Category Archives: Big Thoughts

Simple Woman’s Daybook – the Munich and ER edition

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(more daybooks at Peggy's )

 

FOR TODAY Nov. 8, 2010

Outside my window… sunrise and slush.  We had impressive snowfall the past few weeks followed by rain which left things a bit soggy.  The sunrise over the trees has been new and different daily.  It has become a ritual of mine to see what the day brings us in that regard. I am rarely disappointed. 

I am hearing… about 50% less than I was last week this time. It's been a rough week. We had a seemingly mild,  but surprisingly hard to shake, virus run through the house.  I honestly didn't feel terribly sick at all comparatively.  (though it is possible my pain perspective is a bit skewed)  Within a couple days my ear filled up, infected, and the eardrum ruptured.  Just. Like. That. At this writing there is still incredible pressure and hearing loss, which I am praying is reversible.  I am sporting a cotton ball, even broke down and am taking medication, and having flashbacks to my 6yo self – post ear tube surgery.  And let me tell you an ear tube would probably provide a good deal of relief at this moment. : / 

 Pondering these words…

"I had said to God, 'You know I have no time to be ill.' I was heard beyond my hopes and I boasted of it to myself a little. Then He seemed to answer, 'Since you have no time to be ill perhaps you will have time for much trouble?' And I assure you I have not been spared. You see, in this world it is like that. We must carry the cross in one way or another.  We say to our Lord, 'I don't want that.' Often He hears us but often alas! for our unhappiness. It is better to take patiently what comes to us. There is always joy beside the pain." – Zelie Martin (linked below)

There is always joy beside the pain. 

From the learning rooms…   Second quarter is off to a strong start.  I am more confident we will finish strong now that we have a better idea of what to focus upon for the quarter grades and what the school is expecting. It is challenging but the younger the student the easier the transition has been and the quicker they have developed the necessary study skills. 

From the kitchen… silly surprises. I was in a foggy viral daze the other day when I started cracking eggs.  I vaguely noticed some marker on the top of the egg in hand and assumed our grafitti artist had been there too. Then happened to look closer at the carton and realized I had been punked.  ; )  

Egg-punked-web

Not a bad way to start the day.  They do keep me laughing lol. 

 I am thankful for…  an opportunity Asher and Alannah had to spend the weekend in Munich with the young people from our tiny chapel.  They have been invited on several occasions but it's too far to drive and drop off and we didn't want Alannah to tackle the train alone.  Asher's arrival made this time possible. Alannah talked by phone with an older German friend who walked us through the ticketing and itinerary.  Another girl, also traveling to the Munich gathering met them at their second to last train change (there were many of them on an 8 hr journey!) and helped navigate the rest of the way. 

Alannah-train-web

(with her German friend en route)
It was a short but memorable weekend of games and fun and fellowship. 

Munich-train-web(changing trains)

We are so proud of them that they figured it all out and so pleased they are getting to make these connections.  

Munich-web

(rectory)

I am wearing… likely boot cut jeans and a sweater. And boots for that slush. And a slouchy hat over my cotton ball'd ear. Does this sound attractive or what lol?  Heading out to shop for Tess' birthday cake supplies in a bit.  I was rereading some of Helen's (Castle of the Immaculate) thoughts about ironing (and generally preparing for church further in advance) here and thought I would share.  I absolutely agree.  It is a small thing that does say alot. Coming from a military home we realize that while appearance is not the most important thing it DOES convey a loud message about our self respect and the respect we wish to show to others. 

Around the house…. more little Christmas tea light holders from the thrift shop.  Reorganized the girls wardrobe/closet this wknd.  It was one big laundry basket.  Much better now. They really need a second pole for hangers. 

More house inspiration here on Flickr – which seems to be where I hang out online more and more. (Very encouraging, that community is!)  The corners of this home are so soothing and simple and vintage. 

I am creating… Christmas gifts which may arrive on time but more than likely not. Here is hoping. I hope to bring some hand sewing on our trip for a change of pace.   Need some inspiration?  Check out these adorable carolers.  

I am reading…  Finishing the Story of a Family finally.  It's been years of on and off reading.  At this age and stage of life, and what it has thrown at me,  I can relate to Zelie Martin.  I cannot tell you how she inspires me. 

A few plans for the rest of the week…  Bavaria!  Though there will be no Zugspitz for me this year.  There will be castles and snow and a warm house in the mountains however. I'll take it. : ) 

Tess will kick off her four year old year in the Alps. amazing to me still.

A picture thought I am sharing…

Munich-mary
at the rectory in Munich

on the Incredible Hulk and happiness

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I woke up the other day to this little man padding around in his green Incredible Hulk jammies looking at me with a silly crooked smile.  How many mornings have I done this?  How many early morning whisperings about cartoons and football games? How many more will there be?  Not enough, is my verdict now as they are dwindling and young men are appearing where bitty guys used to be. I have loved being the mother of little boys. These may well be the last set of superhero pj's in our house.  If they are, I am really going to miss them.  

Brendan-pjs-web

But they are here today.  And for that I am thankful.

 

wishing you a very blessed Thanksgiving Day

Power Thought – I am difficult to offend

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Sharing a Power Thought for Sunday – "I am Difficult to Offend." 

Joyce begins by asking, Why give control of your day to other people? She explains that, 

"Rudeness, quick tempers, and holding grudges seem to be very common today.  People don't realize they are playing right into the devil's hands when they allow these negative and poisonous emotions to rule them." 

She goes on to share the example of Becca who,

"…is making progress growing in Christ when suddenly something happens at her church that offends her. Becca had hopes of being chosen to sing in the choir but for some reason she got passed over. Satan takes advantage of the situation and fills her mind all kinds of thoughts that are not even true. Becca begins to focus on what she imagines to be an attack of rejection, and she receives it as a personal attack instead of simply trusting God.  Sadly this scenario is repeated over and over in the world today. Sometimes I think we have more people in the world who are angry and offended than those who are not. 

Satan is fishing all the time hoping to catch someone in his trap. Don't take his bait! Start …. saying,

'I am difficult to offend.'"

Something to chew on. Hope you enjoy these and find them as challenging as I have. Happy Sunday! 

 

 

Two-women-reading

 

I love you sweet baby

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Happy Birthday Abbie Rose, I love you sweet baby.

Abbie-daisy-cosmo-web

"The first thing in our list of things to do
Is to wake up right next to you
Second thing that we have planned
Is to kiss both of your hands

Third thing that we'll do today
Is look you in the eye and say
I love you sweet baby, I love you sweet baby
I love you more than anything."

– Kimya Dawson (on playlist right) 

Simple Woman’s Daybook

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(more daybooks at Peggy's )

 

FOR TODAY Nov. 8, 2010

Outside my window… Drizzle. The leaves are nearly all turned and fallen now.  Having lived in the American West for the past 8 years I have been beside myself watching the leaves change color this fall.  LOVE it.  Also outside my window on a regular basis?  Ginormous crows who sit on the neighbor's car and peck through the garbage.  We have to bag the recycling (they will only pick up bags) and the bags are no match for  hungry crows. Shoo. 

 Pondering these words…

 AS A KIND-HEARTED BLOGGER I PLEDGE TO:
  • create, inspire, and admire rather than compete with fellow bloggers
  • be understanding of each other– in the blogging community, as well as in the world
  • stay away from internet/blogging bullying
  • speak my opinion freely, while still being mindful of other's feelings– be tactful.
  • make an effort–no matter how big or small the gesture, to spread kindness or joy to others
  • acknowledge that I will make mistakes, (I am only human) but remember to learn from them
  • know that at times I will post about the negative stuff in life, and maybe even some complaining (I am only human) but I will always follow up with something happy/positive too.
  • believe that this world is a good place, filled with good people.

I invite you to take the Kind Hearted Blogger Pledge!  

 I am thankful for…  good friends, long talks, creative time, nice people, and things that make me laugh out loud like this site.  Disclaimer – some of the art/sentiments are racy.  There, I told you, now don't write me, 'k? But you gotta love some of those doodles….

Be nice card

I am hearing… Brendan walked by quietly singing "Hot diggity dog, its a bwand new day"   Day doesn't start much better than that. : )  Facebook friends heard about our radio fun last night riding home from church: Michael Jackson's Thriller – the accordian version.  Gotta love German radio! 

From the learning rooms…   I think I figured out our school's online quarterly reporting system and if I am correct I can stop worrying about all the forms we were given. Hoping so anyway because the forms make my eyes cross and send me running from the school room pulling at my hair. I love these books.  I don't love  record keeping.  

From the kitchen… We tried Chicken in Mushroom Cream sauce from Julia last night. With what turned out to be a LOT of substitutions.  so so.  The frozen chicken breasts were tough as shoe leather.  So I guess I need better raw ingredients before even tackling technique. Sigh. I have many redeeming qualities. Cooking isn't one of them.

We had better luck the night before feeding Kieran's little friend tacos and chocolate pudding. In fact the whole evening was a hit, though my coffee splashed out of my to go cup onto my thighs while taking him home.  An Irish expletive escaped my lips – though I maintain that swearing in Irish does NOT count.  Here's hoping the little man does not have a sancti-mommy. ; o  

I am wearing… yes.  I will definitely be wearing something suitably fashionable, modest, and not pajamas.

 Later. 

Around the house…. graffiti.   And we have finally tracked down the little gangsta culprit.  She is about 3 ft tall and blonde, occasionally seen sporting a pencil or marker.  Warning – she is convincing when she says she is 'doing school'.  A homeschool mom can be taken in with an alibi like this. Before you fall for that line I invite you to look at her sheets and the upstairs wall.  Geesh.  

We haven't had one this bad in over a decade. That urban artist used to leave itty bitty smiley faces everywhere.  EVERYwhere.  I actually thought I might be losing my mind at one point.  I would pick up a dishtowel after dinner and there in the corner – tiny smile.  What was that in the hem of the curtain?  You guessed it.  He gave himself away one day however when he was sooooo pleased with one portrait he signed his name to it.  Busted. 

I am creating… new curtains for the living/dining rooms.  Winter is approaching and its getting dark.  We need some perking up in here. Pulled out some barn red and yellow French cottage prints to play with.  

I am reading… Battlefield of the Mind.  Still so impressed by it. If you want to understand why I feel the way I do about positive living, this is a good start.  She addresses both the critical necessity and biblical foundation as well as what the alternative is. This is not about manipulating God with our thoughts but about aligning our thoughts with God's will for our lives and affirming in our words and deeds that we believe He only blesses us – even in our trials. We can do this. Whatever this is. 

A picture thought I am sharing…

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Notre Dame du Paris

Simple Woman’s Daybook – the Paris edition

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For Today: Nov 1st, 2010,  All Saint's Day (and German national holiday as well) 

Outside my window: 

At this moment the sun is shining brightly.  It has been delightfully warm all weekend.

I am wearing:

Pale green 3/4 sleeve sweater, long black skirt,  black boots. Love these boots.  They walked all over Paris this weekend and didn't hurt the least little bit. 

I am listening:

Not my video but exactly what we heard while standing in the square in front of Notre Dame du Paris. I may never forget that sound. 

From the kitchen:

Five course dinner Saturday night…

kir

French onion soup

Boeuf bourguignon

cheese sampler

creme caramel

This morning, Pain Perdu. 

I am creating:

Oh yes I am!  Daily.  Very gratifying.

I am reading:

The Litany of the Saints today, an ancient prayer of the Church, in fact one of the oldest in continous use with historical references dating as far back as the 3rd century. 

That Thou wouldst spare us, 
That Thou wouldst pardon us,
That Thou wouldst bring us to true penance 

Dear Lord we pray. 

From the schoolroom:

Aidan just finished All the Swords in England.  Need to work on book analysis assignments for Aidan and Moira.  Mango German… and perhaps French for mom.  Finding it much easier to hone high school French than wrap 40+ yo brain around German, but both must happen.  Compiling French history resources. 

Notre-dame-St-thomas

Around the house:

French-cat-sign-web

…a tiny souvenir

I am reading:

a copy of Marie-Claire Idees

Pondering these words:

"You made a commitment to God….not a bargain with Him."  

from Though None Go With Me seen last night on the laptop with three daughters piled onto my bed.  Another movie I want to own. The implications there could keep a person pondering a very long time. It is imperative we understand the difference. 

Contrary to the contemporary "follow your heart" message is this one – that true happiness is only found while we are safely tucked within the will of God, not in relentless pursuit of own 'druthers which never fail to disappoint. Reminds me of another line - 

"You can't always get what you want, 

but if you try sometimes, you just might find,

you get what you need."  - The Rolling Stones

from my picture journal:

saintly images from Paris….

Notre-dame-St-Denis

St Denis (center)

Notre-dame-st-theres

Notre-dame-st-joan

St Joan of Arc

 

slowly growing joy

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Somehow I have never heard this poem  before this week.  Perhaps because I have always found Roald Dahl I bit creepy.  This is a keeper though. 

 

"The most important thing we've learned,
So far as children are concerned,
Is never, never, NEVER let
Them near your television set-
In almost every house we've been,We've watched them gaping at the screen.
They loll and slop and lounge about,
And stare until their eyes pop out.
(Last week in someone's place we saw
A dozen eyeballs on the floor.)
They sit and stare and stare and sit
Until they're hypnotized by it,
Until they're absolutely drunk
With all of that shocking ghastly junk.
Oh yes, we know it keeps them still,
They don't climb out the window sill,
They never fight or kick or punch,
They leave you free to cook the lunch
And wash the dishes in the sink-
but did you ever stop to think,
To wonder just exactly what
This does to your beloved tot?
IT ROTS THE SENSES IN THE HEAD!
IT KILLS IMAGINATION DEAD!
IT CLOGS AND CLUTTERS UP THE MIND!
IT MAKES A CHILD SO DULL AND BLIND
HE CAN NO LONGER UNDERSTAND
A FANTASY, A FAIRYLAND!
HIS BRAIN BECOMES AS SOFT AS CHEESE!
HE CANNOT THINK-HE ONLY SEES!
"All right!" you'll cry.  "All right!" you'll say,
"But if we take the set away,
What shall we do to entertain
Our darling children?  Please explain!"
We'll answer this by asking you,
"What used the darling ones to do?
How used they keep themselves contented
Before this monster was invented?"
Have you forgotten?  Don't you know?
We'll say it very loud and slow:
THEY…USED…TO…
   READ and READ,
AND READ and READ, and then proceed
to READ some more.  
So please, oh please, we beg, we pray,
Go throw your TV set away,
And in its place you can install
A lovely bookshelf on the wall. 
Then fill the shelves with lots of books,
Igoring all the dirty looks,
The screams and yells, the bites and kicks,
And children hitting you with sticks-
Fear not, because we promise you
That, in about a week or two
Of having nothing else to do,
They'll  now begin to feel the need
Of having something good to read.
And once they start-oh boy, oh boy!
You watch the slowly growing joy
That fills their hearts.  They'll grow so keen
They'll wonder what they'd ever seen
In that ridiculous machine,
That nauseating, foul, unclean,
Repulsive television screen!
And later, each and every kid
Will love you more for what you did.

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