Loving Laundry in the Summer

Sounds strange, right? But there's something so purposeful and relaxing in hanging clothes out on the line. It's quiet, and gives you a chance to daydream and reflect a bit. No rush. No multi-tasking. No feeling guilty about it either. Plus it's eco-friendly.






Yep- I will definitely be a little sad when the cold weather comes- not that it doesn't bring pleasures of it's own...

Happy Saturday!

It's such a lovely Saturday morning- so full of potential and promise!

Painting, cleaning, and laundry are on the agenda, and I must say I'm actually excited about it. There's something about rolling up your sleeves, cranking up the tunes, and really digging in to a project that just makes you feel good at the end of the day...

Then we are attending a wedding this evening, which will be so special and absolutely beautiful.

What a perfect Saturday! (Other than laying on a beach doing nothing, of course) ;-)

(Sigh of Relief & Happiness)

• Feeling happy and blessed:

*Procedure went well.
*Everyone is home tonight.
*Found out today that some miracles are much bigger than we think they are.
*Got iced coffee to celebrate (tried Caramel, but Hazelnut is still the best.)

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory...
~Ephesians 3:20-21a

A Month

It seems a lot can happen in a little over a month- especially this summer. Unfortunately, I haven't had a camera at the ready for most of it. But- given the nature of the month, I think it's ok.

It started with a family emergency (everyone's ok now), and has ended still trying to catch up and recover from said emergency. Tomorrow is part two of dealing with the rest of the "situation", so any and all prayers are appreciated. We're hoping that the procedure will be routine, and everyone will be home on Wednesday.

I'm so thankful that things have turned out as they have. It could have ended so differently. I've never felt how truly small I am, as I did that night. Not at the ocean, or in the mountains, not on a plane. Life is so fragile, so brief. We are small. But God is so big, and God is so good.

I'm also thankful to have such wonderful friends, who teach me how to be a better friend every day. Through this situation, and the actions these friends, neighbors, and fellow Christians- I can tell you that I have truly seen the hands and feet of Christ reflected. And they are beautiful...

In my true fashion of coping, instead of crying or freaking out (although I did get teary twice), I decided that I would start taking a class. So, I am in the process of taking a business class online in order to try to make my dreams a reality. It feels really good to be moving forward. Can't wait to get things rolling.....

Sorry for so much heaviness on a Monday. More fun to come, I promise!

Getting Aquainted

My friend, Amie, sent me this quiz a couple of weeks ago. I thought it was a great way to get to know your friends better, so I thought I'd share (I hope you'll share too!) :

1. What time did you get up this morning?
-Get up or wake up? ;-) Alarm went off at 5:45, but I hit snooze a few times.

2. Diamonds or Pearls?
-Do I have to choose? Can I say both? Please?

3. Last movie you watched?
-Little Women (the one with Wynona Ryder)

4.What is your favorite TV show?
-Seriously, not good at the favorites thing... Top Chef, Project Runway, House, Gilmore Girls, CBS Sunday Morning, Andy Griffith, and I Love Lucy are a few. (No, I don't watch that much TV on a regular basis.)

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
-Strawberry smoothie, a scramble, pbj toast, or cereal. All things depend on the amount of time I have, and my mood.

6. What food do you dislike?
-Oysters and raw celery.

7. What is your favorite CD at the moment?
-Not a CD- but loving Pandora Radio online. (Free online radio where you create free 'stations' and personalize it according to what you like).

8. What kind of car do you drive?
-Nissan Altima

9. Favorite sandwich?
-Reuben

10. What characteristic do you despise?
-Lying/Cheating, & Apathy

11. Favorite item of clothing?
-Right now it's my sparkly, black ballet flats.

12. If you could go anywhere on vacation where would you go?
-Everywhere. I'd probably go to Europe first, though.

13. Favorite brand of clothing?
-Don't have one, so I'll say, "on sale!"

14. Where would you retire to?
-Either somewhere by water (like a beach house), or Africa. Sounds weird, but I read a book when I was a kid called, "They Called Me Mama"; and I always wanted to go to Africa after that. Especially with all the orphans from the HIV epidemic.

15. Favorite birthday?
-All of them!

16. Favorite sport to watch?
-None, but I do find rugby entertaining. Is figure skating a sport? If so, I pick that (sad, I know).

17. Furthest place you are sending this?
-Well... the web goes just about everywhere, I guess.

18. Person you expect to send it back first?
-Have no idea...

19. Are you a morning person or a night person?
-I'm an afternoon person.

20. What is your shoe size?

-It varies. Anywhere from 7 1/2 - 8 1/2

21. Pets?
-One cat, Zsa Zsa (like Zsa Zsa Gabor). That's enough for us, right now.

22. What did you want to be when you were little?
-An artist, a nurse, a scientist, a teacher, the president of the United States, a musician, a chef, a lawyer, a designer, and a social worker. (I wanted to learn to do EVERYTHING!)

23. How are you today?
-Happy! :-)

24. What is your favorite candy?
-Dark chocolate, M&M's, Reese's PB Cups, and those Restore Pomegranate-Lemonade Mints (comes in a yellow tin at the check-out counter. YUM!!!).

25. What is your favorite flower?
-I could never pick one. But, peonies are close, and tulips, and roses, and....

26. What is a date on the calendar you are looking forward to?
August 13th.

27. What are you listening to right now?
-The Michael Buble station on Pandora Radio

28. What was the last thing you ate?
-Soup (for supper last night).

30. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
-Black

31. How is the weather right now?
-Mostly sunny & perfect.

32. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
-My hubby.

33. Favorite soft drink?
-Diet Vanilla Coke

34. Favorite restaurant?
-Don't have one, surprised? Do love HuHot's, Panera, Applebee's, Arby's, Olive Garden, and as of yesterday- La Casa Grande.

35. Hair color?
-Brown

36. What was your favorite toy as a child?
-My art set.

37. Summer or Winter?
-Can I say Spring & Fall? Please...?

38. Hugs or Kisses?
-Hmmmm...

39. Chocolate or Vanilla?
-Depends...

40. Coffee or tea?
-Coffee!!! Although learning to like some herbal fruit teas.

41. What is under your bed?
-I'm afraid to look... Usually the kitty's stash of toys & a few dust bunnies.

42. What did you do last night?
-Went to a meeting with friends, then came home to hang out with Chris.

43. What are you afraid of?
-Where do I start? Heights, spiders, things flying towards me (ie volleyballs, etc.), and getting in trouble...

44. Salty or Sweet?
-Both, but mostly sweet.

45. How many keys on your key ring?
-6 or 7.

46. How many years at your current job?
-Will be 4 in October.

47. Favorite day of the week?
-That's a tough one. Nope, can't pick.

48. How many towns have you lived in?
-Two.

49. Do you make friends easily?
-I wish I did. I'm too shy. I want to be friends with people, easily...

50. How many people will respond to this?
- It'd be fun if it were lots!


Happy Tuesday!!!

A Few Photos...

of my world...

Isn't it pretty? This time of year is so optimistic to me when I look around my home and yard. Especially when I do it through the lens so I don't see so many projects waiting for me...

We've been loving the flowers (even the weedy ones- in a love/hate sort of way- not that we can always tell the difference), the garden, and all the fresh produce available now. I tried making blueberry iced tea- not sure about that one yet. Kind of tastes like tea...

Sweet Melancholy Monday

I wanted to post something bright and fun, but that didn't seem very honest.

Don't worry, I'm not depressed- just a bit pensive and quiet. Enjoying working in the garden, working on my Bible study, painting, cleaning, etc. It's a good day to reflect and pray. Overall, I guess I'm just enjoying my sweet melancholy Monday.

Here's a piece of my latest project, along with a special gift from a friend. I will treasure it- but will treasure her specific, faithful prayers more.

The song that I've been playing over and over- it really speaks to my heart today...
I am also encouraged by yesterday's entry on this blog.

God is so good.