"We must become friends before this coffee cools."
TOSHIKAZU KAWAGUCHI
Today's post was meant to go up yesterday - the last day of October. But my week ran out of time before my 'to-do' list was finished. I had a couple of writing projects with deadlines. And there were the usual tasks and commitments that needed attending to. Not to mention that I couldn't very well drop my usual couple of hours of scrolling everyday for 'important' news and entertaining feeds to keep me sane (wink).
I have been wondering if someone out there, instead of turning up the heat as the days get cooler, has accidentally jacked up the speed of the universe—for the weeks keep flying by like shooting stars.
Here is my October Daybook. I hope you enjoy.
TODAY
Outside my window...
Watching dull grey morning skies
turn into pale autumn sunshine.
I am thankful for...
- Moments of peace in the middle of chaos.
- Inside jokes that I can giggle about with
someone without explanation.
- Deep breaths that do help me relax.
I am currently reading...
Louise Penny's latest Gamache mystery
The Black Wolf - sequel to The Grey Wolf.
If you are looking for something cozy
to curl up with, this is not the book
(it's a nail-biter).
I recently read and loved...
by Eileen Dunlop (1976)
It's a delightful children's story that, for me, has a
feeling of Once Upon A Wardrobe by Patti Callahan,
as well as a hint of Elizabeth Goudge.
It's a new forever favourite.
I am wearing...
Black jeans with an olive green cable knit shell,
tiny pearl-like earrings, and a spritz of rose scent.
I am writing...
a memoir that I started more than 10 years ago.
It's working title is Waiting for Love, the journey
between a prayer and a proposal.
At this point in time, I am writing it to my dear
girlhood friend, Linda, in installments like letters.
Her time here on earth is short and she so wanted to
read my story. We were girlhood friends.
I feel the weight of it. I also feel the rightness of
writing it to Linda. One day I hope to publish it.
First things first.
I am smiling...
My sister shared a bit of conversation she had
with our 90-year-old mom, who had been looking
online for a new cardigan, because her old black
one made her feel like 'a little old lady'.
(There is not a woman on this planet, however old
she may be, who wants to feel like a little old lady.)
A favourite link...
Today the link happens to be for a post I wrote last October.
In it, I share about a lovely book I read on walking.
And observing the world around you. The author
mentions her joyful insights when she walked with a dog,
when she walked with her toddler. She saw the world differently.
Rick and I walk most days, so I thought it would be fun
to revisit that inspiring book. If you've never read it, it might
just be what you need to inspire your own legs to get out there.
A favourite quote this week...
"You must do something to make
the world more beautiful."
BARBARA COONEY, Miss Rumphius
A glimpse from my walk...
I love the white bark of birch trees. They have been
a favourite since I was a little girl.
Closing note...
"Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead
has never watched them dance on a windy day."
SHIRA TAMIR
❦
Wishing you a beautiful week ahead,
Brenda
Photo credits:
(Pumpkin cups) Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
(Typewriter) Image by Joanna from Pixabay
(birch tree) Image by Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life
My Blogging Schedule:
I post on Fridays
I am sitting with a mug of tea while the rain falls outside, making everything quite dark. But inside the fires are glowing and all is cozy. I love the story of your mom - you are so right, no woman ever wants to look like a little old lady! Did you see Sarah Bessey's costume for Halloween. Miss Rumphius - now that little old lady is someone I wouldn't mind emulating. I'm off to check out your link.
ReplyDeleteLorrie, I did see Sarah's costume - lovely. I ordered a copy of Miss Rumphius, and it arrives tomorrow.
DeleteNot one of we little old ladies would ever admit to being one!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely the Birch bark is. i had that variety in my French garden and it always gave me joy.
Barbara, I agree about the Birch bark - it is lovely. My dad found a little piece of birch branch for me when I was a little girl. It was to be turned into some Christmas school project. I have loved the white bark of birch ever since.
DeleteI love this, kindred spirit Brenda! Your writing has just the spark of life I needed today. Thank you. 🍁
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathleen. I loved your note! xo
DeleteLovely DayBook, Brenda. Certainly worth waiting for. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Hugs, Elaine
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elaine. :D
DeleteI can't wait to read your memoir!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Margie! :)
DeleteHaha -- I actually do fantasize about being a little old lady, because I'd prefer it to being the fat old lady that I am! Little old ladies who are cheerful are just the dearest. But I suppose being old and cheerful is an accomplishment at any size ;-)
ReplyDeleteGretchen, I like hearing your thought about little old ladies. Being old AND cheerful is an accomplishment. Certainly not one to be sneezed at. :)
DeleteYes Brenda! Your “Hello friends” was worth waiting for! How kind of you to still try and get something out to all of us who find your thoughts and words like a warm cup of so many things we love!!!!!( Inknow though that altho we would always miss your thoughts I do believe that your readers would ALWAYS understand that you have many other deadlines!!!!☺️💗
ReplyDeleteStill, today as I am waking up in Brooklyn ( visiting my daughter) I am SO happy to find a Nov 1st “Hello!”☺️👏
You mention “the light” in the Fall and it is one of the aspects of this season that I love!! ~ particularly in the early mornings.
What a gift you are sharing with your childhood friend. She will so love each new installment that you send. Love to you as you Walk through her days with her.
~ and yes! I believe that I know “Miss Rumphius” too. I think she is the “Lupine lady??”
Have a wonderful week ahead Brenda!!!!! SO appreciate you!!!!!!’💗🤗~ Ann from Ohio
Lovely as always to hear from you, Ann. Thank you for stopping by. And, yes, Miss Rumphius is the "Lupine Lady".
DeleteWell, where does one begin? So much Autumn coziness in this post. I have just ordered Miss Rumphius and will be on the lookout for A Flute in Mayferry Street, but NOT The Black Wolf - haha. I need cozier mysteries these days. "Moments of peace in the middle of chaos" are worth gold, in my book. Such a lovely read. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, 'tis the season for cozier reads. You will love Miss Rumphius. I read it aloud to Rick and showed the illustrations, like a school teacher would to her class, holding up the book as we sipped tea. I'm almost certain I heard him 'hmm-ing' and saw his head nodding as I read. Thanks, Joy, for stopping by.
DeleteYes, I think the universe is spinning faster! Time seems to go by so fast. Enjoyed your Day-book post! Am still smiling at your Moms conversation with your sister. Love the quote "You must do something to make the world more beautiful". Am glad you are writing your memoir to your friend. What a great way to write a book! Am on the way to check out your last years post.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous Betty
Good to hear from you, Betty. Yes, knowing that someone is waiting for the story keeps me on track. Thanks for popping in!
Delete