A Day Book . . . .

 

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ...

This was yesterday.  Bleak and dark. The sun did come out eventually and the snow dusting the rooftops did go away. But it remained cold all day and is cold this morning. This is about what you would expect from January, but with a lot less snow.  It will come, I have no doubts. And probably in spades.

My desk calendar ME

I AM THINKING ...

We don't seem to get winters like I experienced as a child anymore. I can remember there being a lot more snow, hip deep.  Lots to play in and make snowmen with.  The ice at the outdoor rink stayed frozen all Winter.   Is this global warming? Probably so.

 

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I AM ALSO THINKING ...

I am also thinking about a talk I have to give at church in a few weeks time. On the 14th.  I am having a stupor of thought about it.  They decided at church that they are not going to assign topics now, just have people talk about whatever they are inspired to talk about. At the time I thought, that's a great idea!  Now I am thinking, not so great an idea. Its a lot harder to do, to come up with something to talk about on your own.  It should be easy but its not. Abso-flipping-nothing is coming to me.

 

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HARD TO BELIEVE ...

Its hard to believe that this is my first daybook post of the year 2024.  When I was growing up the year 2024 seemed impossibly far away and distant and yet here it is, and the time in between seems to have just melted away. Things that we used to watch on "The Jetsons" cartoon have come to pass with moving sidewalks and being able to video call people and probably a few other things as well. Things which seemed to be so futuristic that they possibly couldn't happen in our lifetimes.   When computers first came out I can remember my mother had to have a whole room to hold hers at work.  Now they fit into the palm of your hand.  

 

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SOMEDAY ...

I would like to someday create an embroidery sampler book like this one.  Combining two of my loves.  Embroidery and flowers.  I have not done any embroidery in a while. I actually haven't been working on my blankets either. I need to kickstart myself back into activity methinks!

 

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JOY ...

What brings you joy? In thinking about that this morning, I have come to the conclusion that many things bring me joy. It is hard to pin down.  I find joy and wonder in nature.   I find joy in accomplishing a chore that I have set out for myself. I find joy in spending time with loved ones and friends.  I find joy in working with my hands.  I find joy in reading my scriptures and studying them. In listening to good  music. In reading good books. In playing with the cats.  Taking photographs. Creating something new out of nothing.  Creating tidy out of chaos.  Reading poetry.  Writing. Prayer . . .  it seems many things bring me joy.

 

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ORDER ...

This year I hope to bring more order into my life.  So that then I have more time for the things which I really like to do.  Less work. More play. Order in all things.  I am not so great at organizing. My sister is much better at that.  I tend to collect and clutter.  I buy on impulse, even food. I need to clear out the clutter and become more organized.  I find no peace in clutter. No peace at all. It can sometimes feel overwhelming.  How do you eat an elephant. One bite at a time.  That is how to create order out of chaos.  I tend to fill up the spaces around me. I fill the air and page with words. I clear one thing away, only to fill it with something else.  I need to get better at not doing that.

 

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SOMETHING I REALLY LOVE ...

Patterns and color. Bright colors.  Colors that excite and inspire.  Colors that make you smile and giddy with excitement.  Colors that wake you up and make you feel alive.  All put together in interesting and inspiring ways.

SOMETHING TO READ ...

The Magic of Ordinary Days, by Ann Howard Creel

The powerful story of one woman's passion in a world at war. Olivia Dunne, a studious minister's daughter who dreams of becoming an archaeologist, never thought that the drama of World War II would affect her quiet life in Denver. But when an exhilarating flirtation reshapes her life, she finds herself in a rural Colorado outpost, married to a man she hardly knows. Overwhelmed by loneliness, Olivia tentatively tries to establish a new life, finding muchneeded friendship and solace in two Japanese American sisters who are living at a nearby internment camp. When Olivia unwittingly becomes an accomplice to a crime and is faced with betrayal, she finally confronts her own yearnings and comes to understand what she truly believes about the nature of trust and love.

Also reading my scriptures, poetry, re-reading Susan Branch, etc.  There are never enough hours in the day.

 

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WANTING A CHANGE ...

I am really hating my sofa.  Its not just that it is too low.  The back is also not supportive.  It is not a sofa to curl up on. Its just not comfortable full stop.  I should just put it onto a Facebook page to give away. Taker must collect. 

SOMETHING TO WATCH ...

Fool Me Once, a new series on Netflix. I watched the first episode last night and quite enjoyed it. I like a good action mystery.

 

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MAKES ME SMILE ...

The sight of a well made bed. I love bed linens.  I love comfy. I love a well  made bed with pretty linens  that invite.

CORNERS OF MY KINGDOM ...

I love my bowl of yarn balls.  The fact that the cats have not taken to playing with them still surprises me.

CRAVING ...

White pizza. From Taste and Tell.  This looks fabulously delicious.

IN THE KITCHEN ...

Easy French Dip Sandwiches.   This was fabulously tasty.  Sized for the smaller family. Tender juicy strips of beef in an au jus gravy, tucked into a toasty bun with some cheese melted on top. 

TRACING THE GOODNESS ...

Finding joy in small and simple things and pleasures. Faith.  Family. Pets. Home.  Friends.  These things matter most and are the source of true joy.

 

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A THOUGHT TO CARRY WITH YOU ...

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

 *.˛.If seeds in the black earth 

can turn into such beautiful roses, 

what might the heart of man become 

in its long journey toward the stars?

~G.K. Chesterton•。★★ 。* 。

•。★★ 。* 。•。★

And that is my daybook for this week. I hope that you all have beautiful days.  Blessings to you all and don't forget!

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And I do too!