A Beautiful Day

“This day is a beautiful room that’s never been seen before. Let me cherish the seconds, minutes, and hours I spend here.” (Anonymous)

Just love this quote I read this morning.

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Clumps of Dirt

Thought I’d jump right in and make a quick post.  Tonight was the first evening this season that I’ve spent in the garden.   I really enjoyed breaking up the clumps of dirt with my hands. I was amazed that this little activity could be so therapeutic. As the clumps of dirt broke down,  I sifted through the clumps in my mind that needed breaking down. After a few hours, I felt so peaceful. Gardening is wonderful  medicine for our soul. Give it a try.

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Time to visit with the Elderly

I thought I would jump right in and make a quick post, ’cause I think you will like it. Today I was walking my dog when I noticed an elderly gentleman sitting on a nearby bench. I have chatted with this man in the past. We’d mostly talked about the city, the nearby plants and his late wife – whom he missed dearly. Today, I was on a tight schedule so I waved as I walked by. Then my instinct told me to go over and visit with him – just for a minute. I did. I greeted him and said it was good to see him again after the long winter. I introduced my dog, Jackson, as I didn’t have him the last time we talked in the Fall. I asked how he was. He said ‘ well… not so good’. With tear filled eyes he told me his sister passed away and he was going to the funeral tomorrow. She was 98. He is 94. He shared about his 10 siblings, all who lived well into their 80’s and 90’s, and their growing up years. He talked about what he thought contributed to longevity in his family. Things like nutrition, being physically active, and the ability to look on the brighter side of life – that’s where I paid close attention.  I appreciated his wisdom about  learning from all people and not being judgmental. After about 15 minutes, my dog was a little restless, so we departed. I was so glad I listened to my instinct and stopped to chat with this man again. I appreciated his bits of wisdom and I think he liked a listening ear. I hope you take time for an elder – even when it doesn’t seem convenient. Give yourself, and the other, a special gift. Blessings……..

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Easter Food Bank Donation

Friends, if you are hosting an Easter dinner, would you consider asking your guests to bring along a donation for your local food bank. It’s a great way to share with those who are having food challenges at this time. My food bank does not accept perishable food, so check with yours beforehand. You’ll feel blessed when you drop it off in a day or two. Thanks, Linda

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Are we in trouble Jackson?

I shared this story with a few girlfriends last week and one suggested I put it on my blog. Hope you enjoy it.

Oh dear…. thought my little guy and I got in a bit of trouble. It was very snowy this morning and I was walking Jackson on a path when a car pulled up nearby. The elderly driver asked loudly, “do you walk your dog everyday?”. I said that I did. He said he wanted to talk to me about my dog and said I was to come to the brown house and see him. Now I have walked dogs by this man’s house for 15 years and he hasn’t really noticed us before. I thought about this all day and wondered what this man could complain about – why else did he want to talk to me about my dog. I came up with ways I could avoid walking past his house in the future. I wondered if I missed picking up after Jackson – it’s possible as he walks off leash mostly. I told myself the guy was just an old grump. All kinds of things were going through my mind. On my way going for groceries this evening we drove past the house. I told Gerry to stop the car. He waited in the car as I nervously went to the door. The wife said her husband wasn’t very mobile and she led me to a back room where he was. She told him that the lady with the dog was here to see him. He asked me where my dog was – he wanted to see him. I said ‘oh I only have a minute, going for groceries, my husbands in the car waiting’. He told me to go get my husband. I didn’t of course – I could handle this myself. He then proceeded to tell me how much he enjoyed watching us on our walks. He thought Jackson was a wonderful dog with lots of spunk. He wanted to know about his breed as he hadn’t seen a dog like him before. He told me about a dog he once had many years ago. When I got back to the car Gerry said he thought the man really gave me trouble  – as I was gone so long. We were both happy that he just wanted to see Jackson and enjoy him. I told the man we would accept his invite and come for a visit soon. Thought you might like this story.

 

Jackson (10 years old) at the vet Feb. 14, 2014 – 10 days after we adopted him

 

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Nutrition, Health, and Lifestyle: Issues and Insights Course

This is a great  FREE online course – starting the 20th of January 2014. I took it previously and am still benefiting from it. Thought some of you might like it.  It’s USA based, it’s very good information.

Click here for details. http://www.coursera.org/course/lifenutr

If you’re not interested in this course you might find another at www.coursera.org.

Have a wonderful week. Linda

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Write That Note Today

Today I took a bit of time to write a long overdue note. I’ve been thinking of sending news to a friend for two months now. I feel so much better now that I’ve done that. I value my friends so I feel so good about sending it. If you’ve been thinking of someone, why not let them know – send a notecard or an email.  Just a few words will do.

The cards displayed here are for sale on Etsy.com. Click on the card for the link.

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Thinking About My Values

I read this book this week – Living the Quaker Way. It’s a new ebook at my local library. I dont really know much about Quakerism so I thought I would give it a go. I found the book quite thought provoking. I also found that I share the same values. It was refreshing for me to get a glimpse of how certain ideals are lived out in the world and in a faith community. The author doesn’t try to convert the reader to Quakerism. He simply encourages one to live up to certain ideals – simplicity; peace; integrity; community; and equality. Its an easy read really.  I sure recommend this book.

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Pen and Paper

” The palest ink lasts longer than the finest memory.”

Every year my husband and I take two days to do business planning and set goals. Before we set our goals we read a few of our favorite articles that we’ve saved over the years. Today, as I was reading one of the articles by Brian Tracy, I read this quote ” The palest ink lasts longer than the finest memory.”  It’s a Chinese quote.  It made me think how important it is to write things down and not rely on my memory. You know, I have note books scattered around my house & in my office. I keep one in my purse also. I like to use a notebook when I want to remember a bit of information like: a book title; an upcoming event; my family history; a blog idea; a phone call I need to make; etc. I’ve referred to my notebooks/pads over and over.  I also keep them once they are full. I’ve referred to something long afterward I’ve recorded it and the books been put on a shelf. Pen and paper can last forever.  Note taking sure helps me to recall things and stay organized, especially when life is busy and hectic. Maybe this quote will inspire you and you’ll find note taking a benefit. Have a wonderful day.

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Outdoor Quiet Area

When we replaced our 12′ by 32 ‘ deck last year I was so happy to set up this hidden  sitting spot.  In the morning, we love to sit out here to: have breakfast; read; and enjoy the sounds and scents of nature. Sometimes I practise meditation here.  An outdoor area is so easy to set up. I previously had the bistro table, bought the umbrella at a garage sale (5.00) and picked up the mat on sale (20.00).   The plants are on stands with rollers so I can wheel them around. Bamboo blinds are good for creating privacy also. I use them in another sitting area on our property. Because this area is not permanent, we take it down before the snow arrives.  I hope you give this a try if you aren’t enjoying your outdoor space.

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Jumping back in

The last while I have been focussing on dance lessons, family history, adjusting to the empty nest, volunteering, working…….I’m looking forward to blogging again. Yippee

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Time Saving Ideas

I really like these time saving ideas that I came across this morning on Real Simple. Maybe you will too.

1. Send gift certificates for presents. Order online—no shopping, no wrapping, no exchanges.

2. Buy bagged salad greens and rotisserie chickens, two cornerstones of quick, healthy dinners. Add shredded chicken to casseroles, salads, soups, and pastas.

3. Ask for the earliest appointment. The later in the day you book a doctor’s visit, a haircut, or a meeting, the greater the chance it will be delayed.

4. Keep a stash of all-purpose birthday cards on hand, at home, and in the office.

5. Put a list of movies you want to rent and books you want to read in your wallet or smartphone.

6. Keep doubles and triples of things you use all the time (scissors, tape, reading glasses, cleaning supplies) in every corner of the house. This will prevent extra trips up and down the stairs for minor projects.

7. Get an electronic tag for your car if it is accepted at toll plazas in your area.

8. Invest in a wireless handheld e-mail device (such as a BlackBerry). Keep in touch with friends during unexpected downtime.

9. Sign up for automatic bill paying at your bank’s website.

10. Buy a case of your favorite olive oil or wine so you don’t have to make last-minute trips for hostess or birthday gifts.

11. Buy movie tickets in advance using Moviefone or Fandango to avoid wasting time on lines.

12. Whenever possible, double a recipe. Eat half right away, and freeze the rest for a future meal.

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The Present Moment

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”
John Lennon. I read this quote this morning. It made me think how important it is to live in the present moment. Maybe you’ll reflect on it too today.

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Smile Today

When I’m out, I like to engage in conversation with people I don’t know. I try to be kind and say something nice. It’s such a simple way to let people know they’re valuable. For instance, I talk to people in the grocery story; I’ll compliment a woman if I like her jewelry or coat; I’ll start a conversation with someone about a book at the library. The easiest way of all to show people you care is to give a smile.  Let’s smile at everyone we see today. As Mark Twain put it, “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.”

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100 Joys

I heard a story of a lecturer who showed a piece of paper with a blot on it to a group of businessmen. He asked the audience what they saw. They responded ‘a blot’. The point is that often times we notice the flawed and miss the joys in life. This week, I’m paying attention to the joys in my life – particularly the ones I overlook.  When I began, I was hoping to notice 25 in a few days. I put a blot on a page and began recording around it. On the first day of this practice, I observed 26 things I’m thankful for.  I’m now aiming for 100.  As I am writing down my blessings, the blot is becoming less visible. Why don’t you start recording your blessings today? You’re outlook will change – mine has.

Here are a  few from my list:

–         Naps

–         Healthy lungs

–         Bird tracks in the snow

–         Clean fresh laundry

–         Doctors

–         Brisk air

–        An Invitation

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A Rewarding Mess

“I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.” —Nancie J. Carmody

This quote sums up one the joys of entertaining. The day after we’ve had friends over, we sit around in the mess for awhile, remembering the fabulous event. We sure like to create a place for our friends to get caught up with each other.  The mess is a bit of a reward really.  If you’re not having friends over, I sure hope you do.  It doesn’t need to be complicated.  Its about the people not the food.

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A Successful Marriage

Last week my husband and I were downtown for  a morning appointment. I’ve been working from my home for 10 years now, so I don’t go downtown very often. I was so interested in watching the people hurry by – bag in one hand and coffee in the other.  As we were waiting at a crosswalk, an elderly couple (about 80 ish) wandered up and stood next to us. They were dressed very nicely and were holding hands. I noticed he was conscientious of her and watched her  lovingly. We greeted one another and he joked about the coffee in my hand.  He said  they were living in an apartment just around the corner and they were out for their morning walk.  That brief encounter stirred something inside me as I stood with my husband.  I came across this quote today and was reminded of that lovely couple once again. I think they’ve been practicing this truth for many years. Let’s do the same!

“A successful marriage requires

falling in love many times, always

with the same person”

Milton McLaughlin

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On Being a Friend

Today I’m meeting my girlfriend who I’ve not seen in a year. We don’t visit very often , but when we’re together it’s like no time passed at all. I hope you nurture your friendships always and have the wisdom to understand the differant seasons.

‘Sometimes being a friend
means mastering the art of timing.
There is a time for silence.
A time to let go and allow people
to hurl themselves into their own destiny.And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it’s all over.’
~ Octavia Butler

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Food Intolerences

If you (or someone in you family) has an intolerance to food or if you suspect there is an intolerence, give this book a read.  I have a few sensitivities and I really like how this book sums up what I have read in many other books.  Its a good reference book. I bought my copy used at thiftbooks.com.

Book Description : Dramatic mood swings caused by popcorn. Soaring fevers brought on by milk. Nosebleeds, sinusitis, migraines, eczema, even depression: these symptoms can mean your body is saying a resounding NO to a particular food…….Find new ways to shop for, cook, and enjoy substitutes for dairy, wheat, corn, and sugar…….

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Christmas Prayers

This is a re post.

In the midst of the excitement of the Christmas season, I like to experience calmness. These two prayers help to keep me focused on the true meaning of the season. I like to take time regularly to reflect on these prayers written long ago.

Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson (1800’s)

Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels,the gladness of the shepherds,and the worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing, which Christ brings,and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children,and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake, Amen!

Nativity Prayer of St. Augustine St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-440)

Let the just rejoice,
for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
For their savior is born.
Let the captives rejoice,
For their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice,
For their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice,
For Jesus Christ is born.

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