Tuesday 9 January 2018

The Simple Woman's Daybook ...

 
FOR TODAY, January 9, 2018
Outside my window ...
Its cold, dark and quiet. We have had a very cold Winter thus far. Oh, I know you North Americans will laugh at what we consider to be cold.  Anything near zero.  There was a time I wouldn't have thought of that as being particularly cold either. But our houses are not built for cold over here, nor are our heating systems.  There are no basements to insulate our floors against the cold earth. My floors are like ice.  Our heating works on the radiator system, and mine are lousy.  By the time the heat gets up to the bathroom, there is none.  It is the last radiator in the system and it sends out negligible heat if any at all. We have a gas heater in the bathroom that we use when we are getting washed, showering, etc.  A gas bottle lasts us a couple of years, so its not bad.  That first sit down on the toilet in the morning is a real eye-opener however! 
I am thinking ...
I have been thinking a lot about life and death lately. I think losing four friends and a prophet in less than six months does that to you . . .  gets you to thinking about your own mortality.  I am not really afraid of being dead, but I am a tiny bit afraid of the process that gets you from here to there. Its the giving up of complete control I guess. I am also afraid that I will die and whatever is unresolved between myself and several of my loved ones will remain unresolved. Death is so final. Once I pass over, it is too late to mend fences. Nevertheless, I know that my Heavenly Father answers the prayers of righteous mothers, so if I continue to do the things I need to do, then all will be made right. I just need to keep reminding myself that everyone as a journey to take and their own free will to make their own choices. You cannot impose your will on another, no matter how much you love them. It is their journey to take. Agency is a gift from God. There is plenty of joy in my journey.  That is what I must cling to.

In the kitchen ...

Matcha Molten Lava Cakes. Oh boy, ohh boy, ohhhh boy. Beautifully delicious. The recipe makes only two so it is perfect for making for a romantic diner pour deux.  Not so hard to make at all.
On my "To Cook" list ...
From Cafe Delights. Honey Mustard Salmon in Foil.  This looks fabulously tasty!  
Good to know ... 



If you add 1/2 cup each hyrdrogen peroxide, baking soda and water to your wash you can make your dingy whites whiter than white.

I am creating ... 

Puffin Patchwork.  For sale, and not cheap,  but you could easily figure these out if you are a bit artistic.  I think they are quite adorable.


Arrow Stitch Blanket. I love the colours. From DIY Everywhere.  

  

The District Domestic a quick and easy knitted scarf.  

  

Malabrigo Loafers from Cocoa Knits.  

 

Pretty Poncho from Tina's Handicrafts. (Be warned there is music so don't jump out of your skin.) I love this and wish I had the courage to wear one.

I am reading ... 

 

 
The Mysteries, by Lisa Tuttle
This standalone novel from award-winning author Lisa Tuttle is a blend of mystery, thriller and fantasy that will leave you looking over your shoulder.

Laura Lensky's daughter, Peri, has been missing for two years. For the police it's a closed case - she wanted to run away - but for her mother and boyfriend, Hugh, it's a different story. When Laura hires private investigator Ian Kennedy, it is a last-ditch attempt to find her daughter before she leaves for America. Drawn in by strange parallels to an obscure Celtic myth and his first, almost unexplainable case, Ian takes the job. But his beliefs are about to be stretched to their limit - there are darker and more devious forces at work here than any of them imagined . . .

 'It will make the hairs stand up on the back of your head. It will make you imagine things you've never imagined before. And it will make you think. It is her best novel to date' - Michael Moorcock

This is an "I can't put it down" book!

I am looking forward to ...
getting on with more sorting out in the house. There is much to be done.

Dreaming about ...

That coat  . . .  those tights . . . 

  

Sheer  . . .  lace . . .  flowers . . .  ruffles . . . 


Dior  . . .  bees, ladybugs and flowers on swiss dot  . . .  sigh  . . . and that sweater hem embroidery . . . 

  

Embroidered sweatshirts . . . 


Oh to be young and thin again  . . . 

Something to watch ...
 

Watching Friends on Netflix.  My ex didn't like shows like this so I never got to watch it first time around.  Am enjoying it this time around.

A Quote for the day ...

(¯`v´¯)
  `*.¸.*´Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ¸. •´¸.•~♥♥♥~•. ~ ღϠ₡ღ¸. ✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ.
              ( ¸. ❀⁀ ⋱‿✿“` * .¸.* ✻ღϠ₡ ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ..  
Exercise is a celebration of what you can do
not a punishment for what you ate. ✻ღϠ₡ ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ.. 

Makes me smile ...


Somebunny's turning nine today!  He is a delightful little boy who loves magic.   Love our Josh to bits.  Happy Birthday Josh! 

Corner's of my Kingdom ...


The Iconic Tower Bridge, London.  Beautiful.

  And that's my daybook for this week!


  ⋱ ⋮ ⋰
⋯ ◯ ⋯ Take time to enjoy the small *´¯`.¸¸.☆
  ⋰ ⋮ ⋱ blessings in life.*´¯`.¸¸.☆


✿¸.•*¨`*•..✿✿¸.•*¨`*•..✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿ ✿¸.• ╬♥═╬╬═♥=╬╬═♥╬╬═♥╬╬═♥=╬╬♥═╬♥╬╬═♥╬╬═♥=╬╬♥
░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░     
 
 
 
BOOK OF MORMON CORNER - Today's Reading - 2 Nephi 31:1-21 
Question - Why is baptism so important? What does 'enduring to the end' mean to you?  
 
My ThoughtsI can remember when the Missionaries were teaching me when I was investigating the church for myself.  We read about Christ's Baptism, and I remember thinking to myself, if he who is perfect had the need for Baptism, how much more do I need it.  Two of the most wonderful things happen in this chapter. We have the exact words of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father through Nephi. Jesus Christ says to him (to us), "He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do". And Heavenly Father says to him (to us), "Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved". These are promises made directly to us!
 
Enduring is trusting that there is an end, it is an achievement. When a marathon runner wins his race his enduring is over. The difficulty wasn't for nothing it was for the prize. The marathon runner chooses to run either because he thinks the prize is worth the difficulty is worth the prize or he loves to run or both. There can be enjoyment in enduring. Men are that they might have joy. The Lord wants us to be happy during our trials and face difficulty with enthusiasm rather than being overwhelmed. He wants us to become like him and to do that, we need trials we need to be refined. Baptism is the beginning of this process when give away all our sins and we take his name upon ourselves. It is when we enter the refiners fire and gain the potential to become like him. 
 
Tomorrow's Reading (Day 73) -  2 Nephi 32:1-9 
Question - What have you learnt from the reading today? How is the Holy Ghost part of our feasting upon the words of Christ?
  

Have a wonderful Tuesday!  Hope you stay safe and warm and that you have a lovely day!  Don't forget along the length of your day!

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And I do too! 

 


9 comments:

  1. Hi, Marie! Cold is cold...Anything less than zero is cold... LOL! And we're having some cold here too. In a way, winter feels long already... We have electric heat going most of the day, we supplement with our little fireplace, I wear many layers--even indoors...and yet I always feel cold! Like you, I think it's not so much the fear of dying and going to the next life--which is with the LORD, hooray!--but th getting there, the fear of the process of dying, say if one becomes sick, etc. and having to say goodbye to those we love. So much to think about, and pray on! Ooo... that honey mustard salmon looks good. Is kind of like a recipe I have. Those felt hearts are sooo CUTE! Those would be easy to make something similar. Love the idea of a mini landscape done in felt! I like that purple knit scarf--nice way to use up some stash yarn too. Those knit slippers are so elegant--mUst go see about those. That poncho with mix of lacy granny squares and granny stripes is a wonderful--bookmarking that one too. ;) Love that floral coat--wouldn't that be lovely for spring?! I'm wanting to make more clothes this year--I should add a spring coat to the list. Such pretty fashion finds, and more today! Your Josh is 9...how did that happen so fast?! Hope he has a sweet day. :) And hope you have a sweet day, and a sweet week, my sister-friend--LOVE YOU LOTS!! ((LOVE & BIG HUGS))

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  2. It's 22 degrees now Marie. It sure is alot better than -20, just a few days ago!

    I love salmon now, but when I was younger you couldn't get me to try it. Lol. It's funny how our taste buds change when we grow up.

    Friends is all my granddaughter Lex watches when she goes to her grandparents house. Nonstop! Lol.

    Your grandson Josh is a cutie for sure!

    Love and big hugs!xo

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  3. Hi Marie, lovely day book today. I love that dress, but you're right, I'm not young enough or slim enough either!! With my daughters wedding in September I'll have to think about dresses soon but desperately want to lose a few pounds....er stones, first! And just to help matters we're out for another meal tonight for Georges sons' birthday. No peace for the wicked!

    I have just read Sybils comments from yesterday about not keeping cards etc. I am not a hoarder at all but I have kept special cards over the years and keep them in a box. I have ones from my Mum and my husband and although I miss them both desperately, I never look at them. They're just there, along with lovely notes and drawings my daughter gave me while she was growing up. I have never thought about the impact this box would have on someone else when I die. I need to rethink it and possibly have a conversation with my daughter. Thanks Sybil for the food for thought!

    Have a good, warm and cosy day, lot's of love xxx

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  4. He's a cutie..

    :)

    For a few years..I have been thinking about death and I am not afraid of dying,it's the process..Suffering.
    Some don't ..many do.
    :(:(

    May people care for their elderly parents:( The circumstances are sad.
    It's not pretty out there.
    Couples try and care for each other..all I can say is marry more than a pretty face..or the life of the party.. ..KIND KIND KIND is number 1..
    Ok..
    I read those words too about the cards..and several yrs ago..maybe 5..I threw a very large box away..yrs and yrs..
    I have to say I have thought about them.I saved my husband's and my daughters and my grandchildrens..I did save a folder w/ client appreciation cards..but so many were thrown away..
    prior to that..when a friend knocked the breath out of me for the third time.I got rid of everything.Almost..
    I am leery about best friend cards now etc..
    Best friend to me implies a lot;)I belive now I have never once met someone who took the word seriously.
    They just loved the words..

    I need to find a way for a journal or two to disappear before me;)
    Finally got around to watching the CTM Christmas special..tears..!
    And of course the great freeze of 62-63!
    I had a tiny hopeful feeling the wee hot water bottle and a miracle could do the trick♥




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    1. I hope Mon you weren't talking about me!, if so I'm sorry!

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  5. I couldn't help but smile when you mentioned sitting on the toilet seat first thing in the day! Hahaha! (But not funny!) When we lived in our old house in LaHave, we had the same problem. We had forced hot air heating, but it never "forced" much to the top floor. One way we dealt with the toilet seat problem was to cut out a seat shaped piece of styrofoam and attach it. That solved the problem (but was not nice to clean).

    I too share your love of embroidered things. That Dior dress is to die for.

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  6. I've never feared death like so many do. It is a part of life. We don't get to choose. Some die young some very old and not the way is not always easy at all.

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  7. Hi Marie!

    I'm so sorry that it has been cold! I never really thought about homes in your part of the world not being insulated. I hope it warms up so you don't freeze...no wonder you've been thinking about death... ;0/

    I think about death way more than I should...I know a lot of very good people on the other side that I would love to have a nice visit with, and a hug! It is part of life, isn't it. I remember reading that Joseph Smith told his friends that he could do more for them on the other side of the veil...I hope that's true, be cause there's a few people who need my help here, but won't take it. Yes, we need to enjoy our journey!

    I love the crochet ideas, especially the Arrow Stitch Blanket, so cute, and what a fun stitch!

    The poncho is adorable - you could totally pull it off, just wear it in the house to keep warm if you're not comfortable wearing it outside. It's really cute. It would be a great bed jacket.

    Your book looks so good! I need to finish the ten I already have downloaded before I start another, but this one is on my wish list.

    Oh, yes, to be thin again. I will never be a size 7 again...but I am trying to learn to be comfortable in my own skin. It's hard. It just seems like I have been fighting this battle for soooooooo long! We just need to work on being healthy and happy... :0)

    My sister loves, Friends. Like you, she never watched it when it was popular, but she is loving it now! She also loves, Gilmore Girls. I tried getting into it, but it just wasn't me.

    Happy Birthday to, Josh! I just have a soft spot for a red headed cute kid...he's adorable!!

    I think some people have to endure more than others...and sometimes, it seems like a battle that will never be won. Thank goodness for the Plan of Salvation! No matter how hard fought our battle is here on earth, the end result will be amazing on the other side. I think of President Monson, and how amazing it must have been for him to walk through the veil...it make my heart so happy for him! He truly endured to the end.

    I got a haircut today, and she cut it too short...I will have to endure to the end...or at least two weeks... ;0)

    Much love to you dear friend!

    Hugs and Love,
    Barb

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  8. Thanks very much Tracy! I can see you with the purple scarf, it is very YOU. So is the Poncho! The grands are growing up far quicker than I would like! haha Love you! xoxo

    Thansk Jan! I am enjoying friends this time around, even if it is a bit dated. I like dated. There are some very good shows on the telly these days, but many are a bit too raw for my tastes! Love and hugs. xoxo

    You lead such a lovely busy life Kate! Sometimes I think my life is very boring, but it is my life and the way I like it, so its all good! I am excited about your daughter's wedding. You will be beautiful no matter what you find to wear and what a lovely occasion and blessing! xoxo

    Thanks Monique. He is a cutie for sure. I have a soft spot in my heart for red heads. Like you, for me, it is the process. I say, be kind . . . I have a great love for people who are kind. None of us is perfect and we all fall short of the mark many, many times, but if you can find a friend who is kind more often than not, then you have found a treasure. I am so sorry that you were hurt in such a way. You are such a kind dear person, you deserve better. (((hugs))) I think people buy cards with words they would like to hear for themselves oftimes. I struggled for many years buying cards because I did not want them to seem insincere. I am much better at it now! CTMW. Such a tear jerker, but in a good way. I cannot wait for the next series! xoxo

    I can imagine that would be horrible to clean Sandy! Ugh! I think it was often much colder on the South Shore than in the Valley! But nicer in the hot summer months! xoxo

    You are so right Pam, we don't get to choose the date and yet it comes for us all. Best to make each day count in a special way if we can! xoxo

    Its hard to find comfort in your own skin Barb, at least it is for me. I wish I could find a style for people my size that I could pull off and feel comfortable in. Its hard being as tall as you are wide! haha! And I am not kidding there! Yes, hair grows, thank goodness! I can only imagine all the familiar faces which will be waiting for us when we go through to the other side and how wonderful that will be, but still I am not in a hurry to leave the here and now! Love and hugs. xoxo

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