Monday 12 March 2018

Small and Wonderful Things . . .


 

"The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside from a generous hand. But who gets excited by a mere penny?...It is dire poverty indeed when a man is so malnourished and fatigued that he won't stoop to pick up a penny. But if you cultivate a healthy poverty and simplicity, so that finding a penny will literally make your day, then, since the world is in fact planted with pennies, you have with your poverty bought a lifetime of days. It is that simple. what you see is what you get." ~Anne Dillard  

A few of the small and wonderful things from the past week which brought untold joy into my life. It's the small things in life which truly mean the most. Simple abundance . . . it's the best.


 I was looking for something in the downstairs bookcase that stands in our front hallway yesterday and I came across this small book that I had forgotten about.  It is a book that Todd gave to me, very early on in our relationship.  Inscribed simply (in very neat handwriting) inside the front of it "With Love from Todd."  It is filled with beautiful quotes.  

"I arise from dreams of theee
in the first sweet sleep of night,
when the winds are breathing low,
and the stars are shining bright."
~Percy Bysshe Shelley

Its no wonder that I love him so. He is the other half of me. I am so blessed.   


Having the Priesthood in my home. Although I was unable to go to church yesterday I could still renew my covenants with the Saviour as Todd administered the Sacrament to me in the early afternoon. 


 

I had a very quiet day yesterday. Todd went to church, and I just stayed here and relaxed. I listened to Mormon Music on the Mormon Channel and dozed in my chair. (Am I getting old??) It was very restful. I love the music on that channel. It is peaceful and very relaxing, with a positive message. So I spent a very zen day. Called my mom mid afternoon, had a chat and a laugh with her. Watched some telly in the evening. Went to bed early and slept like a baby with no incidents where I needed to use my spray at all. I wish every day was so simple. ☺


In my case a nice whole wheat seeded bread and a cup of  something fruity. I like herbal teas with red fruits, although lately I have also been enjoying a spiced apple one by Taylor's of Harrogate.  Tea ant toast. It is a simple pleasure. Some days I long for a simple piece of toast hot and dripping with butter . . .  but I think my days of enjoying that pleasure are now gone. 

  

The warmth and safety of indoors and my comfortable home when the rain and wind are pelting against the window glass. There are many in the world that would consider this a great luxury. I am blessed. 


Squeaky clean dishes . . .  I love squeaky clean dishes. I love my new dishwasher.  I am grateful for having paid for the maintenance agreement these past few years. It also includes our washing machine and stove. Its worth it or these larger ticket items. For sure. 

  

Spring is springing . . .  the camelia by the door is bursting into bloom, the chinese poppy is coming up trumps, and there are buds on our hydrangea. It won't be long now . . . 


Spring cleaning  . . . now is the time. Doing my best a little at a time . . . 


A stocked and organized larder.  I am getting there  . . . 

 

Sometimes I think that my life is quite quite boring by comparison to many other lives. It becomes more boring all the time. It is really quite ordinary, but I love the ordinary and I am grateful to be a person who is able to just this . . . find joy in the ordinary. 


To love and be loved. Its such a simple thing, but it is everything. If you have these two things, you don't need anything else.  

Sunday calls to mom, chatting to my oldest son at the weekend,
daily chats with my oldest daughter, hearing my sister's voice
Todd, Mitzie, lunch with friends . . .

I have an amazing life.

A thought to carry with you  . . . 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~\。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ | 田田 |門 ★

 *.˛.
Reading gives us someplace to go
when we have to stay where we are.
~Mason Cooley  •。★★ 。* 。 


 

BOOK OF MORMON CORNER

Today's Reading Mosiah 19:1-24 
Question - What have you learnt from the reading today?  
 
Thoughts - Prophets warn us of dangers. They teach us the consequences of sin and also the promises of obedience and righteousness. In these verses we see the prophecies of Abinadi which we read in ch12:1-2 starting to be fulfilled. This is an example that prophets speak truth  . . . always!! And I need to listen to them  . . .  always!! I know I'm on the right path if I'm following the prophet and apostles.
 
This scripture in d&c 1:37-38 came to my mind this morning -“Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. 
What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same“. 
 
Tomorrow's Reading (Day 120) - Mosiah 19:25-20:11
 Question - What have you learnt from the reading today? How has preparation helped you in a physical/ emotional/ economic or any other type of battle? 
 

 
 
In the kitchen today  . . .  Irish Stew. A really simple stew that is oh so delicious. Best stew ever.

Hope your week ahead is filled with small and wonderful things.  Don't forget along the way . . .


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And i do too!


12 comments:

  1. Hi Marie, a gorgeous post for a wet and windy Monday morning. But you're right, to love and be loved is the best thing ever!

    I'm glad you took it easy yesterday, keep it like that till you get sorted! I've got doctors and hospital appointments this week too. No peace for the wicked!!

    Enjoy your week, spring is on the way, lot's of love xxx

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    1. Yes, I am going to keep a very sedate life this week. Hopefully things will begin to look up healthwise once i have my hospital appointment and they start to look into things. Isn't it terribly wet and windy today! My internet keeps dropping. Love and hugs to you. xoxo

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  2. We have a very quiet life too..very routine..I am fine with that..I love simple☺️Glad you slept like a baby☺️👍🏻👏🏻

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    1. I have realised late in life that I cannot stand too much drama in my life. The quiet life is the life I enjoy most of all! Love and hugs! xoxo

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  3. They birds of a feather do tend to flock together...I enjoy the simple life too. There is something beautiful in each day and these ordinary things in life do not cost a thing, but are worth their weight in gold.

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    1. You are right about that Pam! I am a very rich woman. I know you are too! xoxo

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  4. Ahhh..there's the rope swing that my Dad made for us kids..thicker wood..natural. Nobody liked the swing set, we always fought over that..even with neighbors. Lol.

    That's what I like about winter..no one bothers me..peace and quiet. Yoga is soothing too..resting your mind..relaxing.
    So glad you got some well deserved rest Marie!

    Just made cauliflower sauce for chicken alfredo..fresh green beans. Hope it tastes good!

    Keeping you and your Mom in my prayers!xo

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    1. It sounds good Jan! Califlower Sauce, would be lower in fat I am assuming! Do share! Thanks for your prayers! xoxo

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    2. Creamy cauliflower sauce..pinch of yum is the blog. You don't use any cream in it. The video is different than the recipe..I went with video. I want alittle bit more flavor in it though. It comes out creamy after blended..nice alternative. I made it with tri color penne with chunks of chicken. Let me know how you liked it! Can use the sauce many ways too!
      Can you believe it..it's snowing hard again! Just got done with a snow storm few days ago! My arm..almost healed..pulled again..lifting heavy snow from city plow. Ugh. Enjoy your day Marie!xo

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    3. Oh, I will have to look for that! It sounds gorgeous! Take care! That sounds like a lot of snow! They are getting snow in Novaculite Scotia also! Xo

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  5. Hi Marie~

    I'm so glad you are feeling better...a rest is always a good thing. And, that sleeping like a baby thing...pass it on please!

    Today for, Activity Days, the girls made FHE kits, so they could present them to their families. It was all about the Sacrament, why we take it, why we should be reverent, and why we should be thankful for it. We washed the sacrament trays and brought a loaf of homemade bread to the YM president, so they could use it for the sacrament this coming Sunday. They girls had a great time! What a blessing it is to be able to take the sacrament each week.
    And, what a blessing the Priesthood is in our lives!

    Simplicity is something I truly strive for in my life. I don't hit the mark on everything, I'm a work in progress ;0) We have what we need, and what we have isn't always new, but it's ours. The other day, I told Bob that I could use a new slow-cooker, the one I had, had given up the ghost, plus, I'd had it for many years. We found a brand new one at an auction, for $9.00, and it works beautifully! I love it when I get a good deal!

    When we got married, I was pretty convinced that we could live on love. Didn't take long to realize that that wasn't true, but it sure does help! You and Todd are just the sweetest couple, I never tire of hearing you say that you love him, and that he loves you.

    Toast and tea...the all-time cure for everything! It always made me feel better as a child, and yes, the toast was dripping in butter! Hot chocolate and toast is also up there on my list of cure-all's!

    So glad your dishwasher is working! Isn't it wonderful to open the dishwasher and see the dishes all done!? Another blessing!

    I will be working on spring cleaning as well, but like you say, a little at a time. It may be fall before I get it all done. It was a gorgeous day today, the high was about 55 degrees...downright balmy!

    Loved your thoughts today on the BOM. The 1st counselor called tonight and asked Bob to speak in church on Sunday. His topic was, listening to the Prophet. Your thoughts were right on! I'm really loving our new Prophet, what a wise man.

    Irish stew! Yum!

    I hope you rested well, know that you are thought of with lots of love and well wishes!

    Hugs and Love,
    Barb

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    1. Oh Barb, I always love your comments. It is just liek we are sitting down together and having a good gab with each other. Now wouldn't that be a real treat! Love and hugs, xoxo

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Your comments mean the world to me, and while I may not be able to address each one individually, each one is important to me and each one counts. Thanks so much!