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