And It's Monday....Again

Which makes it sound like I'm whining, I'm not really.  I'm grateful to be part of the circle of life that goes on & on, round & round.  (And I couldn't think of another fitting title for the post.  These are always just my thoughts that don't fit any sort of category or pattern, my quasi journal.)

Yesterday in church we sang "The Star Spangled Banner" - a song I truly love.  And I was somewhat ashamed...I only know all the words to the first verse - and bits and pieces of the other two verses. The reason for my discomfort:  all around me were kids (of all ages), singing right along, using no books and they had all three verses memorized!  I should be ashamed.

Noticed a sister at church with an oh-so-cute skirt on.  Would have been even cuter had she remembered to remove the temporary stitching at the bottom of the kickpleat.  (That's kind of like a guy forgetting to take the tag off the sleeve of his sport jacket.) I've seen that quite a bit recently.  Maybe skirts should come with instructions.

Hollyhock among the weeds.

Woke up at oh-dawn-o'clock this morning - hit the trail and thoroughly enjoyed the fact that a half-hour earlier the trail is even less busy.  Didn't even turn on my iPod until the halfway mark - I so love watching the world wake.  Saw this lone hollyhock - so pretty all by itself among the weeds.

I rarely feel comfortable - like I "fit" anywhere.  Mostly feel like an outsider - like I don't quite belong. Generally, in my mind that equates to the despised weed among the flowers.  Decided, looking at that lovely flower in the weeds that I should think of myself more like a different kind of flower in the garden.  One that's needed for contrast, color and variety.  Adding to the loveliness of the whole.

Yes, I'll work on that.... My head pretty much agrees, my heart (and emotions) are a harder sell.

Collectively about 15 pounds.

And received a pseudo-stern look from The Husband.  He finds it contradictory that the woman (that would be me) who gets up early most mornings to walk 5 miles for fun refuses to make more than one trip to bring in the groceries no matter how many grocery bags there are. (I think the record is 5 bags; these bags are sturdy and hold a lot so they're quite heavy.) I say it's part of my overall plan to include weights in my daily exercise (but really, it's laziness).

Today I'm finding myself grateful for people who react with a smile when I run into them when out and about.  There's that kindness thing again.

They've Fledged!

Our nest....empty.

Enjoying a rare sleep-late-until-the-sun-really-wakes-me-up this morning, I was certain I was hearing baby robin cheeping.  Multiple trips to the window to peer out at the yard yielded no sightings.  After trekking out to the tree and capturing this shot of the empty nest we decided to keep an eye on the momma robin.  She kept flitting around the yard, with her beak full of food.

Our quiet observation finally found the baby sitting in our tri-color beech (and yes the beech is really that lovely pink color).  It nestled there on the branch near the trunk for a couple hours.  Too cute.

Right in the center, with the sun on it's beak.

I was also informed of the nest in the cedar in the front yard.  Way too high off the ground for us to see much - but we have watched the momma taking food to the babies there.  What fun it has been to witness this small miracle.

Our son was riding his bike to work this morning.  An ignored stop sign proved to be nearly disastrous for him.  The stop-sign-ignorer hit his bike a glancing blow.  Those behemoth SUV's can cause some damage. Had he been riding the bike a bit faster he'd have been tossed sky-high.  As it is, he's still around and healthy enough to be angry at all that transpired.  The scofflaw:  she works for the police department as a dispatcher.  She should be ashamed.

The day was full.  The Husband has worked in the yard, worked in his office, worked at relaxing a bit at the movie and worked to help me in my endeavors.  He's definitely one of the good guys. (Although I teased him as we walked into Home Depot:  "most people take a list."  He took the actual items  - the spark plug from the John Deere, the oil filter package from the John Deere, the floodlight bulb...he must think it's way more fun than a list.)

Today I'm grateful for those angels that protected our son.  For the unexpected gift of some lovely fresh flowers, for an impromptu visit by a friend, for fresh warm popcorn and for clean sheets on our bed.  It has been a pretty decent day.

Where Has The Week Gone?

I thought perhaps I might wait to post here until I had something meaningful to say.  I waited for inspiration. None came and I got caught up in the day-to-day living that comprises much of our earthly existence.

I've spent a fair amount of time at home this week. Doing the usual, and finding some measure of gratitude in the blessing of this life.

I wish I could express what the early morning sun does for my soul.  No other time of day has quite the same beauty as the sun streaming through the trees.  My phone camera doesn't quite capture the essence of the lovely morning, but I feel it - a combination of reverence and joy for a new day and all its possibilities.  Where will the day lead?

Yesterday found me at lunch with a couple long-time dearies who mean much to me.  Who knew a 4 hour lunch could feel like minutes?  Today we were treated to lunch by some neighbors/friends in celebration of The Husband's birthday.  Even when I think my world is small it seems delightfully peopled with tender souls who look out for others.

This morning I was loaned a book - a compilation of talks from BYU Women's Conference 2012. How grateful I am for words and language and the concepts they can express, the pictures they paint and the feelings they evoke.

One chapter spoke about intentional parenting.  I love that concept of intention.  I'm thinking that might be another new favorite adjective / word.  Intentional.

Tomorrow I shall plan to be intentionally aware; which awareness will lead me to intentional gratitude. And there isn't a day out there that can't begin with hope.  Intentional hope seems magnified somehow.

Almost Too Big

The baby robins are almost too big for the nest.  I imagine it won't be too long now and they'll be gone. The all-knowing internet tells me it's about 12-14 days to fledge. Then another 2-3 weeks learning to find food and fly, then they'll be gone.  It has been such a life-affirming thing to watch them.

Another New Day

...during which I shall attempt - once again - to be kind, thoughtful, non-judgmental  and all those other good things which are too numerous to mention, but are too important to forget.

Yesterday in church found us listening to a young friend of ours as he related a bit of his history.  He has overcome much - and without the help or support of any of his family.  He has my admiration.  He also caused me to reflect on how lucky (blessed?) I have been (in spite of my challenging growing up environment) to be surrounded by the gospel of Jesus Christ; to have been included in that circle of people who choose to seek a higher standard of life.

A lovely morning sky!

Decided to go for a bike ride this morning. The time of day I like to be out is also the time of day the "hard-core" bikers and runners are out.  They are so serious and focused on their workout.  Me?  I just trundle along at my 7 or 8 mph pace and enjoy the journey.  (See, Husband, I listen to you!) Personally, I'm not that much into the competition side of life - it diminishes my enjoyment of every day, don't like to be fussing about who is winning or losing.  I definitely allow others their own perspective on things. But, fear, though, they miss seeing/hearing stuff - like the two deer I saw bounding along the RR track, the meadowlarks and their lovely morning greeting, the papa quail who saved the mama quail from the danger, the heavenly scent of the honeysuckle...I love it all.

Read an article the other day (titled "Becoming Perfect in Christ" - Gerrit W. Gong) that was a great exposition - I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Among other thought provoking things, the author wrote "...if we are humble, we will be surprised by goodness in unexpected places..."  And while he was speaking in a specific context, I was struck by the all around application - the reminder that humility should be a sought-after trait.  Arrogance isn't nearly as attractive.

This day I will strive to be more aware - of all the good that surrounds me.

And here's an addendum: a favorite experience of the day.....coming out of the post office I spied a 5-year-old friend of mine from Primary - with, of course, her Mom (also a friend).  Leaning down to be in her field of vision: "there's someone I know!" Straight to me she comes and leans heavily into me for a hug!   I didn't even mind she was coming from swimming lessons and was wet all over.  I loved it!

(P.S. Beware women in parking lots dispensing "free" shopping carts.  What the real story is: they are too lazy to return the cart to the store/cart return and are determined to push that small chore onto someone else.  Just saying....)

Our Robin babies are a week old now!

Not So Good / Good

Since I like happy endings, I'll start with the "not so good" and end with the good.

Not so good: that The Husband is feeling a tad stressed over the solar issue.  Late last night he received word the power company now wants to increase the proposed net metering fee (the one The Husband is fighting. Kinda makes me irate as well.) An increase even before the approval.  Sigh....

The good:  that The Husband is passionate about doing what's right.  And that he has the energy and clear-thought processes to do what he can to make it right.

Not so good: that Visiting Teachers are sometimes viewed as an annoyance.

The good:  that we have some awesome sisters to visit, who make us feel welcome.

Not so good:  it has finally turned into summer - complete with heat.

The good:  our air conditioner.

Not so good:  That some of the creatures I saw on my walk were so quick I couldn't manage a picture.

The good:  That I was aware enough to notice the deer (3 of them in different spots), the unusual song of a bird, mama duck & ducklings and the muskrat.  Seeing the natural wildlife somehow brightens my morning walk.

Now that's a decent pocket.

The not so good:  having to look so hard for decent jeans.  Not everyone wants to wear ginormous pocket flaps (and/or glitz) on their behind.

The good:  finding a pair of jeans with the perfect back pocket and that fit!

The not so good:  having medical bills...of any kind.

The better:  getting a discount for paying right away.  25% is a good savings.  (But, it makes me wonder how much profit is already factored in if they can give that kind of discount right off the top. Cynic that I am.)

The not so good:  That our trees currently require so much attention.  (Told The Husband I should just put the checkbook on the porch and let everyone "have at it" - it feels like we're just hemorrhaging cash!)

The good:  That there are people out there who know how help us keep our trees healthy - they add so much enjoyment to our little corner of earth.

The good:  comfy shoes that free my feet from pain.

The good: birthdays! (June is our big birthday month - The Husband and four grandchilluns.  Love to celebrate those we love.

The good:  the gratitude I feel - to Heavenly Father for this beautiful world, for kind people, for welcoming smiles, for a spontaneous hug and for an awareness of my blessings.  The good always tips the scales.

It was a breathtaking sunset.

Watching The Babies

Roughly 5 days old.

We've been keeping an eye on the baby robins, checking on them when Mama is away.  They are about 5 days old now - getting feathers I think.  Although it's kind of difficult to tell, we think there might only be 3 in the nest.  It's a fine balance trying to keep an eye on them without disturbing them too much.  It's been great fun.

Fondness

Love this kind of paper!

I have a fondness (and perhaps also a weakness) for cards.  For notecards, thank you cards, cards advertising things, gift cards (received one yesterday that I shall enjoy for quite some time - thanks, My Love) and especially for greeting cards.  I love that people take the time to choose just the right one - to let you know you're thought of - that you're important enough for them to make that effort.  It somehow makes life more personal.

Stopped in at Target to pick up some Thank You cards for The Husband and spent some enjoyable minutes delighting in the broad and lovely range of cards they stock.  Who knew they had an entire aisle dedicated to such cards.  We had to rein in our desire to have one of each!

I received one such card today, from a couple we love.  It warmed my heart in a much needed way.

We all stopped when The Husband exclaimed - look! Come here!  We discovered the cause of the thump we heard the other night.  A perfect bird-in-flight silhouette in the dust on the transom window - complete with head and feathers.  The Husband stepped out onto the porch when we heard it, and saw nothing.  I can just picture the stunned bird rising to its feet, shaking it off and hightailing it out of there in embarrassment.  Wish we'd seen more than just the aftermath.

In my interactions with people over the last little while I've clarified some thinking.  Kindness cannot be over-rated.  In my own unique and personal perspective I believe that kindness - its merit and results - is, if anything, under-rated / under esteemed / under appreciated.  It can never be valued enough. There can never be enough kindness.

Hopefully I will remember that thought when I've been hurt or insulted or angered or whatever.  I crave that kindness from others.  I must be kind if I wish to receive kindness. It really does make a circle.

Today I'm grateful for the kindness of a complete stranger, who didn't hesitate to share the kindness in her soul.

Yes, it's mid-June and there's fresh snow on our mountains!

A New Week

The week has begun and I am hoping (and counting) on the week fulfilling its promise.

The Husband's birthday is this week.  Celebrating has commenced and will continue until we are weary.  He is great cause to celebrate.  We love his sense of humor,  his kindness, his hugs, his deep conviction of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his passion and his quirks (of which there are a couple).  I am grateful to be part of his circle.

About 2 days old.

There was a reason I found a blue egg shell on the grass under the maple tree.  The baby birdie hatched.  In fact - there are four baby birdies.  We have managed to get a couple shots of them while Mama was off.  I've learned a bit about Robins, and still like them.

Father's day provided some brief interaction with all the kids & some of the grandchilluns.  The Husband received some thoughtful and generous gifts - even a couple cards (I love the personalization a card adds to a gift - too bad they've gotten so pricey).  (The funniest coin-ki-dink - our son and I bought him the very same thing!)

The last few days have provided entertainment in the way of movie & meal out with friends, meetings with big muckey-mucks regarding the solar, lots of yard work, devouring of pre-birthday cake, meeting with our tree physician and so on.  We have shared hugs and prayers, a bit of laughter and pain and thoughts on hope (including goals) for the future.

Life goes on.  People disappoint and surprise.  We strive to improve. Our hearts continue to hope.  Our gratitude grows. I am grateful for this life - even with all the challenges and wishes that certain things (or people)  would be different / better / less painful / easier / more full of kindness, consideration.  It's still a great ride.

“How beautiful a day can be, when kindness touches it!”― George Elliston

New Things

Add caption

We are gonna have some new baby robins.  The Husband took me out and showed me the nest where the mama is patiently sitting. (I did spy a broken shell on the ground underneath, don't know what that means and I don't want to get a ladder to peek in the nest and disturb the little family.)  I'll have to remember to keep looking to see if there are babies there.  Robin's egg blue is a favorite color of mine.  (Look at the very center of the picture, in the "V" of the branches is the next with the mama on it.)

I prefer tapeless windows.

And we have a new window!  It took a couple weeks, but the new one is installed and looks great.  I grew a bit weary of that red tape over the window.  How grateful I am not only for those who can replace our broken window (and all that entails) but also for the wherewithal to take care of it.  How blessed we are to have enough for our needs.

Today I'm also grateful for kind people. I actually have some in that small circle of people that I know.

Thursday's Still A Favorite

In a few hours The Husband will be home. Whew, less stress, more hugs. 

This Thursday has seen an unexpected errand that resulted in lunch (yes, that's good).  I was congratulated on my attitude toward soda.  They said they wished they didn't like it.  I was simply stating the reason I didn't want the chips and soda that came with the sandwich for the exact same price. It befuddled them that I'd turn down something basically free.  Caused a bit of a stir.  I'm not comfortable in the spotlight.

Also stopped in a shoe store I've been meaning to visit for months.  Saw a couple pair that intrigued me, but not enough to try them on.  Just can't get in the mood to spend $.

Fire on the hillside - complete with flames.

Been mentally bemoaning my lack of gifts - or even ideas for gifts - for The Husband.  Father's Day and his birthday within 3 days.  I so wish I had some spark of creativity.  He needs to feel cared for.

Am becoming increasingly concerned - it's only the middle of June.  But we have a wildfire burning across the valley and one sprouted on the hillside by our house.  (No one mentioned to us when we moved to Draper that the wind is a near constant condition. Today they are expecting micro-burst winds with all the storms that are going on. Doesn't help with any fighting of fire.)  All the cheat grass and weeds are already super-dry. I've been watching the news - much rather not see Draper featured.

Have spent some time today in prayer.  Hoping my prayers will be heard -- and granted.  There are lots of needs for Heavenly Father's hand in lives.

Have remembered a dear friend in my prayers.  She lost her Mom on Monday.  No matter the age, that kind of separation is never easy.

Finding something each day to be grateful for is an expression of optimism - so not my natural state.  It prompts me to find something good in each day.  Some days I have to look harder than others to find something good, something to be grateful for.  That is itself a blessing.  The awareness of good - the ability to look deep enough to find it in every single day.  

Mid-Way Through The Week - -

Along the trail.

And three quarters of the way through The Husband's time out of town.  I've tried to keep busy, I can feel myself sinking into sadness when I have too much free time.  Working pretty well this time, I've managed to fill the days.

Monday I spent the entire day out - only had a few hours alone at home.  That's good, keeps me from feeling too lonesome.  Yesterday I was out for the middle part of the day and spent some hours stitching and reading.  It felt good.  Today I went to lunch with some friends / my visiting teachers.  We spent a couple hours just chatting and enjoying each other.  Delightful time, delightful friends, decent food.  I actually splurged and had a chocolate malt.  Haven't had one of those in ages and ages.  My body might regret the calories and sugar.  My spirits were in heaven.

A new place in town.

We've all seen those people standing on curbs or sidewalks shaking signs.  Anything from pizza to tax preparations to boutiques to "bay open" oil changes.  If I hadn't had a couple women in the car and several cars waiting for me to get out of their way I'd have taken a picture of a wiggling sign.  Not held by any human, but shaking out in the air by mechanical means.  It cracks me up just thinking of it. Must have been my mood but I sure found it funny.

Tried to watch a granddaughter open her birthday gift via video.  Hard as they tried, I only saw 44 seconds, barely enough to get the mailing box open on the end.  Still, she's texted that she loves it.  It was worth every minute (and there were many) I spent on it.

And at my age, I'm still opening my mouth only to fill it with my ginormous foot.  I repent every day it seems of something I've said that came out wrong, or sounded (unintentionally) pointed, or thoughtless or hurtful.  Will I ever master this?  Even when I think first, I often say the wrong thing.

Today, and for the last several days, my heart has been grateful for all the ways we communicate.  (Aside from the aforementioned foot-in-mouth affliction I have.) The Husband and I have e-mailed, texted, phoned (last time we did video chats), posted on Google+  and messaged pictures.  (I'm done with Instagram and refuse to Twitter.) I remember in the early days of our marriage if we were separated by distance we'd risk a short long distance phone call once a day.  Distance doesn't seem so far and I don't feel quite so alone when we're in constant touch.  A good thing about today's connectedness.

Trees

The Husband and I have a particular fondness for trees.  We've planted multitudes of them over the course of our marriage.  Left each house with a prettier surrounding because of the trees we planted.

This particular yard has 21 trees.  18 of which The Husband and I planted with our own gloved hands. (The two cottonwoods were already on the lot when we bought it). They've generally done well.  In some cases they've tripled (or more) in height in the 13 years we've lived here.

One specific tree always has The Husband shaking his head.  It is kind of a weird shaped tree.  Not the perfect shape most people go for.  I loved its quirkiness.  Its personality called to me.  This last winter the tree-trimming guy was determined to get at it with his saw.  I adamantly refused.  I know that pruning is necessary but he wasn't going to touch my tree.  

The Husband generally waits till I'm nowhere near and sneaks his pruning saw out and takes out "just a few" of the problematic branches.  The trees are happy - they're growing.  The evergreens have branches that hang w-a-y out into the yard.  Makes the lawn mowing a bit of a challenge.  Even has blocked the spray from the lawn sprinklers.

Isn't our yard pretty in the sun / shade?  I love it here.

Yesterday though, he warned me.  It was a big branch.  A couple big branches.  They had to come down.  I fancy I can hear the trees crying a bit when the teeth of the saw bites into the bark.  It makes me really sad.  Admittedly, it does look a bit spiffied up. Still...

I'll go out this week and comfort my tree.  I'll tell it how much we love it and how important it is to keep it healthy.  And sometimes that means a bit of trimming.  The hard things in life are usually a time of growth.  Even for our trees.

And today, I'm grateful for our former YSA kids. Including those who go on missions and come home fabulous adults. Who don't take a handshake for a greeting but bore right in for a full-on hug.  It was heartwarming.  Oh, how we love those kids.

Morning Walk

Would have been on the road for the grandson's high school graduation this morning.  We ended up staying home.  Congratulations to our grandson and we're so pleased for him.  And hope he forgives us for our (physical) absence.

Since we weren't out on the road, I went out on the trail this morning.

My morning trail disguise.

And since I've accepted an invitation from a friend to walk with her a couple times a week, I have - basically - three days to walk / ride on my own.  I find I'm possessively and jealously protecting those three days.  There's something in my very soul that not only thrives, but needs that morning time to myself.  To quiet my mind, prepare for the day ahead, do a bit of praying, to refresh my senses, ease into the day, breath in....breathe out. The days I don't manage to get out end up a bit more challenging than the days I do.

From our yard.

This time of year the trail gets busy.  Even early in the morning.  I play dodge'em with the bikers (who decline to warn me of their passing from behind me).  I put on my sunglasses and my hat with the bill pulled low over my eyes and pretty much "hide" from the other people on the trail.  This time is for me. Yes, I'm selfish.  When there are dozens and dozens of people on the trail all seemingly bent on exchanging morning greetings I feel bombarded.  My peace and rejuvenation are endangered.  It becomes a walk of drudgery.

I feel unkind and ungrateful when I don't respond to their greetings.  At the same time, I walk for me, for a need I have.

The Husband has threatened to get me a t-shirt (that I'm tempted to accept) that says a jaunty "Good Morning" across the front.  Then I can respond without having to break my communion with the morning.  What color shall I request? What shade best fits the color of the morning? Yellow? Coral?

Today I'm feeling gratitude for forgiveness.  And for those who find it easy to forgive.  It seems I'm often in need of forgiveness in spite of my earnest desire to do better.  Forgiveness is a gift.

Craving

Maybe my next purchase?

Been craving something new to wear.  Since I haven't lost weight and don't like to buy clothes, I think some new shoes will fit the bill.  Tried these on, and am seriously thinking about it.  Think they'll go with denim?

People

Managed my morning walk on the trail today.  (Lately it seems so "hit or miss" no matter how much I plan or how early I arise.  How does that happen?)  Passed a man we know.  He's been sick.  I see him out on the trail a lot.  Accompanied by his adult son.  Keeping him moving.  Keeping him safe. Keeping him cared for.  Wish I'd thought to take a picture.

I've seen that a lot on the trail.  Older people shuffling along with someone watching out for them so they don't fall, providing that vital personal contact.  How blessed they are to have someone love them so they are willing to spend time with them.  As I've watched a dear friend care for her Mom for a number of years, I've often thought the same.  How fortunate she is to have her kind daughter caring for her.  Regret will not be part of that legacy. Sweet memories will.

A pretty decent article.

Then I read this column in the newspaper.  I don't often read this particular writer - I'm not into that competition thing that is such a huge part of her life.  And I don't often agree with what she writes. Today she had something worth reading.  I so agree about being courteous.  And think it often goes hand in hand with consideration of others - which sprouts from a lack of selfishness.

There are myriads of ways in which to be courteous and considerate - too numerous to even begin to mention.  But it is a concept worth placing high on our "thought list" making it more prone to be exercised in our behavior.

I've been trying today to find gratitude in unexpected places for unexpected things.  Finding that focus to be important.

This was my morning greeting.  Lovely, huh?

Thoughts From The Weekend

• Life sometimes seems really complicated.  I like simple / simplicity.

• Spent an inordinate amount of time Friday - Sunday practicing for the song for the Fireside last night.  Was super intimidated by the vocalist.  Received the music Thursday evening, so I had a short time to learn the music, played in a building I've never been in before and on a piano I'd never touched before (which had the seemingly requisite squeaky sustain pedal).  

Was feeling a bit bad - based on her general attitude - that the singer had to settle for me to play for her.  After thinking about it, I decided if she really cared (which she made clear she didn't, even an iota) she'd have paid the $50 for her usual accompanist.  After the fireside I "googled" her and yup, she's a professional.  A real-true professional.  No wonder I was intimidated.  I was obviously completely out of my league.  First (and most likely last) time I've played for a real-true professional.  Would have been nice if she'd made more of an effort. 

• The Husband is also spending a large portion of his time on the solar-fee-fight.  I dislike when he's so stretched and tense.  Between being determined to do all the lawn care this year by himself, and the solar-fee-fight, and the new calling (S.S. Presidency 1st Counselor) I think he mostly feels knackered. Thus, the treat of a doughnut when I returned from the grocery.  Yes, we self-medicate here.

Yes, life is good.

• Finally succumbed and bought some new allergy antihistamine.  (Why does most of that stuff come in 24 hour doses?  I prefer the 12 hour.  I am clearly in the minority with that preference since it's so hard to find.)  Took one dose - huge relief.  And now it seems my season for sneezing/sniffing/congestion is on the wane.  Of course.

• I love this "Life Is Good" bag.  (I'm lucky enough to have two of them!)  This pink one I use each Sunday to tote my primary music back and forth.  Love how The Husband decorated my bag yesterday with a fresh, sweet-scented rose.  I felt loved.  

• And now I've been out to purchase birthday gifts (wish I were better at choosing good gifts) been to the grocery for the fridge/larder stocking, accomplished a few other errands and am in for the rest of the day.  Home.  My favorite place to be.

I'm grateful today for home.  In all senses of the word.