A Simple Woman's Daybook, March 15th, 2011

FOR TODAY March 16th, 20100...

Outside My Window...Cloudy and overcast.  There is a lot of snow on the mountains, but it is warmer in the valley and on the foothills (benches).  We are expecting rain.

I am thinking...  I add my prayers to all those from around the world for the poor people who are being directly affected by the tragedy in Japan.  Help to those in need, comfort for the grieving, food and shelter for the homeless, purpose for those who can give aide, hope where there is none...all blessings for which I pray

I am thankful for...everything in my life.  The more news coverage that I watch about the unfolding events in Japan, the more that I am grateful for a warm home, plenty of food to eat, and o, so many other things.  We live amongst so much abundane that we don't fully realize how fortunate we are.  We are no longer aware of how much we have because we are surrounded by it all the time.  We live in the most abundant time in history and we have lost perspective on how rare in the overall scheme of history this is.

From the learning rooms...(if this applies)

From the kitchen...Amish Friendship Bread...Salmon Patties...Fried Okra...Lima Beans for tonight

I am wearing...

A lovely apron that I was able to pick up for a song on ebay.  Makes me feel very feminine!

I am creating...A softly decorated home Spring ...only 4 more days...
I am reading...The Backyard Homestead...lots of ideas!

I am hoping...for warmer weather...:)

I am hearing...soft instrumentals which help calm me and focus my efforts throughout the day.

Around the house...it is very quiet..but a little disordered.  I need to get up and get going!

One of my favorite things...creating a beautiful table setting for supper, so that my little family can feel that this time together every evening is set apart and special.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

St. Paddy's Day dinner tomorrow night with music provided by the Irish Tenors Dublin Concert.  More decorating and Spring Cleaning.  Some time alone with hubby at the end of the week.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Wish hats would come back in style.

For more daybooks, please visit HERE.

Have a great day!
Elizabeth

A Simple Woman's Daybook, January 19th

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...snow is softly falling, the sky is gray and it is cold.

I am thinking...concerns for the day..my husband is in terrible pain with his back and yet he must go to work...he is strong and loves his family and so he does this for us.

I am thankful for...a quiet moment in life..I am always thankful for the quiet moments which give me a chance to reflect and re-group.

From the kitchen...I confess there is cleaning to do, washing of the counters and then, perhaps, pumpkin bread? I bought many cans of pumpkin on sale after Christmas.

I am wearing...my jammies. I am wrapped up in a quilt, still comfortable in my pjs.

I am creating...not as much as I would have liked to by now this month. A nasty flu went through our house and kept me busy with coughing children. I had been working on organizing every area of my home, taking a room at a time. It is easier to be creative from a clean, well-organized home.

I am going...nowhere today. It is a home day, my favorite kind.

I am reading...The Weight of Silence, by Heather Gudenkauf

"Deeply moving and exquisitely lyrical, this is a powerhouse of a debut novel." -Tess Gerritsen

"Beautifully written, compassionately told, and relentlessly suspenseful." -Diane Chamberlain

"Gudenkauf moves the story forward at a fast clip and is adept at building tension." -Publishers Weekly"

You can read more about it and purchase it HERE.






I am hoping...so many largely unspoken things - that everything will work out for our family, what with illness and the timing of our health insurance coverage with Mark's new job.

I am hearing...the ticking of a clock, silence.

Around the house...all is still. One pussycat is huddled up in the living room, looking out the sliding glass door at the falling snow and whatever else interests a kitty. The other puss in curled up next to me, sleeping.

One of my favorite things...hearing from my children during the day with little texts telling me how they are doing or whatever is bothering them. It makes me feel connected and needed.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I would like to get to feeling better (I always catch whatever germ comes home with the children). I want to finish with the laundry, which piled up when we were all sick. I'd like to begin working again on organizational projects. Bake something yummy. Think of some artistic projects I could do, perhaps something for Valentines Day.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

There is nothing more peaceful than sleeping pussycats.

For more daybook posts, please visit HERE.
Blessings,
Elizabeth

A Simple Woman's Daybook, December 29th, 2010

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...is gray and rainy. Temperatures are cooling and soon we will have snow - the snow that eluded us during Christmas will blanket everything by New Years.

I am thinking...about how to bring to spirit of Christmas - the attention to the Savior and the kindness and sharing - into the New Years.

I am thankful for... a warm home and plenty of food to eat, for loved ones both far and near. It is a blessing to be loved.

From the kitchen...we have plumbers, working to stop a leak. Later, there will be cupcakes baking for the new children I will be teaching this Sunday.

I am wearing...A warm, cotton sweater, nice jeans and the new fabulously comfy slippers my dauther gave me for Christmas.

I am creating...a new schedule and some do-able goals for the New Year which will help me be more productive with my time and allow for greater creativity in my life.

I am going...to do some cleaning and nesting later today. For now, I am enjoying quiet and stillness in my morning.

I am reading...Confessions of an Organized Homemaker, but Deniece Schofield.

I am hoping... for so many things in the future...to publish a book I am currently writing, to get my act together a little more, to be diligent and more effective in life.

I am hearing... sweet silence. How I love quiet. It fills up my heart and soul with prayerful feelings.

Around the house... the plumbers are finished and I need to begin my chores.

One of my favorite things... a cold, gray day without, a warm, softly lit house within.

A few plans for the rest of the week: blessing my home (cleaning), baking for my Sunday School (Primary) children, preparing finger foods for New Years Eve, more planning for 2011.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
The picture of the madonna and child, above, is from The Cathedral of the Madaleine in Salt Lake City, where I attended a Christmas Eve concert with my family...The vaulted ceilings are adorned with beautiful murals of angels...

The concert was performed by children from their choir school...Such clear and innocent voices.
I hope that you are still savoring the joys of this holiday season.

God Bless,
Elizabeth

A Simple Woman's Daybook, October 12th

Outside my window... a brilliant sun shines down on our first real chilly morning. There was ice on the windshield when I went outside, but my tomato plants are okay.

I am thinking... ~ about my long list of chores and hoping that I will have the time and ability to complete them all.

I am thankful for... ~the strength and ability to work. The older that I get and the more health problems that plague me, the more that I marvel at the blessing of being able to stand up and balance on my legs and hips. It is a blessing to be able to work.

I am wearing... ~a gray, wrap top, long black pants, black boots and a scarf that ties in the colors and brightens things up a bit.

I am remembering... ~what I need to do..who I need to be.

I am going... ~outside right this moment and put food in the bird feeders. My little feathered friends are stopping by, finding nothing and casting accusing glances at the house (well, maybe not).

From the kitchen... ~Taco Soup for tonight, simmering tomatoes from the garden, much chopping of garden veggies for the freezer.

Around the house... ~I am creating order out of disorder, sense out of chaos, beauty in places and enjoying the quiet

From my camera...

For more Daybook entries, please visit a Simple Woman's Daybook HERE.

Have a beautiful, Autumn day!
Elizabeth

A Simple Womans Daybook, August 12th

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...it is bright and sunny, warm. There is a breeze that stirs things up a bit and keeps the sun from feeling too hot. It is lovely, perfect weather.
I am thinking...of how grateful I am for beautiful music to listen to in my home. It is such a miracle to have something so wonderful be so readily available.
I am thankful for...this question always stumps me because I am thankful for so many things that it is really hard to narrow it down. I am thankful for life, for love, for relative health and youth to enjoy this world. I am grateful for being needed and that in a small way everyday I can make a difference in the lives of my family and in those around me. I am grateful for miracles, the evidence of which I see everyday. I am thankful for hope, change and opportunity.
From the kitchen...I just made omelets stuffed to the brim with fresh garden veggies - tomatoes, onion, pepper and then also avadado and artichoke heart, with melted cheese. Aaah, the goodness of fresh ingredients.
I am wearing...well, my terribly sore back has me in the most comfy clothes I can come up with which are my workout clothes. So, I am ultra casual, however, I did put on makeup and fix my hair, which I haven't been up to recently. Life is looking up! :)
I am creating...plans in my mind and heart for some upcoming Fall Nesting. Yes, dear friends, Fall is on it's way soon. I had already begun Fall cleaning the week last when my back went out. I have so many more plans for clearing, cleaning, and decorating once I am feeling better.
I am going...to enjoy the day, bad back and all. It is too beautiful and my lovely daughter is at home alone with me while her brother is off to Scout Camp. It is girls all day together and I will drink deeply!
I am reading...The Power of Premonitions, by Larry Dossey. It is about how so many people are warned in their lives of coming difficulties and what happens when they pay attention and when they don't. The book treats this subject like it's revolutionary, but I believe God warns his children all of the time. To me, it is perfectly normal... and wonderful.
I am hoping...to be up and going soon so that I can be of better service to those around me That is what life is all about!
I am hearing...fiddle music that is driving my daughter absolutely crazy. I'm sorry, but I love old time fiddle music. I'm a hick. Some of the music also has banjos and yodeling and my daughter is shaking her head in wonderment that her hayseed mama is really listening to this stuff, but it fills my soul and makes me want to dance.
Around the house...it is unusually quiet, despite the fiddles, because my son is gone. I am resting on my back with periods of activity when I try to do laundry and cooking. I am reading a lot and being a little gentle with myself so I can be back up soon.
One of my favorite things...just hanging with my daughter.
A few plans for the rest of the week: I will enjoy having my daughter to myself for awhile, work around the house as my back permits and enjoy the last of Summer break before their school starts. Nothing spectacular, just lots of simple livin'!
A Picture to share...from the garden, a butternut squash.
For more daybooks, please visit A Simple Womans Daybook blog
Have a great day!
Elizabeth

A Simple Womans Daybook, June 8th

One lone Johnny Jump Up greets the day

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... It is a beautiful day. The sky is clear following an evening rain storm, which freshened up the air and gave long drinks to the yard and all of my plants. Temperatures are warm, but not hot. What a perfect day in which to do a little outside puttering.
I am thinking...what a gift it is to live a simple life, surrounded by loved ones. I am so thankful that I have learned how precious are the small things in life.
I am hoping...that the Lord will bless my husband in this new job as he is working very hard and many hours...
I am thankful... for a calm day spent at home with the children, working hard, of course. I am always thankful for any time spent with the children.
From the learning rooms...my son, Robert, is spending many hours listening to CDs of the book, "Blood, Red Horse", Book 1 of a trilogy about the Crusades. Sarah is searching for another book for her Summer reading hours.
From the kitchen...there will be bread today, Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad for lunch and homemade Lasagna for tonight. Always lots to do! :)
I am wearing...jeans and a short-sleeves, zippered sweat top. I'm casual for work in the garden.
I am creating... an herb garden today and perusing the house for containers to use as planters. There will be basil, cilantro, italian parsley, lavendar, lemon sage, sage, thyme...
I am going...to run a few errands and then remain at home. I am looking forward to time in the backyard swing, for the reading of scriptures and my "sitting prayers". Sometimes I pray better while my body is in motion, go figure!
I am reading...nothing yet. Any suggestions for Summer reading? I love really well written historical novels without graphic sexual situations.
I am hearing...two house finches, a husband and wife, sing to each other as they sit atop a feeder in the backyard. I wonder what they are saying...
Around the house...there is straightening, washing, ironing and cooking to do. Monday is usually my washing day, but I got really behind yesterday.
One of my favorite things...puttering around in the garden. I know I should wear gloves, but I adore the feel of dirt in my hands. Living close to the earth centers me and reminds me of my relationship with the great Creator, our loving Heavenly Father.
A few plans for the rest of the week:More practical concerns...car repairs, updating our registration, getting another drivers license (where the heck is that thing?!), and lots of time spent outdoors.
Here is a picture I am sharing...
Three homemade birdfeeders that are going strong this summer. For instructions on how to make them, click HERE.
For more daybooks, please visit HERE,

Have a lovely one!
Elizabeth

A Simple Woman's Daybook and Giveaway

Dear Friends and Visitors,


Check out this wonderful 600th Post Giveaway, over at Spun By Me.

It is a wonderful journal. Stop by and take a look at it!

**********************************
A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... a cold rain is coming down. The pink blossoms of my neighbor's cherry tree are a lovely contrast against the gray sky. The nearby mountains are hidden behind a thick veil of clouds.
I am thinking... quiet thoughts of home and children.
I am thankful for... being alive for another day, for still having my children with me (they are at school, so I mean this time of life when they live at home), for my two sleeping tomcats, for peace.
From the learning rooms...I am reading a mystery novel in the evenings when everyone is in bed. At the supper table, we are reading the scriptures and a funny book called, "I Love You, Miss Huddleston."
From the kitchen...only ideas, so far...freshly baked bread today and Shrimp and Asparagus Fettuccine, for tonight.
I am wearing...warm clothes. Our heat is off while workmen replace our water heater and air conditioning system. Brrrrrrrrrr.
I am creating... a warm and inviting home for my children to return to later in the day. I will be cleaning, baking and burning my favorite incense so that the house smells wonderful.
I am going... absolutely nowhere...Aaaah, the feeling of staying put, especially on a rainy day.
I am reading... the wonderful mystery novel I mentioned above, plus scriptures and various homemaking manuals and cookbooks. I love always having something wonderful to read. It expands my mind and heart and takes me places where I have never been before.
I am hoping... for a brighter future. The dear Lord understands and knows my longings.
I am hearing... the ticking of a clock, the movement of working men downstairs interspersed with silence.
Around the house...it is only I carrying out my household tasks and workmen below. I am so glad they are down there and I am up here, where I can still be alone.
One of my favorite things...being still and listening with my heart, being alone with my thoughts and the silent prayers of my soul reaching upwards towards God, having purpose, knowing where I belong, feeling loved and having many to love. There are things I am thankful for, too! :)
A few plans for the rest of the week: Gosh, I hesitate to plan much with this weather...More yard work (yard play - I love it!). I am cultivating beds and straightening up. Want to make a birdbath and a feeder (craft project). I would like to go on a walk when the weather turns nice. And we must TILL THE VEGGIE GARDEN (that will be work!). I also will thrift this weekend. There are several things I need that I hope to find! :)

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...no pictures today...I have not reloaded my photo program again since having my hard drive cleaned up. So, I send you lovely thoughts to brighten your day of Spring rains, beautiful tree blooms that liven a dreary sky, occasional chirping of wet little birds, braving the rains for a chance at the feeders and hopes and longings and peace.

For more Simple Woman's Daybooks, please visit the link.

God bless!

Elizabeth

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, DECEMBER 8, 2009

Outside my window...it is cold and snowy.

I am thinking of...today's many tasks, some fun and some not so fun. :)

I am thankful for... a warm home and warm memories.

From the learning rooms... are Christmas books and stories, some from my childhood.

From the kitchen... Oh, please don't mention the kitchen. I need to clean it and cook today!

I am wearing...warm jammies, but I need to change into something pretty and cozy.

I am creating... order out of chaos, beauty out of piles of decorations, a holiday home that is warm and inviting.

I am going... to play music while I work to keep my mind busy and to give me a little energy boost.

I am reading... BLOGS today! and perhaps a Christmas story.

I am hoping... I will be equal to the tasks of the day

I am hearing...cars going by on a slushy road and my husband's voice on business calls.

Around the house... Oh, dear, I need to unpack from our trip, clean and decorate.

One of my favorite things...working on tasks in a quiet house.

A few plans for the rest of the week... get a Christmas Tree, wrap gifts, enjoy family time, bake, bake, bake!

Here is a picture thought I am thinking..

I am thinking of our recent trip to California and our visit with Bob. Bob has been one of my closest friends for 26 years. He was my neighbor during most of my single years in Los Angeles and we continued our sweet friendship for all of the years afterwards. He is one of the best friends of my entire life. Now, he is 93 and dying of cancer. We visited him this past weekend to see him for the last time. Despite his pain and discomfort, he still had his sense of humor intact. I didn't cry during the visit, I had prayed that I wouldn't do that. But I could barely leave him.

I am thankful to the Lord for the wonderful friendships of my life, especially for my Bob. He will always be remembered by me and my family until we are reunited once again in the Great Beyond.

Have a great day!

Elizabeth

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009

Outside my window...it is sunny and cool, with a slight breeze. It's positively lovely! :)

I am thinking of...how much I have to do to get this house in order! :(

I am thankful for... being healthy, pain free and physically able to do all that needs to be done - thank you, dear Lord!

From the learning rooms... my son is putting of working on the paperwork he's missed at school from being ill. I am trying to be encouraging with out nagging (really, REALLY hard for me!).

From the kitchen... nothing as of yet, but later...banana bread and choc chip cookies! :).

I am wearing... dark blue jeans with a navy hoodies. I fixed my hair and face and feel so much better than when I let life take over and I don't look as well.

I am creating... a clean and orderly home for my family and a wonderful meal for our Family Night tonight.

I am going... to play music while I work to keep my mind busy and to give me a little energy boost.

I am reading... BLOGS! I am catching up on all that I've missed while being busy with a sick child.

I am hoping... for Mark's news on a job's funding to be positive! Hoping, hoping....

I am hearing... sorrowful cat mews because I want let my pussies outside. They have Fall Fever, like me, but no claws and a wanderlust. Their brother died while crossing the road, so no more outdoor pussycats.

Around the house... it is very q.u.i.e.t.

One of my favorite things... is eating a wonderful ham sandwich while reading blogs. Yum, yum. Fun, fun!

A few plans for the rest of the week... clean, air rooms, laundry, ironing, get my office into orderly shape (UGH!!!), bake, teach my son, fulfill my church calling, read something of interest, get limited exercise, go to bed early (haha) and get good SLEEP!

Here is a picture thought I am thinking..


BEAUTIFUL FALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Elizabeth P.S. (Would appreciate any prayers for the speedy recovery of my sweet son! - thanks)

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2009

Outside my window...it is sunny and warm, a positively lovely, early autumn day.

I am thinking of...how much I would like to jump out of this bed (bad back) and accomplish a thousand things

I am thankful for... being able to roll over in bed today and for all the years of good health that I have had.

From the learning rooms... my son is working hard on the paperwork he's missed at school from being ill.

From the kitchen... nothing much is happening today, but I am planning to burn some cherry vanilla incense to make up for it.

I am wearing... my favorite pajamas and not particularly lovely today.

I am creating... dreams, am spinning dreams today.

I am going... to try and stretch some to see if I can gain a little more mobility.

I am reading... all the magazines and catalogues I never have time for as well as catching up on my favorite blogs!

I am hoping... for opportunity and God's blessing.

I am hearing... Eva Cassidy playing as well as some beloved instrumentals. They feed my soul.

Around the house... it is very q.u.i.e.t.

One of my favorite things... burning incense, lighting candles and listening to soft music playing in the background.

A few plans for the rest of the week... to get better, to create more Fall Nesting and to drink deeply of this time of year.

Here is a picture thought I am thinking..

A tree began to grow in our garden from a seed long ago discarded by previous owners. I left it alone for months, always promising myself that I would cut it down, but never having the heart to do it (how I love living things). Yesterday, my daughter came running in the house. "Mama, look what was growing on that tree in the vegetable garden?" In her hands she held one lone peach... A tiny peach tree is growing in our garden.

Thank Heaven for small, but very sweet miracles.
For more Simple Woman's Daybooks, The Simple Woman's Daybook (HERE).

Love,
Elizabeth

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, MAY 25, 2009

Outside my window...the noon sun is warm and bright. The blue sky, after yesterday's rain, is softened with white, puffy clouds. There is a slight breeze.

I am thinking...how fragile life is. We move along like we understand the future and yet everything can change in a moment.

I am thankful for...all the time that I have spent with my children. Of all my weaknesses, and they are many, I focused my time and attention on what matters most to me.

From the learning rooms... my son is yet to complete his State Report on North Carolina, plus there is make-up work from his sick days.

From the kitchen...my Happy Lite burns to brighten an area that is left dark from no windows (Oh, this house construction!) and I have not yet begun cooking.

I am wearing...a blue peasant blouse with jeans and light shoes. My hair is still wet from a recent bath and I have yet to put on my make-up. This is a lazy day.

I am creating...a few simple words in this daybook.

I am going...to find something tempting to eat for my still sick boy, but, first, I will sit in the swing in back to put on my make-up, hoping to catch a view of some of my feathered friends.

I am reading...the scriptures today. Just that, for I need it.

I am hoping...to feel the touch of God's hand in my life.

I am hearing...my son talk about how he coughed all night last night and could not rest.

Around the house...there is laundry, more cleaning and some baking to do...

One of my favorite things...is to sit in the swing out back and be a part of nature. If my scriptures are with me, too, then I have all that I need.

A few plans for the rest of the week...are to help my son catch up with his missed school work and help him with his State Report, I pray to get some housework and paperwork done, go to doctor appointments, and get things back to normal from our week of sick children. :)

Here is a picture that I am sharing... (above)...a profusion of lilacs that until recently hung over the back fence behind my covered swing and one of the reasons I love to be out there.

Drink deeply of the Beauty, my friends, for Life is fleeting.

Love,

Elizabeth