“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “thank you,” that would suffice.” -Meister Eckhart
I’m so thankful that the stress-reliever walks I started taking in March morphed into a daily walks of gratitude. I’m so grateful to not miss T-H-I-S!
What are you thankful for today?
Chatting with my sister yesterday we laughed about how, like Mom, we wear the same things over and over: A raggedy tee shirt, a fraying nightie, favorite shorts with a rip in the pocket.
There’s comfort in old clothes and in old things ~ they’re worn and soft and easy on the skin. We know what to expect and they deliver. It’s not that we can’t buy new clothes, we can. It’s not that we can’t wear new clothes, we do. But, time and again, we reach for what’s comfortable, what’s familiar, what endures.
We talked further about “the good stuff,” about how, as you get older, material “stuff” matters less and less. What we want are connections, meaningful conversations, comfortable temperatures, good stories, tasty foods, deep sleep, great coffee, and loyal friends. We want our kids and grands and pets to be OK and everyone we know to feel safe and loved and remembered. And in the chaos this year has brought we reach for the good stuff.
It’s been a weird summer season year. Yes it sure has, and that’s putting it mildly.
I have read your blogs but not been blogging myself. So here are some of my thoughts on a random Tuesday ~
1 Birthday cake drive-bys- To celebrate Hubbs’ birthday, we had our boys & their girls +our grands over for a get-together this weekend. After much deliberation – and out of all choices offered – a Texas Sheet Cake is what he chose for the celebration. I get it, this cake is hard to beat. See there are 4 sticks of butter and many cups of sugar/powdered sugar in this beauty. 8 or 10 tbsp of cocoa, and all sorts of other goodness.
You don’t get a sheen like that from margarine, no sir-eee-Bob. Some was devoured, some went home with the kids but the one enjoying it most of all is Hubbs … you see, near what remains is a fork. His fork. A drive-by fork. And I laugh every time I pass it by!
a before shot of the Texas Sheet Cake with overflowing frosting
2 ) September Skies –We’ve been enjoying the most beautiful weather – sunny, warm days, cool nights and, my favorite – BLUE SKIES as far as the eye can see. Today it’s overcast and cold, but blue skies are coming back, per the forecast. MY*FAVORITE! There’s just something about a September sky …
Our Walnut tree and hubby’s head. Oops.
3) Closet clean-outs. I’ve been on a health kick for years. But this year, between intermittent fasting & my daily walks, I’m seeing changes – big changes. Most of my clothes no longer fit. I took the advice of the experts and if it didn’t a) fit, b) flatter or c) make me want to wear it RIGHT NOW, it’s gone. Pictured below is one of 3 piles that went to a) the consignment shoppe, b) donation drop-off or c) garbage bin. Anything sagging, bagging or dragging is G-O-N-E. And I was ruthless- tried on everything (that’s a workout, holy smokes!) and now, a week later, I can only remember 2 of the 100s of items that went. I kept 3 pairs of jeans, 2 are too big and should have gone, too – and I’m sure I kept them out of a sense of security. Funny how we think, isn’t it?
every color under the sun & I won’t miss any of it. Never wore that plaid shirt once!
4 ) Fat loss – working on 6 of these, see picture below. Since 1/1/20 I’ve lost 27lbs & 39.2″ – I’m 5’2″, 39inches is more than half of my height. Yes I am slowly shrinking — inward — Intermittent Fasting (time-scheduled eating) for the WIN! for more information visit Gin Stephens – Books on Intermittent Fasting.
5 ) Chaos – I don’t know about you but every time I go out I think, “why did I go out?” I get it, it’s a trying time. But folks have forgotten their manners, forgotten how to drive, how to park, and what to do. I think I’m staying in for the foreseeable future. Coffee up!
So …. what are you up to?
Good morning! It’s a beautiful, lush warm day here in West Michigan, USA. Time for some randoms from my little corner of the world ~
1 ) Summer days, make me feel fine ~ We’ve enjoyed a stretch of the most gorgeous summer weather over the past while ~ cooler nights, warmer days, with temps hovering around 80F. Low humidity, blue skies … the kind of weather tourists flock to Michigan for. Chamber of Commerce Directors couldn’t have ordered better weather!
the moon accompanied me on an early morning walk
2 ) Back-to-School ~ BTS is very different this year, with some schools resuming classes in full, others virtually, and some doing a mix of both. I always take our grand-daughter on a BTS shopping day and she recently asked if that was “still on.” I saw the hesitation in her eyes and exclaimed, with enthusiasm, OF COURSE it’s still on! At the time we had the conversation, her school’s fate was still unknown, and I’m not sure it’s sorted out even yet. Kids do better with routines and both of us like having things to look forward to. So we will plan on a fun sleepover, shopping, cooking together, long chats with me and Pops, she’ll enjoy a too-long shower (always allowed at Nana’s), and wake to a lumberjack breakfast. I’ll take her home full, pampered and happy. And if the only place she wears her new stuff is in the neighborhood or on a video lesson, so be it.
Happy Grand-kids. an Emjayandthem(C) photo
3 ) National book-lovers Day is today, August 9th~ Now this is a holiday I can get behind! 🙂 Supper is simmering in the crock-pot, I took my daily walk at 7am and soon I’ll be snuggled up with a new book. Someday, when I retire, I’m certain I’ll spend the first year, or twenty, reading.
4 ) Discoveries ~ I’ve been an Amazon shopper for years and a Prime Member for about a year. I knew the membership included a host of benefits, like free shipping, and free video content. BUT – I just discovered something I probably knew, but forgot, or read in a hurry and glossed over and that is Prime MUSIC. Oh Mylanta am I ever enjoying this. Fun, fun, fun!
who knew? not me, apparently!
5 ) A major award ~ Remember that scene in “A Christmas Story” when Ralph’s Father wins “a Major Award?” Ha ha! I, too, won a major award, recently. We had a fierce but friendly competition at work and our efforts netted me both an individual first place and my team the team award ~~ We were all awarded $$ in Amazon gift cards.
Guess what I spent my points on?
A wireless speaker to go with my Amazon music!
When I find simple little things that make me happy, I’ve learned to do them again and again.
I notice.
I smile.
I repeat.
Examples include:
my buddy, Chief
How about you? What are some little things make you happy? Do you notice & repeat, too?
It’s Sunday in Summer and time for 5 randoms from my world. Ready? Let’s go!
1 ) Pandemic Groceries – Still working my way through our pandemic-groceries. Background: at the start of the lock-downs, Hubbs was doing the weekly grocery shopping, a task he enjoyed very much. I pulled the plug on his outings given his asthma & other risk factors. Other risk factors included the potential for altercations in Aisle #5 (paper aisle). But before our shift change in late-April, he was Mr. Pandemic-buyer. I think we have enough canned goods to last to 2028. With just two of us, it was already difficult to cook “small,” (I grew up in a family of 7… leftovers were a rarity in my house, and Mom prepared multiple meals daily). But while I’ve teased him about his purchases, I admit to having enjoyed “perusing” the pantry to set a meal plan for the week. Not ours, but pantry-envy worthy!
2 ) Hanging on – There’s been a shift again working remotely ~ we haven’t re-ordered letterhead or business cards. With no in-person meetings now or anytime soon, there’s simply no need. Logos & return addresses can be affixed digitally, e-copies suffice. Conversely, my days are longer than ever because I start earlier and work later. I exercise early mornings but rarely take breaks or more than 15 minutes for lunch. It’s not uncommon to have Corporate schedule (video) calls that start at 5pm, 6pm or later. It’s a weird world nowadays. I’m adapting, what else can you do?
Hanging on!
3 ) Great trees make me grin – Below are a few of my favorite neighborhood trees ~ totally climb-able. Being raised a prairie child I shall forever appreciate a great tree.
Aren’t they gorgeous?
4 ) Quiet: The older and busier I get the more I savor quiet ~ the quiet of an early morning, a Sunday afternoon, or that moment when dusk turns to night. Hubbs is a TV-on-all-the-time kind of guy. He often wanders through the house to find me tucked into a book, the only sound that of a slow summer fan. Ahh.
The magic of a summer read in a house full of quiet.
5 ) Driving. I don’t know what’s up but some appear to have lost their ability to make rational decisions AND drive at the same time. I blame the masks!
So … how was your week?
“Today I’d like to sit and read.
Forget I have a job I need.
Ignore the things I have to do.
And just enjoy a book or two.”
I read.
I read a lot.
I read quickly.
I read often.
I read.
*
I read outside in the sun.
I read at night when my work is done.
I read to enjoy, to escape and relate.
I read at night, usually too late.
I read.
* I’ve not counted how many books I’ve read this year, but it’s safe to say my “Quarantine” pile is tall enough to topple over. I’d guess between 50-60. My favorite this year has been “The Authenticity Project” by Clare Pooley.
Are you a reader? 🙂
Accurate!
It’s Friday and time for some Randoms from my world. Here we go:
1 ) Opportunity knocks
Today a neighbor stopped by to tell us they were robbed. He admitted to leaving their garage open all night, by mistake. Pandemic or not, when an opportunity is there some have no problem helping themselves to what’s yours. Hubbs shared he is a night owl and regularly outside “at watch” late at night…. and he’s scared off a few shady characters in the process. That deep voice of his cutting through the dark probably landed them in therapy. #notsorry #thievessuck
2 ) Use it or lose it
Took two last-minute vacation days, spent both at/ in Lake Michigan. I work too hard to forfeit vacation days and have many left to use before year-end. Even if I go no farther than the yard, I’m using them ALL. #nomartyrshere
3 ) Cry baby, cry
Temps have been in the 90’s with high humidity – I’ve continued my daily walks, getting up & out before the heat. Sweat pours off me, cool showers are delicious and satisfying. I sleep well, move easily and feel calmer.
That + intermittent fasting = 19 lbs & 33 inches lost. #crybabycry
4 ) Classic Rock is classic for a reason
When I cook I love to listen to music, typically classic rock, R&B, old country, and some Gospel for good measure. No offense to Miss Swift, but I’m with Stevie all the way. #mykidspreferourmusic
5 ) Needed B.S.
There are no shortage of pundits & opinions clamoring for attention. To quote my Mom, “it has an off button.” I shut the “news” off, tune out the noise, and snuggle back into my book. Nope, the only B.S. I need is a beach & some sunshine. #30minutestothis
So … how was your week?
* Originally posted July 3, 2013.
What does being a citizen mean to you? Really mean?
Does it mean you can vote? Does it mean you belong?
What does it mean?
To me, it means a defining moment in my life.
It represents the moment I stepped away from what my family might think and into what I thought.
To me, it means the opportunity to have a voice.
To have a say.
To count.
Sure I’d had responsibilities all along (taxes). But I’d never had a voice to go with it. (the ability to vote)
Yes, as a Canadian, I had those rights already. But as a Canadian woman living in the United States with her husband and sons, I always had an underlying feeling of being in limbo. Of belonging to one place but living in another. Of feeling .. disconnected.
But not anymore.
Why?
Because I’m a new citizen; Five years ago, I stepped up with 78 others (from 34 different countries) to take the Oath of Citizenship. It was one of the proudest and most emotional moments of my life. (more about my journey here.)
The thing is … I could be a citizen for 40 years and I’ll still choose to say that I’m a “new” citizen. Why? Because I don’t know how else to communicate the significance of it all to me.
God Bless America, Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above
From the mountains..to the prairies
To the oceans..White with foam
God Bless America!
My Home Sweet Home
Happy birthday, America …. from this grateful citizen.
**This is my 12th Independence Day as a new citizen. I’ll celebrate the holiday with flair, independently, of course!
It’s summer in Michigan ~ we all know what that means … Spring’s sweaty sister is here for a visit. Could be long, could be short but move over, ’cause she’s sharing your space! Here are Five Random thoughts for today ~ ~
1 ) Watermelon, Cherries, Blueberries and Strawberries in season. That is all.
2 ) Humidity is regularly 80% … or more. Walks are taken before 7:00 a.m. Books are devoured outside or under the kiss of a summer fan. That is all.
3 ) Michigan is still locked in/down. Just keep living. That is all.
4 ) Speaking of lock-downs – there is a strong physical & emotional resemblance to Hubbs here. Add golf and me and it’d be bang-on. That is all.
5 ) This is just a little too true ~ and that is all!
So, what day is it, anyway? And how are you coping?
We have grand-dog Sullivan (“Sully”) with us for a week. Actually I should say I do. I’m clearly his favorite, which annoys my tender-hearted dog-loving Hubbs. He doesn’t mean to but his large frame and big voice scare Sully. Meanwhile if I stop short he literally runs into my butt.
When you haven’t had a dog you in a while you tend to forget what it’s like. Here are some “life lessons” I’ve enjoyed revisiting brought to you from the 3 year old wonder dog:
We’ve enjoyed having him, we always do. I enjoy waking to a small furry face in mine; I laugh when he nudges me with a squeaky toy. I do what is asked, step away from the laptop and run around the yard a few times.
I’m off work the rest of the week but haven’t told Sully yet ~ I’ll just play with him and let it be his idea. 🙂
Life lessons worth repeating.
It’s the first Friday in June – wow!
Memorial Day passed without the Holiday ~ no parades or BBQs, somber or otherwise. Lock-downs continue, with “social distancing,” face masks and the like. I’m in Michigan where businesses are just now beginning to re-open but haircuts are banned (you can’t make this up).
Here are 5 randoms from my world view ~
1 ) Daily walks – what started in winter has continued and daily walks have saved my sanity. I get away from the laptop to admire landscapes, pets and flowers while enjoying podcasts as I meander the neighborhood.
Lilacs in May
2 ) Lifelong learning ~ In addition to podcast learning and regular reading, another AHA lesson of late has been realizing AGAIN how much I love being home and how compatible Hubbs and I are. We have our little rhythm going; part of the day is spent together, part not, and we like and need both the connection and the time apart. I can’t imagine what this “stay at home” time would have been like had I been sheltered in place” with someone other than him. 🙂
3 ) Ch-ch-changes I feel my body changing, adapting to and craving daily exercise. My FitBit registers the “jump” in activity, from 5-6K/daily steps to 12-13K daily. On rainy days I use my rebounder inside. As a result, no “Quarantine 15” for me – actually, the reverse – I’ve lost lbs & inches, some due to exercise but most due to intermittent fasting, otherwise known as “time-restricted eating.” No longer noshing throughout the day, I drink black coffee/water in the morning, open my “eating window” when my body signals that it’s hungry, usually somewhere around 12:30 -2pm. Later, I enjoy dinner, listening for the “sigh” (your bodies’ signal it’s satiated) and stop, “closing” my eating window around 7-8pm. Since I give my body a daily break from constantly digesting, fasting is healing and restorative. Think of it as letting the cleaning lady in to do the heavy lifting for you – she clears the junk away ~ As a result my clothes are bigger, I’m smaller, and my eyes, skin & hair are brighter.
I feel ah-mazing! The best part? It’s. Free. 😀
4 ) Dogs & cats ~ 76 days in and I’ve yet to see one dog unhappy with the “stay home/stay safe” order. I see cats in sunny windows; everyone is adapting. Below is my pal, Chief, a favorite from my walking route:
5 ) In Summary ~ the first half of 2020 brought us Russia-Gate, impeachment attempts, COVID-19, Murder Hornets, Civil Unrest & Riots ~ this about sums it up:
So, how’re you doing?
Learning from yesterday, living for today
Food, Art, Books, Birds and whatever...
Connecting with People in My Path
A Typical Blog. A Typical Woman. A Typical Take On Life. With An Atypical Twist!
“I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say.”
Arise, shine; For your light has come!
Country Living for Beginners
Kate's views on life edited by four opinionated cats
Novelist, Traveler, and More
My Journey From Merchant Mariner to Mother, and Spiritual Being.
Nancy Roman
just another plaid-wearin' java-sippin' girl
Just another WordPress.com weblog
some thoughts along the way
music, poetry, musings, photography and philosophy from a woman who found her way back home and wants you to come over for a hike and a cocktail.
Stop in and see what's happening during these days of mine
How life coaches me as I ride...
EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS...
Learning from yesterday, living for today
Food, Art, Books, Birds and whatever...
Connecting with People in My Path
A Typical Blog. A Typical Woman. A Typical Take On Life. With An Atypical Twist!
“I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say.”
Arise, shine; For your light has come!
Country Living for Beginners
Kate's views on life edited by four opinionated cats
Novelist, Traveler, and More
My Journey From Merchant Mariner to Mother, and Spiritual Being.
Nancy Roman
just another plaid-wearin' java-sippin' girl
Just another WordPress.com weblog
some thoughts along the way
music, poetry, musings, photography and philosophy from a woman who found her way back home and wants you to come over for a hike and a cocktail.
Stop in and see what's happening during these days of mine
How life coaches me as I ride...
EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS...
