Donating items I am ready to let go of

 One of the nice things about cleaning out drawers and cabinets and closets and such is finding things to donate.  While I enjoy going thrifting and finding good deals on used items and clothes that still have plenty of life left in them, I also enjoy donating gently used items that I no longer use but someone may find useful.  Doing this one drawer at a time really does help with that.  And I try to donate to charities and shops that do good for the community.

Today I took two boxfuls of items to work to donate to the yard sale we are having next week.  All of the proceeds go to the Alzheimer's Association, which is a cause that I feel is very important.  We have these sales several times each year and I always try to find some good things to give away.  I have also found some good deals at these sales too so it's a win/win for me!  And with this sale, anything that does not get sold is donated to Freedom House, a recovery center for mothers where they can get the help they need.  Another cause I think is important. 

I love it when this process benefits not only myself but others.  We're all in need in one way or another and helping each other with those needs just feels good.  That is all. 

Quote of the Week

 

This is a quote that was used in this past Sunday's sermon which was about David & Goliath.  It hit me like a thunderbolt and brought a new perspective to my week!

Rose Medallion

 

Rose Medallion is a pattern that was created in China in the early 19th century.  It was mainly for export to America and European countries.  The pattern was continuously produced or recreated up through the late 20th century.  I have always enjoyed this pattern.  We did not have much in our households, but it is a pattern that Grandmother would always point out whenever we were antiques shopping.  Mom did have a small bowl that sat on our living room coffee table for a while that we bought at an auction. 

Until this past year, I did not own any Rose Medallion.  I went to an estate sale, surprise surprise, and found this collection.  It was more than I wanted to pay for it, but since it was the last day of the sale, I decided to make an offer.  I did and it was accepted.  I do love the pieces, especially the cups and the chocolate set.  I need to find good places to display them.  I don't really have a place to put them all in one spot so I will pepper them throughout the house!

I don't know how long I will hold onto them but am happy to have them at the moment.  I enjoy them and that is what is important!

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 

as you walk from one place to another, become aware of your posture.  Notice if you are rushing ahead with your shoulders hunched and carrying tension like a heavy sack.  Pull your upper body back and straighten your spine.  Be aware of your connection to the ground as each foot is placed one in front of the other.  Enjoy being alert and mindful while you walk.  

The Music Cabinet

 

I love this music cabinet.  This is a Bivens family piece that was purchased towards the beginning of the 20th century.  You can see that part of the shipping tag is still on the back of the cabinet.  It has a glass knob on the cabinet door and a beveled mirror on top.  This piece was in our home for as long as I can remember.  Aunt Sara gave it to Mom either in the late 70s or early 80s.  The piece actually belonged to Aunt Billie, but Sara gave it away anyway LOL  It always sat in our living room and was overflowing with sheet music.  

I received this piece when Bill and I divided up our parents' things after Dad married June. And I have loved having it in my home.  Right now, I use it to store table linens.  For several years, this piece was out in the garage.  Last year, I decided to bring it back into the house.  I cleaned it up well and put it back in the living room where it has been ever since.  And now that I no longer have a fish tank in the living room, I have moved it to where the tank used to be. Somewhere I have a photo from the 1920s of Aunt Billie sitting in front of the cabinet. I need to find that picture and frame it for display on the cabinet.  It's a lovely piece and I am blessed to have it. 

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 

There is meaning in all things.  But are you paying attention?

Two new recipes and a trip to an antiques shop

 I have not done a whole lot of things over the past week or so for fun.  That is not to say that I have been in a bad place, I just have been getting things done around the house and simply trying to keep up with my daily existence.  But there does seem to be a pattern of things I gravitate to first when it comes to doing something for myself that I find enjoyable.  While I hope to expand on those things and do more and different things, at least I do have a few go-tos in my life. 

I tried a few new recipes over the past few weeks.  I made a Thai shrimp pasta dish with a pineapple cucumber salad on the side.  I really enjoyed the pasta dish.  I had never cooked with coconut milk before nor had I used rice noodles.  I was happy with how it turned out and will make it again.  The pineapple cucumber salad ended up being a big surprise.  I wanted a salad to go with the pasta but something different and came upon this recipe. It was really easy and tasted so good.  It's very fresh tasting, even though I did use canned pineapple.  A good summer recipe.

Thai shrimp pasta with pineapple cucumber salad and naan.  Yum!

I went to Golden Antiques on Saturday before last.  It's always dangerous for me because I never leave empty handed.  And that was true this trip as well. I bought a beautiful set of six glasses and a covered vegetable dish.  What can I say?  I'm addicted to pretty things.  There are worse things in life I suppose.  But I will upload pics of them soon.  It was a nice trip, and I always like to support local businesses. 

Not mine but I bought a set of six just like this

 

I have also enjoyed my morning walks this week.  I never really thought about exercise as being a fun thing to do but I am slowly gravitating towards that.  How I feel after I'm done is pretty exciting to me so I am hoping to keep that up.  Well, that is it for me in the excitement department.  I will find bliss in domestic chores this weekend I have no doubt.  Mainly because I have nothing else to do LOL  And no money to do it with.  All in all, I am happy.  Even a little fun is better than none!