'This And That' Kind of Day

 

Here is my day at a glance:

One

It's been snowing and blowing. Now I want to dust off Christmas movies and other cozy videos like You've Got Mail, Wind in the Willows, Meet Me In St. Louis with Judy Garland, just to name a few.

Two

Making 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!

Three

Visiting with my dear 92-year-old father-in-law, who came yesterday to stay with us until the end of the month. This is the man who still races in World 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!!!

Four

Reading my way through these books: Agatha Christie's A Pocketful of Rye, A Cellist in Sarajevo by Steven Galloway, and The Professor's House by Willa Cather.

Five

I just looked out the window -- it's snowing again, which makes it a perfect evening for sitting by the fireplace later tonight.

Until next time,

An Outing to the Children's Library

"The more that you read, the more things you will know.

The more you learn, the more places you'll go."

DR. SEUSS, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut! 

I ventured into the children's section of the library yesterday afternoon. I wasn't sure what I was looking for--nothing in particular--but with the feeling of autumn upon us, the cool blustery day with leaves a-flyin' reminded me of my school days as a child.

How exciting it had been to move from grade to grade each September, anticipating not only the exciting new readers, scribblers, and boxes of crayons, but the 'library' books housed on shelves at the back of the classroom. Our school didn't have a central library, so each classroom had its own set of age-appropriate books for students to take home. That, in my estimation, was the very best part of school. I couldn't wait for our teacher to announce that we could browse the shelves and take our treasure home to read. After filling in the check out card on the inside cover.

I felt a little nostalgic yesterday browsing books all crinkly in their plastic coverings just the way they used to be in my school days. I checked out two: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle; and Babe, The Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith. Plus, I bumped into DVDs of the wonderful award-winning series from the legendary Cosgrove Hall Productions of Kenneth Graham's Wind in the Willows. The kid in me still loves to watch Badger and Mole, Ratty and Toad, not to mention the rascally Weasels, who are always up to no good. 

Such a delightful way to spend a little time this week. Do you still like to read children's books?

Sending you bookish thoughts,

Brenda

xox

Time Flies

They used to say time flies when you're having fun. But it seems these days time flies whether you're having fun or not!

Remember when you were a youngster standing at the end of another school term, how long the summer holidays stretched in front of you? They were like a never-ending skipping rope of fun and freedom. That was how it felt at the beginning, but we all know, with each passing year it seemed like someone fooled with the holidays and they got shorter and zoomed by faster.

A few weeks ago I was chatting with my cousin about how quickly life happens. She mused that someone, somewhere must be taking away a few weeks from each year. Instead of four in a month, now there's only two. You start the month, you blink, and it's gone.

I used to feel cheated because the days passed so quickly. It always felt like I was trying to hold the reins of a runaway team of horses. I wanted to savor my life more slowly. I wanted to find a way to capture that childhood sense of timelessness.

Then one day something dawned on me. Why was I trying to hold it back? There was nothing to be done about it. Let the days fly if they must.

Instead of trying to 'slow' time down, it's more important to learn how to be more selective in my choices and to learn how to make the most of the days I do have, to make a difference to others, to create a little 'heaven on earth' in my corner of the world.

So let the days fly... maybe we'll learn how to ride the winds of time with the grace and ease that eagles do as they soar far above us.

Happy day,

Brenda

We Got Mail!

Yesterday the cutest artwork arrived in my mailbox. A few weeks ago Queenmother had a blog giveaway and it was my name that was drawn. We are a happy recipient!

Now.... don't you think that is the cutest chicken you ever did see?

Tucked also inside the envelope was a very pretty hand painted book mark. As I like to say, you just can't have too many bookmarks! It'll be a lovely addition to my collection.

Thanks so much, Queenmother ... what a delightful treat!

Wishing you all a beautiful day

with a little bit of fun tucked in there somewhere,

Brenda

 

 

An Autumn Morning

Source

Went for an early morning walk. The air was warm, balmy, still. The skies were that deep clear blue and everything felt so fresh. Met various residents of the neighbourhood --- the woman out walking her cute dog, a beautiful calico cat watching her world from the safety of her front garden, a brilliant blue jay who plopped on the ground intent on finding breakfast, not to mention the two black crows chattering from their respective perches and treetops.

I sigh with a contentedness.

Why don't I do this every morning, I often ask myself, because I don't. Yet, being out in nature's beauty gives me not only that sense of well-being in my soul, it often inspires me to eagerly tackle some project when I walk back through my front door.

For Beauty on the outside usually motivates me to create something pleasant and lovely on the inside. Whether it's housework or a bit of cookery, writing or sorting through a paper pile, chatting with my mom on the phone, or picking up something to read, my day feels 'on track'. And when I feel that way, I know I'm living my ideal of a beautiful life.

On that note, I'm off to complete some errands, meet a friend for an afternoon ramble, and think about what we'll BBQ for supper on such a gorgeous autumn day!

Wishing you a lovely day,

Brenda

xox