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

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...

It's Sunday and I Haven't Undated Yet!

It's Sunday, well technically Monday at 12:20 pm! I was not able to get my new post finished so I'll try for later today! Please stop back and visit again.

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.

A Head Full of Clutter

The end of my summer vacation is coming to a close. And I am not letting go gracefully!  I have had a
summer break filled with so many experiences that are quickly becoming cherished memories. I have class tonight (Master's work) and will be giving a group presentation. I am as prepared as one can be I think so I have a couple hours to myself before leaving for class.  I have a head that has gone into committee! Thoughts by the thousands! Back to school, first day activities, classroom set up, unit plans, new reading programs, continued organizing around the apartment and garage, downsizing stuff, a baby shower to attend, a new exercise program, menus to create, and on and on! It may be time to look at my calendar, line up priorities and be sure to fit in some down time to think, meditate, and just breathe. I think I'll make some tea, kiss hubby, pet the dog, and just be!

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.)

Feeling Insignificant Today

I am sitting here at the keyboard wondering what to write, what to share, and is it even worth the time spent.  Rarely have I had a visitor and it makes me sad to think no one finds the things I talk about worth reading. I have three followers and I love that but each time I check my comments lately I get sad.

There is no one there.  I need to give this more thought and prayer.

Why do I feel so insignificant today?  Could my time be better spent?

Stuck in the Corridor

Have you ever felt like you are stuck in the corridor. It is a pathway, a guide but I feel like I can't move forward at the moment.  There are so many good things happpening, but with the good comes the bad.  I lost a friend yesterday and I am sad, angry, confused, and spinning with reflections of conversations we had, moments shared, and I just don't get life and people sometimes.  I should clarify that she has not passed away but passed through my life.  Resentment really eats holes in relationships, hearts,and I will not harbor any.  But I have no control over the choices others make. I will pray for her to find her way.

Faith and fear cannot live in the same house.

I have been reminded that as one person leaves my path another will take my hand and walk along.

It was also suggested I create a gratitude list...

I am grateful for:

God

my husband

daughters

son-in-laws

a loving mother

sisters and brothers

buddy the beagle

warm memories

health

a creative spirit

paints and brushes

books and more books

 life long friends

my BFF Lori

letting go

buttons

my students

a career path

hot camimille tea

coffee

new bookshelves

lifelong learning

color

beaches

seashells

pinecones

flowers

and...

What are you grateful for today?

Apartment Redo

We have bagun to implement the the apartment redo.  As I shared in an earlier post it is time to recreate our spaces to better suit the life changes we are encountering. I had this hutch in my office to hold books and other items.  It now holds our everyday dishes (Fiesta Ware we inheritrd from Hubby's Mom). The cabinets that were cleared of dishes now hold items that use to live on our counters. We now have much needed space for food prep and baking. Love it! 

Today Hubby had a contractor here to measure up a wall unit for my office.  It will be 61/2' wide and 9' tall.  And be a series od cube shaped space for book storage.  And an added bonus of a 3' by 2' wide.  We're just waiting on the final estimate.

I have been busy this past weekend sorting stuff.  It always amazes me how quickly things accumulate!

Some things are going to be sold, some donated, and some stored for later use.

in time this will be an amazing environment even if it is only four rooms!

Cubicle sweet cubicle is becoming Home Sweet Home.

Home, Designs, Dilemmas, and Little Blue Birds of Happiness

 This is a crazy picture but I wanted to share the little Blue Birds of Happiness.

Hubby and I have been in such a quandary about housing. We sold our home a year and a half ago.  And believe it or not it took 5 days.  Now that left us in need of a place to move to in a big hurry.  We found an apartment but have never really felt quite at home because we kept thinking we'd stay long enough to find the place we really want to be at.  Well, the cosmic forces have collided and we have found it necessary to make some difficult decisions.  The job hunt in Savannah is over! After over a year of working on a teaching position I'm done.  We made two trips there, meet with 17 principals and was offered an interview exactly 5 days before I started this current school year. Ethically I couldn't break my contract for a possibility.

As time has unfolded we trusted God to reveal his will for us.  I have the opportunity to begin my Masters Degree work this April. It is a big committment in addition to teaching full time but I feel confident I can do anything if i tackle it one day at a time.  I am going to become a Reading Specialist.

Now that brings us to a committment of at least two more years. So...back to the living situation...do we stay put, do we move to a bigger place, UGH!  After much consideration, prayer, and meditation we have decided to stay put.  This decision means we have to do some things to increase comfort, functionality, and decrease clutter.  I need a larger office space, a place to be creative and John needs his own comfort zones.

All this has to happen in a four room apartment!

Now to "complicate a ham sandwich!" :) we have furnishings that are in most cases too large for the space.

I kept things from our home thinking we'd only be in the apartment a short time!  :) So much for thinking! :)

So here is the challenge I am faced with.  Design four spaces to get maximum potential out of each space and do it without spending a trunk load of money.

The planning begins...more to come later.

May the Blue Birds of Happiness sit on my shoulder as I proceed!

Tasha Tudor

The first Recipe post for my Sunday Supper with Tasha Tudor will be posted Monday evening due to a weekend that was out of control busy!  Life is what happens when we are busy making plans.
Please stop back.

Organization= Comfort and Peace

As you will soon find out I decided to begin the organization project and am having fun doing it. The organization project is truely underway!  I have created a mess but as time goes on the fruits of my labor should become evident.  The challenges presented are many. This room is 14'x 16' and must serve multiple activities.  This is not an unusual dilemma for apartment dwellers but none-the-less a dilemma.

I started with the closet and placed all the things we use only on rare occassions neatly on the top shelves.  Then I went through every piece of clothing I own!  All my tops went to an upper hanging bar on the right side of the closet and then all the sweaters, skirts, pants and dresses were hung to the left.  I had 18 empty hangers when this phase was completed.  I took those items to my local clothing resale shop and 2 bags of miscellaneous purses and such went to the charity shop.  Also, I am loving the wooden hangers!

The wash basket fits nicely on the floor and my case for the laptop and my shoes are tucked neatly to the far right.  The shoes are contained in 2 hanging shoe organizers. (purchased at St. Vincent's for 1.00 each)

Organization is good but so is saving money!

I need someplace to put all our office supplies, craft supplies and sewing notions so I opted for photo boxes that I will label when I finish sorting and filling each.

Glue, tape , and fasteners in one spot!

Paints and brushes for current projects that are underway.  A shelf in the garage holds materials and supplies not currently in use.  Saves time running the stairs to get a paint color or brush I might need.

I've lightened the load on the selves to have space for the storage boxes.

I have work to do yet but it feels good to be in the process of making life more comfortable and efficient in  our little home.

Have a blessed and fruitful day.

Queen for a Day Continues...

It is 7:30 and I am on my second cup of coffee.  I would normally be at the door of my classroom greeting students as we settle in to begin our day.  However, weather has made it impossible for the school buses to run safely.  The roads are all ice covered and extremely dangerous to navigate.  So, I am home and need to decide how I'm going to spend my day.

I could spend the day being creative.  I have sewing projects underway, new dollhouses to assemble, button jewelry designs to execute, and fairy dolls to take off the sketch book pages and bring to life.

Then there is the whole organization project I have planned.  What"s a girl to do?

I could skip all the other ideas and write.  I love to write annd am in the midst of a project.

I am currently writing a story about a young girl who has grown up on a farm, lost her parents, and has to cope with the loss of her parents and the home she has known, moving to the city, living with an aunt and uncle she barely knows, and all the pressures that teens are confronted with today.

Or...

I could play with the dog and just do nothing!  I'll let you know how my day unfolds later.

For now let me wish you a day filled with activity you can immerse yourself in having the best day ever!

Queen for a Day

I had the day off to celebrate Martin Luther King Day.  I honored Doctor King's memory by reading about his life, planning an activity for my students to do tomorrow and clearly understanding that each of us has a contribution to make to this world.  What do I give, what can I give?  It may not be in the way that Doctor King moved people to achieve the dream of equal rights for all men but I can contribute.  I will work to give of myself and to be of service to those that touch my life.

On a less serious note...I have decided that I could be

"Queen for a Day"!

The position of status may be a bit over dramatic but I did spend the better part of the day doing things because I wanted to not because I had to.  I started the morning doing my schoolwork, lesson plans, and such in my pj's!  The mid-morning brought time for a walk and a breath of fresh air.  It is fascinating how my thoughts flow as I walk quietly taking in what's around me.  It was about 30 degrees but I was bundled up so I didn't mind.  After arriving home I proceeded to put the final touches on packing the remainder of the Christmas decorations and Hubby was kind enough to carry them to their resting place in the garage.

Lunch, blog visits and a baking adventure!  I made two pear tarts, I've never made them before so it was an experiment to say the least.

I started with a pie crust round in a glass pie plate, filled the center, folded the crust over and baked it at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.  It was a yummy dessert.

Recipe: Diane's Pear Tart

2 Crusts-homemade or your favorite store brand

Filling:

4 pears-peeled and sliced (be sure to remove the center core)

Mix the cinnamin,sugar and lemon juice with the pears-set aside while preparing your crust

1/3 cup sugar

1tsp cinnamin

1 tsp lemon juice

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup chopped pecans


Mound the filling onto the crust-fold the sides over and bake
at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
Serve warm by itself or with ice cream!
Yield: two tarts
It was a very rustic, satisfying dessert.

After baking and putting chili in the crock pot I grabbed a cup of tea, my current read, and sat down in our office/guest room/ craft room/ everything else room and I became completely distracted by the clutter and disfunction.  Note to self- Get organized!

It seems that this is the time of year when I get this feeling of angst

over too much stuff and no space.  But where there's a will there's a way!

Before I jump in I need a plan so I got out my notebook and started making lists and sketches of furniture layouts.

Step one: declutter

Step two: determine what will be donations, sold, or shared with someone who needs the item

Step three: decide on furniture placement

Step four: figure out new ways of storing the things I use most often and those things that only come out occassionally

Step five:  Sit back and enjoy the new space!

This is an aggressive undertaking and I need to do this

in a way that doesn't drive me crazy!

Ideas are always welcome! 

What are your favorite organizing tips? 

With that I'll wish you a wonderful day. 

God Grant Me Serenity...

I took a walk today and found the last bits of autumn letting go. It seemed to be inviting the wind and the chill that has taken over the landscape.  Like the seeds with thier fuzzy tails adrift in every direction I find myself  a drift in my thoughts. I am in need of some quiet time.  My head just spins sometimes.  Ideas, plans, concerns, worries, responsibilities, projects, people to reach, oh my!  Life can become a jumbled rush to the end of each day.  And that is no way for anyone to live.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

I need to seperate the tasks and recognize that God doesn't give me more than I can handle.  I have completed our Christmas shopping.  Gift wrapping is on the agenda for tomorrow.  And I plan to decorate on Saturday.  John will help me with our Christmas cards and letters next week and then there is baking.  Don't misunderstand I love everything about celebrating Christmas but I must work each season not to get caught up in what can become crazy and out of control.

In the mean time I am working hard to keep up with school work as I will be leaving on Sunday morning to attend an education conference Monday and Tuesday.  I will have to write lesson plans for next week, as well as, plans for my Substitute teacher. 

I have an abundance of gratitude for all of it-the good, the busy, the chaotic, and the calm.

May God grant you serenity as you live your day to the fullest.

What's a Girl to Do?

I have taken a break from blogging for a bit but I'm back now! I was a bit discouraged with the process and needed some time to decide what direction to take. I concluded that I need to focus on the things I know best: Teaching, Parenting, Vintage treasures, Books, Sewing and Quilting, Imagination, Living Frugally, and Crafts and Creating.

Then I looked back at my posts and realized that is exactly what I have been doing!

Like sheep I need to be lead sometimes. Yet I yearn to stretch and express myself.
To find unique expression and to share ideas old and new.

The week has been filled with lesson plans, student work, making connections and being a guide. As a teacher I lead students to discoveries of characters, cultures, histories, and events they may be experiencing for the first time. It is a fascinating opportunity to share the process of learning. I hope to nurture a love of literature and a love of learning in the students I work for.

Perfect teaching Is nothing other than Sharing with others
The knowledge
That we claim as our own.
My heart is teaching me How to be pure. My soul is teaching me How to be happy.

By: Sri Chinmoy

May the sun always shine on those who choose to learn, to teach, and to live life fully.
Have a fabulous Thursday and don't forget to search and discover something new.