The Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

 

FOR TODAY, July 26th, 2022

Outside my window ...

All is calm after the thunderstorms of last night. Some kind person has put my garbage bags back where they belong. During the storms and the pelting rain the wind had blown them all over my yard. I got caught out in the storm and was soaked through to the skin by the time I got in my car. The rain was coming down in sheets! 

I am thinking ...

About my mammogram. Hoping and praying all is well. I have a few issues. 

I am thankful for ...

My sister. And the love and support she has always given me. I don't know where I would be without her.

In the kitchen ...

Strawberry & Rhubarb Jam. The taste of summer in a jar. The small batch.

On my "To Cook" list ...

Southern Plate. Soft Hawaiian Sandwich Bread for the breadmaker.

Good to know ...

Sometimes I feel like I can't catch a break, but instead of asking myself "why me?", I should be saying "why not me?"

I am wanting to create ... 

Share a Pattern.  Crochet cat pillow.  Cute. Love them all.

The Seaman Mom.  Large tote.  Love this. 

 

Brigette Heitland.  Cell Phone bag. Like this one because not only is it cross body but it has a little pocket for your cards.

Polush Bunny.  So cute! Pattern for mouse doll and clothes. 

Beautiful Skills. Knitted Stars.  Wish I could knit that good!

I am reading ... 

EAST, by Edith Pattou

In the rural villages of Norway, there is an ancient belief that children inherit the qualities of the direction in which they are born. Nymah Rose, the last daughter of eight siblings born to a poor mapmaker and his superstitious wife, was a North-born baby. It is said that North-born babies are wild, unpredictable, intelligent, and destined to break their mothers' hearts because they all leave hearth and home to travel to the far ends of the earth. To keep her close, Rose’s mother lied and told her she had been born of the obedient and pliable East. But destiny cannot be denied. One day, a great white bear comes to the mapmaker’s door to claim Rose’s birthright. Everything that comes after, as richly imagined by author Edith Pattou, is the basis for one of the most epic romantic fantasies ever told. East is a deftly woven tapestry that melds traditional fairy tale motifs of both Beauty and the Beast and East of the Sun and West of the Moon, with the haunting icy lore of medieval northern lands. Told in a changing chorus of voices, including that of Rose, her hopeful brother Neddy, her regretful father, the charmed white bear, and the Troll Queen whose selfish wish is the catalyst that seals Rose’s fate, East will enchant any and all who venture within its pages. It is a tale for the Ages, and for all ages.

A retelling of one of my favorite childhood stories, East of the Sun, West of the Moon.

I am looking forward to ...

I have been invited to my friend Jacquie's for lunch today. It will be nice to spend some time together.

Dreaming about ...

 

(source)

Bunny tea pots  . . . 

 

(source)

Pottery bears  . . . 

 

(source)

Lily of the Valley  . . .  

 

(source)

I wish  . . .  maybe in heaven I'll be thin  . . . 

 

(source)

Love, LOVE this  . . . 

Something to watch ...

Grease  . . .  a summer "must" watch!

Makes me smile ...

Little Mac.  He's growing!  Such a little cutie pie!

Corners of my kingdom ... 

A horn blower at Peggy's Cove. My sister took this photo. He's blowing his horn until the cows come home, lol  There are little plastic cows in front of his horn.  Are we not an interesting bunch of creatures!

A thought to carry with you ...

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •

•。★★ 。* 。

° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚

˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛

˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★

*In all things of nature

there is something of the marvelous.

~Aristotle  •。★★ 。* 。•。★★  

And that's my daybook for this week! 

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



✿¸.•*¨`*•..✿✿¸.•*¨`*•..✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿ ✿¸.• ╬♥═╬╬═♥=╬╬═♥╬╬═♥╬╬═♥=╬╬♥═╬♥╬╬═♥╬╬═♥=╬╬♥
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Have a beautiful day and don't forget!  


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And I do too!       

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 which bring untold joy into my life. It's the small things in life which truly mean the most. Simple abundance . . . it's the best.   

 

(source)

A tender heart.  I am grateful that I have a tender heart. This means that I am touched very easily.  I cry at movies and reading books. I cry when I hear about others in the world that are suffering. My heart aches at the many injustices that are being and have been perpetrated in the world. But it also means that I find great joy in small and simple things which often go un-noticed.  I am able to rejoice in the sweet and tender things of life that many others might find mundane or boring.  The sight of baby toes, or the sound of a humming bird in flight.  I am open to feeling and experiencing all that life has to offer me, both the bad and especially the good. 

 

(source)

We're having a heat wave. The dog days of August are almost upon us.  I don't mind too much. It will be all too soon we will be complaining that it is too cold. These last few days of July are special. In August we will see things start to change quickly.  We will begin to really notice the passage of time. I am grateful for each and every season and all that they bring to my table. Even heat waves . . . 

 

(source)

I think oft times as night draws nigh

Of the old farmhouse on the hill,

Of a yard all wide and blossom-starred

Where the children played at will.

And when the night at last came down

Hushing the merry din,

Mother would look around and ask,

“Are all the children in?”

Tis many and many a year since then,

And the house on the hill

No longer echoes to children's feet

And the yard is still, so still.

But I see it all, the shadows creep,

And though many years have been

Since then, I can hear mother ask,

“Are all the children in?”

I wonder if when the shadows fall

On the last short, earthly day,

When we say good-by to the world outside

All tired with our childish play,

When we step out into that other land

Where mother so long has been,

Will we hear her ask, just as of old,

“Are all the children in?”

~Anonymous

Grateful for a mother who always cared.   Oh how I miss her.

The sound of crickets.  Peepers peeping. The hum of cicadas. The sweet sweet cooing of the mourning doves. The sound of children's laughter dancing through the trees. Chipmunks chipping. The cry of loons echoing across the lake.  Chickadees calling to each other.  Chick-a-dee-dee-dee   . . . 

Summer sounds. 

This  . . . . 

 

(source)

Most days I put Music and the Spoken Word on You Tube on the television and it keeps me company while I work.  It is gentle and relaxing, comforting even. I love the way the singing of the Tabernacle choir embroiders my days with sweetness, and enriches my soul.  This is a simple thing . . . I am a simple person.   Simple things and I go together well . . . . like peas and carrots  . . . we are the best of companions. 

Nutmeg is always near me. If I am on the sofa, he is laying next to me, if I am here in my chair at the computer he is either on the desk next to the computer or sleeping under my chair. I think he loves me. 

Cinnamon is a bit more independent. She likes her space.  She loves to cuddle also, but on her terms and when she wants to.

They are the perfect companions, for each other and for me.  I love them both so much.

 

(source)

Family dinners  . . . with Cindy, Dan, Dad  . . .  yesterday Dan BBQed pork chops. They were lovely.  A BBQ is not an expense I am willing to pay.  I don't have a shed to store it in and in order to put it in my garage I would have to somehow move it all around the whole row of units. I suppose I could get a cover for one if I did get one, and just keep it out back,  but . . . for something which would not happen very often, the whole idea is just too much trouble.  It is nice enough and good enough to be invited to my sisters place from time to time so I can enjoy it with them.  BBQing on your own is not quite the same. Something like that needs to be shared with others.

I love family times. They are the best times of all.  I got to facetime with my oldest son and hit two boys this weekend, and of course I talk to my oldest daughter almost every day.  I often get to talk with my middle son and his boys as well. Now my brother is retired, we also speak most days. Family is a wonderful thing, no small thing . . . but everything. I am truly blessed to have a good family.  We love and support each other, and are there for each other in any and every way that we can be.

Going to church.  Going to the movies with a friend. Being able to take a few meals to another friend who just had an operation. Talking to other friends on the telephone.  Small and simple things that enrich my life and make me happy to be alive. Life is good.

A thought to carry with you . . . 

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

 *The dream of my life

is to lie down by a slow river,

and stare at the light in the trees.

To learn something by being nothing.

~Mary Oliver•。★★ 。* •。★★ 。*  

In The English Kitchen today . . .  Cheesy Chicken Pasta. A quick and easy skillet supper that is delicious. I took half to a friend and froze the other half to enjoy sometime when I need something quick and easy.  Its really tasty, and very adaptable. 

I truly hope your life is filled to overflowing with an abundance of small and wonderful things. Go. Be happy. Be blessed.  Don't forget! 

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And I do too! 

 

All Things Nice . . .

 

 

(source) 

Old things abide - the good and true,

Things that are born and bred in you,

The love of children - faithful men

Spring in the warm sweet fields again,

Old people puttering 'round the place

Peace like a light on someone's face.

Bright lamps that shine above the snow,

And send out such a heartsome glow,

Across the lonely country night,

The glint of wings that catch the light,

A prickly thorn . . . a rambling brier,

Golden rod setting the world on fire.

A blue print apron and a shawl,

An old cow sleeping in a stall,

The odor of new hay and sheaves,

Rain dripping softly from the eaves,

A little girl with rosy cheeks,

A dog so smart he almost speaks.

Old things abide - a garden patch,

An old shed with a rusty latch,

A supper table warm and bright,

Windows shining against the night,

A mother gentle and serene -

These are the sort of things I mean.

~Edna Jaques, Old Things Abide

Roses in December 

 

(source)

Somehow I blinked even though I was warned not to, and here I am sitting here, almost 67 years of age, with most of my life stretching behind me and not a lot of it stretching in front of me.  When you are young they tell you not to blink . . .  that time will pass by too quickly, but you pay them no mind because . . . well, you're young and you have forever sitting across from you, and forever seems a long, long, long way off.

And then you blink.

And all of a sudden it seems . . .  forever . . .  like Jack Frost  . . .  is nipping at your toes. Nobody can say you weren't warned. 

But there are advantages to the passage of time. You now know what it is to make every moment count, in a much more meaningful way.  Something you did not comprehend all that well when you were a much younger person. Your days become all the more precious.  Time still seems to pass at the speed of light, but . . . it is more golden.  I guess that is why they call these the golden years.

 

(source) 

A list of blessings leads to even more.

Did you know that gratitude can make you happier, healthier and more compassionate?  Its true!  It also helps you to draw closer to God. I try to make a list daily of the things I am grateful for, and always, always in my prayers at the end of the day, I thank God for each and every one.  Some days the list can go on and on, but others I have to dig deeper.

Oh there are things that I am grateful for every day for sure  . . .  faith, family, friends, home, health, food in my belly  . . . but there is so much more than that.

Its in the little things.  

• The unexpected message or e-mail that lets you know you're appreciated, loved, or even missed.  
• A cat snuggling next to you on the sofa because he just loves to be near you while the other one plays a tune upon your beating breast with her gentle paws as she sings a purring song.
• A sister who stops by on her way home from work just to say hello and brighten your day.
• A father who calls because he was thinking about you and wanted to let you know he's still there.
• A neighbor who knocks to tell you she saw an ant in her bathroom and she wanted you to beware that the ants are back.

The list goes on and on, but you get the picture I am sure. It really is the simple and small things in life which bring us the most joy and acknowledging them with gratitude makes them even more joy-filled.

 

(source)

I was thinking this morning of an old set of China I had bought in a second hand store many, many years ago. It was not much, four dinner plates and four soup plates. I like soup plates.  I think soup looks more elegant in them. I know it cools off quicker, but it does look more elegant.  These plates were covered with pink roses  . . .  the china was grazed, but they were beautiful to me because I had never had china of any kind, so even old china was a blessing to me.  I would take them out when we had our dinner parties with my friend Mabel and her husband. I was so proud of them.   

I have always enjoyed old things.  Worn things.  They are treasures to me. 

I used to love to yard sale. I don't any more.  I have enough in my house that I don't want to add much to any of it if I can help it.  Issues of love however, that is a different story, and I fear that if I went to yard sales I would fall in love with too many things and I am trying to keep my possessions down so that it isn't much of a problem when my time has come so that there is not a lot for people to dispose of.

But I do love old china plates  . . . 

 

(source)

I am always buying eggs. I will be in the grocery store and I think to myself, oh but it's been a long time since I have had a boiled egg, or a scrambled egg, etc.  And I only like to eat really fresh eggs in that way.  I have a thing about eggs.  They often make me feel queasy when I am eating them. I am not sure what that is because I do enjoy them from time to time.

I do bake a lot however and so I always use them up. 

The ones I like most of all are the free range ones we buy around the corner from where I live.  They go by the honor system. There is a small fridge on the porch of this small shed and inside are the eggs and an honor jar for the money.  $5 a dozen for the freshest, nicest eggs you would ever want.  You can look over the field and see the hens running around the yard. Happy hens.  I like that.

 

(source)

I would like a book like this.  I am thinking of putting one together. A place where I can practice my embroidery stitches. A sampler in book shape. Our friend Linda has put one together that is perfectly delightful. You can see it here.  I hope you don't mind me sharing it Linda! I think it is just lovely!

I have always loved to embroider.  My mother taught me how when I was very young.  Mom loved to embroider also.  I have a few of her things.  

I used to do a lot of counted cross stitch, but got away from it as my eyes don't always co-operate with such fine work these days. I love embroidering tea towels and all sorts.  I think a stitch book like this would be a wonderful project. 

 

(source)

When I was a child, one of my favorite tales used to be this one we had in our encyclopedia entitled, East of the Sun, West of the Moon. This old fairy tale fascinated me then and still does.

It involves a white bear that offers to take the youngest child to fix a family's poor situation. They accept and the bear takes the young girl to a castle where a man slept in the same room as her at night in the dark. As such, she could not see who it was. 

When she was homesick she was allowed to go home with one condition: She is not allowed to stay with her mother alone. Of course, the young girl doesn't listen and takes a magical candle from her mother. When she returned to the castle, she was able to see the face of the man that has been visiting her bed at night, who was actually the bear. After a what have you done moment he gets taken away by his troll stepmother to marry a troll princess. Before leaving, he tells her that he will be at a land East of the Sun and West of the Moon. 

I always loved fairy tales. I was a great believer in the idea of happily ever after.  I was longing for a Prince of my own.  Things do not always turn out the way we plan, but that's okay.  I think happily ever after's don't always have to involve Princes and golden castles.  Sometimes they come in the shape of a small house, perfectly built just for one and two furry companions that bring daily joy . . . 

Happily ever after is what you create for yourself.

 

(source)

 

Oh how I love books like this.  Filled with botanicals. I love painting flowers and I love looking at paintings of flowers and other plants.  In the Manor house where I worked there were many framed botanical paintings.  I loved to look at them.

I guess I just really love nature.  

I love watching nature shows, like Planet Earth, etc.  My only problem with them is the voice of David Attenborough.  It lulls me into wanting to go to sleep.  But, I could not imagine them being narrated by anyone else!  

The only thing I do not like to watch about nature shows is when one of the animals gets into trouble. I want to yell at the television screen, help them!  How can you film this and not help them!

I also don't like to see animals hunting other animals. I know its nature and its necessary. I just don't want to watch it.

 

(source)

My father is coming here for his supper today. Cindy and Dan are having a day off and going on an adventure.  They have a beautiful day for it. The sun is shining and it promises to last.   

I have made a pot of chili for him to enjoy and I have a loaf of bread in the bread-maker, plus I have some jello in the refrigerator. He likes that with squirty cream. 

I actually have a very busy day ahead of me. I have to drop two meals off for a lady who has just got out of hospital and I have a lesson to finish for church tomorrow. Plus I have some of  my own work to do and my son wants to facetime, so I best get my skates on! 

I will leave you with a thought for the day  . . . 

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

˛*We can only be said to be truly alive

 in those moments when our hearts 

 are conscious of their treasures.

 ~Thornton Wilder  *。*˚*。*˚ 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  No Bake Oatmeal & Chocolate Bars. Simply delicious. A small batch recipe which makes only six bars.

Have a beautiful Saturday and weekend!  Be happy and safe and blessed!  Don't forget! 

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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!   

Something Turquoise, free printable envelope liners.  

Yao Cheng, water colour tutorial.   

Lora Jeans Magazine. Paper mache figure tutorial.   

 

Marjorie Crochets.  Fish Bag free tutorial, pattern.  

Forever Summer Necklace.  Free pattern and Tutorial from OOmbawka Design. There is also a bracelet. Crochet. Free. 

Kristin Crochets.  A free pattern.  Colourful! 

 Free Tutorial on Craftsy for how to paint Daisies.  I love this. 

Mel's Kitchen Cafe. Homemade Pita Bread. Look at that lovely rise!  Have any of you made your own Pita Breads?  How did they turn out? 

In Color Order. Fabric Wrapped Wreath tutorial.  Love this.  

DIY Vintage Chic.   A lovel coffee table made out of recycled crates! 

See Kate Sew.  Seven ways to make a ruffle.  

Made Every Day. How to make your own bias tape. 

Modge Podge Rocks.  DIY cork and wallpaper magnets. Love these.  

Tauni Co, Chalkboard Serving Trays.  Love this idea.  Complete tutorial.  

Make Mail Pretty.  Eye candy inspiration only. 

Again no source, but what a great idea.  Upcycled gift tags made using old atlas's. 

Craft a Cure for Cancer. Basic Knitted Tea Cosies.   

Felted Tote Bag from Country Living.   

Henny Penny Bun Warmer.  Free pattern from Drops Design.  Well, I guess it is more of a bread basket. Cute!! 

This Years Dozen.  Cute little Chicken Pot holders. 

A Burst of Beautiful.  Free Vintage Inspired Botanical Prints.  Love these. 

Half Scratched.  Free Printable Lego Minifigure Gift Tags.

Let's Knit.  Quick and easy Forget Me Nots. Free pattern. 

One Little Project. Wiggly Worm Puppets. Cute! 

Knitting and Com.  Daffodil Stitch Tea Cosy. Free pattern.   

Simply Noteable. Tumbling Bunnies.  So cute!  Again, a free pattern. 

Reader's Wrap by Lisa Carnahan on Ravelry. Not free but not expensive either.  

 

 

Heart, Hook, Home.  Written and video tutorial on how to crochet the Bobble Stitch. 

 

Love Crochet, bathroom organiser.  Not free, but not expensive either. You could also use it as a travel organiser for your toiletries.  

 

Again, no source, but how adorable are these?  

 

From Claire Jackson on Ravelry. I love the simplicity of this. 

Little Things.  DIY Mason Jar Lunches and Breakfasts. Perfectly portable.  People are so smart and what a great re-use for those little plastic tubs that our yogurts, etc. come in. 

And those are my finds for this week. I hope you found something of interest here to make you want to create! 

A thought for today  . . . 

° * 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •
•。★★ 。* 。
° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚
˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛
˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門 ★
 *A little progress each day

adds up to big results! •。★★ 。* 。  

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Mixed Berry Cobbler.  A delicious half batch recipe from a baking book by the CIA (Culinary Institute of America.) 

I hope you have a wonderful Friday!  I have a lesson to prepare for Sunday and I have two meals to make for a lady from church who just got home from the hospital!  Plus we are slated to have another really hot day!  Not complaining however. It will be Winter soon enough!  Whatever you get up to today, stay cool, stay hydrated, stay happy and safe and don't forget! 

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And I do too!