Never Too Busy for Books

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

I'm soooo excited. Here's a glimpse of my library loot from this afternoon's visit to my library. Thankfully, just because I've completed my goal to read 25 library books this year, this does not mean I can't continue to enjoy those wonderful library books that capture my imagination.

I walked through the doors, lo and behold, 'what to my wandering eye did appear', but a new library acquisition sitting on the 'look at me' shelf. (Now, remember, I did mention before that I'm starting to feel that gentle swirl of Christmas wrapping 'round my thoughts like a kitten's tail around my ankles.)

So I had to stop and look...... because the book was entitled The Christmas Secret, by Donna VanLiere. I haven't read anything of hers before. According to the inside cover, it's a novel that 'reveals how the greatest gifts in our lives are sometimes discovered beneath the biggest boulder in the road.' I'm hoping for something warm and cozy.


Next....I'm hooked and so I went in search of another children's adventure novel by Madeleine L'Engle. Many Waters is a story about

"run-of-the-mill twins in the extraordinary Murry family. Nothing especially interesting has ever happened to Sandy and Dennys... Nothing, that is, until the bitter cold afternoon when, fooling around in their parents' lab, they type on the new computer: TAKE ME SOMEPLACE WARM...SOMEPLACE WARM AND SPARSELY POPULATED... And tessering across time and space, Sandy and Dennys are suddenly in a harsh desert land where, if they believe in unicorns, they can find unicorns...."


Then I followed my nose up and down a few other aisles and something by Valorie Burton caught my eye. Wait a minute, I recognize that name. I signed up for her informative and motivational e-mails a while ago. She's a personal life coach and I've always enjoyed her timely advice and encouragement. So I added to my growing pile her copy of How Did I Get So Busy? The 28-Day Plan to Free Your Time, Reclaim Your Schedule, and Reconnect with What Matters Most.


I don't know about you, but I'm often drawn to books by their front covers. So when I saw this book with a fifties style dress that has cut-out tabs from paper dolls days, I had to pick it up. (I loved paper dolls!)

Author Penelope Lively has written a fiction novel entitled Making It Up. She writes a story about her life as she imagined it might have turned out if she'd made different choices and experienced other circumstances. Mmmmm..... gotta add that to my armload.


But, wait a minute.... I hadn't even actually looked for the book by John C. Maxwell I came to find. One of my Mary Kay contacts recommended Thinking For A Change.

Always interested in renewing my mind, I am intrigued to find out what Mr. Maxwell teaches about Big-Picture Thinking (seeing the world beyond your own needs and how that leads to great ideas); Focused Thinking (removing mental clutter and distractions to realize your full potential); Creative Thinking (stepping out of the 'box' and making breakthroughs); Shared Thinking (working with others to compound results); and Reflective Thinking (looking at the past to gain a better understanding of the future).


And that's my haul for this week. Now comes the hard part.... which one do I start first? As I ponder that, let me wish you a....................

We Did It!

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

Tah Dah! As of last night, I completed my 2009 Support Your Library Challenge, which was to read at least 25 books from my local library during 2009.

Now..... I have two other reading challenges to complete this year. Ten books left to read for the Read Your Own Book Challenge. Plus, I need to find three books with a profession, a building, or a medical condition as part of the title for the What's In A Name challenge.


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On another note, do you enjoy the Jane Austen books and movies? I recently borrowed from the library the 2008 BBC version of Sense and Sensibility. I hadn't seen it before. I LOVED it!

The earlier movie version with Emma Thompson and Colin Firth will always be a top favourite, but this television miniseries is right up there for me. Want to catch a peek? Click here for a review; you can also choose to view a video clip.

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It's cool and overcast, but there's no snow. Still a good day for staying indoors. I worked on my newsletter earlier and now I'm thinking it would be a great afternoon for a wee nap...... so, Miss Kitty, wanna go for a snooze?

Till next time,

Snow, School and Such

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

I'm getting into my newsletter this week, but it's hard to stay focused when I haven't been to visit my blogging friends in a while. I do think of you though.

Guess what.... it's snowing today. Nothing serious, but it's enough to make a person think cozy thoughts of mulled apple cider and cheery Christmas movies. No, I haven't watched any yet, but I'm thinking about it. Maybe I'll get out 'You've Got Mail' first -- not quite Christmasy, but cozy in ambiance.

We're currently reading another children's book from the library. A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle was published in 1973; it's the sequel to A Wrinkle In Time. I don't recall reading any of the author's works when I was a kid, but I'm really having fun with them now.

They stoke up memories from my elementary school days. As I read, images of my old classrooms arise unbidden. Images of big chalky blackboards with rows of alphabet cards tacked above them, walls filled with colourful artwork and autumn leaves pressed between sheets of waxed paper, not to mention the shelves lined with inviting books, all ready and waiting for free reading time.

It all brings back a cozy, safe feeling. Maybe that's why I'm enjoying my visits to the children's section of the library these days. It adds to the ambiance.

Ahhhhhh..... well I best get back to my newsletter. I've got hot apple cider to keep me company, and a dozing Miss Kitty in a tight ball on the chair beside me, plus some cheery classical music on the radio.

It may be snowin' on the outside, but we're toasty on the inside. Here's wishing you a warmly joy-filled day!

We're Back!

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

We're back! What a wonderful few days away...Spokane is a lovely place to visit.

It seems everyone missed me. (I missed them too.) Miss Kitty was so excited when I plopped my luggage down at the front door that she ran all over the house like an excited puppy. Rick was not quite as exuberant, but almost!

I'm looking forward to visiting with you soon. We're nearing the end of the month, which means I'll be busy over the next few days with my newsletter.

Hope you all had a wonderful day! Wishing you a beautiful week!

Traveling Today

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

I'm away for a few days. Have a wonderful week!

Who's That Peering In My Window?

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

The weather's been warm and autumnal. Which means Orange Kitten has been venturing forth into the neighbourhood again. 

The other day, she met us when Rick's dad and I were out for our morning walk. And, then recently she came into the backyard, where she found a sunny spot on a patio chair. Until she realized that if she jumped up on the BBQ lid, she could peer into our kitchen window, meow pathetically, and look most forlorn. She's a good little actress! It was hard to get a good photo through the window glass, but for those of you who ask about her, we made a little slideshow for you.

Our own Miss Kitty was not amused, so there was some general complaining and genteel hissing going on at the time, nothing too serious. Orange Kitten just wants to play.....well, and eat snacks too. She's always up for snacks. But then aren't we all?

So, here's wishing you a most pleasant day! Naps, snacks, and lots of pets from your favourite caregiver! Sounds purr-fect!

I've Been Cooking All Day

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

I've been happily pottering in the kitchen all day. Something I haven't done in a very long time. I made big pots of homemade Chicken Barley Soup (my mom's recipe) and Beet Borscht, as well as Sloppy Joes, Casserole Style, for supper tonight. All three recipes will be posted over the next few days; the chicken soup is already up.

When Rick smelled the Sloppy Joes simmering away, he thought immediately of fresh homemade buns. By this time, however, it was late afternoon, and neither my head nor my feet were so inclined, so he took over the apron and the kitchen, and he's currently rolling out the dough, as we speak.

I'm going on a little trip for a few days, and though Rick is thoroughly versed in the ways of the kitchen, I didn't want to leave him with all the cooking, so some things are now happily waiting in the freezer for the lads.

As for me, I'm heading down to Spokane with a group of friends. We all work together at our local Healing Rooms, using the ministry of prayer for individuals who want to use this alternative when healing of body and soul are needed. Our flagship is located in Spokane (International Healing Rooms), and I look forward to meeting other folks from other places to share experiences and learn new things.

I'll try to get some postings done ahead of time, but, if that doesn't happen, I implore you not to forget me! I'll be back in a few days.

Until later,





PS. Those homemade rolls are in the oven, and you should smell the house..... I wish I could post a 'scratch and sniff' for you!

Simply Sunday -- Make Us Instruments

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

LORD, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;
where there is discord, union;

where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

Blogging Success

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland





IT'S NOT THAT I WAS particularly longing for Friday this week. But I thought the kitty in this graphic was so cute.

Actually, it's beautiful and sunny this morning. The temperatures are rising to well above zero, and the snow is melting. As much as I enjoy winter and snowy days, I do so appreciate it more when it arrives in the right season. So, today is a grand day as it allows me to feel 'autumny' again.

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I've been wanting to share a link to a great posting I found recently on the topic of how to have a successful blog.
Something the author said caught my eye. Her idea of success is not based on how many followers a person can gather to his/her site; rather, she measures success by satisfaction. If you are enjoying what you do, then it's a success, whether many or few come to visit.

Of course we all love it when people leave footprints of their presence in our comments boxes, so she offers some good advice on making your blog a more inviting and enjoyable place to visit.

So, whether you are new to the craft of blogging or a seasoned blogger already, head over to Penniwigs.


On that note, I'm off...... lots to get done. With the happy presence of our 92-year-old guest in our home, things are of a much slower pace. A relaxed state, to be sure, and enjoyable, but it takes longer to get what I need to done.

Have a great day!

A Little Bit of This... A Little Bit of That...

2009 by Brenda Collen Leyland

I spent so much time earlier today visiting and leaving comments on other blogs, I think I ran out of words for my own............but here's my day at a glance:

1. It's snowing and blowing. Which makes me want to dust off Christmas movies and other cozy videos like You've Got Mail, Wind in the Willows, Meet Me In St. Louis (Judy Garland), just to name a few.

2. Made homemade soup for lunch. I started with my own chicken broth and then added: a can of red kidney beans, kernel corn, some grated zucchini, a chopped fresh tomato, 2-3 cups of Clamato juice, and for seasoning, salt, pepper, and cumin. I let it simmer about 30 minutes. It was very tasty, if I do say so myself!

3. Visiting with Rick's 92-year-old father, who came yesterday to stay with us until the end of the month. This is the man who still races in Seniors Games, and just a couple of years ago ran at the World Seniors Games in Italy. I pray my hubby takes after him for longevity and good health!!!

4. Reading... we're working our way through an Agatha Christie mystery, A Pocketful of Rye, plus A Cellist in Sarajevo and The Professor's House.

I just looked out the window...... it's snowing again.......... maybe it's an evening for sitting by the fireplace.

Until next time,

An Old Book, A New Friend

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

POPPED INTO THE BANK this morning only to find a table of used books on display for a charity fundraiser. Of course I had to look, right! You never know what treasure might be lurking amongst the rest of those dog-eared penny thrillers.
I was well pleased to find a novel by Willa Cather. I first read about this early American author in the Victoria magazine years ago, but I'd never read any of her works. For a dollar, who could resist adding The Professor's House, written in 1925, to my book collection.

Now I'm pondering....... can I consider this new acquisition as part of the 'read your own books' challenge I've been involved in this year? I think the original rules said that you could still acquire books throughout the year, and consider them 'read from your own book shelf' material, (after all, they are now on your shelf) and as long as you didn't admit anything to your spouse. Is that the same as when they ask, is that dress new? And you reply, what, this old thing?

So on that note, I'm off on this blustery (still quite wintry) evening to begin my 'old' book. And, since it's Tuesday, here's a teaser quote from the book for Teaser Tuesdays.

"On this September morning, however, St. Peter knew that he could not evade the unpleasant effects of change by tarrying among his autumn flowers. He must plunge in like a man, and get used to the feeling that under his work-room there was a dead, empty house. He broke off a geranium blossom and with it still in his hand went...."

Grace Isn't.....

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant
before receiving a meal.
It's a way to live."
~ Attributed to Jacqueline Winspear



We're enjoying turkey leftovers today.
Happy Day!

Give Thanks, Canadians

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

Thanksgiving

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Blessings to you!

Aprons With Style -- Giveaway!

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

Photo from Just A Little Something For You

I'm enthralled! Went for a visit at Judy's and found not only a wonderful display of unique handmade aprons, but a GIVEAWAY TOO!

Judy's sister-in-law makes the most delicious looking aprons AND Judy is having a beautiful custom-made apron made especially for someone....... who leaves a comment on her site over the next three days.

These aprons take cooking and entertaining to a whole new level of chic and fun! So don't miss the fun.... pop over there right away and leave a comment. (Click on the apron above.)


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BTW, it's been snowing here today. It feels more like Christmas than Thanksgiving (for us Canadians). But I've no doubt the turkey and stuffing tomorrow will taste just as perfect no matter what we're celebrating!

On that note, happy day!

Have you seen the turkey anywhere, dear?

Three Day Autumn?

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

Well that was a short season...... Let's see, we had summer weather until the end of September, then a few cooler, more colourful days that felt like autumn last week, and now yesterday, we woke up to wintry conditions, including icy roads, snow blowing everywhere, and winds that bite your nose and cheeks with a vengeance.

So we're hunting up winter coats and gloves, not to mention cozy slippers and long sleeved sweaters. Ah, but that's okay. I like cozy slippers and sweaters. And, it's good weather for hot apple cider, not to mention sitting down to my mom's homemade sauerkraut potato soup for lunch.

BTW, according to Ambrose Bierce, a sweater is a garment a child wears when its mother feels chilly.

On that note......... have a beautiful day.

Wednesday Whatnots

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

The wind died down, but the air feels like there's SNOW up there somewhere. Brrrrr! Kitty didn't stick her nose out the door today, and though I went for my walk earlier, I realized light jackets are definitely out of season!

We've tried to stay away from our blog today as I really needed to get some other things done. Necessary, good things. But it's sooooo hard not to pop in and see what everyone's doing.

As the year starts to turn the corner on the last season, I'm well aware that I've still got a couple dozen books to finish for my Read Your Own Books Challenge. Thought I'd include a few of my coffee table books in the mix.



Let's see, there's a gorgeous art book by Trisha Romance, a book on Sir Winston Churchill as a painter by his daughter Mary Soames, the English Country Style decorating book by Mary Gilliant, Hubbles Space Telescope book of photography (sna-fooed that one from Rick's side of the bed), Mary Englebreit's Outdoor Companion, Kitchens, Asleep in the Sun (photos of kitties sleeping in Greece).

If I keep adding to the reading pile beside my bed, I'll have to crawl in from the other side pretty soon. But what pleasure to snuggle with a good book, a warm kitty, and a snoozing hubby on a chilly evening.

BTW, I'm off to a conference tomorrow, so until next time.......

Happy Day!

More Time Thoughts... and Teaser Tuesdays

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

Not sure why time seems to be a theme that comes up in my mind more often these days. Perhaps as I get older, there is that sense of dawning that the number of our days is not a limitless, never ending supply.

And so, just as we take more care with our water supply during drought times, counting each drop as dear, so to my hours and days and weeks become more precious as another one slips into history. Which makes me want to live life more abundantly and joyfully and lovingly than ever before.


I just started reading this beautiful copy of Keeper of the Springs, Making Home the Place for Which You're Longing, by Ingrid Trobisch (1997).

If you've been wondering sometimes how to shape your life so that what matters to you has a solid and safe place in your world, Ingrid Trobisch shares some beautiful insights about becoming the keeper of the springs of family, heart, and hearth.


Since it's also Teaser Tuesday over at Staci's, I'm going to share a short quote from the book that seems perfect for the occasion.......

"... The surrounding estate of green fields has been divided now. But each plot of two to three acres is studded by huge ancient trees with sprawling branches. When I purchased the home from Mrs. Crighton, my childhood teacher, she said, "I will sell you my house if you promise to do one thing every morning."

"What's that?" I asked.

"Stop whatever you're doing at ten o'clock....go sit on the front porch or backyard swing and just listen to the birds." (p. 22)


Happy Day!

Bright Monday Morning

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

There are souls in this world
which have the gift of finding joy everywhere
and of leaving it behind them when they go."
~ Frederick Wm. Faber

Although it was a cool and damp weekend -- one perfect for hibernating indoors where all was cozy and comforting smells wafted from the kitchen -- this Monday morning beams bright and beautiful and alive with possibilities.

I didn't get much sleep in the night, but rather than regretting having eyeballs that wouldn't stay closed at 2 in the morning, I was delighted to see not only night skies bright with moonlight, but to find moonbeams spilling all over our bedroom floor.

Today is one filled with lots to do........ so I best be away to it.

I wish you joy everywhere you go and may its fragrance lift weary hearts wherever you've been. And if you're the one with a weary heart, then I pray someone crosses your path and spills their joy on you!

Simply Sunday -- The Prayer

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

Do you ever feel that Someone bigger than yourself sometimes leads you to certain books or sites or places? I felt this way when I 'happened' upon Andrea Ross singing one of my favourite songs on youtube the other day.

If you've never heard Andrea Ross, you are in for a beautiful treat. She has one of the loveliest voices, and I just love watching her face and eyes as she sings this wonderful piece.

Join me in listening to Andrea sing The Prayer. Wishing you a peaceful Sunday!

Talk About Time

2009 by Brenda Colleen Leyland

Have you noticed that days are slipping by like beads off a broken chain? It's Monday and then it's Friday. It's January and then it's December. It's 2000 and then it's 2009.

It seems more is going on than just the clocks changing back and forth each Spring and Fall. Maybe when we mess with daylight savings time, the universe's timekeepers are foolin' with us too.

Years ago a friend of my mother's used to quip... "well, yes, it's Monday, the week's almost gone". As kids we'd think that was so funny.

More recently a cousin mentioned that she now suspects someone is stealing weeks from each month. We have the first week and the last week, and somehow the middle two have disappeared. (Maybe they go where those dryer socks go?)

Perhaps we should ask for discounts on our daytimers, because we don't need all those pages anymore!
Aha, we're just feeling silly today and we're just foolin' around. But I hope you make lots of time to drink tea with your dear friends, snuggle warm kitties, kiss fat grandbaby cheeks, and other important stuff like that. The rest won't matter that much in 20 years. Make the most of those 'two' weeks we have this month!

Happy Day!