Sunday, June 14, 2015

SOMEDAY I WILL...


Well, Tuesday has come and gone; Wednesday is quickly fading into the night as well!!  So glad we have six days to link up with Karen for Tuesday @ Ten!  

This week's prompt phrase is:



SOMEDAY I WILL...

Yes!

Someday I will have the life I have wanted for so long!

Someday I will not be sick all the time.

Someday I will have the energy to keep this apartment clean; including my craft room!

Someday I will have enough money to do the things that I want to do - with family and friends - without having to worry about it!

Someday I will live in a really nice apartment, with plenty of room for us to "entertain"; have family and friends over.

Someday I will have enough clothes to wear without wearing the same things over and over.

Someday I will eat whatever I want without gaining weight.

Someday...

SOMEDAY...

But, when will someday be?

Actually...

I am living the life I have always wanted:  I am retired; my time is flexible - and almost always filled with things to do!  I can spend time with my family and my friends!  I can go on vacations as often as time - ha! or money - allow!

The sickness and the energy?  The weight?  The finances?  The clothes?

All of these are really minor things...

I have enough:  money, clothes, time!

I am who I am...weight and all!

Sick?  Yes!  Chronic bronchitas is not FUN to live with...in fact, chronic anything is not FUN to live with.  We are ALL battling something; and most are not apparent to others.



Lack of energy?  Yes!  Comes with the chronic condition...

But, neither keep me from doing what I want to do in this life of retirement.

I can always rest at the end of a great outing; spend a day at home doing little - or a lot! - depending on how I feel.

Yes, someday I will...

I think my "someday" is here and now!!






Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Simple Woman's Daybook - June 8, 2015

Linking up with


Here I am again...linking up with Peggy for "The Simple Woman's Daybook" this week!  So glad to be joining this great community of bloggers!

So, here goes: 

For Today:
June 8, 2015

Outside My Window
The sun is shining; no breeze...
probably already in the 80's
for this Florida summer!


I am Thinking
I am sooooo tired
of this cough and congestion!
PLEASE GO AWAY!!!


I am Thankful

That I don't feel as bad
as I did a few days ago...


I am Wearing
A purple night shirt
with a fairy on the front;
a pair of light blue
stretch pants...
most of my clothes
are dirty from vacation!


I am Creating

Nothing at the moment...
Well, I have been creating
MEMORIES
while on vacation!


I am Going
To the Doctor tomorrow
and hope to begin feeling better
SOON!!


I am Wondering

Why do I always get sick?
Why am I back from vacation
and sound so irritable and frustrated
to my hubby who stayed home
with the cat?


I am Reading
Haven't been doing much reading;
on vacation we were constantly 
on the go,  having fun!!


I am Hoping

That I feel better SOON!
{That is the "theme" of
this week's post!}


I am Looking Forward to

Seeing my other grandchildren
this week...
today, for sure!


I am Learning to

Be patient?!
{Not very well;
at least not this morning}


In My Kitchen

Dirty dishes;
breakfast awaits...
once I fix it!


Around the House
My stuff is scattered
everywhere!
Need to unpack,
do laundry,
put things away...
oh, my!
Welcome Home!


I am Pondering
God's word
about
REST
for the
WEARY!


A Favorite Quote for Today



One of my Fave Things
Spending time with my
"kids" and grandkids!

Here are a few photos
from our vacation:

With my two grandsons
at LegoLand
Orlando, FL

My daughter, son-in-law
and the two boys
at the Ferris Wheel
Orlando, FL

Me at the Ferris Wheel
{we did not go on it!!}

The boys "inside" a display
at Sea Life
Orlando, FL

Jammin' at Wonder Works
Orlando, FL


A Peek into one of My Days
We spent last Saturday,
ALL DAY,
at LegoLand
in
Orlando, Florida


From the Board Room
This was shared on Facebook
by a friend of mine, Karl:


"We do not know how long we've got here. We don't know when fate will intervene. We cannot discern God's plan. What we do know is that with every minute that we've got, we can live our lives in a way that takes nothing for granted. We can love deeply. We can help people who need help. We can teach our children what matters. We can pass on empathy and compassion and selflessness. We can teach them to have broad shoulders."
Wise words, eh?
This is a portion of the eulogy spoken at Beau Biden's funeral.  Biden, 46, a veteran of the Iraq war and public servant, was eulogized by President Obama.  No matter what your political leanings are, these truly are words that all of us, men and women, can put into practice with those we interact with.



So, another Monday has come; another Simple Woman's Daybook has been posted...

Hope everyone has a blessed week!





Friday, June 5, 2015

Random Journal Day - June 5, 2015

Today I am linking up with Dawn and others for Random Journal Day.  On the first Friday of each month, we share an entry from one of our journals, whether it's yesterday's entry, or last months, or even one from several years ago...just share!


Being the "Rebel" that I am - and yes, Dawn knows what a rebel I am!!! - today I am sharing an entry from a story I wrote about the beautiful tuxedo cat we adopted a couple of years ago.

This story was not written in a journal; but was written in a word document to save the story of Midnight - a story that we learned a short time after we adopted her.  It is a story of connection!  And what do we do through our blogs but...connect!

So, I hope you enjoy my story:


A "MIDNIGHT" JOURNEY

       One morning in early spring, a scrawny little black ball of fur quickly made her way into the hearts of a family who loved her back to health.  She was curled up on the car that was parked in the driveway.  When they called to her, she jumped down and ran straight to them.  The little kitten had to stay in the garage instead of the house because the father had allergic reactions to animal fur.



The family decided to name her “Midnight” because of her beautiful black fur.  She also had the signature white of a Tuxedo Cat, with four white paws and a precious white “birthmark” on her little nose!



Since Midnight was used to being an outside cat, she didn’t really like being confined to the garage; so she became a community cat.  But one day, during a really bad thunderstorm, she disappeared and was not seen until a few days later.  After that, the family decided, for her safety, she needed to become an inside cat.

So with time, patience, training, and a lot of love and care, Midnight became a fully tame indoor cat who loved to sit by the door or on a windowsill looking outside.   The family spent many hours playing with Midnight, using household items such as empty toilet paper rolls, pipe cleaners, and aluminum foil rolls.  What fun they all had playing with and bonding with Midnight!

But the one thing that Midnight wanted, she couldn’t have: to be inside the house with the family.  But with the father's allergies, she just couldn't stay inside.  They just didn’t think she would survive being an outside cat and felt it much better to keep her in the garage until they could find a place for her.

Being animal lovers, the family volunteered at the local Humane Society.  As soon as they had an opening, after several months of caring for Midnight, they reluctantly took her to the shelter to wait for her fur-ever family to come and adopt her.  But they still had a chance to see Midnight and care for her whenever they were volunteering at the shelter.

It wasn’t long before a young student met Midnight and took her home to live with her in the college dorm.  But after one night, when Midnight slept near her head, the young student woke up covered in hives and had to go to the emergency room to be treated – severe allergies to cat fur, which, hopefully, she had outgrown.  Reluctantly, she had to take Midnight back to the Humane Society to wait for another family to adopt her.

Soon another family came and played with Midnight and several other kittens, trying to choose which they wanted to take home.  After a little bonding time – they chose to take Midnight to live with them in their apartment where she became their fur-ever pet.

On her first day "home",
Midnight finds the softest spot...
our bed!

But, this is not the end of the story!

You've heard of "The Rest of the Story"?  Well, this is the rest of Midnight's story!

      Through Facebook and the Humane Society’s fan page, the newest family met the foster family and they spent an afternoon connecting with each other, and allowing Midnight to re-connect with the family that saved her life.  Both families were happy to share stories and fun facts about Midnight – and to be thankful to each other for the love and care given to her as she grew from a scrawny kitten to a beautiful sleek black and white cat…with two loving families! 

In a short time, Midnight will turn three-years old; and has been living in her new home for almost two years!

What a journey this has been!

{In case you didn't figure it out, we are the last family to adopt Midnight; her foster family is still connected to her and have visited several times!}





Thursday, June 4, 2015

IF ONLY...



Today is Tuesday...and that means it is time to link up with Karen for Tuesday @ Ten!  Once Karen has posted the prompt phrase, we have six days to get ours posted...

This week's prompt phrase is:

IF ONLY...

So, when I first read this prompt...

My mind immediately went to some of the "if only's" that I could share...

You know, the "if only" I had done THIS instead of THAT; or, "if only" I had not done THIS instead of THAT!

Where would I be?

What would I be doing with my life?

Would I be happy?  Any happier than I am now?

Would I...
But, wait!  


That is not the way this post is going to be written!  Because of the words I read from someone else's blog, I have been thinking about this "if only" a bit more; and want to share a different thought!

This writer has inspired me from the first post I ever read; and continues to inspire me with his words.  {Read his "If Only" post here}.  He is an amazing man, dealing with something that would bring a lot of us down!


What really hit home for me was this:


"WHAT IF" = INGRATITUDE


I am where I am now because of the choices I made;

and I am where I am now because God knows this is where I need to be!


Now, I am sure I haven't always followed the path He had set for me; but he has used those path changes for His plans for my life!

I heard it put this way the other day - and am sorry I do not remember who said it.  I do know it was a football player that was being honored; therefore, the "football" reference!  What he said was something like this:
  

"God does not need football; but he uses football for his purpose.  God does not need whatever it is that you are doing; but he uses whatever you are doing for his purpose."


If I look back with regrets - "IF ONLYs" - then, that means I am not grateful for what I DO have!  It means I am not grateful for what God has given me...

And, even if I do have regrets because of something I did or did not do, I know that He is still using me for the plans He has set forth.

No, I don't think I will look at the "if onlys"!  I think I want to say: "Thank you, God, for the life you have given me!"

And continue down that path, doing the best I can to follow his guidance.




What are your thoughts?  I am excited to read what everyone else has written!

Thank you, Karen, for making us think!!





Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Gifts Found in May 2015 - Part 4

Moving on to the final part of Gifts Found in May 2015; check out Part 1,  Part 2 and Part 3.

May 25th
3 Gifts Hard Giving Thanks for


1.  The Gift of Love - Almost 32 years ago, I married - who I thought was - the man of my dreams.

My dreams became nightmares, or at least uncertainty.  Not wanting another divorce or separation, I stuck it out...and in a little over two months, we will celebrate 32 years of marriage.

Hard giving thanks for?  Some days, I find it hard to remember why I even fell for him!

Loneliness?  Financial security?  A "father figure" for my kids?

I don't know!  And I don't know if he was "the one" God would have led me to...

or did He lead me to him, even though I wasn't acting like a responsible Christian woman.  I'm not sure - but He is using me in this relationship, as a (now) caregiver...and this may be the reason we are together.

It is not all about me being a caregiver because he is also a help to me - and for that, I should be thankful; but it is hard.

Oh, God, it is hard because ... well, I am frustrated and so tired of how he is with me!  OK...this is not where I let all my thoughts out!  It is supposed to be about GIFTS!!

Thank you, God, for a person who drives me crazy, but helps in so many ways!
25th Anniversary Cruise
November 2008
at Bandito's Lobster House
Costa Maya, the Bahamas

2.  The Gift of Life - Though is has been almost 17 years, I still remember September 16, 1998 - the day I was attacked while working at the church.

Each year that goes by, the memory fades a little more...

Yet, it is still very vivid in my mind.

Eventually, I did forgive the attacker, who is in prison serving multiple life sentences for a number of crimes.

Forgive him, yes!  Otherwise I'd continue being his victim.  Forget, no!  The memory will continue each subsequent year, fading a bit each year; yet, never completely fading ...

but, be grateful for the incident?

No...that is hard ... but, I can be thankful for many things surrounding the incident:  for the many who prayed for me; visited me; brought food, cards, gifts, money; who helped us in so many ways; for the church who supported me in "recovery"; stayed with me so I could continue to work and feel safe ... 

So much to be thankful for; like my life!

God was not ready to bring me home; and I am thankful for that - and for me, this is hard to do ... to give thanks for what happened to me was hard; but now, as I look back on it?  Yes, I am thankful! 

3.  The Gift of Loss - Give thanks for a loss?  Consider loss a GIFT from God?

At the time of a loss, we probably would not think of it as a gift; and would find it hard giving thanks for - "Thank you, God, for the loss of ..."

Not easy for sure!

but, looking back on the loss of my job a few years ago, and where I am now ...

I'd have to say, "Thank you, God!  You know where I needed to be for the plans you have for my life!"

May 26th
A Gift Worn, White, Whispered

The Gift of Sharing Time - Friends sharing a card class together, whispering in between our instructions; sharing our craft, our lives, our time!

Whispered thoughts as we sit side by side like two kids playing paper dolls - because we were!

May 27th
3 Gifts Found in Church

1.  The Gift of Music - So much is felt in music...love, joy, happiness, sorrow, death;

And music, no matter how you feel, touches the heart.  Music speaks to me sometimes more than anything else.

2.  The Gift of Community - The Church, itself, is a community; and within that communnity are many smaller communities -

The choir, Sunday school classes, youth, women's and men's groups;

Even a Sunday "lunch bunch" proved community.

3.  The Gift of Sanctuary -  The Church building has a sanctuary - a larg beautiful "room" full of high ceilings, chandeliers, stained glass windows, a piano and an organ, pews for attendees, a choir loft, a pulpit...

All this and more make up the sanctuary.

But ...

"Lord, prepare me,
to be a Sanctuary ..."

What am I ... "to be a Sanctuary"?  A Sanctuary can be a place of refuge - of safey.

As Herman Hesse says:
 



"Lord, prepare me,
to be a Sanctuary,
pure and holy,
tried and true.
With thanksgiving,
I'll be a living,
Sanctuary, for you."

Yes, Lord!  Thank you, Lord!  May it be so!!


May 28th
3 Gifts in Today's Work

1.  The Gift of Nourishment - Not really much "work" to be done when you are retired.  And, there only being two of us at home, I don't cook every night!  I am an OK cook; but it isn't my fave thing to do!

Tonight, I cooked a Cheesy Egg Shell Pasta - Hamburger Helper - and toasted bread.  Maybe not the most nourishing; but we ate 'til full.

2.  The Gift of Wandering Thoughts - There are times I want to empty my thoughts and be open to hear God's voice.

Other times I just want to let my thoughts wander here and there...

Washing dishes - by hand - is what I call a "mindless job", and it's a great time to just let my thought go...

3.  The Gift of Cleanliness - Now, I would not call myself a great housekeeper; not even a good one...doing laundry is another one of those "mindless jobs" that allows my thoughts to wander.  It is also one that I can start, do other things, then complete.

God wants us to live a clean life; to have a "clean heart"; to BE CLEAN in our thoughts.  Lord, help me to BE CLEAN!

May 29th
A Gift at 8 am, 12 pm, 8 pm

8 am - The Gift of Rest - With my head pounding, my ear aching, and a scratchy throat, I turned over - not sure what time it was - and fell back asleep 'til around 8:30 am.  The rest I needed came easily!

12 pm - The Gift of Friendship - How fund to look forward to an afternoon and evening crafting with friends.  The gift of friendships is one I am truly grateful for - 

8 pm - The Gift of Surprise Visits - A visit from Cathy, Justin and Bash - unexpectedly while I was scrapbooking - always a welcome event, and always sure to put a smile on my face ... no matter how tired I am!

May 30th
3 Gifts Blue

1.  The Gift of Connection - When I first turn on my computer, I see a blue "welcome" screen; then it brightens to a colorful desktop background.  The welcome invites me in to places where I will connect with my online friends!


This is my Desktop Photo!
Art work by 
Candy Waters Autism Artist

2.  The Gift of God's Masterpieces - Looking up today, I see the beautiful blue sky, a few grey clouds and more white clouds.  The sky helps me focus on the handiwork of God...and I am in awe.

3.  The Gift of Prayer - A hand-made blue prayer shawl was given to me by a friend during a rough time; and it also comes in handy when I get a bit chilly in the evenings.  I also have a purple one on my chair whre I do my morning devotions.
May 31st
3 Gifts You Gave Today

1.  The Gift of a Tip - Is leaving a tip for my hair cut part of the payment, or is it a gift given?

With the coupon I had, it was only $10.99, so I left $5.01 for the tip (I actually meant to leave a $4.01 tip, rounding it off to $15, since I usually leave a $5.00 tip).

With our vacation coming up, I was trying to watch what I spent...well, I guess it will work out!

So, I guess I gave an extra $1 gift today?!

2.  The Gift of Voice - I am questioning my gifts again!  Today, I "lent my voice" to the Choir...

Actually, I use to sing with our church choir, until I was having so much coughing and bronchial issues;

Now, I sit in the congregation and mouth the words to the songs the choir sing...

Today, I sang with them for the first time in quite a long time because someone asked me to, and I knew the song they were singing.

Is this a "gift I gave"?  I think it was!

3.  The Gift of Praying for Others - As I was walking to my car after Church, I saw a familiar face - a friend who is battling cancer; currently under-going treatments.

His Facebook posts are so uplifting and he is showing such a positive attitude with the news he received just a few short months' ago.

I gave him a big hug, and he squeezed a hug back...no words; just a silent assurance of continued prayers lifted for him, and a thank you for his inspiring words and thoughts.



May has come to an end!  Continuing into the month of June 2015!  

Simple Woman's Daybook - June 1, 2015

Linking up with


Linking up with Peggy for "The Simple Woman's Daybook" this week after she (and everyone else!) took a break!  So, here we go again, though a bit later in the day: 


For Today:
June 1, 2015

Outside My Window
The clouds are gray,
we had a few showers;
but that is typical
for summer
in Florida!

I am Thinking

I have a lot to do
to be ready to leave for vacation
on Thursday!
{but I am tired}

I am Thankful

For my grandchildren
and being able to spend time with them.

I am Wearing

Purple/violet capri pants,
a white shirt with a "blingy" butterfly,
my crocs.

I am Creating

Just mailed out my last project:

a Prima Doll
Patriotic Door Hanger.

Next project is

a Prima Doll
Birthday Card
{using the same girl
shown above}

I am Going

to relax the rest of the day;
it's been a busy one!

I am Wondering

Why I continuously
trust a box of hair color!
Cover my gray?
Oh, yes, it did!
But...
I did not want
very dark brown;
almost black!
Oh, well...
maybe next time I'll
do something different -
like let a professional do it!!

I am Reading

Just a few more pages to read
of Sandra Brown's
"Deadline";
then I'll start something else...
but not sure what yet!

I am Hoping

it is not too hot
in Orlando, FL
this weekend;
going Thursday thru Sunday
to LegoLand,
a water park;
and no telling where else!
{but not Disney World, or Sea World,
or Universal Studios
until it is cooler!!}

I am Looking Forward to

a vacation with my 
daughter, son-in-law
and two grandsons
{see above!}

I am Learning to

Be still...
and listen for God's voice
amidst all the noise
of the world around me!

In My Kitchen

Leftovers;
salad,
chicken,
mac 'n cheese,
not sure what else.
It's what's for dinner!


A Favorite Quote for Today
from Ann Voskamp in
"One Thousand Gifts"

"Well, hello June!

'Whatever you do,
do everything...
*giving thanks*."
{Colossians 3:17}

"God's will is for us to give thanks
*in all things*...
because this is how God knows
we can live through *anything*...

"All research proves

that if you daily count gifts
you will be *25%* happier...
who doesn't want to be
25% happier!?"



That's all for today!  Think I'll skip a few of these so I can get this published - it's after 5 pm and my brain is very tired!

See you all next week!!