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?

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!

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.

I am Back and Just in Time for a 100th Blog Anniversary!

Teddy bear Inspiration

Learn to Listen Like a Teddy Bear, with ears open and mouth closed tight.

Learn to forgive like a Teddy Bear, with Heart open not caring who is right,

Learn to love like a Teddy Bear with arms open.

As I think about 100 posts I can hardly believe how much time has passed.

It is an incredibly busy time for me and I am still pondering what direction to take with this blog so stay tuned as the ideas become reality!

Here's hoping the next 100 posts will bring enlightenment, simple pleasures, and many new friends!

God bless you during the preparation of your upcoming Christmas celebrations...

Diane

I'll Be Back Soon...Very Soon!

It has been some time since I have posted. I am beginning to find balance and will be back to start a new on Saturday.

Come Walk With Me at Perry Farms

And I continue to walk and take joy in all the God has created...

Have a day filled with nature...

It's All In The Routine

Everyone needs a little piece of the outdoors to call their own sanctuary. My retreat comes in the form of a balcony off our living room.

I've had one week of summer break from school and I was concerned about what I would do with the lack of a routine. I know myself and I don't do well without a routine. So I took advantage of the foresight into the change coming and did some things I'm really enjoying. For starters I am up at 7:00am, I walk from 8am-9am, have breakfast, 30 minutes of  inspirational reading and meditating and then on with the rest of my day.

Some of the other activities include:

Cleaning, Decorating, and Putting on a Fresh Face:

I started by taking one area of the apartment daily and began a deep clean, then changed up the decor in simple ways to freshen the look for the summer.

The area I decided to work on first was our balcony.  I have a bistro table and two chairs at one end and a chair and small end table at the other end. The furnishings work for coffee, tea in the afternoon, reading, and writing but it had no personality so I found two crockery planters for $2.00 a piece and purchased purple

and yellow petunias. I placed one on each table.  In addition I found the candle touchier. It adds such fabulous glow in the early evening.  The last thing I'd like to do is a small outdoor carpet to tie it all together.

The next stop the office/ guest room.

Crafting:

The addition of items that are unique, pretty, or simply speak to me often requires crafting, painting, and refurbishing. My latest project is a triptych of funky 1970's buildings. Each is in a different degree of distress but I have begun to clean, repaint, and eventually I will frame them.  Notice the scratches in the roof; that scratch ran the length of the picture. Restoration continues!

I also came across eight wooden houses in different styles for .50 each. I am thinking about ways I can display them other than setting them on a shelf. Any ideas?

These are just a few of the Painted Ladies. I'm thinking a part of a collage? I'll update you on my decision later.

Hope your having a wonderful Wednesday, and now I'm off to plan dinner and catch an hour of reading.

A New Day Begins the Framing of a New Routine

 I am sitting here at my computer. It is the first day of summer break and I am a bit confused as I am completely out of my routine. What to do first? I was up by 7:15, had coffee with Hubby before he left for work, said my morning prayers and did a little meditating on a spiritual reading, had my breakfast(1/2 cup strawberries,a small banana, and vanilla yogart) working on a healthier eating plan!,have answered all email and visited with a few friends via their blogs.  Now what! Housework maybe?

Or maybe some menu and recipe planning?

Or maybe I should take a walk?

Or call a friend and chat?

The possibilities are mind boggling! I am going to call my Mom for a visit via the phone, then do some last minute homework for school, and when I'm finished treat myself to a walk in the park, after that who knows...the day will unfold as God sees fit. 

Have a wonderful day whether you are following a routine that works for you or simply being spontaneous.

(The photos were taken at the Lighthouse Keepers home at Tybee Island,Ga. It is now part of the lighthouse museum.)

Time...How Precious It Is

    My life seems to have been reduced to a juggling for time.  Now understand I am not complaining just     recognizing how precious time is and how important to LIVE it not just fill it.

I live a life filled with learning, loving, and new discoveries daily.

How wonderful it is to have tea in a pretty cup.

I embrace a softer style.

I love the seashore and the gifts it leaves for us.

Translucent color that highlights the reflected light within our home.

This photo is cloudy but it looks like a field full of tiny white blooms.

Treasures that make me smile and inspires creativity.

Grandma's thimble...How many garments did she sew in her lifetime? Thousands I suspect!

The elegance of coffee, a bit of dessert, my favorite book of the moment, and hubby sharing a few relaxing moments.

Just for today I will Thank God for all the gifts I have received.

Have a wonderful weekend filled with living fully.

Savannah in Full Bloom

I am back from vacation and as wonderful as it is to get away I am happy to be home.
I had needed an opportunity to get centered and regain my focus.  I had been feeling out of sorts and disconnected from people, places, and things in my life but I am back!  God always gives me exactly what I need no matter what.  Hubby and I spent spring break in Savannah and at Tybee Island. I had time to slow down, and enjoy the beauty that was around every corner!  The gardens were breathtaking and I relished every moment of our visit.

I had questioned so many things in my life and know that it is okay to question but far better to embrace faith.  I have been blessed with the opportunity to go back to school and study to recieve my masters.  When finished with my program I will have a Reading Specialists degree.  I hope to continue teaching and put more energy in my writing.  I continue to work on a website for students and parents focused on Reading and Language Arts.  I hope to provide a comprehensive site that will assist traditional and homeschool students.

These are big goals but I know that if I take it one day ata time, one step at a time I will be guided to the realization of each of the paths layed out before me.

Inspiration comes in so many forms and the willingness to go forward comes from a strong belief that if a task is worthwhile it can be accomplished.  

So for today I will embrace life and each moment of inspiration as a gift.

Have a day filled with the joy in your own inspirations revealed and realized through your personal journey.