friday five: springing forward

 

picture taken by my Mom

At RevGals Jan writes: Whether we liked it or not, we all "sprang forward" with the change to daylight savings time in the USA this past Sunday. There is lightness and brightness slipping in as spring approaches, so let us consider what is springing forth in our lives right now.
Name 5 things that are springing forth, possibly including :

1) What I hope for

There are lots of things around our modest homestead that need attention. We need to fence the yard for the dogs; replace the living room and hall carpet (with hardwood); repair the riding mower (ca-ching!); get a second car... None of these things fall under the usual type of discretionary spending, and our budget is stretched thin over bare bones. I have the means to generate the income necessary (over time) to fund the above through Pampered Chef. My problem: procrastination and phone phobia. The good news is that I used to have a Serious Case of phone phobia. Now it's a modest case. What I hope for is to build and sustain the momentum necessary to build my business. I keep saying this, I know. I'm stuck on a sandbar of my own making, and need to float myself free. What I hope for is the epiphany that will free me for good, and not for a season.

2) What I dread

The heat of summer. And the humidity.

3) What I observe

I need to address aspects of my leadership style. I have good skills in leadership, and I am discovering that those skills need to be complemented by other gifts. This is a good thing, and it will require some serious discernment, prayer and practice to bring to fruition.

4) What is concrete

The perpetual challenge to influence attitudes for the good.

5) What is intangible

Hope that attitudes can be changed for the good.

monday miscelaney

Like half of the rest of the world, I am returning to the gym today. "Say it ain't so!" Ken would be remarking, except that he's already heard me tell him I would join him this morning when he heads over there. I've been working up my resolve to deal with my weight, and my dismal effort at exercise. The time has come. I'm going to take it slow, starting with the treadmill, and see if I can meet with Marcie, wonder-girl trainer, to put together a plan. When I feel less like a slug I'll get back in the pool.

Leaving church yesterday I grabbed the Book of Worship Services to bring home. When we get back from the gym I'll tally up the statistics for 2010 and be fully prepared when the parochial report arrives to complete. Ken saw the book on the kitchen table and asked what it was, and when I told him my plans for it he responded (read with great enthusiasm), "All right, way to get ahead of things!" It occurred to me then that his observation signaled something important. For two years I've been playing catch-up with this church, trying to get records in order, procedures refined, protocols created... to be ahead of the game marks a shift in the work to be done, and what I am now free to do. Perhaps it will be possible to reduce the hours I put in to this half-time job, or at least produce more fruit from the hours spent in the vineyard. I can work with that!

The dogs have discovered bubble wrap. It's rather amusing.

The restoration of our relationship with Ashley has freed my creative spirit when it comes to my grandchildren. I had bought cross stitch patterns for birth announcements and started one for Luke ages ago. The pain of the estrangement clapped shackles around my heart in terms of creating for them. I am happy to report that the birth announcement is now "back in the light," and I am making very good progress on it. It's fairly detailed, and more than once I have asked, "What were you thinking?" when I chose it, but it's been good therapy. I am fully confident (can confidence be qualified? or is it like unique?) that I will finish it, and the one for Cross, before baby number three makes its appearance in July. Pictures will be forthcoming.

And now, time to lace-up and make a pony-tail. The treadmill awaits!

2010 = 5

Today I am feeling inspired by my friend Janet to consider my five favorite things from 2010. These aren't in any particular order.

 1) Kenneth and Trisha: married! We love Trisha, and we love how much she and Kenneth love each other. And, it was a blast planning and executing the rehearsal dinner.

2) Reconciliation with Ashley and family. What a gift! It was especially great to have two occasions to be with them this last spring and summer. We are really looking forward to them being within driving distance very soon. Just in time for the arrival of the next grandchild!

3) Growth at the church--including families with kids! Things are definitely looking up at church, and though we still have lots of work to do to stabilize and bring order to our life, there are lots of good things happening, for which I am deeply grateful.

4) Time at Melrose. This is a three-fold blessing: simply being at this beautiful place, sharing time with my Mom, and seeing our friends Jimmy and Barbara.

5) Simple joys. The stresses of life these days can make it hard to work up enthusiasm for many things (like changing out of pajamas!), but on those occasions when I push through and make and effort, I am glad for things like cooking, working crossword puzzles (thanks, J&B!), and rediscovering cross stitch. In the grand scheme of things, these are the things that sustain me from one day to the next.

Bonus! I am also more grateful than you know to the folks and friends who stop by here to get acquainted, share wisdom and encouraging words. I so wish many of you were closer. For all of us I hope the new year brings expanded opportunities, good health, resolved difficulties, and unexpected joy. Blessings, galore to each of you.

tuesday tidbits

In an effort to climb out of the slump I am in I actually wrapped my daughter-in-law's birthday presents yesterday. Her birthday was ten days ago. With any luck she'll get them before the month is over!

I read an article on Huffington Post the other day about how celeac disease (gluten intolerance) can impair memory and concentration. I've got some serious issues related to both, so I think I may just try a gluten-free diet for a few weeks and see what happens. Wouldn't that be a kick in the pants? Next doctor's visit, I'll ask him to check it out. Fortunately I happened upon an awesome blog that features gluten-free recipes. We'll see how this goes.

My husband just informed me that he's moved past Thanksgiving. To him, it will be just another day of the week. Apparently a combination of things has led to pulling the plug, but the only explanation he offers is that he's "done." Alrighty then!

For my part, I'm starting Thanksgiving Day early by volunteering at the first annual Turkey Trot, a 5k fundraiser to benefit our local animal shelter, New Leash on Life. The race begins at 8 AM. Great way to work up an appetite for that big ole turkey dinner. For runners. Who will have a big ole turkey dinner!

I picked up a styrofoam tree-form to try to make one of those paper Christmas trees I posted the other day. Found some fun stuff to put on top. Stay tuned for pictures!

I bit the bullet and ordered Christmas cards. They have already shipped, so maybe they'll arrive today!

I hosted an Uppercase Living party last week, and we close out the party today. Can't wait til my free stuff gets here and I can put it up!

I'm grateful for my blogging buddies. Thanks for stopping by to catch up, and to say hello. You all are often the bright spot of my day!

this and that

I'm feeling uninspired this morning, so I've decided to steal from someone else's blog. Kate at Chronicles of a Country Girl posted these questions yesterday, so I'm simply answering them here instead of at her place. Anyone want to play? Post your answers in the comments if you would.

1. What’s your favorite summertime drink?
That would be a gin and tonic when I want an adult beverage. Otherwise I pretty much stick to water with lots of ice.

2. When were you last in Ocean waters?
Technically, when I was on a cruise four years ago. With my own feet in the water? Summer of '05. Body in the water? (hiding my head, thinking it can't be this long ago) Summer of '97, in the Bahamas.

3. When did you last attend a sporting event?
I honestly can't remember. Does watching a game on TV count? I attended virtually! We often watch golf on the weekends (I love Tiger Woods). Oh, wait! Last summer we went to a ball game in which two of our young parishioners were playing!

4. What is your first name? How do you feel about it?
First name is Anne, named after the Ann above. I didn't like it when I was "young." My brothers and their friends would call me Annie Fanny. To this day I hate to be called Annie, although a handful of people can call me that without it making me cringe. Like my high school french teacher!  Otherwise I think I've grown into my name. If only people would spell it correctly now and then!

5. Can you keep a secret?
You bet.

it's a love thing*

*title stolen from MomPriest's sermon title for today

Conversation:

Ken: So what is up with these Snickerdoodles?

Me: I'm making them for Trisha (our daughter-in-law)

Ken: And why are you making them for Trisha?

Me: Because she mentioned in passing that she loved Snickerdoodles

Ken: So you're making them for her because she loves Snickerdoodles

Me: Right

Ken: And because you love her

Me: Right

Ken: That is about the sweetest thing I've heard all week.

early summer snapshots

Here are a few favorite pictures from June events. I need to remember to take my camera with me more often to capture some of the "ordinary" scenes that represent what life is really all about. In the meantime: my hydrangea (doing great on year four!)

one of my parishioners and his dog, Lucy

a dessert tray from the progressive dinner

is anything more refreshing than lemons?

lilies in bloom at the cathedral during the icon workshop

progressive diners (take that any way you want!) -- this is such a great shot of my church folks!

20 questions

I thought my friend Jayne (the other Jayne) wasn't blogging much anymore and it had been a while since I visited hers. Fortunately she posted a link to her blog on facebook, where I found the following. list of questions from the other day (some good ones, too). Thanks, Jayne! I really didn't want to do a conventional holiday greeting today.

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
Dang, the hair color is fading.

2. Do you miss anyone right now?
Having just spent some time with our daughter, son-in-law and grandsons, I'm missing them. My Mom, too, she was here a week ago. I miss my roommates from graduate school, as well. One law student, one international studies, one med school. Great people, every one of them. I miss my friend Kathy, who died four years ago. I miss her family. And Candy and Steve, friends from St. Louis days.

3. If you could move anywhere else, would you?
Yes.

4. If you could choose, what would your last meal be?
My Mom's chicken curry with rice, pork tenderloin with gorgonzola sauce, and pepperoni pizza, followed by a banana split. Calories be damned!

5. What famous person, dead or alive, would you want to have lunch with?

Henry VIII

6. what was the last book you read?.

Diana Gabaldon's Outlander. (started it ages ago, finished it recently).


7. what was the last movie you watched?
Taking Chance, starring Kevin Bacon. Excellent movie.

8. what was the last song you heard?
I Believe, from the movie Honey, sung by Yolanda Adams. It's the song in the video below.

9. what is your dream vacation?
I always want to go to Scotland, but a new interest is Cantabria, Spain, on the north coast of that country prompts me to want to make plans to go there. And of course, there's always Italy!

10. what is the next trip you will take?
Probably Columbus, GA, to see Kenneth and Trisha.

11. did you ever go to camp?
I did! I even remember a few of the songs we learned.

12. have you ever been in love?
 That would be affirmative!

13. what do you want to know about the future?
If I'll ever be able to retire.

14. where is your best friend?
Gone to the great beyond

15. how is your best friend?
Probably a lot better off than me!

16. who is the biggest gossiper you know?
Fortunately I don't really know any big gossipers

17. what does your last text message say?
Y'all have fun camping!

18. what are 3 things you've always wanted to do, that you still plan to accomplish?

Sew outfits and quilts for my grandchildren; Visit the Grand Canyon; paint a watercolor of the view at Melrose.

 

18. what are 3 things you've always wanted to do, that you still plan to accomplish?
Sew outfits and quilts for my grandchildren; Visit the Grand Canyon;

19. what is one thing you learned from your parents?
All people are worthy of dignity and respect.

20. what is one thing you hope to teach to your own children?
If I had my own children it would be to keep an open mind about people and ideas.

So if you've read this far, you need to post it on your blog and let me know so I can learn about you!

monday miscellany

• Our sunrise service yesterday was fun. Seriously! The sun broke the plane of the horizon just as the service began. Don't you love it? It was chilly. 45 degrees. By the time we got to communion the paten and chalice were so cold! We had a good turnout, and I think I preached one of my best Easter sermons. I love Lent (no, really, I do!). I love Holy Week. I love Easter. I'm so glad all of that is over.
• A winter wreath is still hanging on the front door. It needs to come down. Maybe today.
• My plans for the week are to be a Domestic Diva Extraordinaire. The house is a total wreck. Dust rules supreme, though dog hair might trump the dust. My work is cut out for me.
• If the weather remains pleasant (i.e. doesn't get much above 70 without a pleasant breeze) I will try to get some weeding done. The weeds trump the dog hair and the dust.
• I'm allergic to heat and humidity (yes, that's exactly why I live in the south!).
• Junior has a new job! He'll be going to Fort Benning (Columbus, GA), full time active duty National Guard to do training. I believe a promotion comes with the gig.
• I'm thrilled for Junior--one of his best friends from his Ranger unit is at Benning, the husband half of the couple at whose wedding Junior and Trisha met. This means Trisha already knows someone there! I have no idea if this affects his scheduled deployment next January, but I suspect that is still on track (bummer).
• The wedding is less than three weeks away!
• Taxes loom. Ugh.
• The church was beautiful yesterday, and the fragrance of those glorious flowers was delightful without being overpowering.
• It's time for a closet purge.
• I received my first set of hand tracings. Yay!
• Breakfast calls.
• Have a fabulous Easter Monday!

borrowed questions

I have a lengthy to do list today, and time to conjur up a blog topic just can't be squeezed onto that list in a timely way. So, I'm borrowing questions from Kate at Chronicles of a Country Girl for today's fodder. I do like that word.

1. What’s your favorite magazine?
We have eliminated subscriptions from the budget for the time being, but there are times I just can't resist a magazine at the grocery checkout line. What I bring home most often is Cooking Light, so perhaps that ought to be considered a favorite.

2. What book are you currently reading?
To be honest I'm not reading these days--I'm busy writing! Newsletters, policy statements, emails, and other assorted work-related stuff. I really need to carve out time to read and make it a habit. The book to which I am eager to return is Introverts in the Church.

3. What activity recharges your inner battery?
Ah, that's easy. Anything creative, especially if it doesn't have a deadline attached to it. I'm enjoying making the rehearsal dinner invitations, but those have really got to get into the mail soon. Fortunately I'm still waiting for a handful of addresses, so I am buying time.

4. Do you remember your favorite show/cartoon when you were very little?
I don't know about favorite, but Sky King (and his niece, Penny!) comes quickly to mind, and with Captain Kangaroo right behind it.

5. What do you usually eat for breakfast?
Yogurt. I used to be faithful preparing oatmeal with flax seeds and raisins, but I got out of the habit.

Anyone else want to play?

scrambling

Our inventory of computer peripherals has gone through some transition. We had two computers, two working printers, and one printer on standby. Then my printer bit the dust. I used Ken's. Then Ken's computer got zapped by a virus and his printer couldn't be accessed. The standby printer had been nonfunctional for so long that the ink had dried up. It was also, in the context of technology, obsolete. Spend the money on ink cartridges and hope for the best? I opted to use a gift card from Best Buy to buy a new printer. Merry Christmas to me!

The good news is that I can now print again. The good news is that I can now catch up on all the things that have been awaiting printing. The bad news is that I am overwhelmed with such tasks and the followup details that attend those print jobs! Eeeek!

So here I am to apologize for my lack of attention to this blog, and the lack of time to visit (never mind comment) on the blogs of others. Soon! Soon! In the meantime enjoy these days of Advent preparation, and may your weather be bearable.

one liners (it's that kind of day)

• It’s windy as all get-out this morning, and fortunately the wreaths on the windows are still in place (though they sometimes swing to and fro).
• With all that I am not doing this Advent/Christmas season I still have too much to do and not enough time to do it.
• Getting a functional printer in this house needs to move to number one on the priority list.
• I wish I could harness McKinlee’s energy to help me accomplish the litany that is my “to do” list.
• The sun is shining!
• I wish Ken would move his bicycle out of the pantry.
• I have developed a passion for dark chocolate-covered pretzel sticks—keep me away from Target!
• Today is national pastry day (thanks, MJ!).
• I’d rather be sewing.
• I would love a grilled swiss and pastrami on rye for lunch.
• We still don’t have ornaments on the Christmas tree.
• The liturgical calendar in my office is still showing November.
• Will someone be sure to get me a “Pooped Puppies” calendar for Christmas?
• I’m offering special incentives for Pampered Chef hosts in January: who’s game to help me get my PC business back up and running again (catalog shows are also helpful)?
• I love Advent!
• I wore a necklace yesterday for the first time since I can remember.

appropos of nothing...

During a wakeful moment of the night I got to wondering... My preference is to sleep on my side (right or left will do), but I will hold my arms in different positions depending upon which side. When I sleep on my left side I tend to fold my arms across my chest. When I sleep on my right I am more likely to extend one arm and tuck the other under the pillow. Somehow or other, without making a conscious decision, I have determined that these positions are the most comfortable and conducive to letting the rest of my body relax and rest.

I never thought much about sleeping positions until Michael J. Fox was posed in one in the movie Back to the Future. His "top" arm was extended behind him, while the rest of his body faced forward.

What about you? What do you do with your arms while you sleep?

the bearable lightness of humor

Oddly enough Ken and I have been glued to coverage of the PGA Championship the last few days--sort of fun to watch from day one. One bonus of watching is seeing some commercials that I, at least, wouldn't see otherwise. Here is a great one that has aired during the tournament.



Even if you're not nuts about dogs this is pretty cute, and very clever. Enjoy!

PS. It is pretty obvious that I have changed the look of the blog. Love the border, not sure I'm crazy about having the narrower column again. For instance, the video appears cut off on one side. We can't have that!

We'll see how it goes. There must be something in the cyber air about changing blog looks because a whole bunch of people have made changes recently. Huh! Let me know what you think. Too busy? Perfectly punched with color? I thought I'd try something a bit out of my comfort zone...

mid-week mish mash

I can't seem to get in gear this morning for a reason that defies me. Oh well. I think it's because I was anticipating this massive storm last night (looked pretty scary by all accounts of the local meterologists), and it just didn't materialize. We had candles lit and everything in anticipation of losing power. Did I say, "Oh well?" Let's move on...

It's news to no one that this is the middle of the week. In a little while we're heading over to the church to pick up the shoes that we intended to deliver yesterday. I'm going to try to stack them up on top of the altar for a picture. I'm sure someone somewhere will feel inclined to feel put out by the notion of shoes on the altar, but Jesus won't mind. I take my cue from him.

I really want to sew today. Those plans got derailed last week with all the excitement around here and I want to rerail them. I'm eager to see this little quilt project come together and then start playing with a few alterations to the design. I am reallllllllly needing to create. Like, NOW! I don't think that will actually happen today since I've got some other obligations, but I'll see what I can do.

The latest news from Mom is that she will be out of her apartment for at least 30 days! I haven't talked to her since she was supposed to have been able to get into the apartment to assess damages, losses, etc., so have no further news to report on that. Sigh. Wish she could come here for a breather!

And that's what's up at this end. Blessings on your day!

dressing up

Okay, HELP!

I’m heading to Chicago in July for Pampered Chef’s annual national conference. Each year my executive director hosts a banquet for her team, and this year she is mixing it up a little (I love it when there’s a twist on the usual action!).

The invitation to the banquet invites us to come as our favorite movie character or movie star. Here’s my challenge: I don’t think trying to look like Meryl Streep will work out terribly well, so a movie character sounds more creative. But what character?

I don't know that I have a favorite movie character, and even if I did the challenge would be to dress in a way that made it clear who the character is. Like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.

Thoughts? Ideas? I need some serious help here!

time off

I'm off to The Mountain today. Around these parts people understand that phrase to mean Sewanee, a.k.a. the University of the South, the Holy Mountain, the seminary... I lived in Sewanee (or what I liked to refer to as "Metro Sewanee") for nearly three years, and although it's true that it's a beautiful place when you can get to an edge for one of these views, when you're driving arounds its roads it's just like any other rural place. Most of the views up on the Cumberland Plateau are from private homes in gated communities, which strikes me as a cruel injustice since the county adjacent to the one in which Sewanee is situated is one of the poorest in the state. That's a topic for another day. (The other view below is taken from the deck at St. Mary's Convent. Now there's a group of women who totally deserve a private view!)

This sunset view predates the notion of that kind of exclusion. It's taken from the small area of grounds that surround what is known as the Sewanee Cross (second picture). The valley below is called Hawkins Cove, settled ages ago by a family named, of all things, Hawkins. It is a wonderful view, and I was grateful when I lived there to have the opportunity to visit it.

Today I am heading to the mountain for a small gathering of clergy for an overnight visit with our bishop at St. Mary's Center. He began these gatherings last spring, and this is the second iteration of such an event. Eight of us meet informally for conversation around questions that the bishop has determined in advance. It's "guided sharing" along the lines of guided imagery, except that our eyes are open. Or so one hopes, at least in the figurative sense. It was fruitful time the last time I attended, and I expect it will be again.

Except for two things against which I need to caution myself not to have expectations. I know of two other colleagues that will be there. One of them is a person who really pushes my buttons. This is one of those opportunities to practice all manner of Christian charity, tolerance, patience, and a "love thy neighbor" approach. I will endeavor to do so. This isn't God's humor at work so much as a potential opportunity for the relationship, such as it is, to experience transformation. Or not. We shall see.

The other person will be a challenge for entirely different reasons that have nothing to do with him personally. I won't go into the circumstances of that here, but there are some boundary issues (my perception, I own that) that may interfere with feeling free to share what I might choose to say otherwise. Cryptic, I know, and for that I apologize. I am hoping that the presence of these two colleagues won't mitigate what can otherwise be a healthy and needed time away. I will pray for that, and for whatever surprises of the delightful kind that God might have in store for me. I've got enough challenges right now to warrant wanting only delightful surprises.

So off I go, with a stop along the way to look for something to wear to the wedding this weekend, and with a little additional time, with camera in hand, to see what sorts of other surprises await me on the journey of these two days. Blessings, all, until I can greet you again.

saturday morning meme

Courtesy of Kim at An oft-traveled Road.

What’s your current obsession?
Keeping up with certain blogs

What project or activity are you itching do start?
A Quilt of Valor

Last thing you bought?
Chinese food for dinner

What book is at the top of the stack on your bedside table?
Three Cups of Tea

Favorite kid’s movie?
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen it, but back in the day I couldn’t get enough of Thomasina

Favorite movies?
The American President, Chariots of Fire, Ladyhawke, Sleepless in Seattle, The Hunt for Red October

Favorite vacation spots?
Melrose, anywhere with the Cabana Crew

What are you listening to?
Thunder and rain. Lots of rain.

Four words to describe you:
Creative, insightful, compassionate, introvert

Guilty pleasures?
HGTV

Who or what can make you laugh until you are weak?
the “Cake Wrecks” blog (see links on this page)

Where are you planning to travel next?
I know we’ll go back to Melrose in the fall. Beyond that--who knows?

Best thing you ate and/or drank recently?
Jimmy’s low country boil

When did you last get tipsy?
It’s been a long time—I really don’t remember

Care to share some wisdom?
This came from my nephew when he was about ten. “Don’t stay there.”

What smell makes you smile?
Cinnamon, curry, marigolds

Rules of the meme: Respond and rework. Change one question, delete one question and add one question. Tag people if you want. I’d love to know your answers if you want to share — either here in comments, or on your own blog, or in a private email.

happiness is...

This morning happiness is a clean microwave oven. Ah, the simple pleasures of the day.

Whenever I hear the opening "happiness is..." however, I think of You're a good man, Charlie Brown, the musical that debuted off-broadway more than 40 years ago. In that production, to which a cousin of mine had some connection that I can no longer recall (help me out here, Mom), Gary Burgoff played Charlied Brown. This was before he became famous as "Radar" on M*A*S*H, and I was lucky enough to see the performance twice. The words to the song, moving as they are out of context, are even more so in the context of the play, because the blanks filled in within the song refer to parts of the storyline. In any event it's a wonderful song, a wonderful story, and a helpful reminder that happiness can be found in the small things within our day.



What makes you happy today?

palm saturday

I'm heading out this morning to join some friends at their yard sale. I have about one bag of stuff to sell--we're about yard-saled out at this house after our last one. But I plan to take Pampered Chef stuff, and a Silpada catalog (hosting a part soon!) and maybe I'll get some business. It looks to be a beautiful day, and after the sale is over comes the best part. No, not counting our money, but cooking out!

The only challenge is what to do with McKinlee. I will probably take her with me and take the portable kennel along so that she is not overly confined. But then again...

Have I mentioned how challenging it is to take a shower and dry your hair with a new puppy? Unlike babies these critters are quite mobile! The other day she needed a bit of a rinse herself so she came in with me, but I sure can't do that everytime!

What I want most from this day is to enjoy the everydayness of it. Tomorrow Holy Week begins, and no matter what sort of ordinariness occurs through the week it will be tinged with the hue of this annual, holy, rollercoaster journey. No matter how familiar the events, the readings, the music or the liturgies, it is never the same. We are never the same. That is the awful blessing of it.

But today I'm wearing jeans and working my Pampered Chef business. And loving on my dogs.

Love to you, as well.