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    •。★★ 。* 。 

Spiritual Enlightenment 

 

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

Have a wonderful week. I hope you are truly blessed.  Don't forget!

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And I do too!