Unexpected

Stopped on my walk yesterday to pull up some grass and feed it to the goat and the mini-horse.  Was unexpectedly engaged in conversation by a young man.  He looked about 15 or so, riding his bike to high school.  He stopped and wanted to chat about the goat/what goats eat/bring carrots next time, etc.  All the while with  a nice smile on his face and a kind air about him.  Can't think of too many teen boys who would make it a point to stop and talk to some old lady.  I wish him well.  He certainly has some interpersonal skills nailed already. (And it was unexpectedly pleasant for me to have my day-greet brightened in this way.)

Decided last night to finally open the package of cookies I've been saving for a "need cookie" day.  The Keebler answer to the Girl Scout Samoa cookie:  Coconut Dream.  Not a difficult cookie to enjoy.  Or eat.  But apparently my tooth thought it was a bit much.  Unexpectedly found myself chewing grit.  Which in actuality was part of my crown that broke off.  Sigh....  The dentist can't get me in until Tuesday.  I'll be eating much more carefully and slowly until then.  Maybe that's a good thing.

The most heavenly shade of blue!
Nearly stepped on this shell.  I'm hoping it means there's a happy baby robin out there and not a mourning mama robin because her nest has been robbed as some bigger/rottener birds are wont to do.

Am getting my usual pre-event jitters.  Spending the day tomorrow at Women's conference.  It should be fabulous.  But I feel out-of-sorts when I'm away from The Husband for more than an hour or so.  :^)

I'm grateful today for unexpectedness.  It prompts awareness.  Reminds me of my blessings.  Revives my interest and my hope.

Monday Part 2

These heavenly scented beauties are the ones I filched.

Beginning Of The Week

And I have just a few thoughts tumbling around in my head.

• 'Twas fun to play for our granddaughter's baptism on Saturday morning.  (Why does every piano in every church I've played have a sustain pedal that squeaks? At least it surely seems so.)

• As much as I've enjoyed the rain (and this morning it was actually snow!) I'm ready for a bit of sunshine sans heat.

• We covered the freshly planted geraniums last night, hoping they'll weather the cold (had to turn the furnace on again).  May have to do that again tonight.

Sunrise across the valley.  Love, love, love the morning.
• Been wondering about how things fit/fitting in.  I'm kind of an in-between sort of person.  My feet are mostly in between sizes.  If I go half size bigger the shoes are too big.  Half size smaller and they're too snug.  If I buy clothes to fit my waist they're ginormous around my hips and if I fit my hips, it's too tight around my waist. I'm too short to reach things up high, too big for short things. It seems I just don't fit anywhere.  Not even in the world.  I repeatedly receive unsolicited instructions on how to live.  My thoughts/opinions are frequently different than the generally accepted ones.  I often feel out-of-step-useless.

But then I think - is the world really a one-size-fits-all-and-if-you-don't-fit-you-don't-matter kind of thing? Or is it more of a one-size-doesn't-need-to-fit-all-and-all-are-welcome kind of thing?  I prefer to think it's the latter. After all - I don't feel like I have to agree with everyone else and am grateful that I can think on my own, know what's best for me.

Listened to a talk at Stake conference yesterday that caused me some small dismay.  Reference was made to girls/young women who aren't as pretty/popular/etc. and how they, too, need the attention of the young men.  Implying there's only a select few who actually deserve said attention.  Made me sad.  I have a knee-jerk-kick-back reaction to those who act like others are beneath them.  I am constantly reminding myself that Heavenly Father loves each of us.  And we all (me included) need to act in that manner.  We are all important.

• Passed a yard on my walk that has a whole long section of the boundary fence lined with lilac bushes.  Likely 18-20 bushes.  Had to poke my nose in each and every one to enjoy the separate and distinct ( though still lilac-y) luscious scent. And I confess.  I snatched a couple sprigs.  (Isn't anything hanging over the trail just begging- and free- to be taken?) I'll mention it in my evening prayers and hope it won't keep me out of heaven.

I'm feeling grateful today for kindness from another.  For welcoming smiles, a brief hug and a sincere query about how I am.  I received such actions yesterday.  I'm still benefitting today.  I remember.

Wow, Thursday Already?

And I mentioned to The Husband just yesterday that we aren't having quite enough fun at the moment!

• Celebrated the birthday of one of our granddaughters the other day.  How delightful she is, and how grateful I am that she is accepting of us.

• I so love the lavender colors of the spring: lilacs, tree blooms, flowers.  Nature is fabulous.

• Walked the trail this morning, looked up just in time to see a deer clear the 6 foot chain link fence in front of me.  Don't see that every day (or ever before in that spot!).

• Stopped at the fence over by the goat - talked to it for just a second and it was up and eagerly coming to greet me.  Fed it some long grass from the field.  As I walked off, I could hear it bleating at me for a long ways.  Wasn't done being friendly, I guess.

I think these are redbuds. Yes? Or no?
• Heard about an incident from my cousin.  She heard a siren from a police car.  He told her she might want to go back and retrieve the gallon milk jug that fell out of her car (as she was driving) because of her neglecting to close the car's back door.  I thought I was the only one who does stuff like that.  Thanks, cousin, I needed that mental picture this morning.

• I've often wondered how those teensy chickadees, robins, meadowlarks and other singing birds manage to get such volume out of those small vocal organs.  How lovely it makes our world.

• It feels like I've been interacting with our adult children more lately.  I've so enjoyed that.  The calls, texts, chats, hugs, visits:  balm for my soul.  I've not ever been the greatest Mom, haven't really known how to Mother (I had no good example - and suffer the heart aches that accompany my wish to have been a better one).  Still, though, I love my chilluns.

• This afternoon will likely find me at Costco getting the things on the list that has been lengthening. Dislike spending money, but if I'm lucky, The Husband will come along and cheer me on.  That will make it worth it.

• Today's gratitude is for the spring season and the beauty it brings to the world.  For our Savior's atonement that will cover all my sins and pain, and for the forgiveness that I surely need every single day.

Minor Peeves

A favorite of mine!
My morning walk took a bit longer this a.m.  Had to keep stopping and burying my nose in the blooming lilacs that line the trail.  Resisted the urge to steal a stem.  There is nothing like the scent of a lilac - heavenly.

There are a couple things that make me a bit peevish.  (Actually probably more than a couple, but I try to rise above them.)

I don't mind going to the checker who is in his "first year of service." Am not quite so amenable to inanities uttered in the guise of being friendly.  He's remarking about my purchases (which also annoys me, I'd really rather not hear his evaluation of what I'm buying) and gets to the treat I'm getting (not interested in commentary on this purchase -- he-likes-it-he-rarely-asks-for-it-and-I'm-getting-it-for-him-when-he-does-ask) for The Husband: Diet Pepsi.  As the checker is scanning it he sez, "need a little sugar in there, too." Seriously?  Diet Pepsi.  (And that was only one of his "out-there" comments.) Poor guy, I shouldn't be so hard on him, I know he's just trying.

Current pet peeve #2:  people who leave their grocery carts strewn across the parking lot.  Between the store and my car there were three just left out in the middle.  To do damage to some unsuspecting car. To require some poor soul to retrieve them.  Selfishness reigns.

My particular store is considering eliminating plastic bags from their use.  Other stores in this local chain have already done so.  Yay,  I like that.

Self-critical pet peeve:  my propensity to say the wrong thing.  Wrong time, wrong person, wrong words - doesn't matter - I manage to do them all.  Sigh.....You'd think I'd be better at curtailing it by this advanced age.

Current pet peeve #3:  telemarketers.  I feel really bad for people who have to resort to that kind of work.  I try to be pleasant to them.  It's a struggle.  I'm going back to my policy of not answering a number I don't recognize.  Perhaps, if I extend that thought out, this pet peeve might be my own fault, it wouldn't bother me if I didn't answer the phone.

We cooed over a 6 week old baby yesterday.  The Husband is particularly taken with her.  He remarked to me later that (to him) there is something extraordinary about this little one.  He wondered if he knew her before.  I so love that concept.  I'd love to find that person that was my friend in the pre-existence.  I could use a friend.
I think this one is heading home.

Had to snap this pic of the chicken crossing the trail.  Reminded me of that old joke about why the chicken crossed the road.

Today's bit of gratitude:  that we have grocery carts, and the wherewithal to fill them, the full shelves at the grocery, the food that fills our tummies.  So, so much to be grateful for.

(Also feeling gratitude for loved ones (especially non-critical ones), for fun visits, for friendly smiles and for good hugs.)

Determined To Have A Young Heart

The best thing about this Friday is:  The Husband's home!  I actually slept last night after his late arrival.  I faced the day with a bit more happy anticipation and have felt like the earth is once more rotating on the right axis.

Our oldest daughter arrived today - she's only here for for about 48 hours, but what fun!  We love the whole family, but it is a rarity for us to get to spend one-on-one time with any of our children.  I quite like it.

Received a gift today of some children's books to add to my collection.  I really can't remember the last time I added to my collection, I've been on such an "austerity" kick.  A delightful surprise.
Cute books gifted me!

Was surprised to hear The Husband talk about a conversation they had at his work.  Lots of the people he works with are a bit younger.  He mentioned some currently popular singers whose music we like.  The young people didn't even know who the singers were!!  We like that music, even if we are old fuddie duddies.  

And yes, we can program our DVR, use our cell phones for phone calls, pictures, games and (until I lost access to it on my new phone) Instagram.  We have iPods, iPads (but Android phones are our preference) eReaders, computers on our bicycles and FitBits to track our steps.

I may acquire years as I age, but I hope to always remain young-at-heart/spirit.  I'm not ready to be old yet. (Even if my hair is streaked with grey!)

Words

I've been thinking a lot about words lately.  Those I read, those I hear, those I say.

Recently I've been the recipient of words that cracked my heart.  Then I turned around and spoke unkind words to someone I love.  I was so hurting that I was thoughtless of another's feelings and spoke without thinking. I'm quite certain Heavenly Father is disappointed when we hurt another.

Kindness elevates.  Unkindness is often the ultimate selfishness.  I'd rather be kind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anVweXDcxhA

These are great words!   Something to guide me.

His voice is a soft welcome!
This guy always greets me on my walk - he pokes his head through the fence, hoping I think, for a treat.  Friendly greetings - even from a goat - are a great way to start my morning.

Myriads

I've got such myriads of thoughts running through my mind I don't quite know where to begin.

An actual pet cemetery (the little dog with the big courage)
On my walk this morning, noticed a teensy pet cemetery.  I've walked past this particular spot numerous times.  Never noticed this until today.  Made my heart catch.  (And seeing this was so weird since I dreamed about our cat-that's-no-longer-with-us last night.)  There are surely lots of memories behind those pet headstones.

Seems like I get less and less done.  Started out with anticipation of completing lots today.  Ended up abandoning the quest and coming home.

Still dislike spending money, don't have much desire (or need) to "keep up" with the trend-ers.  Does that make me wrong?  Out of step?  Unwelcome? Yeah, maybe, perhaps.

Was delighted today to receive some texts from a granddaughter (and a real actual hug from a grandson).  It's hard for me to get enough of that kind of contact with the grandchilluns, I love them all so. (And I end up with a huge hug deficit when The Husband is out of town!)  :^)

Was reminded today how short I fall in so many areas.  I try.  I have always tried. I keep hoping that the one that truly matters (and will make the ultimate judgement of me) understands my heart. And that at least something I have to offer will be acceptable.  I need to remember that, in the end, it is His knowledge of me that matters.  (And that all (including me) inhabitants of this earth are imperfect.)

Was up at one this morning gazing at the lunar eclipse.  I'm glad I didn't miss it, it was worth seeing.

Thought about taking a runner (running temporarily away).  The Husband tempted me, tried to get me to jump on a plane and head out to him.  It is enticing.

Today I'm grateful for kind understanding friends.  Who aren't critical and are reassuring, encouraging and supportive.  I'm so glad I have one of those.

Mondays

Sitting at the counter, eating, thinking.  Thinking how much I have disliked Mondays lately.  Saw a commercial come on tv.  Advertising some job search company.  The main point was if you use their service you'll love Mondays more than Fridays.  I'm thinking I need something like that.

This Monday started out with me feeling bereft.  I so dislike when The Husband goes.  I know it's necessary.  I'm so grateful for his work ethic.  I know this is important and valuable.  My mind is fine with it.  My heart....not quite so much.

I parked next to this lovely fragrant tree at the grocery.
One of the cars ended up in the shop this morning.  Bottom line ransom for it:  $1500.  Hadn't planned on that particular expense.  I'm grateful for a (very small it seems) cushion that covers things like this.

Received the results of our biometric screening.  The Husband should be so very pleased.  His numbers improved (since our last screening 11 months ago) practically across the board.  Well done!  Mine: almost all of the numbers improved, although not much, just small increments. (The only not improved number was my overall cholesterol which (while a teensy bit higher) is right in the same range where it's been for years. The HDL's are well in the healthy range as are the LDL's and the HDLC ratio. Since all those numbers are in the... well...fabulous range, I'll be fine with it while simultaneously striving for lower overall cholesterol.)

To celebrate (and combine the celebration with my being-home-alone-pity-party) I stopped at Corner Bakery and bought a mini bundt cake.  I intended to eat half, save half.  Even tried to cut it in half.  But it fell apart.  And little pieces of moist cake would turn to stale useless pieces by morning.  So I just gave it up and ate the whole thing. UGH!  I abhor that awful full feeling I don't generally have anymore.  Tomorrow will be partying with candles only, no cake.  :^) And going back to my healthy stir-fry meal. (The taste was scrumptiliumptious!)

The flowers we planted over the weekend are looking lovely, the lawn is super-lush and green.  The sun was shining.  It's been such a lovely day it was a shame to have it be Monday.  (And around one in the morning tonight, I'll be up looking to see if I can enjoy the lunar eclipse.  Should be really pretty.)

My gratitude is for kind people who call on the phone just to tell something nice.  Chat a bit then go on their way.  What a sweet soul she is.

Busy

We had so much going on today The Husband decided to take a vacation day from work.  When that happens on a Friday it throws me way out-of-balance. Consequently it felt like Saturday tomorrow.  Who knows what tomorrow will feel like.

These will be even lovelier in a week or two!
We got haircuts, delivered a vacation brochure, went for our biometric blood drawing (The Husband's bruise will be bigger than mine), bought two snow shovels (being prepared, don't often get up in that area of the valley and that Ace is the only place that carries the shovels the snow-shovel-picky Husband likes), got annuals from Home Depot, planted almost all of the flowers, finally picked up my car, sprayed weeds with Killz-all, picked up 70 pinecones (at $.05 apiece I earned $3.50; sorry grandchilluns you missed out on this money), and it wasn't even dark yet!

It was a productive day punctuated with laughter, hugs, and sneezes.

My car looks (and smells) great, they even "detailed" the inside. The price was what was quoted. And done pretty much on time.  If we ever need body work again, we'll go there.

Today is our oldest daughter's birthday.  How blessed we are to have her in our family.  We celebrate her birth with joy.

And finally, my gratitude today is for the beauty of this earth.  We are so privileged.

Stuff / PackRat

We have w-a-y too much stuff.  I made a mental commitment this year that I would sort-through-get-rid-of some of the stuff we have.  I look around and wonder where it all came from.  After all, I dislike spending money (and clutter and dusting all the clutter/stuff).  So how did we get so much?

There's a Deseret Industries pod over at the church parking lot this week - for contributions of things like our "stuff".  So this morning I brought up a few things I've been accumulating for just such a time.

Only a few of the things to go.
Had to practically strong-arm The Husband away from the boxes.  There are treasures in there, he says. We could use them for gifts.  Is there something in there of mine?  You can't give away anything of mine.   Seriously.?.  This stuff has been in the basement in boxes for the 13 years we've lived here, and that's just this latest house we've owned.  It's so necessary (not) to our daily lives we've forgotten exactly what's there.

I try to not be a packrat.  Then I look around my sewing room.  Sigh....I kinda sorta am. Not to the extent of The Husband.  But, yes, sadly, I admit it.  Or maybe I'm a packmouse (a small packrat?).  

I've watched friends clean out their parents' homes after the parents are gone.  It isn't easy.  It takes a long time.  It's hard work.  I don't wish that on my children - even on the worst days.  I'd like to take care of a lot of it now.  While I still can.  Anyone want to help?  It might cure some budding packrat before the saving gets too out of control.

And if anyone needs packrat lessons, I know who to call. (And My Love, I'm just teasing, you know!)

Spite

These are the ones that perfume the air!
I listened the other morning to a fairly lengthy news-piece about spite and spiteful behavior.  The subject has continued to circle in my mind.  The guest "expert" (of what I never heard) seemed to endorse such behavior as a good thing for society.  And maybe, in whatever frame of reference he was thinking, it is.

I, however, am inclined to disagree.

I keep thinking about the talks (and there was more than one) we heard over the weekend about kindness.  We were exhorted to be kind to one another.  I fail so often at this.  I think I shall long remember the story of a woman who refused a neighbor (with whom she had long-standing disagreements) permission to take a short cut across her property.  (I thought it was impressive he had requested permission.) She refused, requiring him to take the long way around.  She said she was sorry, that she wished she had a second chance to be kind.

We often do have second chances to be kind.  There are as many chances to be kind as there are interactions with others.  We can be kind first, in return or just because.

I need to remember this - and act on it:  Be kind.  It matters.

If I Could...

These teensy ones smell fabulous!
My Mom has been on my mind quite a bit lately.  I keep wishing I could ask her things.  For instance, if I could, I'd ask her:

Did you always know my hair had two crowns and didn't tell me?

Could you tell me some of your favorite sewing tips - like how did you make your own clothing patterns?

Did Grandma teach you to sew, or did you learn elsewhere?

Tell me about our trip to Carlsbad Caverns, I don't remember it very well.

Did I get my love of flowers from you?

I often saw you reading, did you read as a child?  As much as I did?

Did you have a passion for something?  Were you content at all?

Did you love me?

Hope, Encouragement, Inspiration

My happy african violet.
One of my very favorite quotes from today, from Henry B. Eyring:

“After all we can do in faith, the Lord will justify our hopes for greater blessings for our families than we can imagine,” -

Finished, Forty-Five

Just now finished reading (and writing a review on GoodReads) of Nancy Turner's latest work "My Name Is Resolute".  I continue in my admiration and love for Ms. Turner's ability to craft something that takes me so completely from my own world into another.  What am amazing read!  However would I survive this world without my love of reading?

Forty-Five years ago yesterday The Husband asked me to be his girl, his steady girl, in effect his steady-best-friend-girl. What an interesting, fabulous, wonderful ride it has been.  What a blessing to have been together for the last 45 years.  I might have to write an epic book so when I leave this world some might know my name, might know my small contributions to the world.  Contributions which I hope would include kindness and courage.  And a steadfast nature (another word for resolute.)

Those 45 years work out to 16,000 plus days.  That doesn't quite sound right (doesn't seem like enough) to me, although I've done the math myself.  Not all of those 16,000 days have been spent physically together but I like to fancifully think our hearts have been intertwined each and every one of them.
Early morning sun hitting the mountain across the valley.


Hit the trail on my walk this morning, just a bit later than usual, so it was fully light outside when I left. There's something about being out in the early morning light, mostly by myself, listening to (and watching) the world awaken that brings such peace to my soul.  It shores up my reserves somehow, leaves me anticipating the day with an extra (though small) portion of good cheer.  Every sunrise is the same, yet every sunrise is different.  I love watching the day rise.

Resolute

Snapped this on my morning walk.  Lovely.
Went yesterday to get the estimate on repairing my car from Saturday's attack by run-amok shelves.  $809.  (For a very small ow-ie.) Within hours I received a phone call from the insurance company with the joyous news of full payment by them.  I'm still shaking my head in amazement at the speedy, kind manner in which this has been handled.  Of course, I will be anxious until the check arrives and clears.  Still, it's been amazingly easy.

I've been a fan of Nancy E. Turner's books since "These Is My Words."  It remains a favorite of mine. This week I've been immersed in her latest offering, "My Name Is Resolute." (I'm even drawn by the title character's name: Resolute.  It fits her.)  Lengthy at 580+ pages I've enjoyed them all (although I'm only at 450 pages.  Long book, small print, want to devour every word (not skim read) so hours of reading.

I loved this little bit:  "Never forget, either of you, that there is always something greater than yourselves at work in the world.  Look for it.  Seek the whole truth, rather than letting the wind blow you as it will."

Wise words.  Ones that we should all heed, no matter who we are.

Life is full of challenges - of all sizes. Often ones that seem flung ceaselessly at us until our very hearts and souls are bruised and wounded.  An additional challenge, then is to stand firm, be steadfast, aware of who is truly in command of this world, charging forth to enact His will. We shall pass the test.