September

Is September my favorite month because it's my birthday month?  Or because it usually signals the end of the summer heat and transition to cooler, more pleasant weather?  Either is fine.  I really like the month.

Ran into a friend on the trail the other morning, she mentioned she wished she'd been at church for my piano solo.  Was thinking she would bake some cookies to take to sisters she ministers to.  Pretty soon, there her daughter is at our door with a plate of bar cookies that we made quick work of.  I really do try to not keep lots of sweet goodies around (despite what The Husband thinks).  My best efforts are often fruitless, people are kind.  And I never want to complain about kindness in any form.

Yes, the piano solo is done.  I put it completely in our Creator's hands, after all my hours of practicing.  Had a couple small little adjustments to make at the very beginning, every piano is so different.  A couple people were nice to compliment me.  Truly, my only goal (besides not messing up) was to bring the Spirit.  I hope that was accomplished.  I was so stressed and frazzled that I did something I've never before in my life done.  Checked on the guys preparing the sacrament (behind the organ of course which is not the best set-up, but typical) and lost my place while playing the sacrament hymn. Skipped two complete measures.  Sheesh! Totally embarrassing.  The good part?  It was a holiday weekend so 90% of the ward was not there.  Made me a tad less nervous.

On our walk the other morning I had to stop and take a picture of this lovely dahlia.  They've made a dahlia bed in their front yard the last several summers.  I love them.  Thanks to The Husband who introduced me to dahlias all those years ago.  

Had another wood blind break - or quit working.  Off we went.  After some conversations (and tears on my part - I couldn't figure out where we'd come up with $700 for one new blind, let alone two) it was agreed they would re-string the failed cords.$120 / per blind.  New child safety law notwithstanding, we bought these blinds 25 years ago, long before the new law.  We should be able to get the ones we have repaired without having to buy a whole new blind. That was a huge relief.  Our windows feel so odd - one is covered by a bedsheet  and the other is just bare (all the better to enjoy the clean window!)

Watched a little video the other day by a woman about modesty.  I loved her take on it.  She posited that modesty isn't just what you wear, it's your mindset.  She explained that when we wear what's ultra trendy, or calls attention to our bodies (stuff that has to constantly be adjusted or pulled or tugged) our focus is on ourselves. We putting ourselves in the spotlight.  When we wear stuff we're comfortable in without having to constantly think about our clothes, then we put the focus on others, are in more of the mindset to notice ways to serve, to think of what another person might need.  She was articulate and cute and I completely bought in to what she had to say.

Also heard the other day a quote that stuck in my head (can't remember the person quoted) which said in essence that the minute you turn your back on sin - no matter how long the sin, how consciously and deliberately you've sinned, no matter all of it - the very minute you choose to forsake the sin, the Atonement of our Savior takes effect in your life. That is huge. 

Today I'm grateful that I'm making progress on the embroidery, I hope the recipients will like them.  I'm grateful that I've a can of chili in the cupboard that I'll open for dinner.  That's my default when I'm not in the mood to cook, haven't been to the store enough and am not interested in going anywhere.  I'm grateful for a couple decent books to read.  I'm grateful for thoughtful daughters. And am also grateful for the ability to call a dr. and get a quick appointment.  Fingers crossed for help. Grateful also for a very rare invitation to our son's for dinner, the salmon was wonderful and our granddaughter acted like it was good to see us.