Wednesday 28 February 2018

Wednesday this and that . . .


I can't believe we are on Wednesday already, not to mention the last day in February.  How will March come in?  Lion or Lamb.  I know it is predicted to come in like a Lion here and if the disruptive weather we had yesterday is anything to go by with more of the same in the offing, I would say its a fair prediction! 


The camelia by our front door has started to burst into bloom.  Someone forgot to tell it that Winter is not quite finished . . . 

  

I snapped these with my phone yesterday when we got back from my blood test appointment. The roads were a bit dicey, so it was a good thing we only had to go around the corner.  By afternoon most of it had melted off the pavement, but it is freezing cold again this morning, so I expect it will be a very icy start for some.  Our Sybil and Mary are off on their travels again, so I do hope that they don't experience much disruption to their plans with flights, etc. I always say the most annoying/stressful part of any holiday is getting to the airport and getting booked in for your flight, etc.  It shouldn't be, but it is.


I had a wonderful start to my day this morning with a fabulous conversation on FB with my cousin Hal. Hal is my Aunt Freda's middle son.  He owns a very popular and successful Pizza Place back in my home town called The Pizza Factory.  We don't talk near often enough, so this was really nice. I think he is planning on popping over to see mum sometime soon, which will really please her, and give her something special to think and talk about.  He is a good, good man, but I am a bit biased.  I think all my family are good, good people.  If you are ever in Middleton, Nova Scotia and looking for a good pizza, check out The Pizza Factory. It is the best in the valley, and they sell it by the slice.  He was telling me this morning that they are supplying the lunch program for all the Schools now, which is great!  Good pizza speaks for itself!  So proud of him! 


I know what you are thinking  . . .  why are we looking at a picture of your dishwasher again.  Well, I will tell you why . . . *grumble*grumble*   We finally got it back from the shop late last week. I have used it for exactly four times.  ONE TWO THREE FOUR  After having them keep it in their shop for over a week for repairs, and having had three call out repairs prior to that, it is now doing the same thing again!  UGH!  I turned it on last night before bed and came down this morning to see that it was making that same noise and had not turned itself off.  I reckon its about time they replaced the damn thing.  Enough of whacking on a dead horse.  They have dragged it to the water, but its just not drinking folks!  How much you want to bet that they send a repair man out again and the problem repeats itself.  Nevermind that the cost of the repairs thus far have probably surpassed the cost of a new one! I truly think its time to call it a day and cough up on their promise to repair or replace.  That is the reason we pay them the big bucks. 

  

We watched a fascinating show on Netflix last night called "The Push."  The premise of the show is "Can we be manipulated through Social Pressure to commit murder?"  Its about how readily we hand over ownership of our lives every day. The programme saw Brown setting up a social experiment looking at the powers of compliance and obedience.  I found it a bit disturbing, but also extremely fascinating.  I won't tell you how it ended, but I can tell you that you will be surprised and maybe not so surprised.  We found ourselves asking ourselves . . .  would we?  I highly recommend a watch!  I know I am a very compliant person. I will do almost anything for anyone, but do I create more problems for myself than need be by doing so . . . hmmm . . . food for thought there. 

Great show.  There are supposed to be a further two or so
episodes planned for this year and I look
forward to them!

I should have been a psychologist! 


My sister is going for her first cataract surgery today.  Please keep her in your prayers for a safe journey, successful operation and complete recovery! She has another one to look forward to in a few weeks time.  Todd has a cataract, but they are waiting until it gets to a certain point before they operate and I was told that I have the start of one in one eye, I forget which one. It sounds like they are a very common thing as you get older.  I think the wonders of modern medicine are miraculous . . .  the things that they can do are amazing.  Years and years ago, people just went blind.  I am carrying you Sis. Hope all goes well. ♥♥♥ 


I had the mother of all headaches yesterday. I could not shake it.  It lasted the whole day through right on up until I went to bed last night.  Thankfully it seems to have gone off this morning.  I am not sure what the cause of it was, but nothing would budge it.  Stress maybe?  I don't know.  I ended up having to use my spray last evening, and boy did it sting, but it worked.  I never had any more twinges the rest of the night and slept like a baby once I fell asleep, right through until this morning. Disturbing dreams however, and you know how very vivid my dreams are.  I dreamt I was under the control of a very abusive partner who was very evil.  I was trying to figure out a way to get away from him, but he kept thwarting me at every turn.  I was happy to wake up and shake it off.  I hate dreams like that! 

  

I had a lovely catch-up on the phone yesterday with an old friend that I had not spoken to in probably a year.  I was telling her about that person who did me wrong re my book and the review, etc.  I wanted to talk to someone who knows both of us and who has spent time with both of us in person, and see if my hurt over this was real, or was I imagining something that wasn't there. I told her I felt it was the worst mistake I had ever made in my career in trusting this other person, and I wanted to know if I should confront them, or was it all in my mind.  She revealed to me just how vitriolic this person had been about me in past years when we were all hosts over on the RecipeZaar platform, and how vindictive and mean spirited her conversations about me had been, (which I did not know about).  I wish I had known because I would not have trusted her in the least with something which was so precious to me.   I still can't get my head around the mean-spiritedness of some people, and there is a part of me that wants to shout out to the world, don't read this person's blog.  She is bad karma.  But I am too  nice to do that.  But my friend and I agreed that letting her know she had adversely affected me in this way would only give this nasty person more to hurt me with, and that I should let karma take care of itself.  I do believe that what goes around comes around, and I felt better for having discussed this with someone who knows us both and that I totally trust.  I don't think I will ever be able to understand the vindictiveness of others, and maybe that's a good thing.

But we are supposed to be talking about happy things! 


I don't know how she puts up with me and my pestering her when 
she is sleeping.  I just have to go and cuddle her when 
she is being so cute.

Its okay though.
I usually reward her with cheese.
So she doesn't mind too, too much.

 

March Hares  . . . 

Have you ever wondered where the term "Mad as a March Hare" comes from?   Its an expression that has been in use for over 600 years.  One of the most delightful sights of spring has to be their mating rituals, which sees the hares seemingly boxing each other, dancing in the air, to win the approval of their prospective mates. It is usually the female landing the blows, fending off over amorous males. It is also thought this behaviour is aimed at testing the male's strength before deciding whether to proceed on the next step of courtship. Either way, in the still bare March fields this is the best opportunity to view these otherwise mainly nocturnal animals.  


Whatever  . . . 

  

Hares do fascinate me . . . they really do. Kind of like miniature kangaroos . . .
without the pouches.


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

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

 *.˛
If you sleep with rabbits,
you'll wake up with hairs.
~Anthony T Hinks    •。★★ 。* 。 


 

BOOK OF MORMON CORNER

Today's Reading - Mosiah 11:16-29   
Question - What have you learnt from the reading today? How does the Lord's message apply to us today? 

Thoughts - This is what stood out to me today. 'Except "Marie" repents and turns unto the Lord her God, she shall be brought into bondage; and none shall deliver her, except it be the Lord the Almighty God'. This is pure truth found in verse 23. Deliverance comes from the Lord, I cannot deliver myself. I have to incline my heart to His, and allow His will to be done in my life, or I will be brought into bondage, which to me is cycles of compulsive behaviour. But the truth is He is almighty, He is the deliverer, He is my Saviour.

 Last year when I read this scripture, I was taught this, and I needed to write it out and read it again at this time. This year is hammer time, time when what I have learned in the past is put to the test!! Also it shows me that the Book of Mormon is an inspired book, a living book. "This is what I felt/heard as I read the scriptures. Put ME (meaning God) first and everything will be ok. Love ME first and you will have more than enough love for everyone else. Think of ME first and you will find your answers. Trust ME first and you will feel secure in my arms. Seek ME first and you will be filled. In ME you will find rest to your soul. In ME you will find light, a perfect brightness of hope to dispel the darkness of fear and doubt. He asks us to put HIM first because of what it does for US".

This was the  note I had already written in the margins next to this scripture from last year.  It amazes me (but really shouldn't) how the scriptures are always able to speak to me right where I am at, at the most perfect of times.

Tomorrow's Reading (Day 110) - Mosiah 12:1-16 
Question - Why do you think the Lord threatens to smite Noah's people? What do you think is the purpose of it? 


 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Scalloped Chicken Supreme.  A delicious casserole composed of leftover chicken, cooked rice, a gravy and sauteed mushrooms, peppers and toastetd almonds.  Very delicious!

Have a lovely Wednesday wherever you are and whatever you  get up to.  Don't forget! 

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

And I do too!



PS - Just had a call from the Doctor's office.  They want me to go in at eleven as something in my blood test was highly elevated.  I have no idea what it is, but your prayers would be very much appreciated. Feeling very anxious at the moment.  😧





Tuesday 27 February 2018

The Simple Woman's Daybook . . .

 

FOR TODAY, February 27, 2018

Outside my window ...
Its snowing! Those lovely fluffy big fat flakes that make it seem like you have fallen into Narnia.  Simply lovely. I hope that I can get to the Docs for my blood tests alright. 

I am thinking ...
Very grateful for the NHS and a Doctor yesterday who took me seriously and took action. It was a woman Doctor, and she added another blood pressure tablet (She said she hoped I didn't mind swollen ankles as that is one of the side effects. I don't mind (okay a little bit) I just want my blood pressure to go down.) and she gave me a spray for under my tongue when I get the angina. (That's what she thinks it is) and then I had an ecg yesterday afternoon and blood tests this morning and she is then sending a referral to the heart specialists at the hospital.  So hopefully something will be done now and they will be able to get to the bottom of it all and sorted. I hate only half living my life because I am afraid to wholly live it because of what might happen.

In the kitchen ...

 
Curried Cauliflower Soup.  Perfect for a cold, wet, and snowy day! 
On my "To Cook" list ...

These Orange Cranberry Cream Scones from In Cookie Haven look almost irristible!  
Good to Know ...

From Clean Mama Net. Four ways to naturally soften and freshen your laundry. 

I am creating ... 
  
Baaa!!  A complete tutorial for crocheting this cute tea cosy found on LiaKnits.  
Just a photo found on Tumblr. But so sweet.  I could not find the original source, so no instructions. A cute pin cushion on wool. 

  
From Crochet Dreamz  A simple Granny Ripple Afghan!   A free pattern.

Free tutorial for a Tea and Cookie gift box. Found on Procrastistamper.  There is also a video! It looks really easy to do.  These would make great tea party invitations! (or favours)

Quick and Handy Business Card holders.  Love this idea! From Red Heart.  
I am reading ...

Enduring Light, by Carla Kelly.
(This is the sequel to Borrowed Light.)
Before you read this book, I would highly recommend that you read the first book, Borrowed Light. I highly recommend you read the first book before reading this one. This is a fun, clean romance. Julia is marrying the man that she desperately loves, Paul. She is recovering from a near death experience, she was burned badly on her neck and chest and doesn't think that Paul should be saddled with a deformed wife. He sets her straight and the wedding moves forward as planned. He is a rancher in Wyoming and the climate is tough. The ranch is remote and he is dealing with religious prejudice from his neighbors. He has joined the Mormon Church and many do not like it and want to stop their business dealings with him. This book deals with some issues, religious prejudice, insecurity, deceit, and of course, lots of love. I loved this book the first time I read it and am loving re-visting it.

Looking forward to ...
My breakfast later on this  morning. It is a fasting blood test I am going to this morning, so I won't be able to eat until after 10 am. I will be starving by then!

Dreaming about ...


Window Box alternatives via martha stewart . . .   


Beaches and comfy chairs to relax in  . . . 

  

Pretty pink peonies  . . . 


Pin stripes, ruffles and wool jackets . . .  with well worn jeans . . . 

  

Those cabinets, that floor, the sink, the colours  . . .  the smeg refrigerator  . . .  all of this . . . 

Something to watch ...


I know I am late to the party, but we are loving Grey's Anatomy. We are on series two. 

A quote for the day ...
  (¯`v´¯)
   `*.¸.*´Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ¸. •´¸.•~♥♥♥~•. ~ ღϠ₡ღ¸. ✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ.
              ( ¸. ❀⁀ ⋱‿✿“` * .¸.* ✻ღϠ₡ ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ..
Sometimes you will never know the ✻ღϠ₡ ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ..
ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ.. value of a moment, until ✻ღϠ₡ ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ..
 ❀⁀ ⋱‿✿“` * .¸.*   it becomes a memory. ~Dr Seuss      `*.¸.*´Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ
    `*.¸.*´Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ¸. •´¸.•~♥♥♥~•. ~ ღϠ₡ღ¸. ✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ



Makes me smile ...  

  

The sculpture art of Kina Crow

Corners of my kingdom ...

  

The Cliff face at Beachy Head near Eastbourne.  Have been there many times. I once went on a lovely picnic there with some friends from my Ward down in Tunbridge Wells. We had a lovely day.  The views are spectacular and there is always an ice cream van up there selling ice creams. The perfect finish to the perfect day . . . 

And that's my daybook for this week!



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


✿¸.•*¨`*•..✿✿¸.•*¨`*•..✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿ ✿¸.• ╬♥═╬╬═♥=╬╬═♥╬╬═♥╬╬═♥=╬╬♥═╬♥╬╬═♥╬╬═♥=╬╬♥
░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░    
 
BOOK OF MORMON CORNER 
Today's Reading -  Mosiah 11:1-15 
Question - What have you learnt from the reading today? What are the differences between King Noah and King Benjamin?  
 
Thoughts - Passions unbridled is what I think of with King Noah and his unrighteous priests  . . .  wives, concubines, harlots, wine, laziness, idolatry, pride, vanity. King Benjamin with passions bridled  . . .  he loved God, he loved his people. He was responsible. In his 'conference' address he told his people these truths: "nor have I suffered that ye should commit any manner of wickedness, and have taught you that ye should keep the commandments of the Lord" Mosiah 2:13. King Noah on the other hand, "did cause his people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in the sight of the Lord"  Verse 2. This tells me of the power of example . . . and influence that leaders have upon their people. Reading this makes me want to be more aware and active in bridling my own passions, fighting against the natural man and keeping my baptismal covenants to mourn, comfort, bless, lift, help, sustain and remember.
 
Tomorrow's reading (Day 109) -  Mosiah 11:16-29 
Question - What have you learnt from the reading today? How does the Lord's message apply to us today?


 Have a wonderful Tuesday.  I hope it is chock full of love, goodness and many blessings!  Don't forget along the way! 
 ═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ 

 And I do too! 
 

Monday 26 February 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.


The Dawn Chorus, which is coming earlier and earlier each morning. I love listening to the birds in the garden. It doesn't matter how cold it is, or if the sun isn't shining, they greet me every morning wit the same cheerful tune. 

  

 Having the Priesthood in my home and being able to receive Priesthood blessings when I am not feeling well, or am stressed, afraid, in need of comfort, etc. "A priesthood blessing in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is a "prayer for healing, comfort or counsel given by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, who lays his hands on the head of the person receiving the blessing."  I haven't really been feeling that well lately, with those same chest pains that I have been getting periodically, that are coming much more frequently. Along with them comes a great level of anxiety as you can imagine.  I have been a bit reluctant to go to the Doctor or the hospital about them, first of all because the hospitals have been saying not to go to emergency unless you are dying, and because every time I do go, I end up there for hours and they find nothing and I feel stupid. It is the same with going to the Doctor.  I feel very anxious about them however, and Priesthood blessings have helped to calm my anxiety.  I am going to go to the Doctor today about it however, because they are keeping me from doing the things I need and want to do. They wake me up in the middle of the night, or they keep me from falling asleep until very late. They are keeping me from going out for walks, or into town, or wanting to really go anywhere . . .  just in case.  I am afraid to eat certain things, to exercise, etc. They are preventing me from living my life.  Add all of that to the anxiety of turning 63 this summer, in a family where it is said, if you make it past the age of 63, you've got it made. We have bad tickers in my family and I really want this sorted. But until then, I enjoy the comfort of Priesthood blessings.

(source)

My sister who cares so lovingly for my mother and my father.  I am so very grateful for all that she does for them. My whole life, I was there for my parents, even when I lived far, far away, if they needed me I would make it home for them to do what I could.  Since moving over here, I went home several times to help my my mom with things, temporarily of course because my husband cannot move to Canada. Its a lot more difficult when you live outside the country.  When it became obvious that my mum was no longer going to be able to care for herself, my sister selflessly stepped up to the plate, and she and her partner quit their jobs and moved home to care for my mother and father. I know that the role of carer is oftimes a very difficult one, and that sometimes she may not feel appreciated as much as she should. It is hard to watch someone you love decreasing in function slowly, slowly, slowly . . .  as it were, disappearing bit by bit in front of you, and being powerless to stop it.  I will always be very grateful for all that she does and all that she is to them, and to our family.  I can remember the last time I was home, and my mother had finally gotten released from the hospital into my care, and sitting there watching her in her chair and crying because I could see the strong vibrant woman that she had been before her operation and heart attack, etc. disappearing. My heart broke a tiny bit to see this woman who had always cared so lovingly for me in such a state. My sister's heart breaks a tiny bit every single day.  I hope she knows how much I love her and appreciate what she does for both my parents.


I know I say it every week, but . . . I love my twice a week calls to my mum. Sometimes they are a bit of a struggle and I feel like I am doing all of the talking but other times, I can tell my mom is having a very good day and we talk just like we used to. It is a bit hit and miss these days, more miss than hit, but I am still grateful for the chance that I get to talk to her on the phone. I would call her every day, but I know she would really struggle with that. Her life and experiences are very limited now.  She doesn't go out of the house much, because of the cold and because of the pain in her feet and her toes. She used to go every Saturday to Walmart, but she hasn't gone now in a few months. She mostly watches television or sleeps in her chair. I wish more people woud pop by to visit her now and then, even if they were only short visits.  It would break up her days, which must seem to run into each other now, more and more.  Although she does have the foot lady who comes every now and then to do her feet, and the VON are coming in several times a week to dress her toes. My dad comes for supper quite a bit and visits fairly often, and Doctor Phil visits her every week day, lol.  I love hearing her voice and her last I love you's before we hang up.  I cherish those words because I know they come from her heart.


Sunday evenings with Call The Midwife. (No spoilers here) I love this program and I believe we still have one or two episodes to enjoy before it is finished for this series.   I know I probably cry at least once during each episode, but I love programming that has the ability to make you feel, without a lot of sex, violence or bad language.  You would think that tere would be sex in a program about midwives, wouldn't you?  haha  There isn't and it is very tastefully done.  It can be a bit cringy sometimes with the babies being born, etc. but that doesn't bother me. (Thank goodness!)


The lovely grey and white crackle serving platter and bowl I received from Rex London, formerly #dotcomgift shop  I love them. I have already used them several times. I do a lot of shopping with them. They have great sales and really cute items.  All of the little things that I got for Maryn's birthday box came from them.  Cute pencils and erasers, sticky pads, etc. I got my latest toadstool Christmas ornaments from them, end of season, cheap, cheap.  I have also done reviews for them in the past on the food blog. I love that they show their appreciation for their bloggers, etc. by sending them sometime nice every now and then, with no strings attached. They're a great company.  I bet they are fun to work for. 


Take a Break's My Favourite Recipes magazine.  I had a recipe published in it last month, and also one in the latest issue.  In fact I probably have one published in the magazine most months, and last year one month I won the prize for the top recipe, which was a great boost!  I got more for that than I did for publishing my cookbook!  Its a great little magazine and as far as cooking mags go, not that expensive. I haven't picked up my latest copy yet. I need to do that. 

And those are my small and wonderfuls for this week.  I need to get cracking. I've run out of time.  I will do the Book of Mormon study tomorrow.  I have to go to the Docs.  In the meantime here is a thought for the day  . . . 

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

 *.˛.
No one has failed who 
keeps trying and keeps praying.
~ Jeffrey R Holland    •。★★ 。* 。 


 

In The English Kitchen today  . . .  Sweet Potato, Broccoli & Cheese Bake.  Yum! 


Have a wonderful week. I hope you are truly blessed.  Don't forget!
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════ ⊰✿░G░O░D⊰✿⊰L░O░V░E░S⊰✿⊰░Y░O░U░⊰✿
═══════════ ღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋ ═══════════

And I do too! 
  
 

Sunday 25 February 2018

Being you-er than you . . .


 

Last night as I lay in bed, waiting to fall asleep . . . I was thinking about women I had read about, or that I had known in my life  that I have been inspired by in some way, large or small.  Women like Helen Keller, or Anne Frank . . . my good friend Jacquie who lives in BC, my friend Sybil (yes YOU), LeAnn, April, Sheilagh, Monique, my Aunt Freda, Marjorie Pay Hinckley, my mom, my sister . . .  and countless others.  Women of all ages, both the living and the dead.

As I lay there thinking,  it came into my mind that these special ladies all had something in common . . . they are curious about life and open to it's strange and unusual possibilities, possessing a certain vitality, a sense of wonder . . . and an enormous capacity to flourish emotionally, personally and yes . . . spiritually.  Maybe not always . . . or in all ways . . . but most certainly they each possess at least a small fraction of these qualities and it is these things about them that have had the most impact on me.


It got me to thinking.  What is it about a person that makes them interesting??  I think it is their ability to drink in life and savor every drop of their experience . . . the sweet and the sour, the happy and the sad . . . the good, the bad . . . and the ugly, the planned and the . . . unexpected.  And really . . . isn't that what life is all about???  Isn't that all a part of the plan???

My largest role model of course . . . is not a woman at all, but the Saviour, my redeemer . . . Jesus the Christ.  When I look at all He embodied and all that He did, I can see very clearly that he was out there, right in the thick of things.  He took chances.  He took risks.  He was not afraid.  He embraced life and responded to everyone and everything in it, both the tender . . . and the terrible.  He had a capacity for life that was without measure and unending . . . and to think . . .  we have been engineered, designed and created to be just like Him!  Oh, what a wonderful thought!


I don't want to miss anything in this life . . . no part of the journey . . . not one single opportunity, or experience, for good or for bad . . .  not one single jot of what He has in store for me, even if the path He takes me on  marks its way  through some rough terrain.  It has often been when I think I am lost . . . or stumbling in the dark, that He gifts me with something precious and unforgettable . . . and yes, I may have to be completely out of the tunnel before I can see the gift that it was . . . but at some point I've always been able to recognize and take from each experience the jewels that they were.

It occurs to me that, more than anything else, being able to capture the moment is a choice . . . a way of life.  It requires us to wake up with a sense of purpose each morning, filled with hope for the day ahead . . . with determination to live it all, to be present . . . here, there . . . and everywhere.  Sure, it may be scary at times, and we may not always like where it takes us . . . but, always . . . always . . . it can be exhilarating, and inspiring. if we allow it to be.


Life is a great adventure which becomes even more wonderful if we travel through it with a full and grateful heart, willing to taste, and  being open to . . .  all that it brings to our table, capturing all of it's moments . . . feasting at the banquet. 

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow what a ride!” 
~Marjorie Pay Hinckley  



 What an exciting day yesterday.  I had made a curried cauliflower soup for our dinner which Todd really enjoyed. (Look for the recipe soon.) He went to get a second helping and was just on his way back when all of a sudden he was face first on the floor. I was beside myself. I didn't know if he had had a heart attack or what.  It turns out he only tripped (thank goodness) and he had not broken anything except for his pride (again thank goodness). It was quite an upset for both of us. He was really disappointed about his soup, because there was none left, and what he had was spread in about a six foot radius all around him on the carpet. Its a good thing it was quite thickish so it was fairly easy to clean up. I was just so darned happy there was nothing wrong with him, it didn't matter to me.  Its easy to clean up spilled soup, not so easy to deal with other things!!


 We watched a really good film last night called Viceroy's House, starring Hugh Bonneville and Gillian Anderson as Lord Mountbatten and his wife. As the final Viceroy of India he is in charge of overseeing the dissolution of the British Raj and the establishment of an independent Indian nation. We both really enjoyed it, and with that I will leave you with a thought for the day  . . .  Happy day everyone!
 


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˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ | 田田 |門 ★

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.“Today you are You, that is truer than true. 
There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” 
 ~Dr Seuss  
•。★★ 。* 。
 Love YOU today.  I already do!

Spiritual Enlightenment 

 

In the English Kitchen today  . . .  Monkey Face Cookies.  Molasses Cookies with a history.

Have a beautiful Sunday  . . .  don't forget! 


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And I do too!