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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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 – August 18, 2009

For Today…August 18, 2009

Outside My Window…the sky is overcast, and thick fog obscures my view more than a few yards beyond our house.

I am thinking…it has been far too long since I took the time to post The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

From the learning room…of late, life is a lesson in being a servant to those I love…humbly and with a sweet spirit.

I am thankful for…each new day.  As I watch my dear father approach the end of his life I am more aware of how short our time on this earth is…

From the kitchen…the aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifts into the living area of our home.

I am wearing…a soft, comfy, cotton nightgown.  Soon I must change…too soon.

I am creating…nothing with my hands.  It’s been far too long.

I am going…to take my DH to physical therapy today.  He is making great progress regaining the range of motion in his repaired shoulder.

I am reading…several books at one time.  Daily…my Bible.  I don’t thrive without it.  Culture Of Corruption by Michelle Malkin…an eye opening book that reveals the depth of the trouble our beloved United States of America is in.  It truly is a must-read.  I’m also reading a delightful book written by William Allen Knight and published in 1916.  The Pictureland Of The Heart.

I am hoping…my mom and dad had a restful night and have a good day today.

I am hearing…the whir of fans.

Around the house…so much needs to be done.  I’ve learned all my untackled  tasks wait…and wait…and wait.

One of my favorite things…peaceful, early mornings

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  My DH has physical therapy every day this week.  I’ll take him, because he is not able to drive.  On Wednesday night I’ll go to church, good Lord willing.  The rest of the week I will play catch-up around the house.  If all goes well, I may go spend the night with my parents on Friday night.  I did this past Friday (our grandson stayed with DH) and was so glad I did.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…

Time out after a hard practice…

Until next time…

Be willing to let your schedule be altered if knowing God better requires it.  ~ unknown ~

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Daybook – March 23, 2009

For Today…March 23, 2009

Outside My Window…the sun is shining gloriously.  Bird song fills the air…my little car is covered in pollen.  Our chickens are content…Bubba, Maggie and Emma are soaking up the sunshine and barking at loud vehicles as they pass the house.  All is right with our little corner of the world.

I am thinking…of all the trials our family and friends face today.  Lily our youngest granddaughter is having a medical procedure this morning.  A friend from church had emergency surgery in the wee hours this morning for appendacitis.  My BIL is undergoing a hip replacement surgery…and my DH is at work…working in pain.

From the learning room…I see a newly adopted set of encyclopedias I claimed on Free Cycle.  Later this week I will pass them on to my daughter for her students.  They are not new, but they are in premium condition and are still full of useful information.

I am thankful for…life…present and everlasting.

From the kitchen…I will bake a cake in a few minutes for my DH per his request.  He smoked his last cigarette yesterday.  We are both hoping he is able to quit for good this time…probably me more than him.  He thinks the sugar will help.  I hope so.

I am wearing…my camo sweatskirt and a 3/4 sleeve red v-neck T.  It’s brisk this morning.  I imagine I’ll change by noon…

I am creating…tiny softee teddy bears for my California grands.  I’ve got “plans” working in my mind for several other things, but I’ve not had an opportune time to get anything else started.

I am going…to stay home today.

I am reading…Still Christy by Catherine Marshall…and my Bible.

I am hoping…always hoping.

I am hearing…Glenn Beck.

Around the house…things are in decent shape considering this is Monday.

One of my favorite things…a garden in good order.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  On Wednesday my DH has pre-op to take care of.  I’ll go with him.  We’ll visit our friend who had surgery last night and most likely make a brief trip to Wally World to fill our water bottles.  I will work in our garden every day unless rain moves in.  I plan on delivering the encyclopedias to my DD’s classroom at some point, but I’m not sure which day.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…taken in my back yard.  These tanks are bound for Iraq or Afghanistan…our soldiers are ever on my mind and in my prayers.

Until next time…

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.  Isaiah 40:1

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Daybook – March 9, 2009

For Today…Monday, March 9, 2009

Outside My Window…the day is heating up.

I am thinking…how thankful I am Jesus is my Saviour.

From the learning room…I am learning to deal with my parents’  immortality.  I’ve laid my knitting pursuits aside long enough to crochet a baby blanket…after all,  it is National Crochet Month.

I am thankful for…birdsong in the springtime.

From the kitchen…tacos will be made later today for our evening meal.

I am wearing…a light-weight cotton magenta T-top and a long, silk-screen print skirt of browns and blues.  Very comfy and cool.  Today will heat up quickly.

I am creating…an apron for Angry Chicken’s Tie One On challenge from an old (not vintage) embroidered, muslin pillow sham and some stash fabric.   In the evening I am crocheting a baby blanket with beautiful, worsted-weight cotton yarn my sister gifted me on her last visit.   I’m also transforming a feed sack into a caddy for my dad’s walker so he can more easily carry his stuff from room to room.  That’s priority for today.

I am going…”no where man”…remember that song?  The lyrics popped into my head when I landed on this category.  Talk about a flash from the past…

I am reading…I’m still reading Christy.  I promise it’s a wonderful book…my reading time has been terribly impeded by life and exhaustion.  I’ve even faltered in my Bible reading this week.  I need to get on the ball.  I’m also reading My Utmost for His Highest.

I am hoping…my dad has a good day, my mom doesn’t “over-do it” and my DH gets a good nap today.  He goes back on the graveyard shift tonight.

I am hearing…Glenn Beck.

Around the house…so much needs to be done.  Nice weather and spring fever have “caused” me to neglect daily maintenance in lieu of working outside with plants.   Today I will get my kitchen back in order before I mess it up again, clean out the nesting boxes and put new litter in them, water my little garden (it’s so dry) and hopefully mop my kitchen floor (it surpasses grungy after a weekend of tracking “garden” inside).

One of my favorite things…laughing until I cry.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  hopefully I will make great strides in getting my house in order.  I’d like to get some sewing done each day.  I plan to send another Pay It Forward gift on its way.   On Friday I will make a trip to town to take care of business.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…

My ubber-handsome nephew…

Until next time…

The enemy is always stronger than me, but God is always stronger than the enemy.

~ unknown ~

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Daybook – February 23, 2009

For Today…Monday, February 23, 2009

Outside My Window…The sun is finally warming up the frigid morning temperatures.

I am thinking…about my mom and dad.  Dad was admitted to the hospital late yesterday.  Mom is exhausted.  Both are uncertain about what will come over the next several hours.  It’s so difficult to come to terms with the mortality of aging parents.

From the learning room…the click of knitting needles can still be heard in the evening.

I am thankful for…my family, my place in God’s family, the patriots of this country.

From the kitchen…little is happening.  Soon I will fix lunch for my DH.  He’ll be home in a little while for his lunch break and have to return to work.

I am wearing…an old faithful, long skirt made of camo sweatshirt fabric,  an olive green, sleeveless T with a 3/4 sleeve black T over it, long johns and socks.  (I’m pretty chilly today. :))

I am creating…nothing at the moment.  I finished a bonnet and matching apron this week for a bloggy friend.  Sewing time has been non-existent since completing them.

I am going…back to the hospital after my DH returns to work.

I am reading…My Utmost for His Highest, Christy, and my Bible.

I am hoping…my dear dad gets to feeling better very quickly.

I am hearing…El Rushbo on talk radio.

Around the house…there is much to be done.  I spent yesterday on the couch.  The little I’ve done this morning doesn’t show.  It’s probably in greater need of attention, because I got ready to go to the hospital pretty early.

One of my favorite things…sipping hot tea in the late afternoon.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  I’ll go back and forth to the hospital as long as my dad is there.  On Friday I plan to run errands and go to the P.O. to mail a couple packages.  The rest of the week will hopefully be spent spontaneously…

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…

Until next time…

If you have not often felt the joy of doing a kindly act, you have neglected much, and mostly yourself.  ~ unknown ~

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Daybook June 23

Some things simply call out to be joined into.  Such is this lovely blog trend.  I’ve resisted until resistance is no longer an option.  To those I “follow” I’ve enjoyed your entries…simple women you are not but rather women of beauty that goes beyond skin-deep.  A link to “The Simple Woman” is located on the sidebar under Cyber Gems or click on the journal entry header.

For today June 23…

Outside My Window…The afternoon heat is oppressive.  Looking out from my comfortable, cool home gives me cause to remember how much I have to be thankful for.

I am thankful for…my husband who works hard in spite of the health trial he’s facing head on.

I am thinking…of all the work that awaits me after this computer break.

From the kitchen…I can smell the tomatoes and squash that’s cooking…separately. 

I am wearing…the Barcelona skirt I made from a vintage sheet, an olive green T-shirt and a salmon-colored, half apron.  (my feet are naked…)

I am creating…my next project in my mind.  I’m thinking of either making an apron for one of my daughters or stitching a vintage apron my mom cut out a few decades ago and never got around to sewing.

I am going…to stay home all day long, good Lord willing.

I am reading…a few different things:  Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee by J. Vernon McGee, A Marriage Made in Heaven or Too Tired for an Affair by Erma Bombeck (I need some humor in my life, because it is true “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine”, and Changed into His Image – God’s Plan For Transforming Your Life by Jim Berg.

I am hoping…my DH makes it through this day without suffering too much.

I am hearing…the whir of the fan sitting on the end of our kitchen island.

Around the house…there are many things that still require my attention before the close of this day.

One of my favorite things…is sipping coffee on the back porch early in the morning before the heat of the day chases me back inside.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:  I plan only to take each day as it comes and be a blessing to my DH in any way that I can. 

Here is picture thought I am sharing…This guy jumped out of my compost pile as I dumped butter bean shells into it this morning.  He’s a dandy.  I stuck an old strawberry-pot flower pot over into the corner of the pile so he’d have a nice, cool hiding place to escape the heat.

Until next time…

 You don’t get to choose how you’re going to die. Or when. But you can decide how you’re going to live now.        ~ Joan Baez ~

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