Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Simple Woman's Daybook - May 22, 2017






FOR TODAY
May 22, 2017


Looking Out My Window:
The sun is shining; I hear the mowers and blowers outside.

We had quite a storm last evening; much needed rain, but not enough!

Not sure what the temperature will be today; but I don't have plans to leave the apartment until around 6:00 pm.


I Am Thinking:
About Mermaids!

It is true!!  I fell back asleep early this morning and was dreaming about mermaids!

That is because of the challenge I will be working on in one of my craft groups.  I will share a picture when it is finished!



I Am Thankful:
For the Youth in my church!  They are so caring and sharing and talented...

And, a group of them are headed to Louisiana next month for a mission trip.  They will be helping in an effort to clean up and restore some of the sections of Baton Rouge that were damaged during hurricanes last season.

These "kids" show there really is good in the young people in our world!  



One of My Favorite Things:
I find it hard to name just one favorite thing; and to do it every week for this post?!  Almost impossible!

But, today, one of my favorite "things" is this:

Connecting with others online that have the same or similar situations or hobbies or likes or...just something that clicks and, well, connects us!


I Am Creating:
Over the past couple of days I have created two pocket letters.  One is for the monthly swap and is a picnic theme.



The second one is a challenge issued by an online friend.  She sent me a RAK (random acts of kindness) to use the items sent to create a pocket letter.  The theme?

ICE CREAM!!

Who loves some ice cream?

It really turned out great!  And, guess who will receive the finished project?  That's right...the one who issued the challenge!!



I Am Wearing:
A yellow gown with little blue and red and yellow flowers; and a pair of navy blue shorts.  Going casual this morning... 


I Am Reading:
I am almost finished reading "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen.  I still can't remember if I ever read the book; but can visualize the scenes in the movie.

It is hard to remember all the books I've read or movies I've seen!


I Am Hoping:
The week will be one of fun and good times!

No drama; no yelling or screaming or...

Just quiet and fun and whatever makes me happy?!


I Am Learning:
To keep my mouth shut?!

Really!  When we are having a conversation and my husband starts acting childish, or yelling or putting words to what he really hasn't heard me say...

Just keep my mouth shut!

It will end and turn back into a "normal" conversation; maybe...



In My Kitchen: 
Leftover spaghetti from sauce I put in the freezer a couple of weeks ago; and a take-out of lasagna from our church youth's fund-raiser yesterday.  And, a serving or two of salad...

Take your pick!  There's enough for both of us...plus!


Post Script:
A post script (or P.S.) is an "after thought"; or at least that's how I see it.

My thoughts today - or my "after thoughts" - would just be this:

Time is flying by!  I really am starting to wonder from day to day, "What day is it?!"  And, there was a time when I thought that was impossible.

Time goes by; but the thing is, I am enjoying almost every moment of it!


Shared Quote:
I saw this quote on my daughter's fridge the other day:

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for."  (- Epicurus)

Pretty powerful words, aren't they?!


A Moment From My Day:
My days are usually full...

Either I am busy at home - doing those normal boring cleaning or organizing projects.

Or, we are running here and there for shopping or doctor's appointments.

I love the days I can get out by myself.  Some days I go shopping, or browsing.  Other days I join my friends and get some crafting done.

Last week was a rough one with some medical news; and I was close to tears when I decided to join my friends who were crafting.  It was the best decision I made...

And, I felt much better when I left them.  Tired; but feeling much better!


So, that's all for this week's Simple Woman's Daybook.

Another week is beginning today...wonder what it will bring about?




Monday, May 15, 2017

Five Minute Friday - MOM





It is time for another Five Minute Friday, though I am writing it on Monday morning!

I should be doing my chores - wasn't that last week's word?  I actually wrote it on scrap paper while babysitting my granddaughter; and found it later, after the week was over and this week's was already announced!


So, this weeks word?  What else could it be?



Of course!  What other word would be chosen for this wonderful weekend, celebrating Mothers' Day!

But, that focus, for me, turned to those who do not have a mother...

Of course, we all know there's a mother somewhere that birthed everyone.  But, everyone doesn't have a mother that is nurturing and loving.  One who was beside them as they grew up and cared for them as we would expect a mother to do.

Everyone didn't have that "traditional" family.

And, everyone doesn't have a child and be "eligible" to celebrate a day such as Mothers' Day.

BUT...

Many are "mothers" to a four-legged furry companion (or two or three)!

Many are "mothers" to a niece or nephew; or a friends child(ren); or a foster child; or...

Many are "mothers" in a less "traditional" way...

Many have someone they look up to as a mother figure.

Yes!  We "mother" in so many ways; we have so many different types of mothers or mother substitutes!

When I think of my own mother...

Whom I called MOM, which is the word for this week - though there are many names we could call our mothers...

I know I probably took her for granted.  In my childhood, growing up, she was there!  She loved me and was there for me.  She clothed me and fed me and I didn't have to worry about anything.

I loved my mother; I still love my mother, though she has been gone now for almost five years...



That is hard to believe!  Five years without my mom.  It makes me sad just thinking about it!

But, I am so blessed that we had many years together.  As I grew into a young woman myself, and then a wife and mother, I learned so much from Mom.  She is the reason I am the woman I am today!



I am so blessed that I was able to spend time learning about my mom and her journey.  I am saddened that I don't still have her here to help me know and understand more of the life she lived before I knew her.

The lesson to be learned is this:  Take time to know those you care about!  Take time to know their journey in life; and be sure to share yours with those you love.  This quote may refer more to loving our children and little ones around us, but is so true for all those we love!

That is how our story gets carried through the family.

{I think my time is up!  I am done; but will never forget the woman that loved and cared for me through all my lifetime!}



Be sure to check here for more information about the Five Minute Friday weekly posts!



Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Simple Woman's Daybook - May 8, 2017





FOR TODAY
May 8, 2017


Looking Out My Window:
The last few days have been windy and the temps have been lower...I am so happy!!

Today it is not windy; and at 11:00 am it is already 76 degrees with a high expected of 84; and will only be higher as the week goes on...

Oh, well!  That's Florida!


I Am Thinking:
Thinking - or reflecting - on the busy, but wonderful weekend!


Welcoming my son "home" with a family gathering and lasagna, his fave!

He arrived Friday night, driving from Louisiana and pulling his stuff in a trailer.  With all the celebrations on Saturday, we planned instead to get together on Sunday.






We also celebrated my daughter and her husband's 17th wedding anniversary.  They went out to dinner (with my grandson and his prom date; though they sat at different tables!).



While the others were out celebrating, my other grandson and I went to see "The Boss Baby" and had dinner at Osaka, enjoying the entertainment of the Hibachi grill!  Later we also watched a Lego superhero movie and "Moana"...  


It was a great weekend.  Today I am tired!



I Am Thankful:
Gotta go back to my "usual"!

I am thankful for my family...specifically to having my son back home; and all of my "kids" living in one place now!

Mothers' Day next weekend will be a blessing!



One of My Favorite Things:
I really do love my "flexible" life; and am always glad to help out my family and friends...

As I did today!

After falling, my friend was taken to the emergency room where they checked her out and then released her.  She needed a ride home and called to see if I was available.  I dressed and went to help her out.  Thankfully there were no broken bones or concussion; but she was very sore.

Glad that I was available to pick her up.


I Am Creating:
In process of stamping some images to be used for a birthday card.  Not much creating right now; just preparing for the three sets of cards and this month's swaps!



I Am Wearing:
A pair of gray shorts and my "Challenge Accepted" t-shirt (from one of the Write 32 Days challenges). 



I Am Reading:
I am still reading "Dancing with my Father" by Sally Clarkson. It's one that I want to take my time with.  I am on the fourth chapter, and trying to get inspiration for my Word Wednesday posts on last year's word "Joy" and this year's word "Hope".

So when I needed "just reading for pleasure", I went ahead and started reading "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen.  I picked it up on impulse at the used book store recently.  I've seen the movie but can't remember if I ever read the book!


I Am Hoping:
On Monday, looking ahead to a busy couple of weeks, I was hoping for some "down-time" so I could rest up for the busy-ness!

Today, Wednesday, I find one or two days to do just that; rest up for what's ahead!

Planned a day of breakfast and browsing the stores with a friend but she is sick; so we will reschedule!  A day to rest...

And, planned to do some scrapbooking tomorrow; but may stay home then too and just go early on Saturday instead.

Will see how that all plays out...


I Am Learning:
Maybe as the days go on, I really will learn how to do this "caregiving".

But, I think I'm getting an idea of what works and what doesn't.

Maybe...


In My Kitchen: 
Leftover lasagna from Sunday is in the fridge and ready to be heated.  Add to that some bread, and it's dinner!

Or...not?!


Post Script:
In celebration of Mothers' Day, and remembering my own motherhood, I am sharing this link to Ann Voskamp's post...

"What a Mother Really Wants"

Shared Quote:
...and why not include a quote from her as well:

"You don't have to be awesome and do everything.  You simply have to believe that the One who is Awesome loves you through everything."  - "The Broken Way" 


A Moment From My Day:
Tuesday was the monthly breakfast for my husband's high school alumni.

We picked our granddaughter up and took her with us to breakfast and then the park, meeting our daughter later for the "switch"...

I love any day that I can spend with my family and friends.

But when we left, we didn't go straight home...

Instead, my husband wanted to take a drive, sight-seeing parts of our city that we haven't driven on for a while.

I really did enjoy the drive and hope we can get out and do it more often!



Well, that completes this week's Simple Woman's Daybook.  I am slowly getting back into the writing groove.

It is good to be writing again!


And, maybe I'll do it again next week!!

Monday, May 1, 2017

Simple Woman's Daybook - May 1, 2017







FOR TODAY
May 1, 2017


Looking Out My Window:
It's early...and it's already 72 degrees here in Sunny Florida, on this 1st day of May...

Today will be mostly cloudy with a high of almost 90 degrees!

It is Spring still, isn't it?!


I Am Thinking:
That's what I do, early in the morning, when it's too early to get up and I can't get back to sleep...

This morning I was thinking of how to use my scrap paper to create at least one of the birthday cards (sets) I need to make; at least 10 or 12, but I usually just even it out to 20 or 30!

I know!!  That is quite a lot of cards to make; but once I get the design and cut all the pieces, they go together quickly!

{And, I am really making 3 sets of that many...so "times 3" for however I end up making!  I'll post in a future SWD; they are not due to be completed until July but I like to get a head start!}


I Am Thankful:
For all of the things my husband does to help me out!  He is older than I am by 12 years; he is the one with dementia; but not really physically impaired.

Yet, he is the one who is willing to be helpful, like carrying in all the groceries, up to the 2nd floor where our apartment is located.  OR, even carrying all my craft stuff to the car and back into the apartment!

I am the one having a hard time dealing with his changes in mood and attitude...

I call him Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; or, when he is having a "temper tantrum", I call him my "78 year old toddler."  Both are very appropriate!



One of My Favorite Things:
Enjoying the company and a meal with my "lunch bunch" of friends after church.

Yesterday we headed to a favorite sea food restaurant...

Though it took us forever to be seated then receive our drinks and order our food, we enjoyed being together.

And, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of one of the couples with a delicious Chantilly Cake from Publix!!

FUN! and YUM!


I Am Creating:
I finished a couple of projects Saturday while scrapbooking with my friends!

First, I had to add some "bling" to the little chicks die cuts and add them to my finished blue birds - to swap on June 9th!






Then, I finished a door hanger for our minister...

And, a tag using a package of ephemera - yes, that is a word meaning "printed papers (like tickets) which are thrown away after use."  But, crafters like me save everything to use - some day - on a project!

Included in that package were printed papers; clear pieces with quotes and other images;  paper clips, brads and other trinkets.  And I added the yellow braid I had purchased for the door hanger to brighten up the tag.

Just about anything that can be collected and used in crafting fits into this definition of "ephemera"!



I Am Wearing:
Still in my pj's:  a pair of gray lightweight sweat pants/capris and a black and gray night shirt; and of course, my slippers!



I Am Reading:
The book that I am reading is "Dancing with my Father" by Sally Clarkson. I haven't read much lately, after stopping on Chapter Three to get some writing done.

I will get back to reading again soon!


I Am Hoping:
Today continues to be a good day...
It started out earlier than I wanted with my heart racing as it sometimes does.  And, I had a hard time getting back to sleep.

Then, at 7 am I woke in a dream that I was looking for a bathroom (I did need to go to the bathroom!) and I missed the bus headed to a theme park...so, I missed the outing!  Bummer!

But, getting up earlier meant I could get some writing done before the TV was turned on.  Unfortunately, I didn't finish before that happened; but, I am getting it written anyway!


I Am Learning:
Just when I think I have figured it all out...

I realize I haven't!

And, I just don't know which way to turn...





In My Kitchen: 
The dishwasher is running and a second load in the washer; first is in the dryer...

Pork chops are thawing for dinner; bar-b-que them, maybe?  Corn or peas along with it and maybe some rice?  Will see...


Post Script:
I found this in a notebook I use for jotting down things that happen in our "caregiving adventure", shared on Facebook last December by Matt Townsend.  I will share in the next category:

Shared Quote:
"Sometimes the best thing that you can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine, not obsess.  Just breathe and have faith that everything will work out for the best."

Oh, if only it were that easy!  "Just breathe and have faith..."?

Only God knows the answer!  Only God can help me get through this...

Only God...

A Moment From My Day:
Back to de-cluttering!  I've put a box of medical stuff together to take to the local hospice or their thrift store; a few other items to donate; papers I need to shred...perhaps this afternoon; some cardboard I'm giving to a friend for crafting...

Still working on it again today; so I am sure there will be more to get rid of.

Well, that completes this week's Simple Woman's Daybook.  I am slowly getting back into the writing groove.

It is good to be writing again!


And, maybe I'll do it again next week!!