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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

September Journal Jottings



It's hard to believe we're here enjoying the last day of September. Already. But what a perfect day it's been. The weather is like something straight out of paradise with most every tree, shrub, and flower now brushed from autumn's paintbox. The garden outside my window is alive with bird song and the air is fragrant with that earthy mix of dried leaves and moist soil -- grass seeds are being watered down in a bare patch. The air feels silky against the face while wisps of clouds float along as if they had all the time in the world.

As I thought about what to post on this last day of the month, I know some bloggers, like Cheryl, create a photo wrap-up of the month's events and moments. And, Emily posts about the things she learned during the month -- she has a link-up too. Both have wonderful ideas for 'gathering the moments'....

Source

Thumbing through my journal, where I write most days, I realized I wanted to gather a few jottings together and offer you a little glimpse of some things I was thinking about -- a few quotes, notes, and gentle reminders that have been a touchstone in some way for me during the month of September.


 1. journal note to self
 



 2. the quote

"There was another life I might have had,
but I am having this one."
~ Kazuo Ishiguro, Nocturnes

I've been re-writing this quote in my journal every few days so I don't forget it. Oh my ... this has been such a freeing thought ever since I first read it earlier this month. No matter how settled we think we are in our own skin, I still find times when I'm not.  And then, how we can lament those lost opportunities or the forks in the road where we wonder how our lives might have been if we'd only taken the other road. They might not even be about the huge decisions of life, but those smaller ones that we mutter and re-mutter the 'what if' questions to ourselves -- not to mention, to any willing pair of ears, until we all want to #barf.

Of course, our lives would have turned out differently, if we'd made different choices and had different opportunities. But we don't know if they would have been better or not. I don't know about you, but I'm totally ready to acknowledge and accept that, and to truly let go and relax into the shoes I call my own. And forget about the what if's already! I'm in the right place at the right time for the life I'm having right now. Good, not so good, and just plain ordinary. So no more letting those nebulous unidentified feelings keeping me wondering. Chances are, as my wise sister is wont to remind the both of us on occasion, in many cases we would still do the same things and make the same choices, given the same circumstances.

Yes, there is another life I might have had, but I am having this one. And it is good. Don't you just love that?


3. facebook messaged

 

Jennifer and I worked together a long time ago ... she is one of those beautiful women with a heart of gold, not to mention a ready laugh and sharp wit. She has been as a pen in God's hand on more than one occasion to me with her rare, but all the more treasured, messages of encouragement and grace. They seem to appear out of the blue just when I need them. So, you can well understand why this note was transcribed from my Facebook page into my journal (for safe keeping).
 

4. wish I had the words



"Lord of the universe,
how I wish I had the words to
fashion beautiful prayers to praise Thee!
But, alas, I cannot find the words.
So listen to me, O God, as I recite
the letters of the alphabet. You know
what I think and how I feel.
Take these letters of the alphabet
and You form the words that express
the yearning, the love for Thee
in my heart." ~ Unknown

  

  5. playing with my pen


  -- I love drawing swooshy skirts! Must be the 'Queen' on the inside. Love dresses from the 1950s. Maybe there's this urge to sketch such outfits because, as a girl I longed to be grown up so I could wear those feminine, swirly dresses and skirts, but fashion changed before I grew up and I missed out. Always felt cheated with the fashions of the 1960's.




7. mulling these words I wrote down

 
 "I awake each morning torn between desires to save the world
and a desire to savor the world."
~ E.B. White

Oh good, I'm not the only one. Haven't quite figured the balance of that but listening to the Still, Small Voice -- those nudges and hunches -- will help us make choices moment by moment. For we need to do and have both the saving and the savoring in our lives.

♥♥♥

"When life has difficult times,
fight back with normal life."
~ Unknown

Simple things like preparing a a meal, eating it with loved ones, washing up dishes in a sink of sudsy water, bathing the baby, and taking the dog for a walk ... it's what gives stability to our ofttimes shaky world. I want to recommend one of my favourite books to read: the memoir Keeping the Feast by Paula Butturini. It is a perfect read on this very theme -- her story shows so eloquently that daily routines can be comforting and that there is a sustaining power of food and love in the midst of hardship.

  ♥♥♥

"Wherever you are, be all there!"
~ Jim Elliot, Martyr in Ecuador

Yes, yes, that's the secret, Mr. Elliot. Present in the moment. Living it right now and not pining for something else, somewhere else.



8. remembering the harvest moon




Wasn't that moon s-p-e-c-t-a-c-u-l-a-r ? Really, there aren't any words for it. Although I didn't get any great shots, I've been privy to some splendorous photography of that moon. So beautiful as to take your breath away. I'm so grateful to everyone who's been sharing online. What a feast for the eyes and soul!

Thinking of such a harvest moon now reminds me of Neil Young's song. Come a little bit closer...

It's a wrap -- it's been a happy September!
I'm linking up this week at Little Things Thursday.


Sending hugs to you,
Brenda
♥♥♥



23 comments:

  1. A great wrap-up to a good month! Thanks for the peak into your journal.

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    1. My eyes did an auto-correct ... I didn't even notice LOL

      Thanks, Sister, you're always an encouragement to me!

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  2. What a beautiful post, sweet friend. I've written a couple of the quotes down in my journal and I can never get enough of listening to Neil Young. xo Laura

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  3. BEAUTIFUL post! I love the quote about the life I have now. I am too often wondering, longing, or thinking about what I might have done or should have done or could have done or might be better off doing. Heavens! It's so draining and useless thinking like that! Thank you for this post and for the quote, which I will write over and over until it sinks in.

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    1. I saw your beautiful art piece using the quote on your FB ... what a lovely way to keep that quote where you can see it often.

      B xox

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  4. What a great way to reflect on the month, Brenda!! I always find it enlightening to take a look back (thanks for the mention!), and I am always moved with gratitude!

    Love the quote by Mr. Elliot. Oh yes, if we would all do just that!

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    1. Your photo gallery each month is such a wonderful way to gather the moments, as you put it. It's a great way to see just how beautiful our lives are and all that we have to enjoy. Puts the 'thorns' in our lives in perspective and makes them feel less intrusive. intrusive when hearts overflow with gratitude instead.

      You're a joy, Cheryl!
      Brenda
      xox

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  5. What a wonderful post! Loved reading your beautiful insights + musings! And yes, those daily routines ground us!

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    1. What a joy to 'meet' you, Jandi ... and to find you are all the way from South Africa. I'm so looking forward to getting to know you as we share this blogging journey together. Thanks for your lovely comments.

      Brenda

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  6. Lovely thoughts, Brenda! I can relate to each and every one of these. The quotes are wonderful and so comforting, actually. As a wife and mother who never had a 'career', I often wonder what my life could have been. It is like that movie, 'It's a Wonderful Life' when in the end you realize that the life you have really is wonderful after all! Love those swirly skirts and dresses of the 50's. I keep buying vintage patterns thinking I will make one up.......or two, or three. September was lovely, but I am so excited about October - my favorite month! Wishing you a lovely week, my dear. xo Karen

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    1. Karen, Always enjoy seeing your comments here. Oh yes, It's A Wonderful Life speaks to me too and reminding me to be grateful for the life I do have, with all its roses and thorns.

      I wonder too what you might have done if you're life had taken a different path ... are any of those dreams still possible in some form?

      Sending hugs your way,
      Brenda
      xox

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  7. There are moments when we come across of another blogger who touches our hearts and inspires us....Brenda your post, your words did so today for me. I saw your comment on Ann's blog, and thought oh your profile pic looks so much like Cindy from Rosehaven Cottage and you both have the same gentle sensibilities and love of vintage that I had to check you out.

    We are neighbors, you live in Alberta, I live in BC, in the Okangan...and I happily seem to be familiar with many of the bloggers that visit your blog....how lovely. And I'm always happy to see another Canadian blogger, really there are not enough of us to go around.

    So nice to meet you.

    Jen @ The Light Laughed

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    1. Jen, I've already been to visit your lovely blog. What lovely compliments you offer me ... I'm touched. I 'met' Cindy over at Rosehaven Cottage years ago when I first started blogging. She is an inspiration to be sure.

      I'm glad to meet a fellow Canadian blogger ... let's keep in touch!
      Brenda

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  8. A simply lovely post today. I am new to your blog and every time I read one of your posts I just breathe softly. I have been a follower of Alexandra Stoddard for more years than I can count and also Susan Branch (back when Willard came in my mail box). There is truly something to be said for beauty, calm and serenity. Thank you for being you!

    Joyfully,

    Kathryn

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    1. Kathryn, how can you know that your own words speak softly into my own heart. But they do! Ah, we must be kindred spirits and I hope we shall enjoy a budding friendship here in blogland. To love Alexandra Stoddard and Susan Branch, well, we're in good company. I'm a more recent follower of Susan Branch, not being really aware of her inspirational work and beautiful life until a couple of years ago. I did have stationery of her once long ago.

      I'm so glad you stopped by ... wishing you a beautiful day.
      Brenda xo

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  9. I'm catching up on posts and it's been delightful to read these two long ones from you this evening. I love the gentle way you savor life and inspire others.

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    1. Lorrie, your words speak grace to me ... thank you! Hubby and I finished our part-time night job in the Spring, we've holidayed and marked special celebrations all summer long, and now that we're home and working on our new normal for every day living, I'm feeling the creative spark coming back. To write without feeling pressure, to ponder what I might want to share here on blog with my beautiful friends, knowing that I actually have time and energy, that has been a real joy! A good gift that I'm savouring every day.

      So for good or bad, I'm hoping to be here regularly now ... with real things to share. And to look at writing now as my real job.

      Wishing you beautiful moments ... you have a gift for finding them, I know!
      Brenda xox

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  10. Brenda,
    This is so fabulous... the notes, thoughts, great quotes and very nice doodles (I love those swishy skirts too). I have always wanted to journal, but never have... but this is exactly how I would want it to be... simply lovely!
    Hugs,
    Bella

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    1. Oh Bella ... thank you so much. I'm so glad you stopped by. I've been to visit your blog and it's a lovely place to visit!

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  11. Just lovely to peek into your September Journal tonight, Brenda! So many wise words to keep close at heart. We also enjoyed a lovely view of the moon during the eclipse. I didnt' bring my camera outside, just stayed 'present' viewing from a chair in the garden. What a memory! Wishing you sweet October days, Brenda! ♡

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  12. What a lovely post. I hold a similar quote in my mind quite often, which is the title of a book about mindfulness, called 'wherever you go, there you are' (Zimh). So important to be present in every moment (when we are not blogging!)

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To My Beautiful Readers,

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. ~ Franz Peter Schubert

Thank you so much for leaving your 'footprint' here in my comment box. I do appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts today.

Brenda xo