I woke up this morning from a dream in which it was one of those dark, rainy, muddy and warm Spring days. The sort of day that brings green grass and lots of chirping birds. Yet it's the middle of December and Spring is a long way off. Weather is a funny thing though because the forecast for this weekend predicts below zero temps and right outside my porch door I see water generously dropping from off the roof. If anyone could really explain the vicissitudes of the earth and it's weathery forces they'd be worth a trillion bucks. But really all we can do is study it and try to predict it.
Christmas is just a few days away! How fast it's come upon us and still if feels like years since last Christmas. One year can bring about so much change. Just last Christmas I was finally getting to officially meet the handsome fellow who I'd been conversing with online for two months. It's curious how quickly our two lives rolled into one and more curious still how perfectly right it felt then and still feels now. I can't imagine who or what I would have become if Jeff hadn't walked into my life and I'm so glad I didn't have to find out. He's my purpose and my friend and my leader. It's exciting to spend this next Christmas together with him as my husband.
We'll get to spend Christmas with my family and then we'll also get to visit with Jeff's family later in the week. As he can't go to Canada right now while we're waiting on immigration proceedings to go through, his family is coming to us.
The holidays make people a bit stupid. Though many in the extended family are sick or fighting off colds we still play to make Christmas cookies in all of their sugary glory as well as enjoy a Christmas feast. The cheer this time of year makes us do things we wouldn't otherwise do. Perhaps it's the jingly Christmas tunes that throw us back to our memories of Christmases past. Oh well.... what does it hurt to be a little silly once or twice a year? ...and how could you say no to Christmas cookies?! It's impossible.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Thursday, November 30, 2017
A Wild Month
November's been a whirlwind. From the big Thanksgiving feast, to a ton of various appointments and events each week, I've barely had a minute to sit a write.
Well, truth is, I've started writing for the local newspaper again. After taking almost a year off I figured I'd better get back into journalism before I get too rusty. It's fun because one of the editors of the newspaper is working with me so that I can improve my writing skills. To start things off I've supplied an article on gift giving for the December edition of the paper. I plan to read some books as well to see if I can sharpen my knowledge of the art. Words can make a great impact on the reader so I find it to be one of the most inspiring and powerful tasks I can set about doing.
I've also started a Facebook page for my photography. A few recent and impromptu sessions reminded me of how much I enjoy the hobby. I'm hoping that by advertising on Facebook will help me get more willing photography subjects. I'm not looking for paid deals, just more opportunities to gain experience.
It's officially been over a month since I quit my CNA job. It feels like much longer then that for some reason. The house is noticing my presence though and projects that have been neglected since I moved in are finally being completed. It's exciting to see things coming together.
Well... I'm headed to a coffee shop with a few of my old co-workers from the nursing home. We haven't had a chance to visit much since I "retired" so I'm looking forward to catching up with them. And there will be live music to top it off! I hope your November is coming to a warm and cozy close as mine is.
Well, truth is, I've started writing for the local newspaper again. After taking almost a year off I figured I'd better get back into journalism before I get too rusty. It's fun because one of the editors of the newspaper is working with me so that I can improve my writing skills. To start things off I've supplied an article on gift giving for the December edition of the paper. I plan to read some books as well to see if I can sharpen my knowledge of the art. Words can make a great impact on the reader so I find it to be one of the most inspiring and powerful tasks I can set about doing.
I've also started a Facebook page for my photography. A few recent and impromptu sessions reminded me of how much I enjoy the hobby. I'm hoping that by advertising on Facebook will help me get more willing photography subjects. I'm not looking for paid deals, just more opportunities to gain experience.
It's officially been over a month since I quit my CNA job. It feels like much longer then that for some reason. The house is noticing my presence though and projects that have been neglected since I moved in are finally being completed. It's exciting to see things coming together.
Well... I'm headed to a coffee shop with a few of my old co-workers from the nursing home. We haven't had a chance to visit much since I "retired" so I'm looking forward to catching up with them. And there will be live music to top it off! I hope your November is coming to a warm and cozy close as mine is.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
October Peom
The golden rays dance on sheltering fog so blue,
which frosts the tips of the tassels with dew.
The turning leaves come dancing alive in the light,
as the northerly wind touches cheeks with a bite.
Long, yellow buses stitch their way through the land,
bringing the children to school as planned.
As Summer's withered flora reveals the woodland fawn,
hats and gloves and mittens are donned.
The birds have begun their migration from here,
for the sun gives no heat though the blue sky is clear.
which frosts the tips of the tassels with dew.
The turning leaves come dancing alive in the light,
as the northerly wind touches cheeks with a bite.
Long, yellow buses stitch their way through the land,
bringing the children to school as planned.
As Summer's withered flora reveals the woodland fawn,
hats and gloves and mittens are donned.
The birds have begun their migration from here,
for the sun gives no heat though the blue sky is clear.
Hello, dear blog!
Here I am, at last, able to blog again.
Life has been busy, happy and productive these past few months. The wedding happened in July. I met my in-laws who are a fun group of people. I've had the pleasure of being my husband's wife and learning to serve him better each day. I've put in hours at my job, full of hard work and many moments of hearing a residents sorrow or sharing a smile. My coworkers are wonderful as well. I've started to get a handle on what exactly I need to go grocery shopping for, how to cook for two, keeping the home clean and wisely spending my free time.
Oh, ...you know, all the little pleasures of life.
Yet, through all of this I haven't been able to blog. A number of years back google decided to merge accounts on my family's home computer. Somehow my mom's gmail account and password were connected to my blog so it made it difficult for me to sign into my blogger account. However, since I was the only blogger I was rarely logged out and therefore it was never a problem. Now that I have moved out I've tried signing in over and over again without any luck. Finally I've been able to determine the appropriate log-in information from my mom. I can write again! I feel like a bird who's been let out of a cage!
So for anyone who's assumed that I'd suddenly stopped blogging magically because I became a married woman..... well, I'm still here. Forgive this long absence. I'm glad to be back at it!
Saturday, July 8, 2017
One Week
In one week I will marry my love. It seems so natural and right. You hear of 'cold feet', hesitation and doubts and it is all mystifying to me. All I feel is warmth and readiness.
My single years have been full... almost too full. I don't know if I could stuff in any more satisfaction or contentment into the singleness I've experienced. The joy in my life has overflowed... and I suppose that is why it is time to start filling a new cup. Open a new chapter. Stitching the threads of one cloth to another.
Last night one of the other employees where I work told me a story of one of the residents. Apparently this resident, who is a sweet, kissable old woman, was engaged once. In her bedroom there's a picture of herself and her husband when they were first married. She was only 18 or 19.... and he wasn't much older. She'd always smile when she talked about that picture. But what this employee told me surprised me! This elderly woman, in her youth, was engaged to be married when a fellow asked her on a date. He must have been quite the fellow because this gal told him to come back in week and ask her again. She went home and broke things off with her fiance... and married this other guy. It's almost an amusing tale.... seems like something from a movie!
Yesterday, Jeff and I went to the courthouse. We filed for our marriage license. We had to raise our right hands and repeat some words. An oath or vow of some sort. I honestly don't even remember what we said, but it was some sort of official agreement that we were definitely getting married.
It's interesting how each life unfolds and what unexpected events await us. I couldn't have ever guessed that in beautiful July of 2017, I'd be marrying a handsome, intelligent and kind man from Canada. O, life. It is a wonderful, mystic thing.
My single years have been full... almost too full. I don't know if I could stuff in any more satisfaction or contentment into the singleness I've experienced. The joy in my life has overflowed... and I suppose that is why it is time to start filling a new cup. Open a new chapter. Stitching the threads of one cloth to another.
Last night one of the other employees where I work told me a story of one of the residents. Apparently this resident, who is a sweet, kissable old woman, was engaged once. In her bedroom there's a picture of herself and her husband when they were first married. She was only 18 or 19.... and he wasn't much older. She'd always smile when she talked about that picture. But what this employee told me surprised me! This elderly woman, in her youth, was engaged to be married when a fellow asked her on a date. He must have been quite the fellow because this gal told him to come back in week and ask her again. She went home and broke things off with her fiance... and married this other guy. It's almost an amusing tale.... seems like something from a movie!
Yesterday, Jeff and I went to the courthouse. We filed for our marriage license. We had to raise our right hands and repeat some words. An oath or vow of some sort. I honestly don't even remember what we said, but it was some sort of official agreement that we were definitely getting married.
It's interesting how each life unfolds and what unexpected events await us. I couldn't have ever guessed that in beautiful July of 2017, I'd be marrying a handsome, intelligent and kind man from Canada. O, life. It is a wonderful, mystic thing.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Born to Fly
Writing that last post caused this song by Sara Evans to pop into my head. It's been the story of my life for the past 25 years, and now these dreams are becoming a reality. It's quite exciting!
I've been tellin' my dreams to the scarecrow
About the places that I'd like to see
I say 'friend, do you think I'll ever get there?'
Aww, but he just stands there smilin' back at me
About the places that I'd like to see
I say 'friend, do you think I'll ever get there?'
Aww, but he just stands there smilin' back at me
So I confess my sins to the preacher
About the love I'd been prayin' to find
Is there a brown-eyed boy in my future, yeah
He says 'girl, you got nothin' but time.'
About the love I'd been prayin' to find
Is there a brown-eyed boy in my future, yeah
He says 'girl, you got nothin' but time.'
How do you wait for heaven
And who has that much time
And how do you keep your feet on the ground
When you know
That you were born, (you were born, yeah), you were born to fly
And who has that much time
And how do you keep your feet on the ground
When you know
That you were born, (you were born, yeah), you were born to fly
My daddy he is grounded like the oak tree
My momma she is as steady as the sun
Oh, you know I love my folks, but I keep starin' down the road,
Just lookin' for my one chance to run
My momma she is as steady as the sun
Oh, you know I love my folks, but I keep starin' down the road,
Just lookin' for my one chance to run
Hey, 'cause I will soar away like the blackbird
I will blow in the wind like a seed
I will plant my heart in the garden of my dreams
And I will grow up where I want, wild and free
I will blow in the wind like a seed
I will plant my heart in the garden of my dreams
And I will grow up where I want, wild and free
How do you wait for heaven
And who has that much time
And how do you keep your feet on the ground
When you know
That you were born, (you were born, yeah), you were born to fly
And who has that much time
And how do you keep your feet on the ground
When you know
That you were born, (you were born, yeah), you were born to fly
In One Month
As I sit at the computer sipping coffee this morning, I can see a beautiful world just out the window. The sun has already been up for hours and is casting a warm glow on the land. All of this cheer out of doors matches the joy in my soul. In exactly one month from today, I will marry my one true love. It is amazing how our journey has progressed.
We met in February of 2016.
We started communicating November of 2016.
We began courting January, 1, 2017.
Jeff proposed to me on May 13th, 2017.
And at last..... we'll be married on July 15th, 2017.
I am feeling very blessed to have Jeff in my life and am looking forward to be his one and only helpmeet, wife and best friend in life. It amazes me that people take so long to develop relationships. By the time Jeff and I were able to visit in person in December we'd already talked about so many of the essential things of life, that he told me he wanted me marry me. So there was never any question of his intentions which made our entire relationship direction and focus. I can't imagine how things would have gone if we'd hung out in a limbo state of "getting to know each other" for months and months. When Jeff did propose it was more of a surprise because I figured he might skip that step since we were already planning to be married. It's been such a freeing relationship. We've both been around long enough to know that no relationship is ever perfect but we have the Lord on our side and we get to be heirs together in the grace of life. That is enough to get us through any hardships and more than enough to cause our joys to abound.
One month. It'll fly by. I will enjoy these few days I still have to write my maiden name. I am relishing the nights I spend in my single bed surrounded by the bedroom walls of my days of longing and youth. I've had a good run of singleness and although I can't say I liked every minute of it, I learned to be content and find pleasure in the things I had and the place where I was at in life. One of the verses I had written on my bedroom wall was Psalm 27:14, "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." I think it was that verse that brought me through to this day. It was that verse that gave me strength to save my heart for Jeff. I know that verse will continue to guide me in my relationship with Jeff by instilling me with patience.
I thank my Heavenly Father for this season in my life where I close one chapter and open another. Christ has the power to work His will in me... and I have the pleasure to understand Christ's love for the church, through this institution of marriage.
I am feeling very blessed.
Ephesians 3:14-21
"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
We met in February of 2016.
We started communicating November of 2016.
We began courting January, 1, 2017.
Jeff proposed to me on May 13th, 2017.
And at last..... we'll be married on July 15th, 2017.
I am feeling very blessed to have Jeff in my life and am looking forward to be his one and only helpmeet, wife and best friend in life. It amazes me that people take so long to develop relationships. By the time Jeff and I were able to visit in person in December we'd already talked about so many of the essential things of life, that he told me he wanted me marry me. So there was never any question of his intentions which made our entire relationship direction and focus. I can't imagine how things would have gone if we'd hung out in a limbo state of "getting to know each other" for months and months. When Jeff did propose it was more of a surprise because I figured he might skip that step since we were already planning to be married. It's been such a freeing relationship. We've both been around long enough to know that no relationship is ever perfect but we have the Lord on our side and we get to be heirs together in the grace of life. That is enough to get us through any hardships and more than enough to cause our joys to abound.
One month. It'll fly by. I will enjoy these few days I still have to write my maiden name. I am relishing the nights I spend in my single bed surrounded by the bedroom walls of my days of longing and youth. I've had a good run of singleness and although I can't say I liked every minute of it, I learned to be content and find pleasure in the things I had and the place where I was at in life. One of the verses I had written on my bedroom wall was Psalm 27:14, "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." I think it was that verse that brought me through to this day. It was that verse that gave me strength to save my heart for Jeff. I know that verse will continue to guide me in my relationship with Jeff by instilling me with patience.
I thank my Heavenly Father for this season in my life where I close one chapter and open another. Christ has the power to work His will in me... and I have the pleasure to understand Christ's love for the church, through this institution of marriage.
I am feeling very blessed.
Ephesians 3:14-21
"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
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