i have been considering re-starting this blog for quite a while.  i have wanted to, but not sure if i can keep it up.  i decided that i would start and if it falls by the wayside again, oh well, that's life! 
     Life certainly has it's ups and downs, doesn't it?  Mine has been mostly up for a while now with the occasional slight down.  Last fall i took a road trip to visit my sister and daughter in Colorado.  It was a 3 day drive from western Washington to central Colorado but it was a lot of fun.  Even the flat-tire on a lonely 2 lane road at 10 pm in a remote area of Idaho did not dampen my spirits.  (i did take time for a little cry in the motel room to release some stress.)  Besides visiting loved ones, my purpose for the trip was to bring home a dog.  Since i moved to the PNW 4 years ago i have sorely missed having a dog.  They are very expensive here but not so at the rescue organizations in Colorado so off i went.  Here he is in the car on the ride home and cuddled up for a nap in his favorite chair.

After i got home i started a new job with OliveCrest.  i am a Visitation Monitor which means that i transport foster children to and from visits with their parents, etc and take notes on the interaction between parents and children.  It is a very rewarding job and i love all of the children and parents with whom i work.  Some of them have very sad stories and i am glad to help in a small way to get their lives back together.

     i have recently become acquainted with  2 blogs/bloggers that have definitely captured my attention.  One is elsiesgranddaughter.blogspot.com  

and the other is gdonna.com 

.  Both of these ladies have made the choice to live as it were the early 1940's ~ as much as possible, that is.  They do use a computer for blogging and a few modern conveniences but mostly they try and live the simpler life from that era.  They both have used the ration system that was mandatory during the war years.  It fascinates me because i have always felt - since i was quite young - that i was born in the wrong time period.  i love all the old things and old ways.  Anything that was used by my grandmother was precious to me, in fact i have a house full of her furniture, dishes and a few other things.  She was a very important person during my growing-up years and maybe that is why i like the old ways so much; i don't know but i just do!  

     As a result of following these blogs, i have made some changes in my life.  i am keeping away from my electronics as much as possible.  (i need to use my phone and laptop in my work and to keep in touch with family.)  i am refocusing my leisure time and trying to eat less junk and fast food.  i don't have a microwave, dishwasher or dryer so giving up those things was not an issue.  Anyway, i am enjoying this little adventure and will try to post more about it as i go along. 

    

Reflection Sunday

This has been a difficult week emotionally for me.  This afternoon i spent a lovely hour catching up with a blog that i enjoy (WoolyMossRoots) and was reminded that she posts a Gratitude Sunday post each week.  i thought it was such a good idea to reflect upon the blessings of the past week instead of the difficult moments.  So, here it is:

+  Having a very nice phone chat and a few text chats with my sister.  She never fails to cheer and encourage me.

+  My job ~ spending time with sweet children and their parents who are struggling to put their lives back together.    Seeing how much they love their children blesses me.

+  Jolliff Rice made by my son-in-law.  Ooh, yummy!

+  My little dog, Rory, who, although he can be a bed hog at times, is a pleasant little companion.

+  My family next door, who take Rory out for walks and social time when i have to work long days.

+  Feeling a sense of belonging at church today; being welcomed and loved.

+  Spending a few minutes each evening on Duolingo brushing up on my French.

i'm sure there are many, many more things for which to be thankful for this week but these are at the top of the list.  i hope whoever reads this takes some time to reflect on the blessings in their own life.
Blessed Sunday!




(My 2 grandbabies in China.)

My Advent Tea

       It's been a while since i last posted and i had thought of abandoning the blog altogether but i really don't want to, entirely.  i came across a very sweet blog a little while ago called By Sun and Candlelight and she spoke of making a weekly Advent Tea post.  i was intrigued and looked at her blog to see how it is done.  The idea is to write a sort of journal entry about how i am celebrating Advent.
       When i was a small child it seemed that Advent was a bigger deal than it is now.  For many years it didn't seem to be the "thing to do" to observe the church liturgical year in my circle of family, friends and acquaintances.  Lately, however i have begun to look at things a bit differently and to see value in some of the old ways.  Observing days and seasons helps me to see the years continuing in a stream moving forward from years immemorial to the unknown future.  There is a continuity to the observances and i guess as i get older, that becomes more important.  i like the idea and so here is my first "Advent Tea" post

 What Refreshments Am I Enjoying This Week

      

       Just now i made myself a large mug of Holiday Tea by Harney and Sons a favorite at this time of year.  i don't have any special holiday goodies on hand yet and i had intended to make some truly delicious Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Cookies today, but i didn't get it done.  Lord willing, tomorrow.

What Am I Reading This Week

       Well, that is rather a big question as there are usually several books opened around here.  i am working on finishing Les Miserables.   i started it by way of a challenge with DD#1.  i came home from my sons house last year after having seen the movie musical version of Les Mis.  i loved it!  i wanted my DD and her family to watch it with me right away.  (Of course, as soon as i got home i had to buy my own copy.)  She was a bit hesitant since she had read the book years ago and was certain that the movie would not be nearly as good.  So i begged and pleaded and she finally agreed to watch the movie with me if i would read the book.  So, here i am; i've read a bit past halfway of the 1400 pages.  i am purposing to finish it this month as that will be just about a year after i started it.  For my devotional and seasonal reading i have Jesus Calling and Living The Christian Year in keeping with my desire to dig into the liturgical year a bit more.  i also do some devotional reading and writing in the Divina Lectio which i first saw on Ann Voskamp's site.

What Am I Listening To This Week

       i have not gotten out the Christmas music yet and so the one thing i am listening to is the audio version of Written In My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon.  It is the most recent book in her Outlander series; one of my very favorites!

What Am I Working On This Week

           Tonight i will be putting the finishing touches on a little red sweater that i am knitting for my youngest grandson.  When his father was his age i knit a sweater for him using the same pattern.  i had saved the pattern all these years just because i liked it and now i get to make it for my son's son.  How special!  i got a wonderful surprise the other day.  My son ~ who has lived in China the past 8 years ~ will be bringing his wife and son home for Christmas!  They had thought they couldn't afford it but he found a really super deal and so they will be here in a couple of weeks.  He hasn't been home for Christmas for 5 years and she and the little guy have never had an American Christmas.  i am over the moon with excitement!

What  Is Happening In Nature

       Living in the beautiful PNW is definitely a gift.  i love it here.  Today it has been raining ~ not unusual ~ and fairly windy ~ also not unusual for this time of year.  The problem is that when it is windy here, we often lose power for the trees and/or their branches fall on power lines, or cars, or houses or ???  Two Tuesdays in a row we lost power due to rain and wind but so far today the power has stayed on.  Yay!  

Words To Inspire

       This is a passage of Scripture that i read this morning in my Advent reading.  It is very meaningful to me ~

Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.  And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.  And He will delight in the fear of the Lord, and He will not judge by what His eyes see, nor make a decision by what His ears here; but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth...also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, and faithfulness the belt about His waist.  And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little boy will lead them.  Also the cow and the bear will graze; their young will lie down together; and the lion will eat straw like the ox.  And the nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den.  They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.  Isaiah 11:1-9

     As we read the horrific headlines everyday, i long for the world described in the words above.  Maranatha!  

 

The Simple Woman's Daybook

 

Outside my Window...the sky is blue, the sun is shining, there is a slight breeze coming in the window to my left.  A perfect Pacific Northwest summer day! 

I am thinking...of freedom.  Personal freedom.  i feel as if so many doors are open before me, i have so many options.  Which to choose?

From the learning rooms...once again, i am learning more and more about myself ~ strengths, weaknesses, challenges; becoming a whole person; learning to live on purpose.

I am thankful for...a wonderful visit with my sister and her family last week.

From the kitchen...it looks a bit cluttered just now.  i need to go out and cut some soap in a few minutes.

I am wearing...denim skirt, rose striped shirt, little pink slippers.

I am reading...i am still working through Les Miserables.  i am currently on page 659 which is 200 pages past where i was when i last reported on it.  i am also reading a book called Anastasia, about the daughter of the Russian Tsar, Nicholas II.  i have always been fascinated by her story, and i am reading Factory Girls, a book that my son got me for my birthday about girls in China in the 80's and 90's who left home to work in the factories.  Quite different than the American way of doing things.

I am hoping....fall comes soon!  i am tired of hot sunny weather!

 
I am creating... new furniture arrangements in my house.  Some furniture left a while ago and i am rearranging the rest and having great fun!

I am hearing...nothing but the hum of the computer.

Around the house...i need to get my gardens back in shape after a weeks absence.  i got the small vegetable garden done yesterday and today i plan to work on the flower garden and the front walk-way.  The back walk-way is a MESS and i'm not sure what to do about it.  i also have some plans that go along with my furniture re-arrangement.

One of my favorite things...the quiet.  i love a quiet house and a quiet life.  "...and make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and to attend to your own business and work with your hands..."  I Thessalonians 4:11

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...tomorrow being Saturday means my daughter i will be selling soap at the local Farmer's Market.  Then Sunday is Sunday School and church. i am volunteering at the library on Monday.  i'm not sure what the rest of the week holds.

i am praying... for my family and friends; several of them have serious things going on in their lives.  

 

Just for fun ~ a couple of old pics.  This one shows my dad and i reading in the living room of our home in Omaha.  We look pretty dressed up but i don't know what the occasion was.

Here is my Dad, my sister and i one Thanksgiving.  The good old days!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my Window...the sky is blue, the sun is shining, there is a slight breeze coming in the window to my left.  A perfect Pacific Northwest summer day! 

I am thinking...of how a very large chapter of my life is ending.  It has been in the process of ending for nearly 2 years now and in less than a month i think it will finally be over.  Even though i took steps to bring this end about, it is not one that i wanted or ever expected to experience.  But i know that God knows and that brings much comfort.

From the learning rooms...i am learning that i can do many things that i have never done before.  One of those things is to clear our around the base of some trees in my yard.  It doesn't sound like much but it took me about 15 hours to do it and brought about several piles of underbrush ~ branches, old blackberry vines, trash and some cut stove wood.  i also have 2 arms scratched from blackberry vines but i am very pleased with the outcome.

I am thankful for...my family's safe homecoming after a month of travel.

From the kitchen...again, not much is happening in the kitchen.  i have been kind of snacking today; too tired from yard work to make a proper meal.

I am wearing...denim skirt, peach-colored top, barefoot.

I am reading...i am still working through Les Miserables.  i am currently on page 469 which means i am almost 1/3 of the way through.  i took a break a while ago and read a murder mystery by Ted Dekker and i am currently taking another break from it and reading a delightful book that my daughter brought home from her travels (thanks to my brother for sending it).  It is called The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.  i have only just begun but so far it is a wonderful read and i heartily recommend it.

I am hoping....to find a single bed with trundle to set up in the guest room for company. (Still looking!)

I am creating... things for Rowan's birthday.  So far i have made 2 pair of shorts, a little stuffed animal (i think it's a bunny) and i am going to start making a quiet book this evening.

I am hearing...the rustle of the breeze through the tall grass outside the window, cars going by on the road and an occasional seaplane.

Around the house...i am thinking of some upcoming projects to be started next month.  In bringing an end to a very long chapter in my life several things will be leaving my house and i am thinking of how to rearrange things in their absence.

One of my favorite things...the quiet.  i love a quiet house and a quiet life.  "...and make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and to attend to your own business and work with your hands..."  I Thessalonians 4:11

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...tomorrow being Saturday means i will be selling soap at the local Farmer's Market.  Since my daughter is home she will be going with me.  Yay!  Then Sunday is Sunday School and church.  VBS starts on Monday but i'm not sure if i am going to be involved this year.

i am praying... for a deeper walk with the Lord.  The current events of the past few months have been very upsetting but i know He is in control and will take care of everything.

i am hoping... for the next few weeks to pass quickly!

i am sharing a picture of my recent yard work:  The first picture doesn't show the trees very well, but the trees to the far right in the picture plus 2 more that weren't included in the shot are the trees i cleaned up around.

The next 2 pictures show how they look now.  There actually was more stuff to be cleared away than shows in the first pic which was taken 2 years ago. 

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my Window...the sun is going down on a lovely spring day.  It was sunny and fairly warm ~ upper 50's i think.  

 
I am thinking...about why some people are so obtuse!  They refuse to understand how their words and actions hurt others.  Earlier today i saw a great word picture with photo of this very thing.  Imagine taking a china plate and dropping it on the floor.  What happened?  It broke, of course.  Now imagine saying "i'm sorry" to the broken plate.  Did that fix it?  Of course not.  That is how it is when we hurt others.  A simple "Sorry" does not put things back the way they were.  Some people just don't understand this.

From the learning rooms...today i learned from my doctor in answer to a question i had asked him that there is no hope for my being such a night owl/difficult to wake up in the morning person for he is the very same way!  i had hoped he had some miracle cure for my morning fuzzy-headedness.

 
I am thankful for...knowing so many, many wonderful people!  They continue to bless me every day.

From the kitchen...today the island is covered with soap ingredients that came in the mail today.  i will be making supper for the family tomorrow night.  i think i'll cook Chinese this time.

 
I am wearing...black pants, white turtleneck, bright green sweater (it is St. Patrick's Day, after all) and my brown slippers.

I am reading...several books currently.  My fiction/for pleasure read is Les Miserables.  i haven't gotten very far yet but it is very readable. i also have started Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado and Out of the Storm and Into God's Arms by Jill Briscoe. They are both very good, inspiring, encouraging books.

I am hoping....to find a single bed with trundle to set up in the guest room for company. (Still looking!)

I am creating... some knitted things for Rowan.  i made a pair of booties and i want to make a couple more pair and then a pair of knitted pants.

 

I am hearing...the squawk of the parakeet; otherwise the house is very quiet.

Around the house...it looks very good.  i cleaned all day yesterday because i was going to host the monthly Bible study that my daughter leads; then today it was cancelled due to so many being sick.  i can enjoy a clean house for a few days!

One of my favorite things...the quiet.  i love a quiet house and a quiet life.  "...and make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and to attend to your own business and work with your hands..."  I Thessalonians 4:11

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...the same regular activities are on the calendar ~ Bible study on Wednesday morning,  TOPS Thursday morning and support group Thursday evening, followed by choir practice. i want to make a couple of batches of soap this week, work on the knitting and continue preparing the guest room for company. 

i am praying... more diligently. 

 

i am hoping... to find a bed for my guest room.

A flash from the past ~

This is an old post card of Galway, Ireland, posted in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

Journal Entry

Saturday, March 14, 2015

     This morning i was reading in my One Thousand Gifts Devotional (pg. 94-95) about living in the moment.  i have often heard that phrase and wondered how one did that exactly. 

"God, today is the last like this'.

This place, this people, this moment - 

It will never again be just like this."

     All of a sudden the concept made sense to me.  i will never again have this moment or this one or this. . . and so on.  i can live this moment as He gives this-moment grace.  i often have cried out, "i don't know how to live this life You have given me!"  It's true; i don't; but neither do i know how to live this moment because i have never lived it before.  Each and every moment is completely new, even though it may look very similar to the last or even the next one.  It is unique, unexperienced.  The God Who gives me the grace to live this moment will give me grace to live all the others, too.