of an actress speaking about beauty.  Such an appealing, composed young woman.  I applaud her admonition to other young women to focus on the "deeper business of being beautiful inside." A lovely turn of phrase containing truth.  I also liked how she spoke of God as the true Man of Miracles.  Hope crops up in all sorts of places.

Dinner tonight will be a smoothie.  I think tonight's will be greek yogurt, orange, banana, fresh spinach, and walnut.  One of my favorites.  I love my Blend (will it blend?) Tec!

It's almost 6 and nearly dark, almost time for comfy clothes.  A good book.  A yummy smoothie.  Aahh.  Nice.  (Although I'm missing The Husband something fierce!)

Sweet Memory

A young friend of ours had a baby on Thursday evening.  She was up and about the next day.  The baby is, of course, totally precious.

As the young family left church I hope to always remember what I saw.  This new father carrying his precious tiny 6+ pound bundle of baby girl.  Not the least bit tentatively.  But protective in a newly responsible way.  I felt like I could see in his face the total love he has as his fingertips gently brushed the baby's forehead.  He looked totally natural and in control.  He's going to be a great Dad.  

Favorite

Not completely worn out yet.

I have lots of favorite things. Some things are harder to narrow down to just one favorite - like color, or food, or book.  But there are some that are just far-and-away-stand-out-favorites.  Like my robe. It is made from the most yummy sweatshirt-like fabric - totally soft inside in spite of countless washings. It's ancient (at least in robe terms). It has stains that it refuses to relinquish.  It is wearing out.

I have tried to replace it, but somewhere along the line the manufacturer changed it - the sizing is slightly different.  The colors are different.  The new one was pretty much a "fail".  A second new one was ordered.  Better, though still not the same.

I am not giving up without a fight, though.  I have loved this robe. It will continue to enrich my lounging (evenings and mornings) until it absolutely falls completely apart.  Until that time, I will resist "breaking in" the replacement.  I will ignore those who notice my threadbare cuffs.  And when it is dark outside and after 6 p.m.  I will don my jammies and my favorite robe and snuggle to my heart's content.

Surprised

I was vacuuming this morning...surprised myself by suddenly wanting to text 4 people who are important to me.  So I did.  Expected to hear back from 2 maybe 3 of them.  To my delighted surprise I heard back from all 4!  A fun reward.

In a burst of unexpected domesticity decided to make some deviled eggs for our lunch.  Was surprised at how good they tasted.

Yummy!

Surprised myself by deciding to stay at home today and run my errands tomorrow.  Weird, since today was a lovely day and tomorrow it will rain.  I guess I must be anxious to wear my slicker.

Was surprised to walk by a smallish tree laden with maybe 25 robins and none of them flew off, they all just sat there and greeted me with a song.  I so love spring.  Even if it isn't really spring yet, it pretty much feels like it.

I've been surprised - decided to listen to the scriptures as I read them (a tip from a friend).  I generally just think of talking in the background as noise to be ignored.  But I've been enjoying following along as this pleasant male voice reads the text.  Perhaps I'll remember more of my scripture study this way.  I certainly enjoy it more.

And tonight, I'm grateful for pleasant surprises.  The things that can catch us unaware and enrich our experience.

Life

Was asked the other day what my ideal life would be like.  Hmmm...thinking.  Seriously thinking. Finally answered that there wasn't much to improve on.  I am married to my bestest friend. The material goods are sufficient (with a little extra).  We try to take care of our health so it will last.  A life of total ease wouldn't be good - no stretching or growing (and yes, that's an essential thing despite the pain - it allows me to learn and notice the difference, to be aware, to be grateful for the important things).

And then, I wondered if I'd made a fatal error:  voicing my contentment thus tempting the Fates.  Let me be clear.  I am not asking for trials.  I am not begging for difficulties.  I just try to find the best in life and hope I am up to the inevitable challenges.

That said, my heart still has longings, things I wish for and things I wish were different.  I imagine I'm not so different from others in that regard.  I guess I'm in sort of a contemplative mood.  Must be the weather. (Makes me long for an overactive metabolism so I can indulge my longing for brownies or something chocolate.) A good reminder to think once again how full of gratitude my heart is.

Used to be trees, now they look like stumps.  Hmmm...

Managed to hit the trail this morning before the rain.  Noticed the willows are now a definite shade of green as the leaves have unfolded.  How lovely they are.  Then....I saw the Nashi trees.  Each fall we eagerly anticipate the Nashi pear harvest.  We even pay a premium (a neighbor of ours owns the trees) to acquire some of the delectable fruit.  I tend to monitor the progress of these trees along the trail.  I was stunned to stillness this morning as I spotted the trees (just the other day they were full grown trees!) and then slumped as I realized there probably won't be Nashi pears this year.  Sadness.

Met with our tax preparer/friend.  Came away a bit dismayed.  Our expected return was whittled away after he dug into the paperwork and finalized our return.  We had thought to spend the unexpected money on a trip to the beach.  I could see my beach trip sprouting wings and disappearing into the ether.  And here I am, whining about my blessings again.  Whining about having enough money in the first place. Will I ever learn?

We still hear the beach calling.  Perhaps.

Hearing

Decades ago, The Husband had some damage to his ears.  He was working in an industrial area, near a humongous steam boiler, when the relief valve went off.  His hearing has steadily declined over the years.  We chuckle often at the things he thinks are said because he can't really hear very well.  (And yes, we've had his hearing checked numerous times over the years: the kind of damage he has is irreparable, hearing aids won't help.)  He rarely complains but will sometimes mention the constant background noise (an incessant shs-shs-shs-shs) that threatens to upset his normal cheerful demeanor (it makes him want to scream and tear out his hair!!).

I so love these ears!

I've become aware that my hearing is starting to fail.  Just a bit.  Just enough to notice.  Particularly when I'm tired.  I notice that same kind of background static-y whooshing.  Difficult to describe, but definitely there.

This last week when the company was here I noticed I had to ask them to repeat things often.  (Are people speaking less clearly these days?  Are they mumbling?  Or is it truly my ears?)

I've always been keenly aware of the blessing of our senses.  I've pondered the loss of my hearing. How would I manage?  Never to hear the sweet music of the world again.  Never to notice the robins/chickadees/meadowlarks on my morning walk.  Never to hear the wind or the rain.  Never to hear a loved one's voice.  Just the thought makes me feel bereft.

It also makes me want to listen more.  (There is a difference between hearing and listening.)  I have been known to bemoan the lack of listening in this world.  And I'm among the guilty.  I must learn to thoroughly enjoy the sounds (and the words) while I can.  And hope the actual loss of hearing is far far off in the distant clouds of time.

I think I'll go practice the piano.