All Things Nice . . .

 

(source) 

She doesn't know that life can be

So very grim and hard,

That years can drag with weary feet

Dull as a prison yard.

That dreams can lose their shining shape

And all their brightness fade

And love -- ah love can perish too

In crumbling ruins laid.

She doesn't know -- at seventeen

How swift the years will fly

Life stretches wide before her feet

Fair as a summer sky.

A thousand beckoning hills to climb

A thousand ways to roam

And all the roads of all the world

Leading away from home.

She doesn't know the happiness

The love and joy she seeks

Is deep within her tender heart

That peace and honor speaks

Above the darkest blackest night

In accents loud and clear

And one sweet voice is loud enough

For all the world to hear.

She doesn't know -- at seventeen

How values change and grow,

That Age has peace and happiness

That Youth can never know.

She doesn't know the hills of home

Are fair and fresh and green

She only sees the far-off fields

And heights -- at seventeen.

~Edna Jacques, At Seventeen

Roses in December

 

(source)

I have always loved snapdragons.

Reading this poem this morning really resonated with me.  Here I am on my 67th Birthday, only three years away from 70. How did that happen??? How did I ever get so old, but nevertheless here I am and grateful I am for the privilege too, for it is denied to many!  I am grateful for every second and minute of every day, month, and year.   For all of the highs and lows and experiences, both the good and the bad . . .  that have helped to shape me.  I like me.  I really do.

Oh, sure I would love to be thinner and prettier. Who wouldn't?  Even the thinnest most beautiful women in the world want to be those things . . .  but by and large I like me.

I like that I know the things in life which really matter most and that I know how to love unconditionally, how to forgive unconditionally, how to serve and how to care with all of myself. I like that I am not a mean person or unkind.  And that I have discovered the secrets of having a life filled with joy and with meaning.  And I like that I am still growing, becoming, evolving, perfecting  . . . with each day that passes.

I did not know any of these things at 17.  Oh how very much I had to learn! And still have to learn! One of the greatest joys in life is that we can learn something new every day! 

So far today I have opened some very pretty cards from friends both near and far, and I know my sister will have a lovely one for me later and probably my father too.  It is nice to be thought of. I appreciate it very much.  

And I have gotten some lovely gifts.  Thank you all. You know who you are.  I feel so loved.  But most of all the gift of friendship, which is worth much more than its weight in gold and silver. I am so blessed to be thought of so highly.  Thank you.  You do me a great honor. 

I gave myself a couple of gifts this week as well.

 

I have loved quotes and quotations all of my life. Snippets of inspiration and wisdom so months ago when I learned that Susan Branch was writing a book filled with them.  I knew I had to have it, no matter the cost, and so I pre-ordered it and it arrived just a few days ago, just in time for my birthday!  And I am in love with it.  Its filled to overflowing with loads of inspirational words, categorized and decorated with her beautiful little pieces of artwork.  I just love it! 

And last night, as I was sitting here, I gave myself another gift. I sat down and started to sketch a character. Its been a long time since I have felt inspired enough to do one of my little girls.  When mom died a bit of the wind went out of my sails, and then things just kind of escalated from there and you know all that has happened. 

I was really not feeling inspired enough to want to do anything like that.  But last evening I sat down and this sprung from my fingertips. She is far from finished, but she is a start.  I have missed this side of my creativity very much.  The thought that I may be getting some of it back is a huge gift indeed.

And yesterday there was a knock on my door and Sheila was standing there with a small gift for me. It is a small wind chime, with a little fairy on it. My first fairy at Bountiful.  I have hung it over the door as a reminder of how much I am loved. Every time the door opens or closes I will hear a sweet tinkle to remind me that I matter and that I am loved. What better gift!

It was so sweet of her. She lost her wee doggie this week. Chloe. Chloe was very old and blind and deaf, but she was company. I knew Sheila was devastated at her loss.  I printed out the poem Rainbow Bridge for her and took it over and had a wee visit with her the day after she lost Chloe.  Then a bit later on she came over to show me that she had framed it.  That made my heart smile to know that I had made her heart smile. 

 

(source)

Music

I find that as I get older I tend to think more and more about the past.  I am sure we are all very similar in that. I think the tendency can be, as we travel back, to flood our minds with memories we would just as soon not recall.  We remember the young seventeen year old who felt awkward or like they didn't fit in. I think even the beauty queens had such moments. Age has taught me that life was not then, nor is ever perfect for anyone. We all have our aches and sorrows to bear.

How much better it would be when we start to recall a wincing, sad episode in our story of life, to switch to something much happier in its place. To remember an accomplishment we are proud of, or a moment which brought us great joy.  Something tender and something sweet.  I believe that life dishes out an even balance of both the sour and the sweet . . . those of us who can dwell more on the weight of the sweet in the balance will be all the happier for doing so.  And when we do remember the sad . . .  remember even that those sad moments are a part of what makes us the beautiful we's that we are.  

 

Nutmeg was enjoying my pressies

right along with me.

Count it all joy. If we find it so easy in our hearts to be kind to others, let us also be kind to ourselves.

I must be about my day!  I have miles to go before sleep as someone famously once said!

A thought to carry with you  . . .

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •

•。★★ 。* 。

° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚

˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛

˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★

*How we remember, what we remember,

and why we remember, form the most

personal map of our individuality.

~Christina Baldwin•。★★ 。* 。

You just know I baked myself a Birthday cake for today. Scandinavian Almond Cake. 

I hope you have a beautiful day today. So far it is looking like its going to be a sunny one here.  Above all be blessed and happy. Don't forget! 

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⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
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And I do too!       

 

My Friday Finds . . .

 

 

A  few of the things  I find each week that pique my interest, bring me joy, inspire me to learn, create, do, become . . . Maybe they will do the same for you!   

A sewing machine presser food guide from Love Sewing. 

Faced with a Tomato glut?  How to make your own Tomato Paste.  From The Kitchn. 

I've seen lots of pretty lacy Christmas Angel Ornaments before, but I have never seen any like these.  I like them!  From Ravelry. Roswitha Meuller. quick and easy, crochet. 

DIY Watercolour Fall Wreath. Innstruck Studio.  There are a lot of free tutorials if you are into watercolouring.  Great!  

 

Martha Stewart.  How to make an envelope Book with a cloth binding.  I want to do this.  

I could find no source for this, so if you know whose it is, tell me and I will add it.  It's a brilliant pictorial tutorial on a simple book binding method. 

Tea Rose Home.  A complete tutorial on a bottlecap, magentic stickable pin cushion.  

Keep yourself limber  . . .  well, should have tried this 20 years ago maybe  . . .  probably two late now, but I can try.  Even a little is better than nothing.  Again no source. 

Tiny Kitty, a free pattern from While She Naps.  Made from a circle of plush. Complete Tutorial. 

Flower Pot Mushroom House.  So cute!  From Think Crafts.  

From Make.  How to make a sewing kit from an old eye glasses case.   

16 Lunch Box Ideas for back to school.  Great ideas for lunch period! Eazy Peazy Meals.  Lunch can get pretty boring. these look pretty healthy. I could go for some of those.

 

Sew Can She.  DIY Scrappy Pet Leash. Free Tutorial. 

Fabric Bowl Covers.  From  Hearth and Vine. 

DIY Cloth Napkins.  From  Chocolate and Zucchini.  Complete Tutorial.  

5 Simple Steps to a paperless Kitchen.  From  Happy Healthy Mama. 

A complete tutorial on how to make a Pom Pom Wreath for any occasion.  Found on  The Spruce.  Christmas is coming.  This would be great done in reds, greens and white . . .  oh and sparkles! 

How to cover a bag with colourful fabric yoyo's so easy to make.  Its in Spanish, but there are links to a yoyo necklace also.   Cute!  Find this here.  

 

Little Golden Book Birdhouses . . . from Books and Whatnot.  Seems a bit of a sacriledge to do this with a book, but sooooo cute!  

From Crochet Treasures.  10 free crochet Christmas stocking patterns. 

Jelly Wares.  Crochet Christmas Star tutorial.  Pictorial.   

Crochet Christmas Light Garland tutorial.  A great way to use up some of those yarn scraps!  I can't find a source for this, can anyone help??? 

 

How to make a reversable Swifter sock.  From  Crafty by Nature.  

Crochet covered sponges.  What a novel idea.  From Ravelry and Sylver Designs.  A free pattern.  

Roasting times for vegetables.  A handy lists from She Knows.   

  

How to Cook a variety of grains.  Very handy to know. 

Back to School Survival Kit, from Pizzazzerie. What a great idea for those teens going back to school to keep in their locker! 

 

DIY Simple Made Pretty Homework Caddy Stations. Clever idea.  

And those are my finds for this week!  I hope you found some of them useful! 

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

.° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *.˛.° ˛°If of thy mortal goods, thou art bereft,

and from they slender store two loaves alone to thee are left,

sell one and with the dole buy hyacinths to feed the soul.

~Sadie Gulistan  .° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •  

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Fried Chicken Tacos. I don't normally fry foods in my kitchen, but I couldn't resist trying these. They were delicious. I small batched the recipe to feed only two or three people.   

I hope that you have a lovely Friday.  Its a bit dull and overcast here. Its expected to be so all day, but we are in for a rainy weekend. We do need the rain however, so its all good.  Whatever you get up to, don't forget! 

═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
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And I do too!

My Favorite Things . . .

 

A few of the things in life that make my heart go pitter pat. Maybe they will do the same thing for yours. ♥♥♥    I'm pretty sure however, that these things mainly make my own heart sing.  I haven't done one of these in a few weeks, so I thought it was time.

 

(source)

Spindle beds. I have always wanted one. 

 

(source)

Wildflowers. I know to some they are weeds, but I find them to be quite beautiful, plus they are of super importance to our world, butterflies, bees, etc. 

 

(source)

Sunflowers  . . .  I love them.  They always make me smile.  I once lived in an old farmhouse and the farm across the road from us grew sunflowers for bird seed.  Acres of sunflowers. Such a pretty sight! 

(source)

Window seats. A place to watch the world go by  . . .  

 

(source)

Weathered wood . . . so pretty  . . . 

 

(source)

If I had a figure like this, I would wear dresses all the time  . . . 

 

(source)

Mail. I love getting mail, except for bills, lol  Oh, I was in the Post Office one day last week to post out some Birthday cards and this man was in there in front of me and he had hundreds of packages he was mailing out.  Just the one charge was for over $900. He crashed the computer.  The guy who stamped my cards was only guessing at how much they would be.  I have been curious ever since as to what this man was sending.  I was too polite to ask.

 

(Source)

Casserole bread. Its been a very long time since I have made any  . . . 

 

(source)

Fresh produce  . . .  I do so love this time of year when we are blessed with abundance.

 

(source)

She has amazing class  . . . she reminds me of the Queen, she never puts a foot wrong.

 

(source)

Beeswax  . . .  so pretty and the smell. I love the smell of beeswax candles . . . 

 

(source)

A sunny window . . . now that's a happy place. Everything sparkles and gleams  . . .  

 

(source)

Roof tops and spires  . . . 

 

(source)

I used to love wearing things like this in my hair. I loved those little butterfly clips. I would have loved these bees . . . 

 

(source)

Cats that play peek-a-boo  . . . 

 

(source)

Dogs  . . .  I sure miss Mitzie.  She came into my mind yesterday, a picture of her as clear as a bell. My heart ached, but I know she is safe and happy and well loved. 

 

(source)

I used to love long hot soaks  . . . 

 

(source)

Hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows on top  . . .  so naughty, but so nice  . . . 

 

(source)

Shadows  . . .  I love shadows and light and the way they play together  . . . 

 

(source)

Oh my  . . . this is everything I love about a kitchen . . .  the colors, the window, the curtain, the crockery, plate rails, copper etc.  not too fond of the sink, but I could live with this quite easily! 

And those are my favorite things for this week.  Another one is my two companions who keep me company all the day through!

My grandson Jon has tested positive for Covid. He was away to a Tim Horton's Camp for kids. He had a ball at camp, was back home for one day, and tested positive. I am sure he will be okay, he is young and strong. My largest concern is for my son Doug (his father) who has a heart condition, and his grandparents (Calvin and Mary) whom they live with. Calvin had cancer, and has a compromised immune system.  I am praying and hoping they will all be okay.

I am so sick of Covid as are we all. No pun intended. There is so much misinformation out there.  There are so many who think, quite mistakenly, that the Pandemic is over, and that we no longer have a need for concern.  The top Doctor for Nova Scotia and for the country has advised us all along, even though there is no longer a legal mandate to wear masks or socially distance,  that we (especially indoors, and in crowds) . . . that we continue to both mask and socially distance. And so I do, even though most are not any longer.  As far as I am concerned, so long as I am still required to mask and sanitize to go into the hospital, the Vet, etc. I need to do so in my every day life. My Eileen has decided that she can not have a relationship with me so long as I am continuing to be careful and masking. That makes me very sad, and I know I need to make allowances for her developmental disability, but it really does make me sad.  

Not a lot planned for today.  A bit of this and a bit of that and a whole lot of nothing, lol.

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •

•。★★ 。* 。

° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚

˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛

˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★

*What happiness there is

when I wake up and find

near me the gift of morning!

Abbie Graham•。★★ 。* 。 

Another one of my favorite things. Broccoli Cheese Soup.  I small batched a favorite recipe to feed just two people. Its delicious!

I wish for you a beautiful day. Go. Be happy. Be blessed.  Don't forget  . . . 

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⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════     


And I do too!