March Daybook and Golden Moments

The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.

George Eliot

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Hello Friend,

Welcome! And thanks for stopping in. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a visit.

Will you have a cup of tea? There’s cream, sugar, and honey for your perfect cup, here on the kitchen island. And, there are a few slices of The Cowboy’s lemon birthday cake left. Very delicious, if I do say so myself. Come, let’s sit by the fire.

I’d hoped to fit in a short visit with you before we left on our family vacation in February, but it just didn’t work out. So, please settle in for a good long visit today.

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Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

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Tea is an invitation to turn our attention inward and find peace in the present moment.

Thich Nhat Hanh

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Out in the blogging world, Peggy at The Simple Woman began The Simple Woman’s Daybook years ago, and many of the following prompts are hers.

Today

Looking out my window

After so many snowless weeks, our world has transformed into powdery white stuff … swept into drifts beside buildings, decorating the evergreens with marshmallow-like dollops, and sitting in tufts on the railings.

The sun is shining with all her might in a clear blue sky, but it’s definitely winter. The thermometer shows frigid temperatures, made even colder with the wind. But, the forecast predicts warmer temps later this week. Maybe even above zero!

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I am wearing …

Black pants, butter-yellow sweater, old dangly earrings, and my favourite perfume. On the subject of earrings …

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Downsizing …

Most people the age of The Cowboy and me are downsizing. We are not … yet. As mentioned before on this blog (click HERE to find it), we built this house for us, with others in mind. So, though it might seem like we have a lot of extra stuff, it’s all put to good use, especially when guests arrive, which is often.

Nevertheless, I am downsizing in one teeny tiny area: my earrings. I decided last week that I’m going to wear each pair of earrings for a day and then decide whether or not I can part with them. I own a lot of earrings. For awhile, Sweetie and Peaches were in the business of selling jewelry, and I got many of them then. However, in the last couple of years I’ve been wearing the same favourites over and over. Some of my nicest pieces, gifts from The Cowboy, I will never part with. But, it’s time to say goodbye to some of the rest.

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I am thankful

My three brothers all live far enough away that it requires several hours’ travel to visit together. However, over the last six months we’ve had occasion to see each other more often, and I have to say I really like them. 🙂

Like The Cowboy, they are Good Men. Yes, in a world that seems to be falling apart in so many ways, it is refreshing to come across Good Men, and I’m very thankful for my brothers.

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In my kitchen …

The routine has changed a little since Mom & Dad moved into the suite in the walkout basement. The Cowboy and I are more mindful of what and when we plan for supper. Mom cooks once a week, and every day Dad comes upstairs about five o’clock to empty the dishwasher and set the table. He has taken it on himself to do so, and though I feel like I should be the one serving them, it is helpful.

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Please, let me warm up your tea. Would you like another slice of cake?

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Image from Unsplash

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Now, where were we …

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I am creating …

My first full-sized quilt. I’ve made many baby quilts, but this is my first adult-sized one. And, I’ve discovered that I made a beginner’s mistake. I took on a quilt with very small pieces, and I think I’ll be working on this one for a long time. At quilt club, whenever I’m working on it and a more senior member walks by, they’ll look at what I’m working on, smile and shake their heads. I know, I know. Rookie mistake. I didn’t know what I was doing.

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I’ve been working on it for half a year already and I still love it, so that’s a good sign I’ll continue to completion. You just never can tell about these things.

After cutting out pieces that are 2 inches square, and fitting them together to make 3-1/2 inch blocks, I piece those blocks to other 3-1/2 inch blocks to make bigger blocks. Eventually, all of the tiny pieces will have been pieced into 9-1/2 inch blocks, which will finally be pieced together to make the quilt top. Phew!

Before the cutting and sewing even began, I chose the fabrics and the colours I wanted for the quilt, hoping that when it was all put together, it would be a pleasing creation. Some blocks worked out beautifully, but others seem dull and boring. Yet, when put all together, the beautiful and boring will balance each other to make the creation unique and lovely.

It’s a little like life, I guess. Every little piece of our lives, whether beautiful, difficult, or boring will eventually add up to a whole life-quilt to look at. The finished product will be what we’ve made of it.

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How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.

Annie Dillard

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I am listening to …

I always have music playing in the background when I’m busy with housework, reading, sewing, or even writing. And often I’ll be stopped in my tracks by a certain piece of music. At those times, I stop what I’m doing, close my eyes and really listen. This is one of those pieces.

There’s a difference between playing music in the background, and purposefully listening to a piece of music. Very very different. Actually listening, eyes closed, taking it in, is healing. I’m convinced it’s one of the best things for our mental and physical health.

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A moment from our holiday …

Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.

Michael J. fox

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Our girls and their families don’t live near us. In fact, two of them live in two separate provinces, so we work really hard to spend time together a few times a year. The Cowboy and I decided this was the year for a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation.

It’s been a long time since we’ve done a true family vacation. It took so much forethought, calculation, preparation, and planning. I spent more than a few stressful days actually booking the cruise vacation, including flights, for thirteen people – eight adults and five children. But in the end, it was worth it. Our 9-day cruise to the Caribbean was a memory-making adventure; a respite for each family member from personally busy and draining lives.

We had so many good family times. And we got to the end of the holiday still really liking each other and wishing we could do it again. What a blessing to be together!

These people.
These loves.
These precious, precious, precious days.
Thanks be to God.

- From The Lives We Actually Have
by Kate Bowler & Jessica Richie -

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Closing Notes

It’s been lovely to have you stop in today. Thank you for taking the time for this visit, and I hope I didn’t talk your ears off.

Stay safe out there, and see you next time.

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Featured Image by Jill Wellington

Daisies in December

The daisy teaches us that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there is beauty to be found.

Flower Chimp**

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Hello Friend,

Please come in! How wonderful to see you during this special season. Let me hang your coat here by the door, then let’s sit by the fireplace. Would you like the wing chair or the deep leather one?

It’s so strange not to have snow at this time of year, but it is a welcome change not to have to worry about icy roads and slippery paths. The Cowboy has been busy these last several weeks, hanging Christmas lights on railings and trees, so the place does look festive even though there’s no snow to brighten the nights or to glitter like diamonds during the day.

Now, I’ve made some Almond Rocha–such a simple recipe, but everyone raves about it. Would you care for some? There’s a plate of it on the table there, and the tea is about done steeping. It’s a white tea with vanilla and almond flavours called White Christmas. Just smell that aroma. You’d almost think there was chocolate hidden somewhere in it. We’ll have it in my new red-sweater mugs. Don’t you love these?

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Our Christmas has been a quiet one this year. The hustle and bustle will begin when family arrives for New Year’s weekend. I’ve been up early in the mornings to curl up by the fire in the deep leather chair by the lighted Christmas tree. I read, I meditate on scripture, I pray. And I cry. Truth be told, I’ve shed more tears this season than I have in the last two years of seasons combined. I wonder if a grandmother’s tears carry a special kind of weight – every tear a wordless prayer for a struggling grandchild.

It is surprising then, in the midst of heartache, to find moments of joy and beauty, harmony and good will. They are like daisies in December, unexpected and refreshing. A visit with good friends, the purr of a comfortable kitten, beautifully written words, pretty lights on the lawn, the fun of making gifts for Christmas. All of these daisies seem sweeter this year, and I lovingly press them into the pages of my memory like I would tuck in a contented child.

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Daisies are nature’s way of smiling, a burst of joy in the meadow of life.

Emily Dickinson

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This is the essence of life, isn’t it? Pain and sorrow tempered by beauty and joy. It doesn’t always make the current trouble less painful, but the shadows prove the light, showing us that hope is not lost.

I’m so grateful for these daisies in my December, and I’ve begun making room for them, pausing in my day to find them and count them. I realize I have quite a bouquet, and I bet you do too.

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I”m so glad you stopped in for a little visit today. As you step into this next year, whatever it may hold, I wish you daisies. Look for them, savour them, and press them, so that when you need them you can take them out and remember how you were given daisies in December.

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I will rejoice and be glad in Your faithfulness, because you have seen my misery; You have known the troubles of my soul.

Psalm 31:7

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Stay safe out there, and see you next time.

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ALMOND ROCHA

Spread graham wafers on a 10 X 15 cookie sheet
Cover with sliced almonds

On stove, boil together for 3 minutes on medium heat:
- 1/2 pound butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup

Spoon over base and bake 8 minutes at 350 F
When cooled, cut into fingers

Keep in cool place, do not refrigerate

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Feature Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay Two daisies image by Petra from Pixabay

**Flower Chimp is a Malaysian flower delivery service founded in 2016 by Maximilian Lotz and Niklas Frassa.

November Daybook

The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all details of daily life.

William Morris

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Hello Friend,

Come in, come in! How nice of you to stop by.

Well, here we are in mid November. I almost can’t believe it, but when I look back to all the happenings in the last several months, there should be no reason why I wouldn’t believe it.

We’re having uncommonly good weather. The snow of a couple weeks ago is gone and we’re not taking any of these days for granted, but it’s still a little chilly so let’s sit here by the fire. This big easy chair is the perfect size to tuck your feet up under you, and the burgundy wing chair is a hug. Please help yourself to tea or coffee. It’s there on the kitchen island, along with cream, sugar, and honey. And, for this cozy day, Mom’s chocolate chip squares.

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Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

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Today

Looking out my window

I see evergreens, tall and confident, carrying the wisdom of years. What secrets they could tell of the changes on this little bit of land! I see poplar and trembling aspen trees. They are bare of leaves now, but oh! I do love those trees in winter. In the morning sunrise their white bark glows pale pink, reminding me that beauty remains despite change. It just looks different.

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Beauty, wherever we find it, is always telling us the story of our healing.

Sarah Clarkson

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I am wearing …

A comfortable print dress with tiny white, orange, and teal flowers on a brown background, brown tights, and sparkly earrings.

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One of my new favourite things …

Yesterday I stopped in at a garden centre, which is decked out for Christmas this time of year. It was lovely to walk in through the big rustic doors, hear Christmas music playing, and realize the season is almost upon us! I walked up and down the boardwalk aisles among displays of poinsettias in red and pink and white, evergreen boughs (real and almost real), tropical plants, and Christmassy things like wooden nature ornaments, snowmen, twinkly lights, candlesticks of all sizes, and so much more. It was a pleasant thirty-minute reprieve in my day. I couldn’t resist these mugs. They look like they’re wearing sweaters! And I get a secret thrill every time I use them.

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I am creating …

Well, I created a children’s story years ago that I never sent anywhere, but this summer I entered it in a contest and it won first place. Part of the prize is publication and first serial rights in FellowScript magazine. So my story, Willard, will be in that magazine this month. After that, I can post or link the story here if people are interested.

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In my garden …

I’ve planted tulip and hyacinth bulbs in pots. Last year I planted so many bulbs in our garden bed at the corner of our property and they never came up. The voles got them all – a common tale around these parts, if you talk to the community. So this year I’m playing it safe – not so many bulbs, and planted in pots instead of in the ground. I’m treating it as an experiment. That way if it doesn’t work out, I won’t be disappointed. But I know I won’t be able to stop the anticipation once Spring rolls around.

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I am reading …

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot – out loud, after suppers, to Mom, Dad, and The Cowboy. Because all three of them grew up on farms, they can relate to these true animal stories excellently told by a veterinarian in 1930’s Yorkshire. We are all getting so many chuckles out of it.

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I’ve been watching …

Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones. So interesting and so uplifting. And, the biggest secret of all is that it’s not just about what you eat or how much exercise you get. Look for the trailer on Youtube.

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I am listening to …

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I am learning …

That there are all kinds of happinesses. Delight and beauty can be found in the smallest of things, like sweater mugs or a cozy chair by the fire; waiting for tulip bulbs to grow or opening big rustic doors and hearing Christmas music for the first time this year. It might take a moment to remind ourselves that it’s there. We only have to open our hearts.

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Hoping to live days of greater happiness, I forget that days of less happiness are passing by.

Elizabeth Bishop

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Image by lee seonghak from Pixabay

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Closing Notes …

Thank you for dropping in today, I love your visits. Stay safe out there, and see you next time. Oh! And one more thing …

Post Script …

It’s come to my attention from one of you visitors that you haven’t seen a photo of our finished home. The last you saw of it was here almost two years ago, when I described the history of the land and the desire for our home to be sanctuary for all who enter. So here’s where we are today.

The Cleft

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Feature Image by Ralf Kunze from Pixabay

Settling Leaves

Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.

Delia Owens

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Hello Friend,

I hope you will have a cup of tea or coffee with me today, from wherever you are. My own coffee sits beside me in a cup unfamiliar to me, among brightly coloured plastic children’s cups and blueberry muffin crumbs still on the table from breakfast.

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I write this from Sweetie’s home in Manitoba, two provinces away from my own. Sweetie and her hubby are off on a business vacation and The Cowboy and I have taken charge of the three grandboys. I’m sitting at the dining table which, as has been all the rage in recent years, is high, and requires tall chairs on which to sit. Because I need to have my feet flat on the floor, I’ve pulled up chairs on either side of me so I can rest my feet on their rungs. It works, but I’ll take a regular table any day, where my chair allows me to keep my feet grounded.

From my vantage point I can look out through glass patio doors into the large yard where leaves carpet the ground in bronze and buff and camel. Just two days ago those leaves were still clothing the trees in golden glory. And, if the weather app is right, we will have snow in the next day or two.

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Fallen leaves on the ground are the golden song of immortal creativity.

Amit Ray

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When we left home, almost all of the leaves from our trees had floated to the lawn, which was still as green as summer. Now, however, reports and pictures of snow have reached me. So, I’ll enjoy these last snowless days, here where I am, while I can.

And so it goes. Fallen leaves become blanketed in white snow until it warms into rivulets and streams, greening the earth to bloom and blossom into life and colour, until it’s time for the leaves to fall again.

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How the Leaves Came Down
by Susan Coolidge

"I'll tell you how the leaves came down,"
The great Tree to his children said:
"You're getting sleepy, Yellow and Brown,
Yes, very sleepy, little Red.
It is quite time to go to bed."

"Ah!" begged each silly, pouting leaf,
"Let us a little longer stay
Dear Father Tree, behold our grief!
'Tis such a very pleasant day
We do not want to go away."

So, for just one more merry day
To the great Tree the leaflets clung,
Frolicked and danced, and had their way,
Upon the autumn breezes swung,
Whispering all their sports among--

"Perhaps the great Tree will forget,
And let us stay until the spring,
If we all beg, and coax, and fret."
But the great Tree did no such thing;
He smiled to hear their whispering.

"Come, children, all to bed," he cried;
And ere the leaves could urge their prayer,
He shook his head, and far and wide,
Fluttering and rustling everywhere,
Down sped the leaflets through the air.

I saw them; on the ground they lay,
Golden and red, a huddled swarm,
Waiting till one from far away,
White bedclothes heaped upon her arm,
Should come to wrap them safe and warm.

The great bare Tree looked down and smiled.
"Good-night, dear little leaves," he said;
And from below each sleepy child
Replied, "Good-night," and murmured,
"It is so nice to go to bed!" 

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In this tumultuous, chaotic world of ours, it is grounding to know we can rely on the seasons to come and go as they always have. The sun will set, the sun will rise. Another day dawns.

If you find yourself lost and tumbling with each new horrific story in the news, look for someone who is grounded. It’s easy to spot them. They’re well-balanced, sensible, and reasonable. Most of all, they understand the importance of the ordinary things in life. And, there are more of them around than you might think. Usually, they’re just going about their business quietly and confidently. They know life is hard, but God is good. That’s where the confidence comes from.

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Thanks for the visit today. It’s been lovely to share a cup with you, whether you’re sitting among blueberry muffin crumbs, or cozily settled in your favourite chair. By the time you read this, I will be back home looking out over our white-blanketed lawn to the snow-dusted bales in the field beyond. And so it goes.

Stay safe out there, and see you next time.

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Even a leaf in the wind settles sometimes.

Alison Goodman

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All images from Pixabay. Feature Image by Rebekka D from Pixabay Poem, How the Leaves Came Down, is in the public domain and can be found here.

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