Simple Woman’s Daybook – June 2

For Today…Monday, June 2, 2014

Outside My Window…It’s a rainy day.  It’s another rainy day.  It’s the fifth consecutive rainy day in a row.  We’ve had in excess of four inches since the rain started falling.  I stopped counting at the end of day two.  I remember telling God our garden could really use some rain before it started…I wasn’t specific.  🙂  I’m so glad we have mostly raised beds this year, because they drain well.  Our plants won’t have super soggy roots.  People have started making jokes about webbed feet and the humidity.

I am thinking…of the lyrics stuck in my head…”rainy days and Mondays always get me down”, but really they don’t.  I love rainy days, and Monday is just another day to me…one I have the luxury of spending in our home with Bella doing whatever seems like the thing to do at the time.  I’m thinking I’ve neglected my blog far too long once again…life gets busy.

Political pondering…The old saying “things can’t get any worse” has never rung true to me.  I’ve seen it proven wrong too many times.  Our country is in distress, and too many are unaware of the seriousness of our condition.  We need a good old-fashioned gospel revival…we need God’s blessing to return to our land.  Revival…one person at a time…

I am thankful for…a God who is faithful even when I am not so faithful.  I’m thankful He hears us and answers prayer.  I’m thankful He never gives up on us.

From the kitchen…I can smell the aroma of two chickens slow-cooking in the crockpot.  They will become at least three meals and an ample supply of chicken broth when the cooking is complete.  Tonight we will have chicken salad with meat so tender it will melt in our mouths.

In the garden…we have tomatoes, okra, green beans, squash, peppers, cucumbers, egg plant and lots and lots of herbs.  So far everything is happy and healthy.

I am wearing…a pair of Eddie Bauer French terry capris and a camouflage tank top.  Sheer comfort.  Remember, I’m staying home today, and comfort is EVERYTHING.

I am creating…the last stitches in a RR that needs to be sent on its way to the next stitcher.  I’ve got plans working in mind for a new project when I finish it.  The past couple of months have been slow going in the creating zone unless you consider gardening creating.  That’s where most of my energy has been expressed.

I am going…absolutely nowhere today, but that’s already been said.

I am reading…My bible and devotional and Insurgent, the second book in the Divergent Trilogy.

I am hoping…my dear husband has a good day at work.

I am hearing…Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, and the sound of whirring fans.

I’m praying…For our country, our leaders (even though that is very hard sometimes), my husband, my family and friends.

Around the house…there is much to do.  All the outside work has caused the house to be minimally tended.  It’s a shame, but I can only do so much in a day.  Super women who manage to do it all are driven in different way than I am.  Life is too short…

One of my favorite things…a leisure visit with friends.

A verse for today…For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.  Psalm 119:89

A quote for today…“I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.” – Thomas Jefferson, 1871.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  Tomorrow I will brave the world and go to the post office and bank.  I may visit my favorite health food store unless I can fight the temptation.  Tomorrow I will go cast my  vote for Chris McDaniel for the US senate.  The rest of the week is open…sort of.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…My Bella.

Until next time…

What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.  (Psalm 116:12-13)

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Daybook – January 1

For Today…January 1, 2014.  2014!  I’m amazed at how quickly 2013 sped by.  Today I will reflect and look forward…I will spend today with my true love quietly at home.    There is no place like home.

Outside My Window it is overcast with intermittent rain.  For Mississippi it is cold.  The dampness sends chill straight to the bones.

I am thinking how blessed my husband and I are.

I am thankful for another year.

From the kitchen I can smell black-eyed peas simmering on the stove.  I’m really looking forward to them.  In a little while I will sauté some cabbage and make a pan of cornbread (gluten-free).  Though this is a traditional New Year’s meal, I consider it comfort food and enjoy it almost any time.  It’s a perfect meal for a dreary day.  (My husband…?  Not so much, but he will be a good sport and eat what I put before him without a complaint.  He’s such a good guy.)

I am wearing soft black sweat pants, a long-sleeved red tee and white socks.

I am creating a brown block for the CQJP 2013 and a doodle cloth of freestyle embroidery.  I am working out the next CQJP for 2014 in my mind and hope to begin soon.  The next gray study block is waiting for my first stitch.

I am going to stay home today and enjoy the company of my dear husband, our dogs, and the fire in the fireplace.

I am reading Hinds’ Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard.  It’s an allegory of the Christian walk, the struggle and triumph.  I’ve read it in the past, but I could “hear” it calling me as I reflected on the past year.  I have faced the struggle.

I am hoping all my family and friends have a wonderful new year filled with good health and blessings.

I am hearing a George Gently episode.

I’m praying for God to renew my spirit…to search me and show me what He sees in me.

Around the house very little will be done today but relaxing.  Everything but mandatory “chores” will wait for tomorrow.

One of my favorite things is quality BBC productions.  (hence George Gently)

A verse for today…”A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.”  Deuteronomy 11:12

A quote for today…“She bent forward to look, then gave a startled little cry and drew back. There was indeed a seed lying in the palm of his hand, but it was shaped exactly like a long, sharply-pointed thorn… ‘The seed looks very sharp,’ she said shrinkingly. ’Won’t it hurt if you put it into my heart?’  Much Afraid from Hinds’ Feed on High Places

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  Tomorrow I must brave the world and go to the bank.  I may stop by my favorite health food store.  I will pay bills and work around the house.  Stitching is definitely on my “Things to Do” list.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…It is my “joy jar”.  During 2014 I will write the things that bring me joy on a piece of paper and put them in the jar.  These notes may be about anything that reminds me of God’s special love for me, an unexpected phone call or note from a friend…surprises that make me smile…beautiful things I see or people I meet.  My jar is a half gallon jar.  I fully expect to fill it, because God is so good and has blessed me richly.  At year’s end I will read the little notes and remember the special moments and blessings.

Until next time…

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.  Psalm 150:6

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Daybook – February 8, 2013

For Today…Friday, February 8, 2013

Outside My Window…there are overcast skies.  Early morning fog is beginning to burn off.  All is quiet.

I am thinking…how fortunate I am to have a stay at home day…a day without hustle and bustle…a solitary day. 

From the learning room…Over the past couple of weeks I have been exploring color theory through a class at Stitchmap.  I’ve always seen color, but now I know what I am seeing.  It’s kind of like seeing a person and knowing who that person is. 

I am thankful for…a day of rest.  This week has been far busier than I like my days to be.  There has been little time for relaxation and renewal.

From the kitchen…breakfast will be prepared in a few minutes.  Later today the aroma of rutabaga will permeate the entire house.

I am wearing…my pajamas.  I may keep them on most of the day just because I can.

I am creating requirements for my color theory class and my February CQJP block. 

I am going…absolutely nowhere today unless there is a major emergency.

I am reading…my Bible, Wheat Belly and Crazy Quilting – A Complete Guide by J. Martha Michler.

I am hoping…my husband is having a good day at work…that is always my hope when he is working.

I am hearing…John Hagee on the television.  He’s preaching on Bible prophesy this morning.  It’s past time for America to wake up…it’s time for people to look unto the God of salvation.

I’m praying…for our men and women in the armed forces…especially those in harm’s way.

Around the house…it looks like a Monday.  My sweetheart was off work for two days, and little housework was done beyond keeping the dishes washed and the kitchen sink clean.  Laundry has mutated and clutter has accumulated.  It’s time for a clean sweep.

One of my favorite things…good surprises in the mailbox…happy mail!

A quote for today…”Rest and be thankful.”  William Wordsworth

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  Today I plan to work on my current Color Theory lesson, work on my February CQJP block, catch up on laundry, and relax within the confines of my home until I go to church on Sunday. 

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…

Until next time…

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keep you Humble,
Success keeps you Glowing,
…But Only God keeps you Going.

– anonymous

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Daybook – January 11, 2013

FOR TODAY – Friday, January 11, 2013

Outside my window…there is a balmy breeze blowing.  The sky is overcast; the air is humid and warm.  It doesn’t seem at all like winter.

I am thinking…how thankful I am it is not necessary for me to leave the comfort of my home today.  I feel very fortunate.

I am thankful…for friends.  Old ones and new ones.  Those I have met and those who I meet inside my computer monitor for fellowship. 

In the kitchen…not much is going on.  Soon I will brew another cup of tea and make plans for this evening’s supper.  For now I am happy to be out of the kitchen.

I am wearing…a soft, olive-green, peasant cotton t-top and a mult-pattern, rayon, gore skirt.  Bare feet.  Sheer comfort…

I am creating…the same crazy quilt block I was working on last week.  My work on it draws close to an end, but this morning I ripped out a bird motif that glared at me.  I guess that would be considered uncreating.  🙂

I am going…absolutely no where today if the good Lord is willing. 

I am wondering…what it will take to turn our country back to God. 

I am reading…my Bible and The Mitford Series by Jan Karon. 

I am hoping…many people join the National Rifle Association to help fund the preservation of our Second amendment rights.  I renewed both my husband and my memberships this morning. 

I am looking forward to…my dear husband coming home from work.  That is always my favorite part of any “working” day.

I am learning new embroidery stitches to use on my next CQJP block.

Around the house…routine upkeep awaits me.  My sweetie and I had a staycation this week and much of the chores around the house were put on the back burner. 

I am pondering…a verse I read in Joshua this morning.  “Have not I commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:  for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”  Joshua 1:9  What a comforting verse as we watch the world around us spin in turmoil…Gos is always with us!

A favorite quote for today…

“Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. “Pooh?” he whispered.
“Yes, Piglet?”
“Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s hand. “I just wanted to be sure of you.”

A. A. Milne (Winnie-the-Pooh)

One of my favorite things…sharing a cup of tea with a friend.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  I have laundry to do…and more laundry to do.  (I will never understand how two people generate so much laundry.)  If all goes well I’ll pull my sewing machine out and make at least one new CQ block.  I’d like to make a couple…and a heart or two.  It’s my plan to stay home until time for church Sunday morning and just enjoy being home.

A picture thought for today…

Until next time…

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.  Matthew 6:13

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The Simple Woman’s Daybook – January 3, 2013

For Today…Thursday, January 3, 2013…it’s been too long since I last visited The Simple Woman’s Daybook…it is time.

Outside My Window…the air is crisp and chilly…the sky is overcast and tree branches sway gently.

I am thinking…how blessed I am to be able to stay inside today in the warmth of my home.

From the learning room…there are many new embroidery stitches I want to try my hand at.    I need to spend some time today studying my Sunday School lesson.

I am thankful for…my dear husband.  

From the kitchen…I hear a second cup of tea calling me.  Later today I will begin preparations for tonight’s supper.  We may have breakfast for supper.

I am wearing…a comfy cotton t-shirt, a well-worn denim over-shirt, and soft flannel, leopard print lounge pants.  My feet are bare.  I’m a true picture of fashion.  Well, maybe not. 

I am creating…my first block for the CQJP 2013 (crazy quilt journal project). 

I am going…to stay home today.  I feel so fortunate to have that option. 

I am reading…My bible and At Home In Mitford by Jan Karon.

I am hoping…my sweet husband gets a few days off from work in the very near future. 

I am hearing…the sounds of silence.

I’m praying…for our country.  As a nation we have turned so far from God.  I “fear” dark days ahead.

Around the house…it is time for a major decluttering effort.  It surely won’t start today, but in the near future I really do need to let go of assorted stuff that is never used and takes up space needlessly. 

One of my favorite things…spending time with my husband. 

A quote for today…”When someone you love dies, you don’t lose them all at once. You lose them in pieces over time, like how the mail stops coming.” Adult Joe Wentworth – from the movie “Simon Birch”

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  I tentatively will make a trip to town tomorrow.  I need to go to the bank, the post office, and pick up a few things at the grocery store.  I plan on working on my CQJP block in the evenings  and spoil my husband when he is not working.  Sunday I hope to go to church for the first time in weeks. 

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…

To read more Daybooks or to join in, check out The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

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Daybook – March 18, 2011

For Today…Friday, March 18, 2011

Outside My Window…It’s a beautiful day!  The sun is shining,  The morning air is still cool for a little while.  All is right on our few green acres. 

I am thinking…about getting off this computer and getting busy around the house, but that will wait a little while longer.  🙂

From the learning room…not a lot is happening.  I really need to grease the “learning” gears so they don’t freeze up.  You know the old saying “use it or lose it”. 

I am thankful for…a quiet morning and time to sip tea and spend a generous slice of time on the computer.

From the kitchen…I see light filtering in through the window over the sink. 

I am wearing…a soft, cotton knit T and a well-worn denim skirt.  It’s another no shoes needed morning. 

I am creating…a knitted wool scarf a few stitches at a time. 

I completed…a baby shower gift for my friend’s granddaughter…three burp cloths.

I am going…to stay home today!  I love days I can stay home.

I am reading…My Bible and a few blog posts.

I am hoping…My dear husband gets well quickly.  He has the flu and walking pneumonia. 

I am hearing…FOX news…the news is mostly dismal.  Japan’s disaster still boggles my mind and breaks my heart. 

I am wondering…where my camera is.  I haven’t seen it since shortly after getting my android phone.  I’m beginning to REALLY miss it. 

I’m praying…my dear husband will desire to quit smoking.

Around the house…It will be a quiet day.  My dear husband is sleeping.  Sick or not he must work for twelve hours tonight and tomorrow night. 

A verse from my morning Bible study…The words  of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.  Proverbs 18:3

A quotable quote…”A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read.”  ~ Mark Twain ~

A word for the day…expatriate – noun: a person who lives in a foreign country; also: a person who has renounced his or her native country.

One of my favorite things…a fine bone china teacup.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  Today and tomorrow I will transplant herb plants and work around the house.  I’ll also make a new batch of yogurt.  Sunday morning I’ll go to church.  When I get home from church it will be time to make a new batch of water kefir.  If my dear husband is feeling well enough for me to break away I will spend the night with my mom Sunday night.   It’s been far too long since we “spent”.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…A glorious outdoor bouquet. 

Coming soon…my Spring Giveaway.  I hope you will keep your eye out for it and get your name in the pot. 

Until next time…

Hold fast to the Bible as the anchor of your liberty; write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives.  ~               Ulysses S. Grant ~

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Daybook – March 13, 2011

For Today…Sunday, March 13, 2011

Outside My Window…The sun is breaking through thick clouds and fog.  The air is crisp.  Birdsong fills the air.

I am thinking…of turning on the television to see how the people of Japan and the areas flooded in my own United States faired over night. 

I am thankful for…for a quiet morning.  I woke up with a headache bad enough to make me stay home from church.  Hopefully it will subside soon.

From the kitchen…time awaits.  There is nothing going on, but in a few hours my true love will return home from a morning at church.  He will be hungry.  I think I’ll put meatballs and sauce in the crock pot so something good to eat will be ready for him when he gets here.  (I made a batch of meatballs on Friday and froze most of them.  My plan then was to serve them with sauce and pasta, but I changed my mind…woman’s prerogative.)

I am wearing…my pajamas. 

I am creating…last night I completed a crazy quilt pincushion for a swap I committed to.   I’m not sure why, but I had the hardest time making a top that pleased me; finally I did.  I hope it will please my swap partner.  Later today if this headache backs off I am going to make a few burp cloths for a dear friend’s new grand baby girl…yet to make her appearance.

I am going…to sit tight today.  Hopefully I’ll feel like going to church tonight.

I am reading…my Bible and Her Daughter’s Dream by Francine Rivers. 

I am hoping…We are able to buy a tractor on my sweetheart’s next day off.  It would help so much around this place and be such a time saver.  The older we get the harder it is to keep this place up.

I am hearing…the occasional cackling or crowing of a chicken, wild bird song…and the soft snoring of Bubba our Great Dane. 

I’m praying…for all my children.

Around the house…it looks like a category 1 hurricane blew through.  I spent most of my time working with plants and crafting yesterday.  Housework doesn’t do itself…bummer.

One of my favorite things…receiving a handwritten note.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  Tomorrow will be a busy day.  I’ll take lunch to my sweetheart at work and from there I’ll head to the post office to mail packages.  My next stop will be the clinic for the dreaded mammogram and a bone density test.  I haven’t thought much beyond Monday…but with all I’ve got planned Monday is sure to be “a Monday”.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…the crazy quilt pincushion.

and a closeup…

Until next time…

Sunday is the core of our civilization, dedicated to thought and reverence.  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson  ~

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Daybook – March 11, 2011

For Today…March 11, 2011

Outside My Window…the sun is shining, warming the air and urging new plant growth to emerge and flourish.

I am thinking…about Japan and the terror that interrupted the routine of an ordinary day in the lives of those affected by the earthquake today.  But for the grace of God my day could be the same.

From the learning room…I am pulling my hair out…thankfully only hypothetically.  I committed to making something that is not working out to my expectations.  I’m on try three.  What is “they” say about three strikes?  I wish it was so with this project, but I must persevere.

I am thankful for…for my dear husband and his love for me.

From the kitchen…supper preparations will be underway shortly.  I’m thinking of making turkey meatballs to eat with whole wheat pasta. 

I am wearing…an ancient, denim, tier skirt and a 3/4 sleeve, peasant-style t-top.  It’s warm enough today for bare feet so my toes are wiggling free. 

I am creating…the project that has me pulling my hair out.  (I’m not telling what it is, because it’s not for me.)  In the evenings I’ve been putting together jigsaw puzzles.  I had forgotten what a challenge they can be…and satisfying to complete.

I am going…to try to remember to set my clocks up an hour before we go to bed on Saturday night so we are not late for church on Sunday morning.  It would be so nice if “they” would stop messing with time. 

I am reading…My Bible and a book by Francine Rivers.  I don’t remember the name of it…and simply don’t feel like going to look. 

I am hoping…the headache I’ve got looming backs off before it gets any worse. 

I am hearing…the staggering news out of Tokyo.  Sweet bird song drifts inside softening the harsh reality of other people’s misery.

I’m praying…to be a blessing to someone today and that all those who are living with heartache or hardship find comfort and strength in the arms of the living God.

Around the house…It’s time to start spring cleaning.  I’ve been waiting until I am sure we will build no more fires this season.  Everything needs a good cleaning after heating with the fireplace during a colder than usual winter.

One of my favorite things…sipping hot tea in the late afternoon.  It’s such a great lift. 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  tomorrow I will take lunch to my sweetheart at work and visit with him while he eats.  I plan to continue working around the house and getting my herb garden squared away for the spring.  Sunday we will go to church and meet with our wonderful church family.  God is good!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…

Until next time…

Never be afraid to sit a while and think.  ~ Lorraine Hansberry ~

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Daybook, Monday, November 8, 2010

For Today…Monday, November 8, 2010

Outside My Window…the sun is shining, a gentle breeze is blowing…it’s a perfectly beautiful day.

I am thinking…of change.  Change is sometimes inevitable even if it is not comfortable.  My DH and I face inevitable change in our church life soon.  My heart is heavy, but I know the Lord has blessings ahead as we follow His lead.

From the learning room…I am learning restraint.

I am thankful for…my dear husband, my children and grandchildren, the friendship I have with my mother, for God’s love and faithful Christian friends.  I am blessed.

From the kitchen…I “hear” the work that awaits me call.  For the time being I will ignore it…but not for long.

I am wearing…a long sleeeved gray cotton tee and a long camo fleece skirt.  I’ve got socks on my feet and an apron around my waist.  It’s finally cool enough in Mississippi to feel comfortable in clothing.

I am creating…several things.  I learned a new quilting technique…tube quilting…and have started making squares using the technique.  I’m working on a knitted market bag that is nearing completion.  Those are the two I pick up and work on first these days.

I am going…to stay home the remainder of the day.  At lunchtime I took lunch to my DH at work so we could sit and visit for a little while before he had to get back to work. 

I am reading…Her Mother’s Hope by Francine Rivers and my Bible daily…

I am hoping…my son, his beautiful wife and children are able to visit later this month. 

I am hearing…Adrian Rogers, a great preacher gone on to heaven, on CD.

I’m praying…for my pastor and his family, and for my church family.  We are at odds right now…but I know who holds the future, and we are in His mighty hands.

Around the house…I’ve been decluttering and down-sizing.  I’m trying to get things more manageable so upkeep takes less time.

One of my favorite things…harmony.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  Church on Wednesday…staying home and working around the house for the rest of the week.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…

 

If God took you to it, He’ll get you through it.  ~ unknown ~

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A Little More Making – Square Deal Pincushion

My dh is working nights this weekend so I’ve got some alone time to do a little crafting.  The Square Deal Pincushion … made using Heather Bailey‘s pattern…is a project that’s been on my “to do” list for a while.  I had no problem with the pattern or Heather’s directions, but it’s possible the corners would prove to be a challenge for a beginner sewer.   Though I used Heather’s free pattern I used scraps from my stash rather than fabric from one of her beautiful lines.  It still turned out sweet.  The ribbon is purple…not sure why it doesn’t look it in the pic…must be the dim lighting. If you’ve never visited her site, check it out.  You’ll find some good stuff and beautiful fabric and paper.

Until next time…

The real secret of patience is to find something else to do in the meantime.  ~ Anonymous ~

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