Simple Woman's Daybook: January Edition

"Snow, it is true, is not merely white. The sun touches it

with roseate and golden lights. Its own crushed infinity of crystals,

its own richness of tiny sculpture, fills it, when regarded near at hand,

with wonderful depths of coloured shadow, and, though wintrily

transformed, it is still water, and has watery tones of blue."

from "Davos in Winter" by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

as recorded in Nature Tales for Winter Nights, p 81

Have been feeling grey of soul of late. I don't blame the wintry weather for it—I like winter and I rarely mind grey overcast days. It could be a mix of contributing factors: some health-related, my own as well as of people I care about, the state of the world which includes upheavals and natural disasters in many places, feeling the horror and sorrow press in as I think about the many who have lost so much, of the homeless and hungry. And me sitting here with so much.  

So when it comes to writing here on my blog, I admit, my heart isn't in it. My own life is quiet and generally pleasant but I feel the weight of it on these dark January days. My creativity feels powdery and dry like the drifts of snow outside my window. So, until I find my heart for writing again, I will be taking a short winter break away from my blog. Someone once said that when our hearts are heavy, sometimes it's good to get physical. Pour your energy into some physical projects rather than mental ones; redirect the focus to something tangible and close to hand. I can almost hear my house cheering. Dust bunnies abound. Hubby is most reliable as the household vacuum-er. Me, I'm the dust-er, and I hate to say that I'm falling down on the job.

The other day I read that Peggy from The Simple Woman's Daybook is winding up her blog—she wrote her last post in December. I'm going to miss her presence here in blogland. How often I have followed her writing prompts over the years; they have been a great way to corral one's random thoughts. A big thank you to Peggy for giving us such a simple but lovely format to read and to write about.

And so today, beautiful friends, I write with you in mind as I share this January edition of Simple Woman's Daybook. I hope you enjoy, and we'll see you in the not too distant future.

For Today

Looking out my window...

The grey, overcast morning turns into pale bluer skies

with possible hints of sunshine peeking from behind clouds

that high winds chase across the landscape.

I am thinking...

About the all the things I wanted to accomplish in 

my house during these snug indoor weeks in January but

the days are flying by and my lists on my desk wait in vain.

I am thankful...

For the dear man I get to call my husband who texted me

early yesterday morning saying the roads were good and traffic was

decent as he'd traveled into town for his medical appointment.

Adding a quick "I love you" at the end. I felt my eyes shine like stars.

One of my favourite things...

The way the light now arrives slightly sooner in the mornings

and disappears slightly later in the afternoons.

I am creating...

Some 'Reset' to-do and project lists for myself.

To tackle a few projects around home, and especially in my study.

House projects, desk projects, writing projects.

 A few paper blizzards need taming. Books on

shelves need reorganizing. And, new handles for

refurbished kitchen cupboard doors need shopping for.

I am listening to...

Classic FM Calm Radio streaming from the UK.

Especially enjoying the 'calm' music these days.

I am wearing...

I planned on a short-sleeved cream knit sweater

embellished with crocheted rosettes, with black pants. But

short-sleeves sweater now replaced with long-sleeved T-shirt.

I am reading...

The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen, a historical

novel with a mystery, set in 1943 and 1968

A Thousand Feasts by Nigel Slater

Small moments of joy . . . a memoir of sorts

Just finished and enjoyed

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

Nature Tales for Winter Nights, edited by Nancy Campbell

I am learning...

How to carry both joy and sadness in my heart at the same time.

There are sad things of which we should be sad about, but that

doesn't mean we need to swim in that pond all the time. It's joy that

gives us the strength for our days. Humour lightens the load. So we

watch for the many moments that come as gifts to reprieve,

soften, comfort, and cheer us. 

In my kitchen...

I'm enjoying the smell of chicken stew, roasted onion and dill perogies

sautéing in butter, and lemon zest over the steamed asparagus.

In the 'school room'...

As we don't have fireflies where I live, I was intrigued to learn

from notes made by Charles Darwin in 1832, as recorded

in Nature Tales for Winter Nights,

that certain fireflies emit

"the most brilliant flashes when irritated; in the intervals,

the abdominal rings were obscured. ... The shining matter

was fluid and very adhesive: little spots, where the skin had been torn,

continued bright with a slight scintillation, whilst the uninjured parts

were obscured. When the insect was decapitated the rings remained

uninterruptedly bright. ... The rings in one instance retained their luminous

property nearly twenty-four hours after the death of the insect."

I felt sorry for that experimental firefly but it was interesting to learn

a little of what makes a firefly... a firefly.

In my garden...

Blue jays were taking turns at the water bath today. Temperatures

were mild even though it was so windy. One fellow plopped himself on

the trellis outside my window and peered in at me, feathers looking

like bedhead as the wind tried to blow him off. Too busy hanging

on, Mr. Blue Jay forgot to scold me about the serious lack of peanuts.

Quote (found on Facebook)...

I sent this to my siblings who are all younger than me:

"This is your sign to request $20 from all

your younger siblings 'just because'."

I'm sorry to report no one coughed up.

🤣

Closing thoughts...

Please know the grey in my soul is not overwhelming

me. There are luminous cracks of light in the dark.

 Wishing you grace for whatever you face in your

own life these days. Holding you close in my heart.

❦

Inserting a PS...

Later in the day, after I wrote and published this post,

I visited a couple of blogging friends. The words they spoke

on their own blogs spoke deeply into my soul. I came away

from each one blessed to the bottom of my socks.

I'm so grateful for His grace today. And a huge thank you

to Caitlynnegrace for reminding me to 'cast away my cares on Him'

and to Janet M for her post of creative well-filling words and images.

(Click on their names and the links will take you to their posts.)

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Brenda

Photo credit:

Image by kordi_vahle from Pixabay

My blogging Schedule:

I post on Fridays

 

The Daybook: Autumn and Pockets of Time

" Autumn is bold bursts of colour that leap from every

corner of the landscape;  . . .  Autumn is a time for textured

treasure; run your fingers through its landscape. "

LOUISE BAKER, Autumn, An anthology for the changing seasons 

We were away from home for only a few days. When we left it was still green and summery, and when we returned Autumn had taken over the neighbourhood. A few trees were brilliant yellow, and a colourful confetti of leaves scattered across lawns and green spaces. Spared frost thus far, the garden continues to bloom. The Rudbeckia (below) brightens the corners where it stands, and Miss Peace Rose (below) pours out her energy into opening the last of the buds. It is sad to see her season come to an end, but I take solace burying my nose in the petals which are more fragrant now than they were in summer.

from the side yard coming round to the front

It's been a while since I wrote a Daybook post—it seems a perfect time to shake out the insides of one's pockets as we wrap up Summer and let Autumn have her way. I do hope you enjoy September's edition of The Simple Woman's Daybook which is loosely cobbled around the autumn theme and pockets of time, with a gallery of garden photos as it now looks.

  

FOR TODAY

" Build pockets of stillness into your life. "

MARIA POPOVA

Outside my window. . . As I sit at my desk, a blustery wind blows. The Mountain Ash branches, heavy with clusters of red berries, rhythmically bend and weave, toss and sway—my thoughts swirl as I watch.

I've been thinking. . . about pockets. Not pockets on a jacket or a pair of jeans but rather pockets of time and opportunity. It all started a few weeks ago when lovely Facebook friend Sharon mentioned opening her window one early morning to enjoy the air that was still sweet and fresh. It would only be a little while before heat and smoke took over, making it needful for her to firmly close the window. But Sharon reveled in the moment, however short. Her vignette grabbed my heart that day for I completely understood her aesthetic sensitivity—I aim for the same—where we learn to grab hold of those pockets of time, no matter how tiny, and savour what we can of its beauty or pleasantness. A grateful heart won't waste the moment, fretting for something more perfect; it just leans in and appreciates what is.

This leads me in a round about way to the next prompt. My mind starts humming a bit of a tune 𝅘𝅥𝅮 along with just a snatch of words: 'la la la la something-something in your poc-ket'. Eventually the braincells break through cobwebs and I have enough words to do a reasonable google search. Does anyone of a certain age remember this old song by Perry Como. 🠛

I've been listening to. . . Catch A Falling Star which Perry Como recorded in 1957. A catchy tune, I've been humming it ever since I found the lyrics—these are the stanzas I was trying to remember:  

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Never let it fade away

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Save it for a rainy day . . .

For when your troubles start multiplyin' and they just might

It's easy to forget them without tryin'

With just a pocketful of starlight

I am thankful. . . for the lovely day I spent with my mom earlier this week. The day dawned sunny and warm. We shared a simple lunch of sandwiches, a small bag of Lays Classic potato chips, and bread and butter pickles. It was my dad's birthday, he would have turned 92, and together we visited his earthly resting place. We took red roses, his favourite, and then wandered through the quiet rows, sat on a bench in the sunshine, while cows grazed calmly in a field nearby. It was so pleasant and peaceful, our conversation was the same. We wound up the afternoon stopping at Dairy Queen—Dad would have been keen—for chocolate dipped ice cream cones, a treat neither of us have enjoyed for a long time. We savoured every lick as we sat on the sunny patio. It was one of those days that will shimmer in our memory pockets for a long time.

Glorious foliage from a tree down the street

A favourite thing I love about Autumn. . . is the vast contrasts as seen in nature—rows of trees and grassy knolls still green alongside bushes, shrubs, and plants resplendent in brilliant shades of gold, orange, and russet.

I am wearing. . . capri pants with a delphinium blue tee-shirt, a spritz of fragrance, and a dab of coral glossy lipstick.

I am remembering. . . the old Hallmark movie Sarah, Plain and Tall. Sarah Wheaton arrives on the Witting farm for a one-month trial to see if she can make a difference to the widower and his young children. On a trip into town one day, six year old Caleb spies a harmonica in the general store. When Sarah buys and gives it to him, Caleb is thrilled because 'Now I can carry a little music in my pocket'.   

 

I've been watching. . . the Downton Abbey series off and on these past couple of weeks. I planned to watch episodes on my own when the weather got cooler, because I didn't think Rick would be interested. But he was—I think he's glad for a break from garden chores—and so together we've been enjoying the series all over again.

I kind of forgot how well written it is, how funny and wise Lady Violet is, and how full and intense the episodes are. I love the theme music and get a little thrill hearing those first notes. It's easy to get taken up in the lives of the Crawley family, including everyone below stairs. I find myself thinking of them and their problems, even when I'm off doing other things—cheering for Anna and Bates, happy when Lady Mary and Matthew finally get together, feeling sorry for poor dear Edith when she's jilted at the altar. Having visited Highclere Castle a few years ago, I watch the scenes closely to spot things I've seen in person, crowing that I, too, have walked down that grand staircase. 

Self seeded johnny jump ups

I am reading. . . Jann Arden's latest book If I Knew Then, Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging. She's entertaining and thoughtful as she shares her own discoveries about life and living and what really matters. One thing she mentions that caught my eye was the importance of creative endeavour in every stage of life. She happens to use the same phrase we used in our childhood: "making things". Such pleasant hours we spent making things: doll clothes, games, paper cutout dolls from the Eaton's catalogue, beaded necklaces, embroidered pillow slips, knitted ropes on old spools.

Jann says, "Making things is what childhood is all about. Making things is what life is all about. Making things for yourself is the most glorious d*mn thing on the planet." Oh yes! So I ask the question, what things are you making these days? The other day I made a peach galette (using Jacques Pepin's apple tart recipe), which was dee-licious, and I am making photo books to be given as gifts.

I am learning. . . that it's good to enjoy a moment, a scene, without feeling the need to always take a picture of it. Before our digital world took over, we lived our lives pretty much without taking photos at every turn. We stored our favourite memories in our mental pockets and only took photos on special occasions, like birthdays or Christmas or weddings. But, of course, it's so easy now with our digital cameras, and I do love that I can share daily life moments so easily on social media.

At the same time, after reading a story about a fellow who spent his whole river cruise holiday behind the lens of his video camera filming it, something about that made me stop short. Did he really experience the sights and sounds and flavours of his whole holiday through the tiny eye of his camera? Maybe I'll just relearn to once again be present in the present, live life's moments without always needing to take another photo. At least some of the time.  

In the garden. . . Some things are blooming like there is no tomorrow. Perhaps they know their time is short and are not wasting a moment. Here is a little tour of what it looks like these days:

One morning we came out to find this pretty hand-painted rock

nestled amongst the flowers. We don't know who left it there, or who

the painter is, but we have so enjoyed this sweet gift to us.

 This rose bush (the name slips my mind) struggled all summer, but

now she's blooming full gusto. Love her wedding pink petals.

When the peonies die back, the pink sedum begins to

take their place in the garden. They bloom till freeze-up.

Sharing a link. . . that my friend Sharon passed along to me The Cottage Fairy. These short videos are created by Paola, a young artist who lives with her dog and bunny in the quiet countryside of Washington State. She presents vignettes from her own gentle, creative life and posts them on YouTube. Usually around eight to ten minutes in length, the videos lend a restful, mindful ambiance—-they are well worth visiting!

 A quote on my mind. . .           " There are pockets of time, she thinks,

where every sense rings like a bell,

where the world brims with fleeting grace. "

DOMINIC SMITH, The Last Painting of Sara de Vos

With such a quote within, I really must search out this book by Dominic Smith. I haven't read it, have you? Is the book as lovely as this quote? Standing in my garden or when I'm out for my walks, that's how I often feel. My senses come alive as I take time to smell, touch, hear, see. And, I feel my world brimming with that fleeting grace, making me glad to be alive. Pockets of time and opportunity, that's what we have, isn't it, as we live day by day.  

The scent from the sweet pea posy fills the whole house

Closing thought. . . take a moment to read aloud to yourself. Something you are reading right now. Maybe a line or two from this post that speaks to you. Feel the rhythm, listen to the cadence, roll the words over your tongue. Hold it a moment, tuck it in your memory pocket to savour later...

Perhaps in much the way British poet William Wordsworth once mused about the dancing daffodils he imagined as he lie on his couch of reverie. I understand he wrote his unforgettable poem some years after seeing that great host of yellow. Which means he carried the vision all that time in his memory, and one day he brought it out and found it so thrilling he wrote a poem. If we truly live in our own daffodil moments, the memory of them will return one day to us, and give us pick me up moments, just when we need them. In our upside down world that's filled with suffering and turmoil, I think we need them more than ever.

There, I've emptied my pockets of what I've been thinking about these days. I hope you found something, besides lint, that you can take away.

* * *

Wishing you plummy days filled with autumn's beauty

and big pockets to hold their sweet memories.

Brenda

All Images in this post are mine

Simple Woman's Daybook: Spring Edition

" One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song,

read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible,

to speak a few reasonable words. "

JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE

It has been a while since I've written a Simple Woman's Daybook post. On this sunny first Monday of April, it seems a good time to pick up the thread again. Yesterday Easter Sunday was cold and blustery on the outside, but on the inside, my spray of pink double tulips (above) made my heart lurch every time I caught sight of them on the kitchen table. 

Today I join Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook, I hope to share 'a few reasonable words' in this post and make you glad you stopped in for a wee visit. Please know I'm always glad for your company.

FOR TODAY

" Documenting little details of your everyday life

becomes a celebration of who you are. "

CAROLYN V. HAMILTON

Outside my window... The sun makes me feel like Spring, even though the temperature lags too near the freezing mark most nights. The birds remain the most hopeful of creatures, as they continue to sing and now search for nest material in spite of the teaser weather. Migrating birds are still coming in, we watch eagerly for them.

I am thinking... about our simple Easter celebration yesterday with just the two of us. Our day was quiet and without fanfare—no family gatherings for us yet—but it was pleasant and our hearts bubbled with joy because "He is alive".

I am thankful... for the Covid vaccine and that it's almost my turn for the jab. I was awake before the crack of dawn because it opened up today online for my age group to book our first appointments. Woohoo! Who would have thought a vaccine would be such cause for celebration, but I do feel liking hooping it up. And I know so many of you feel that way as well.

One of my favourite things... is the colour seashell pink. Next to the French style manicure (white tips), I love shell pink nail polish. For some reason, the colour immediately makes me think of old fashioned weddings. So soft and feminine.

I am wearing... a new tulip-pink tee-shirt, black skinny jeans, fragrance, and lipstick. I'm slowly switching my wardrobe out to a smaller size as my weight drops ounce by ounce. Yes, I do notice the ounces as it seems to take forever for even one of them to melt away. I celebrate them too. I find myself doing the hands on hip model's twist and turn in front of the mirror to marvel that I am at last seeing a less bulgy and more svelte self. I might show a pic one day when I reach a certain goal.  

I once created... An Autocorrect moment. You've no doubt experienced such moments yourself,  because sometimes Autocorrect can be so irritating. But there are occasions when it outdoes itself in creativity, even hilarity. Like the time a couple of years ago, I texted my sister and happened to mention that I was eating a fudgesicle. Autocorrect was certain I didn't want to say 'fudgesicle' and replaced it with the phrase 'fudges uncle'. Seriously? It thinks that's a word? My sister and I laughed to see such nonsense. The phrase stuck, however, and is now part of our family lingo. 

I watched... a beautiful reading of the Gospel of John yesterday which was presented by Sir David Suchet (Poirot) for yesterday's Easter Sunday celebration at Westminster Abbey in London, England. Suchet made those ancient words come alive, and I felt so enriched to celebrate Easter in this way. The nearly two and a half hour video is presently available on Youtube; you can find the link HERE. 

I am reading... one of my thrift store book gems Cobwebs and Cream Teas. It's a lovely anecdotal tale about the life and work that goes on behind the scenes of the National Trust estate, Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk, England. Author Mary Mackie's husband was the Administrator at the time, so her tales are first-hand.

This book, and its sequel Dry Rot and Daffodils, are both entertaining—and informing—reads. They are perfect for this time of year when so many of us are eager for our own gardens to get underway. If you are interested in knowing more about the house and its national treasures, you can visit the website HERE. 

Although we didn't get to see this particular place during our trip to England a few years ago, we had the lovely opportunity to visit other National Trust spots, including Chartwell and Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Our tours to both places were most enjoyable. I truly never imagined just how much work goes on off-season and behind the scenes to maintain and preserve these places for the benefit of their many visitors. And how important it is to keep your hands to yourself and not touch fragile objects. 

I am listening to... the finches singing in the trees. How they lift my heart in that sweet squeeze. I am still waiting to hear my first robin of the season. Should be any day now.  

I am hoping... for some gentle spring rains to green up our grass. I am hoping for nights that don't go below freezing. I am hoping for weather that gives me a warm reason to stop wearing my winter jacket.

I am learning... that wee afternoon naps really help make us more brilliant while playing Scrabble.

In the kitchen...  I noticed the oddly placed finger marks as I wiped down the refrigerator door yet again. They were nowhere near the handles, which can be expected, but alongside the hinges on the other side. How do we get fingermarks over there, I pondered aloud to Rick one day. He said that's because you touch the frig whenever you go into the pantry. Surely not, I wanted to deny, but decided to watch for myself. Sure enough, the next time I had to search the pantry cupboard for cereal or crackers, there was my left hand resting on the frig. Jeepers. I wonder how many other things I do that I am utterly oblivious to in my life.

In the garden... Nothing is really stirring as yet in the garden, except for the master gardener who is slowly beginning the task of shaking off the winter debris, trimming shrubs, gathering up leaves and dead grass.

 

A favourite quote... Comes courtesy of an excerpt I just read from Mary Oliver's poem The Sunflowers. You can read the complete poem HERE. I love the last lines. For, yes, it is a long work, that of coming to see that our very lives and breath are worth celebrating every single day. Have you found it so?

"... Come with me

                         to visit the sunflowers,

                they are shy

                   but want to be friends;  . . .

                        each of them, though it stands

                 in a crowd of many,

                                like a separate universe,

               is lonely, the long work

                   of turning their lives

                       into a celebration

                              is not easy.  . . .  " 

A moment from my weekend... Easter Brunch for two - French Toast with maple syrup, fruit, and breakfast sausages. Yum!

Closing notes... As I sit here typing, I think of Carol Burnett: "I'm so glad we've had this time together. Just to have a laugh, or sing a song. Seems we just get started and before you know it comes the time we have to say so long." 

* * *

I hope you have a great week.

Wishing you beauty and heart's ease,

Hugs,

Brenda

xox

The Simple Woman's Daybook: November Edition

"...let there be light, let there be beauty..."

AS SEEN ON FACEBOOK

American naturalist and author Hal Borland once said, "People seldom think of November in terms of beauty or any other specially satisfying tribute. November is simply that interval between colorful (October) and dark December." And yes, compared to September and October's riotous beauty, November certainly appears dull in her muted grey and brown wardrobe. But then we get weather like we are having this week—warm as late summer with sunrises so rich and vibrant it rivals any autumn flurry. Grey, cold days will come, of that we can be certain, but for today I'm reveling in this reprieve. And marveling at the play of light with shadow. Watching the sunset come earlier in the evening. No matter what else is going on in the world around us this week—and there's a lot—I'm letting these moments dance and play in my mind's eye.

It's been a delight to weave a few thoughts together for the November edition of The Simple Woman's Daybook. I hope they create a pleasant interlude before you get on with your day.

FOR TODAY

In November, the trees are standing all sticks and bones.

Without their leaves, how lovely they are, spreading their arms

like dancers. They know it is time to be still.

CYNTHIA RYLANT

Outside my window...

The snow melted and we're back to autumn this week. With mild, sunny

temperatures, it is such a joy to go for my walks. The sunrises have been spectacular.

I am thinking...

about the name of this blog "It's A Beautiful Life".... because the truth is, we all know

life is not always beautiful. Sometimes there is downright ugly, horrible stuff

that assaults our minds and bodies on every front. Yet, in the midst, there is still so much in

life that remains beautiful. And that is what I try to focus on. Not only do I look for

the beauty in the world around me, but I look for what's good and beautiful in people.

One day I might update (or not) the name of my blog, because for all the ugly that happens,

"It's Still A Beautiful Life". 

I am thankful...

For these lines I recently found by Eric Liddell, a Scottish man

made famous through the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire.

"Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans,

but God is not helpless among the ruins."

These words give me courage today. 

One of my favourite (happy) things...

is watching the Twitter feed of a dapper doggie named Bertie.

His human dad tells us that Bertie is a very happy Lakeland Terrier

who lives in Cheltenham (UK). He loves everybody and he tries everyday

to be a good boy but it doesn't always quite work out. 

He loves to run and lives life to the full.

He charms his followers with his exuberance.

Bertie always makes my day, and now Rick always asks,

so what's Bertie up to today?

His Twitter tag is @bertie_lakeland 

I am wearing...

black pants, long-sleeved tee-shirt, warm socks, and a dab of lipstick.

Yes, I still wear lipstick even when I wear a mask to do errands and shopping.

I am creating...

space in my day to write, read, listen to music, go for a walk, be quiet, listen, pray.

 I am watching...

I am reading...

One of my recent Value Village book finds

Words I Wish I Wrote by Robert Fulghum. He writes:

"In traditional Japanese houses, the walls are not cluttered with

bric-a-brac or paintings, because the Japanese think the art becomes

wallpaper after a while—unseen except as background. There is a

single place set aside on a single wall for a single work of art that is changed

from time to time according to the seasons. It's called a tokonoma. By placing

something of beauty in the tokonoma, the art gets noticed and

appreciated—purposely attended to. ..."

What a lovely way to keep the treasures in our home fresh and alive to our senses.

 

I am listening to...

my doctor's advice to get in at least 150 minutes of

exercise a week. I like to walk but injured my knee some time ago. I'm

slowly getting back to it. For now it's once around the block twice a day.

It's been lovely to watch how the season has been changing day by day.

And my knee is getting better.

I was hoping...

there would be left over Hallowe'en treats after the kids came on the weekend.

I was especially hoping to find extra Cheetos Crunchy Cheesies. Alas,

they were popular amongst the kiddies, so there weren't any left. No matter,

I admit I had sampled them earlier in the week (wink). They were my little

treat as I watched Poirot movies in the afternoon.

 

I have been learning...

to barber my husband's hair in these Covid days. He didn't want to go

to the barber, so I invested in a hair clipper and shears, and watched 

dozens of YouTube videos on cutting men's hair. He hasn't fired

me yet. But I have begun to wonder why he wears his hat so often.

 

In the kitchen...

Rick made a gorgeous Greek Salad for supper last evening,

using the Joy of Cooking recipes for the salad and dressing.

Greek Salad

1. Rub a salad bowl with garlic.

2. Add lettuce or spinach leaves,

chopped, pitted ripe olives,

sliced radishes,

sliced hard-cooked eggs,

shredded Swiss cheese,

bits of sautéed bacon.

3. Add sliced cucumbers,

cubes of feta cheese, and

a sprinkling of oregano

4. Toss salad with....

French Dressing

In a jar, add:

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup red wine vinegar or lemon juice

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Put lid on, shake until ingredients are blended.

Then, gradually add

3/4 cup olive oil

shaking between additions.

Shake well before using.

 

In the garden...

The peony leaves turned purple after the frost. I have never noticed

that happening before—perhaps I never paid proper attention. I'm loving

this unexpected glimpse of nature's fading beauty.

A favourite link...

To visit is Lorrie's beautiful blog Fabric Paper Thread. It took a long

time for the two of us to discover when we met online, that years earlier our paths

had crossed in real life. She recognized the college dorm when I posted a photo once.

It turned out we both attended the same college at the same time—we were

in different years—our rooms were located on the same floor in Whittaker Hall.

We both dug out our yearbooks and racked our brains to see if we remembered each other.

How's that for that old saying "what a small world!"

I'm so glad our paths crossed again.

A moment from my day... (photo of dailyness)

Photos from my walk at sunset around 4:45 yesterday afternoon.

I hardly minded such an early dusk when I could watch the sun playing

in the treetops and reflecting in the empty lake. 

It caught my breath!

 

Closing notes...

"...the full November twilight had fallen around Green Gables,

and the only light in the kitchen came from the dancing

red flames in the stove. Anne was...gazing into that joyous

flow where the sunshine of a hundred summers was being 

distilled from the maple cordwood."

L.M. MONTGOMERY

* * *

Yes, Virginia, it's still a beautiful life...

From the deep region of my heart, I am wishing you a safe and cozy November.

Heart Hugs,

Brenda

💓

Photo credits for:

(Top) Image by pasja1000 from Pixabay

(Olive jar) Image by ArtTower from Pixabay

The Simple Woman's Daybook: October Edition

" Even if something is left undone, everyone must

take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn. "

ELIZABETH LAWRENCE

Autumn is a time of year that 'fills my well' and gives me so much to muse about. Activities that feed my soul are usually simple and soothing as well as nourishing. Going for a walk at dusk, kicking my feet in the fallen leaves, and watching the ducks fly overhead into the sunset.... it's moments like these that make me oh so glad! to be alive.

I find working on the prompts set out by Peggy from The Simple Woman's Daybook puts me in touch with the simple things going on around me. Usually nothing fancy or newsworthy, in the grand sense, but these are the things that become daily bread for the soul. I find myself on the lookout for these ordinary glimpses when I read the writings of other bloggers. I hunger to know the details—the little life secrets—of what makes life meaningful and beautiful for you. It is what I look for when I happen to re-read old journals of mine too. Sharing my little findings with you gives me joy. And it is always my sincere wish that something I offer will have made your visit here worth while.

So.... it's the first Monday of the month and time for October's edition of The Simple Woman's Daybook. I hope October will be good to you. We have Canadian Thanksgiving coming up this weekend. Alas, no big family events planned, but hopefully a bit of turkey and stuffing and pumpkin pie will add some festive feeling to mark the occasion. For, indeed, we are thankful for all blessings and gifts that come our way.

For Today

" October gave a party:

The leaves by hundreds came

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing

Professor Wind, the band ... "

GEORGE COOPER

Outside my window...

Although Autumn still dazzles in spots with brilliant colour,

in our corner it is already on the waning side—many trees stand

 barren as gullies and lawns deepen in curling leaves. 

My window is open a crack and autumn's peculiar scent wafts in—

that mix of wood smoke, cool air, earth, and dead leaves.

I am thinking... 

When I was a girl, I disliked the forlorn, barren look of late autumn.

Trees void of leaves left me feeling unsettled. I did not like the emptiness,

the starkness. It was a far cry from the snug, cozy, homey feeling I loved.

'Twould be many a year before I'd come to truly appreciate the

clean open space of empty branches stretched against a grey sky. 

I am thankful...

for deep breaths and the ability to delight in the natural world around me.

Like Anne of Green Gables, I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. 

One of my favourite things... 

Going out with my guy for a drive in the countryside

and then stopping somewhere for a picnic lunch.

" A picnic is a state of mind

and can be made anywhere. "

SUSAN BRANCH

I am wearing...

black jeans, black long-sleeved tee-shirt, a red and black plaid vest.

In this photo, I'm posing along the main street of the village that was

central to our family life growing up on the farm.

I am creating...

I'm itching to write and ideas dance inside my head, much like

fluttering leaves dance down the street on a breeze. I mutter to myself

thinking about this word and that one, as sentences take shape on paper on

my computer screen. As the daylight hours shorten and time in the

garden draws to a close, I find myself drawing nearer to my desk,

my books, and pen keyboard.

I am watching...

the sparrows having a grand splish-splash bath in the luncheon plate size

clay pot tray on our deck. Had to fill it up three or four times

because they were so exuberant in their ablutions.

I am reading...

Bella Grace,  a 160-page magazine deliciously filled with

lovely articles, quotables, photography.

" An ordinary life can be extraordinary;

there is beauty in imperfection and that magic

can be found in the every day."

THE EDITORS 

I am listening to...

Harvest Moon (Neil Young) as sung by Lord Huron,

since we enjoyed a harvest moon earlier this week. The song is a favourite. 

I am hoping...

to finish reading the insightful little volume I recently found by

Louisa May Alcott Hospital Sketches from the Civil War. She volunteered

as a nurse around 1862 and recorded her experiences in letters

she wrote home. I appreciate hearing more about this well-known author's

personal encounters during this tumultuous time. Little Women

was published eight years later.

I am learning...

restraint in offering my vociferous opinion on every topic at hand,

especially the ones that make me hopping mad or upset.

Using my tongue to speak generous words of comfort,

praise, and affirmation is a much better way. I don't have to ask

God for forgiveness so often (wink).    

In the kitchen...

Our next door neighbour dropped off fresh plums

from their tree. They are so sweet and juicy.

Don't you just love that plummy colour? 

In the garden...

We've had no killing frost yet (fingers crossed) so many plants are still blooming,

including this climbing rose. 

A favourite link... 

is the blog handmade by amalia. She's creative

with fabric and yarn as well as words in poetry. And

she always knows how to tickle the fancy of the child within.

A favourite quote...

" Like the trees that are dropping leaves, this is a time

for each of us to gently release anything that has become

a burden…trusting that it is this letting go that

will eventually lead to the new growth we seek. "

ANNETTE CHILDS, Ph.D.

A moment from my day...

When out for my walk last night just as the sun was doing its theatrics,

I caught glimpse of its reflection in the neighbour's window.

That's some artist!

Closing notes...

Take no thought for tomorrow: for tomorrow shall

take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Grace and mercy are freshly minted every morning for us— 

I plan not to waste today's energy on tomorrow's business.

As they say, sufficient for the day.

* * *

Wishing you a beautiful day. Stay safe. 

Heart Hugs,

Brenda

xox