MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, March 30, 2009

Outside my window...a sunny spring day has begun, a beautiful new start to the week....what is the quote that comes to mind? "Hope springs eternal..."

I am thinking...of what a wonderful weekend I had and the busy weeks ahead.

From the learning room..."The Artist's Life" continues to inspire and challenge.

From the kitchen...I think I should dive in to my favorite "green cookbook" tonight - believe it may be the only night that both Hannah and I will be home for dinner this week so I think I should fix something special.

I am wearing..."lazy" pj's after a busy, long weekend and Hannah with a day off from school today.

I am creating...the Mimi necklace this morning :-) and new earrings for Spring Break.

I am going...to state soccer trials this weekend (congrats, Hannah!) and then a whirlwind spring break trip.

I am reading..."The Artist's Way," a growing to-do list as we prepare for our trip, and lots of maps.

I am hoping...Andrew is okay and is feeling better soon - his closest and dearest PC friend left yesterday, giving up her post early to return to the states.

I am hearing...Michelle Featherstone "I'm There, Too"

Around the house..."get ready for spring break" week.

One of my favorite things...will be picking up the newly released Slumdog Millionaire dvd tomorrow.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
filing taxes (whew!); getting our "road music" set; writing Andrew a letter and emailing his friends to encourage cards, letters.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...congrats, ladies, on your 2nd place tournament win!

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, March 23, 2009

Outside my window...I caught a beautiful sunrise ~ a wonderful way to begin a Monday, to begin the week.

I am thinking...of how long my to-do list is for today and how there is no way I will ever get through it!

From the learning room...I continuing my study of "The Artist's Life" and finding myself more open to it this time around.

I am thankful for...spring sunrises.

From the kitchen...I'll need to check with Sarah to see if I can bring something as we've been invited to dinner tonight ~ how nice!! :-))

I am wearing...a pair of favorite, comfy pj's that I found at the bottom of the drawer last night, LOL! Yes, laundry is on the to-do list.

I am creating...2 new pairs of earrings and/or bracelet to "meet" my new rule/guideline from last week since I completed another necklace :-)...wait, I don't think creativity likes "rules"! :-)...just finished "sketching" a Mimi necklace that I want to work on as well.

I am going...to Hannah's soccer tournament this weekend.

I am reading..."The Artist's Way," a stack of "delicious" new beading books, and finishing "Moon-Calf."

I am hoping...that Sandy's mom and families continue to be wrapped in peace and love; also hoping that doctors will find help for Blake, a friend of Hannah's friend:
http://wwwphp.10tv.com/vplayer.php?clip=2009_03_23_Student_Battling_Rare_Infection.wmv

I am hearing...Bob Patin's "Blackbird" - pandora

Around the house..."out with the winter clothes, in with spring and summer" week. I love doing this - like "shopping" every year without spending money! :-)

One of my favorite things...will be finding time to watch Twilight with Hannah!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
helping Hannah complete her soccer contacts now that spring break plans seem finalized; spring newsletter

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, March 16, 2009

Outside my window...the grass is looking greener, preparing for spring or perhaps for St. Patrick's Day tomorrow :-)

I am thinking...of Sandy's family, especially of her daughters the loss they must be feeling. And her mother - to lose a daughter so suddenly, so young...it will be such a difficult time for all.

From the learning room...I am learning to golf and enjoying it ~ and my instructor understands my "creative" background so tries to tell me I need to find the rhythm and tempo in my swing - not just hit the ball. Ahh, it's not golf...it's music!

I am thankful for...family, for friends, for life.

From the kitchen...It's time for Irish Soda Bread - yes, there's a wee bit a' the Irish blood running through these veins!

I am wearing...comfy blue jeans and my favorite OSU hoody to celebrate my Buckeyes making it to "The Dance!" GO BUCKS!

I am creating...a new necklace inspired by a palette pattern selected last week (new rule of thumb as I find myself loving to create necklaces despite this economy not wanting to sell them ~ for every necklace, will design 3 pair of earrings and/or bracelet...begin this week)

I am going...to make a coffee run tomorrow to my favorite coffee shop (can't run out!).

I am reading..."The Artist's Way," "Moon-Calf," and trying to find Hannah's soccer stats...

I am hoping...that this week of incredible sudden loss and pain will also somehow bring peace and healing.

I am hearing...Rosie Thomas, "Farewell" - pandora

Around the house..."out with snowmen, in with spring..." week. It's about time. :-)

One of my favorite things...was hitting a golf ball, "feeling it" fly up and seeing it land about 75 yards out at the driving range ~ hey, there may be hope!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

remembering Sandy

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, March 9, 2009

Outside my window...the sky's streaks of blue and white seem yet undecided about the day, but the overnight wind has ended our run with spring for now.

I am thinking...of Andrew and how I need to let him know how his niece loves NASCAR (!) - apparently the sound of the cars running on the television fascinates her and lulls her to sleep. Andrew will be so proud - LOL!!

From the learning room...I am beginning a new study of The Artist's Way.

I am thankful for...Hannah and her laughter, her tears, her smiles.

From the kitchen...I have picked up my reliable "green" cookbook (bon appetit - fast easy fresh) to decide on something for tonight as "hockey boy" is joining us for dinner.

I am wearing...a pair of favorite blue jeans (what else, right?) and a warm sweater for the morning's weather that has greeted me.

I am creating...an heirloom bracelet for Abigail, more "Pretty in Pink" pieces, and more spring pieces as time permits.

I am going...to enjoy my "Mimi" time this week.

I am reading..."The Artist's Way," "Moon-Calf," and assorted others in "the stack."

I am hoping...that the "ball gets rolling" with Dad's visit to the doctor this morning and that he will be okay.

I am hearing...Ben Taylor - listening to my "mellow" playlist off of napster.

Around the house...much to-do before Hannah's friend arrives later today.

One of my favorite things...was enjoying my niece's dance company performance Saturday night ~ an incredible, creative, talented group ~ such a joy to see!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

filing in the office (yes, I've progressed to that point!); making spring break plans; visiting with Sarah and Abby; being "soccer mom" :-)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

(mother and daughter) :-)

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, March 2, 2009

Outside my window...the bright sun is deceiving, masking one more Arctic-chill morning - March has arrived lion-like, indeed.

I am thinking...of Andrew, having just learned that today is the Peace Corps' "birthday" - 48 years old.

I am thankful for...the quiet, restorative weekend I was able to have.

From the kitchen...it will be a good day to start some bread to have with dinner - what a wonderful aroma all day.

I am wearing...some comfy blue jeans and a warm hoody (GO BUCKS!).

I am creating...more spring pieces, having completed two over the weekend that I will need to get listed ~ ready to "think spring!"

I am going...to have more fun playing with old photos and the scanner this week.

I am reading...or re-reading Devotional Classics as part of my Lenten journey.

I am hoping...that Sarah and Abby have a wonderful first day alone together at home as daddy returns to work.

I am hearing...Haydn, have my "classical" station on pandora.

Around the house...everything is wonderfully in order.

One of my favorite things...was seeing Gram hold Abby on Saturday ~ 5th generation.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

finishing the office (almost there - I can see the desktop - yay!); coffee with a good friend; catching up with Mom and Dad; getting my "Mimi" cuddles; going to my niece's dance company's performance

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, February 23, 2009

Outside my window...the woods are cold and empty, tired of winter.

I am thinking...that I would love a yellow scarf.

I am thankful for...my new granddaughter and the joy that she is bringing to everyone.

From the kitchen...this morning is Kenyan coffee, strong and smooth ~ made my trek to restock so have my Tanzania Peaberry, Kenya, and am also trying a Zimbabwe this time.

I am wearing...pink and yellow plaid pj loungers with a comfy soccer sweatshirt hoodie (I am quite a fashion statement).

I am creating...the new spring pieces that didn't get done last week, a new I Cor. 13 necklace, and most likely something for the "Pretty in Pink" series (to welcome Abby).

I am going...Goodwill Hunting tomorrow (how fun will that be!).

I am reading...Moon-Calf, a coming of age novel set in the 1920's and Elizabeth Lesser's Broken Open.

I am hoping...that Hannah will be feeling better today and if I keep feeling well it will be good to see Abby and Sarah :-).

I am hearing...a recording of Ar Rahman, composer of the score for Slumdog Millionaire.

Around the house...I am trying desperately to keep the "flu bug" at bay.

One of my favorite things...is now quietly holding Abby.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

reorganizing the bedroom; still organizing the office (yep...); purchasing Slumdog Millionaire when it is released on DVD :-); enjoying time with Abby and Sarah; picking up Gram from the airport.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...


Peggy Hostetler...creator of 'The Simple Woman's Daybook' is the author of The Simple Woman's Blog, where you can find out more about how you can join in this exercise as well!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

The sun is shining, the sky is blue with white clouds dancing, and I am now "Mimi Sue." It is a Friday to remember, indeed. What a week of wondrous joy...and a week to celebrate in gratitude. My "Friday Favorites" come easily and certainly make me smile.

First, one of my favorite pictures of new granddaughter Abigail who apparently is most contented with her hands in prayerful contemplation :-)...

Next, not sure if this is exactly what Andrew looked like when he finally got the news that he was officially an uncle, but I was thrilled that the Tanzanian phone lines were up and going this morning so that I could have a great chat with him ~ he is so very excited and looks forward to printing off many pictures next weekend when he is in Moshe (actually I'm going to send him prints and hope they reach him first). He also gave me a wonderful update on his village projects - they are establishing bio-intensive gardens to take advantage of every precious drop of rainwater as they develop their crops. Things are moving quickly and going well ~ he's very encouraged and sounds happy.

I am hoping to see Gran Torino soon, and a friend had shared this link to a tribute to the film's music ~ incredible! Definitely a favorite from the week to share with you!

Finally, I've been "thinking pink" all week as we've welcomed Abigail and certainly as I look through my shops I do have "favorites" there as well.

~ "Pretty in Pink" Necklace at Artfire

"BECOMING MIMI"

I remember back to last June when Sarah and Mike asked to stop over, supposedly with a pre-vacation gift for me - "Just a little something, Mom, that we think you'll need for your trip." And then my utter confusion when I unwrapped the present to find a Grandma's Brag Book photo album, looking first at Sarah, then at Mike, back to Sarah, still not quite certain why I would need such a thing for a vacation in Florida as the light started to dawn when I saw the excitement bursting forth in their smiles. That excitement was just the beginning...my "little girl," my first-born" was...is...going to be a mother. And, as we all soon learned, she is going to have her own little girl. Months of planning, of waiting, of doctor visits and ultrasounds, of pink and painting, of shopping and showers ~ the time is here.

I will no longer just be "Mom" but "Mimi" (no, there will be no "G" word yet for me - yes, I obviously have an issue, but at least I'm up front about it, right?). And yet, to my Sarah - to my "new mother," I know I will always be "Mom"...memories of our own first beginnings come back to warm my heart and remind me of the sweetness to be experienced in days ahead. I do feel blessed to be here, so close by to be both "Mom" and "Mimi" in this special time.

The time is here...a new journey begins soon.

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, February 16, 2009

Outside my window...are the last streaks of what was probably a beautiful a sunrise.

I am thinking...of no doubt, dear Sarah, and how the baby will certainly be here sometime this week.

I am thankful for...a week ahead which is "quieter" in schedule and commitments.

From the kitchen...is the reassuring morning aroma of coffee (with the reminder that I need to make a run to get more).

I am wearing...my pj's still (red & white plaid OSU lounge pants and red OSU t-shirt...GO BUCKS!)

I am creating...some new spring pieces this week.

I am going...to one of my favorite coffee shops today or tomorrow before I run out! Heaven forbid!

I am reading...Moon-Calf, a coming of age novel set in the 1920's. Enjoying it very much.

I am hoping...that Sarah hears good news today and that baby girl arrives soon and safely.

I am hearing...Hannah calling me to say it is time to leave for work.

Around the house...it feels good to come home.

One of my favorite things...is early morning coffee and "re-entry" time.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

creating those new pieces, still working on the office space, welcoming "our" new baby and sharing the news with Tanzania :-), picking up some new piano music, hockey game on Saturday with Hannah to see her "beau" play.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Peggy Hostetler...creator of 'The Simple Woman's Daybook' is the author of The Simple Woman's Blog, where you can find out more about how you can join in this exercise as well!

Monday - The Simple Woman's Daybook...Something New

FOR TODAY, February 9, 2009

Outside my window...are patches of snow, struggling to cling to the brown grass in the suddenly warm, taste-of-spring weather.

I am thinking...how wonderful that it is still light out this late in the afternoon, early in the evening ~ another sign that winter is waning.

I am thankful for...wake-up wall posts from Tanzania.

From the kitchen...chicken noodle soup is simmering for supper.

I am wearing...comfortable jeans (as usual - strongly believe that a woman can never have too many blue jeans, even in simple living), a new shirt which was a great find at the EB Warehouse, and one of my favorite long sweaters (love long sweaters)...and no shoes, naturally.

I am creating...a new blog design this week (after I totally back-up my computer).

I am going...to the airport with my grandmother (98) to help her get to sunnier, even warmer weather - wish I wasn't coming home from the airport!

I am reading...Moon-Calf, a coming of age novel set in the 1920's.

I am hoping...to hear some exciting Mimi news from my daughter very, very soon. There's a full moon tonight!

I am hearing...too much noise and am turning off the television.

Around the house...things are picked up and look nice, but there is too much dog hair right now - need to vacuum...again!

One of my favorite things...is sharing supper with Hannah which I'm going to do in just a few minutes. :-)

A few plans for the rest of the week:

listing some newly completed pieces, tackling the office area (procrastination can only work so long), enjoying my new read, staying out of the rain :-), maybe making a visit to my favorite GW store again, and hopefully calling Tanzania with some baby news!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Peggy Hostetler...creator of 'The Simple Woman's Daybook' is the author of The Simple Woman's Blog, where you can find out more about how you can join in this exercise as well!

A Birthday Reflection

Andrew will be celebrating his 23rd birthday on January 3rd ~ in Tanzania, of course ~ and I've asked friends and family to help us "celebrate" by sending me birthday cards to forward to him (don't worry - he doesn't "check in" here very often so I'm not thinking that I'll be letting the cat out of the bag) :-).... Just received the most wonderful note today from Ellen that she asked me to print off and send off to him ~ and as I read it, just one day after my "big day," I couldn't help but be called to reflect myself....thanks, Ellen!

Andrew, Who would have thought when you were celebrating all those birthdays as a kid that someday you would be celebrating your 23rd birthday in Tanzania??? We are enjoying following you on this adventure that will impact you for ever! I am passing on a birthday reflection written by a Joyce Rupp, a Des Moines Catholic Sister of Mercy. Happy Birthday on this special day!!! Your cousin, Ellen

A Birthday Reflection

I look back upon the past year, through the many ups and downs, and I gather my significant memories-people, events, inner stirrings,dreams, jolts, joys, heartaches, etc.-all that touched my life in any sort of special way.


As I look over my year:
I am especially grateful for... the love and support of family and friends.
I am amazed at... my inner peace and strength.
I am puzzled by... difficult lessons and challenges.
I wish that... I might have found that strength and peace sooner.

As I look toward the coming year:
I long for... a purpose-filled life of love, calling, peace, and joy.
I hope that... my family and friends continue to share and grow with me in the journey ahead.
I trust... that next steps are clear, positive, and grounded in who I am.
I promise... to live the life I am called to live.
I ask... for God's direction as I step out in faith.
Blessings!