Easter Celebration

Happy Easter

May your holiday be a blessed celebration that brings a sense of spring to your heart and warmth to your soul.         

Longing for Quiet Time

I long for warm weather, blue skies, flowers,

and trees lush with green leaves.

I am ready to shed the last of winters residue

and welcome in Spring.

New beginnings, clean and fresh, untouched and unspoiled.

I long for a quiet time to think, to reflect, and to pray.

Phone a Friend

Phone a Friend! I have been feeling like I would like to use one of my lifelines.

As spring slowly tiptoes in I am feeling anxious. I have so many things I'd like to do, so many things I need to do, and so many things I have to do...OH MY!

I came across this article and although I wasn't into the whole article this portion really caught my attention:

Body Tattoos are exhibits? Mind tattoos, are they inhibits?

Body tattoos though very apparent and visible, hardly cause any damage to the person physically, psychologically or emotionally. They can be easily concealed under the attire or cosmetics.

Whereas "mind tattoos" are mental imprints, though not physically visible, manifest themselves in a person’s action, reaction, and thought process, more often not in a negative manner. They cannot be concealed but can be got rid of with a little effort and lot of resolve.

The recipe is very simple on paper, certainly a bit difficult to implement, but it is highly achievable with resolve and dedication

"Use the simple displacement method. Mind tattoos and negative mindsets grow in a vacuum. Do not allow vacuum to be created in your mind. Increase your curiosity for things around you and beyond, allow yourself the privilege to be wonder struck. Let the newness of every moment tickle your sense. Question your self, keep asking what, why, when, where and how. A questioning mind is an open mind. It is not a knowing mind. Only an open mind can be creative. A knowing mind can never be creative. When you do this, your mind will be crammed with creativity, positivity and newness. Negative mindsets and tattoos will be automatically displaced and deleted. A questioning stance sensitizes the mind in a very special way and it is able to sense what would have been missed otherwise."

 (From the Article: Remove Mind Tattoo on WikiHow)

I have been working on an Internet business idea and lately my mind tattoos are saying...you can't do this!

Yet I will keep asking questions. "A questioning mind is an open mind. It is not a knowing mind. Only an open mind can be creative." And I will continue to create!

How do you fight your mind tattoos?

Dollhouses and Perspectives on Beautiful Music

Dollhouses and tiny trinkets let the imagination of little girls and sometimes big girls soar.

Here is the first stage of the dollhouse which I think will become a mercantile filled with treasures just waiting to be taken home!

The color palette of this little gingerbread cottage will emerge. I am thinking a chabby chic...

So there you have it,,,Stay one in the contruction and the development of "The Merchantile".

This is not a dollhouse but our little Doll! He is stretching and wagging his tail as I ask him if he is ready for a walk! Now I know he's chubby but he loves going outside and walks are the best in his book!

This next item is fasinating and needs to be shared.

(This is True! According to Snopes.)

This is a great story/lesson!!

You just never know . . .
THE SITUATION
In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.
About 4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
At 6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist and again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.
At 45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
After 1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.
This experiment raised several questions:
*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . . ..
How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?
Enjoy life NOW .. it has an expiration date

















Suffering from Spring Fever

(Very funky fountain from a summer weekend with my sister.)

It has been weeks since I have posted and I can tell you I have not been sitting still! I am at that time of the year when all I want to do is see the sun shine, the temperatures rise, and be able to retire all the winter wear for sundresses and flip flops. Needless to say I have spring fever. The mid-west weather is really going out like a lion which means spring should come in like a lamb.
Current events:
Teaching full time
Masters work
Construction and writing for online education based business
Junking- I just finished repainting and refurbishing a shelf and table (to double as a second desk) for the office
Organizing-always a process in motion!
Housekeeping
Meals-planning and cooking
Spiritual quest
and a new commitment - I am joining a gym and starting a 1500 calorie food plan. I have been working with a renewed spirit to get healthier and this is a big step. I will be journaling on this site on my progress, challenges, and the people who are supporting my life style changes as things unfold.
I'm sure I've left a few things out but for today I am satisfied I am actively living life.
Fully human, Fully alive!

(This is where we relaxed with coffee for a little conversation. So pretty!) 

The Great Snow of 2011

We received over 15 inches of snow and then there was the drifting to boot! I have had two days off of school and expect to have school  tomorrow. Here are a few pictures from the balcony. At 20 below wind chills I just wasn't willing to hang out in the cold taking pictures.

These pictures were taken through the window and screen but it gives you an idea of the snow fall before the plows arrived.

So there you have it The Great Snow Fall of 2011. I am going to finish dinner but not before I finish the chapter I've been reading and the chamomile tea is still hot so I hate to change gears just yet. And the sweetest part of this scenario is I don't have to!
Hope your enjoying your day as much as I am. Until next time be happy...
Diane

Just for Today...

Just for Today...


FOR TODAY, Wednesday, February 2, 2011



Outside my window... the snow is still falling covering everything in a white blanket.



I am thinking... today is an opportunity to relax and enjoy the day. And thank God for all my blessings,



I am thankful for... God's love, the laughter of my kids (Daughters, Son-in-laws, and my students), the warmth of family and friends, as well as, my relationship with my hubby, warm bread, and chocolate!





From the kitchen... All of my dishes are done. I have chicken soup in the pot and cinnamon bread in the oven.





I am wearing... Brown slacks, warm brown socks, and a brown and pink pullover sweater and slippers;

just going for relaxed and comfortable.





I am reading... Three different books, Cathy( adolescent lit.), The Weigh Down Diet, and Woman, Food, and God.



I am hearing... Mozart in the background, our beagle rooting in his food dish, Hubby commenting on a newscast.





Around the house....John and Buddy (the beagle) are enjoying the warm and cozy atmosphere in our living room. I am in the office getting ready to attempt a little organization.





Pondering these words... "Not all who wander are lost" ~C.S. Lewis" (My students are studying The Odyssey.)



A few plans for the rest of the week... I will work for a couple of hours tonight but then it's off to bed at a reasonable hour. I will work on my "List", school if the snow removal allows, a meeting on Friday evening, church, and the super bowl-Go Pack Go!

Winter Treasures

Tuesday afternoon, coffee is brewing, I am home in my favorite chair, afghan on my lap, and settling in to share a little time with you.  We were sent home at about 12:30 after all our students were boarded on the buses and on their way home. Like so many others across the mid-west we are preparing for a blizzard. We are expected to get 12 to 24 inches of snow and I expect to be home from school tomorrow as well.

I made homemade chicken soup on Monday and plan to make tiny drop dumplings from my grandma's recipe.  She always made us soup on cold winter days and it not only was satisfying to the tummy but it warmed our hearts as well knowing she put so much love into everything she did for us.

I have a list of possibilities for tomorrow. It will be hard to decide what to do first! I have to grade some student work so that is a have to but the rest of the list is full of opportunities.

1. Grade student work
2. Clean and organize the paper work all over my office space.
3. Work on my reading program (Work for my Master's degree)
4. Bake cinnamon bread
5. Sewing projects
6. Paint shelf for above the desk
7. Dollhouse work ( finishing touches on Victorian and start on the two shops)

With all that in mind I have to share some great finds from my auction experience on Sunday afternoon.

This beautiful Punch bowl wash 15.00. Our Emily and her Brian are getting married in September. She wants to create a candy table with small gift bags for their guests to take a treat home. I think this will work beautifully. I can't wait to see what she thinks.

The next piece I purchased for a $7.00 bid. I collect pottery and I especially like pieces that are utilitarian. I can't wait to use it!

I also purchased a large box of pottery pieces for $11.00 that will make great display pieces or planters. I'll share those with you in my next post. I'm thinking succulents would be wonderful in those pots. I got some auqa colored porcelien covered untencils and an assotment of other untensils for $2.00. I plan to display the aqua pieces on the wall in our kitchen. The others went straight into the dishwasher. All in all it was a fun day and I didn't buy a ton of stuff I don't need or won't use.
Hubby's home from the courthouse so I'll wish you a warm,cozy afternoon and a safe tomorrow. Time to bake the bread!

Small Changes create a Comfy Home

Happy Wednesday! I have a medical appointment today so no school for me. Since I have a few minutes before I have to go I thought I'd share a few small changes we've made in our living room. If you'll recall I mentioned a new love seat I found for $125.00. It was not the upholstery I fell in love with but the style and the fact that it rocks! Yes I said rocks! It is such a comfortable piece to curl up and read or watch a bit of TV.


I remembered a piece of artwork we had stored because it just didn't seem to have a place. It does now...

And on the walls that flank our patio doors I placed some wrought iron pieces I almost got rid of.

The last bit of change was adding an area rug in front of the new love seat. Hubby wasn,t sure of the pattern but I love how it adds pattern, scale, and color.

                 “Home is the most popular, and will be the most enduring of all earthly establishments”
                                                                                                                                     C. Pollock
                 Until next time...may your home be the most popular, enduring place for you and yours.

Blossoms or Snow?

With all the cold, wind, and snow I thought it would be a bit refreshing to visit a bit of summer.

Hollyhocks say summer to be in the best way possible. Gently, beautifully, with the artistry that can only be God's work.

In my last post I created a list of things I'd like to do today, tomorrow, and someday!

The first item on the list is one I feel confident in saying for today I have accomplished creating a comfortable home. I will take some pictures soon to share with you.

We purchased a brand new love seat at one of my favorite second hand stores here. It still had the tags attached to it.  The best part of this purchase was it's price-$125.00! The second best thing about this love seat is that it is a rocker. I love relaxing in it while reading or crocheting.

Now, a new piece of furniture inspired us(Hubby got involved) to make some other simple changes that added up to a refreshing atmosphere. Sometimes just rearranging or moving the artwork on the walls can give one a whole new perspective on things. I swapped out the lamps from our bedroom with those that had been in the livingroom and like magic the transformation took hold. I promise to take pics and post them in the next few days.

I am recovering from a cold so this weekend will be about rest, refuel, and restoration of my spirit. A weekend for me! Hubby has the Packer/Bear game so he's all for whatever I want to do!

Happy Wife-Happy Life is his motto! I like it too!

Have a weekend of change, rearrange, renew, restore whatever your spirit moves you to do.

And as always - enjoy every moment to it's fullest.

Snowflakes, a Puppy Dog, and Thoughts to Design...

 It's snowing today. We got about 3-4 inches and it has slowed down to flurries. I had to take a few pictures it is really very pretty.

Now I have to tell you that Buddy is waited patiently to get outside! He loves the snow. So hubby got bundled up and off they went.

Here's our silly boy after coming back in from outside. He likes to roll around on an old towel to dry himself off. He has such a proper expression he looks like he waiting for a regal introduction. Sir Buddy Boy maybe?!       

Anyway, enough of that before I bore you to death.

I have been thinking allot for the past two weeks about a new word for the year and have finally come to a decision. My word for the year is "design" and here is a list of things I'd like to design...

1. a comfortable home

2. healthier relationships

3. go kayaking

4. a new food plan

5. a travel adventure

6. a YA novel

7, a business adventure tied to English and Reading

8. pass on a few nuggets of knowledge

9. walk daily

10. collect art by Jacque LaLande

11. find an old school friend- Susie

12. Christmas in Savannah

13. Revisit Cape Cod and hang out on the Beach

14. Be a better friend

15. Create a personal masterpiece

16. Grow flowers and vegetables

17. learn to knit

18. learn something new

19. visit a zoo

20. donate something to a museum

21.get the office organized

22.Write a cookbook

23. visit the Smithsonian

24. join a book club

25. drink more tea

26. Meet Mrs. Clinton

27. Read the Bible daily 

28. Sort, organize, and complete Christmas projects

29. tai chi

30. take a creative writing class

31.a musical instrument-guitar maybe

32.create an art journal

33. create a Haiku journal

34. send all birthday cards on time -no more belated cards

35. Volunteer

36. be published

37. Explore an abandoned building

38. attend the longest rummage sale in the country

39. Open a resale shop

40. be published

41. Meet all my Blog friends

42. Attend a silent retreat

43. Spend more time with the girls

44. give John an unexpected gift

45. be of service to others

46. get all photos organized

47. create memory books for Emily and Amanda

48. find a fabulous dress for Emily and Brian's Wedding

49.be an extra in a film

50. find a small white table - a perfect table for my office for projects

It all begins one one simple step, one simple gesture...

Patchwork Beauties

Color, pattern,and shape can be found in every aspect of our lives. This almost sounds like a lead in for a lecture on the basic elements of art. But instead it is an introduction to the two lap quilts I found on our holiday road trip.

This is going to go over the back of my chair to insure I am cozy while reading.

I just love anything patchwork and even though these are not antiques they are pretty. This one may be used as a table runner. It was quilted but there is no batting between the layers.

Patchwork pieces in

Red and Blue and another hue

Sewn and fastened together patiently

With faith, hope, and love.

 

 I'm in my chair under my quilt, a pumpkin muffin and a fresh cup of coffee...

And a book that's sure to make me smile and laugh.

Enjoy your evening.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year...

May God walk with you and guide your steps in the upcoming year.

One day at a time all things are possible with Him.