Prayer for faith and trust during illness

 It's been a long week, and I needed this today!

The Dining Room Table

 

I have always loved my dining room table.  It's a beautiful piece made by Henredon, I believe.  At least that's what I've always been told.  Grandmother purchased this in the early 60's.  She'd had a darker wood, Duncan Phyfe style table before.  She got a good deal on this table because it is flawed.  Without the leaf in place, the table is flush.  But when you add the leaf to it, the table is slightly skewed.  So, with that flaw, it could not be sold retail, and she got a very good price for it.  

She found the chairs that matched at Belk's in Charlotte.  She and Mom did the red needlepoint seat covers for them.  Grandmother also had the buffet and china cabinet refinished to match.  I have so many memories of this table.  Wonderful Sunday meals, birthday dinners, holiday meals and then just Grandmother and I together at the table.  It's one of my cherished pieces and I look forward to creating many more memories around this table.  Just let me know if you want to join!

Thought of the Day - We are turning into...

 I don't talk much about politics, especially online, but I'm going to make this brief statement because it has been on my mind lately.  For me, this election year is not about being conservative or liberal, democrat or republican, or whatever you choose to label yourself as.  It goes far beyond that. 

We are turning into the country that we used to fight wars over to protect people from and if people do not really stop and see what is going on, then history will only be left to repeat itself.  That is all.  

One Drawer at a Time - Time to begin again!

 

Well, I have finished my first whole house "one drawer at a time" project.  And looking back over my blog, it has taken me one year to do this.  Or at least that's how long it took without me doing this ever day.  I began this process back last September and here it is August of 2024 and I have finally finished up with the living room.  So, what is next?  It is time to start the process all over again!

I feel like I made some good progress with this program.  I have gotten rid of things that I don't use and have no sentimental attachment to.  I have tossed things that are too far gone to be repaired. I have donated goods.  I have reorganized and condensed where needed.  It has really felt good to me to have done this.  Now, the house still looks a mess right now but oh well.  One thing at a time LOL  So, my plan is to start all over again and see what is in store for round 2.

This time, it is going to be different because, come October, I am going to have a roommate.  Jason, one of my closest and dearest friends, will be moving in and staying here part of each week.  He's going to split his time between Greensboro and the lake house he shares with this partner. I am looking forward to having someone in the house with me again but, in order for that to work, it's time to get better organized and go through things again.  I don't mind and, like I said before, I enjoy it.  We shall see what is in store for this "trip" around the house.  Wish me luck!

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 "Whenever you arrive somewhere, give yourself a moment to "check in". Become aware of how your body is feeling - especially any aches and tensions.  Take note of what emotions you are carrying.  acknowledge all of this, taking no more than a minute, and you will be centered and present, ready to move on."

This is such a crucial part of my work each day.  As soon as I clock in, I take a few moments to see how I am feeling and prepare to move forward with my day.  I can often, but not always, shake off any negativity during this check in moment and it makes the day that much more productive and pleasant. Now, I need to start doing this in social situations. 

The first day of class

 

Well, here it is, my first day of class in grad school this semester.  I am glad I checked my school email today because I was a week off, thinking that class began next week.  Oops.  So, now my daily schedule will change some. I need to start working in several hours a day for homework.  I am ok with that as I really do enjoy my classes.

When I was young, the first day of class was always exciting for me because there really was a sense of wonder about it all.  Not knowing who my teachers would be or who would be in my classes.  The older I got, the less mystery was involved in that process.  And now, as an older adult in grad school, I know exactly what I'm taking and who I'm taking it from. No worries about that at all.

But there is still that sense of wonder and excitement on the first day, even at this age.  Even if the first day has come as a surprise because I had the wrong date in my mind LOL I'm not stressed out about having the wrong date because I'm not behind at all, really.  I am looking forward to this class, so it will be a good experience for me.

Now, it is time to incorporate class into my world as an adult again.  Having the summer break was good but it's time to get back to it!  Wish me luck!

Taking life at a slower pace this past week - daily challenge update

 

With my daily challenge being to take more time to just be and to slow down and not worry so much about getting things on my list done, I can let you know that I have been successful in that.  I have spent most of my evenings this past week simply relaxing.  I've watched movies and tv.  I have read.  I have listened to music.  Just enjoying myself and it's been nice.

Now, on the flip side, my house is in a bit of disarray because I haven't been focused on my lists, but oddly enough I am ok with that.  I probably should have mowed the grass earlier this week, but oh well.  It will get done this weekend at some point.  And the funny thing is that I am not bothered by the lack of checking things off of my list.  I feel better by taking this time for myself. It feels good and I like that.  

Today is Saturday and I am spending the day playing catch up on all of the things I did not do this week.  Yet, again, I am taking my time.  I'm not stressing myself out about any of it for a change.  I'm liking this approach to my daily life and hope I will continue in this way.

That is all.