Attention!

… Catching my own is more than a notion. A lot vies for mine, as evidenced by the “plethora” – a favorite Norman word – of notes, both sticky and un – that I write, on whatever’s available, usually with a pen. And, as I am prone to handwrite, know that I avail myself liberally. Quite.

I believe Habit was my word for 2019. A chosen word for any given year – and I’ve been choosing one since 2009, easily – doesn’t just disappear when the clock strikes 12:00 AM of the new year. The words become and stay a part of one, forming a “dictionary,” so to speak.

I began writing this post during Writers’ Hour last week – I had only typed 92+ words. Note to Self: remember I have Apple Notes on all my devices and can not only type but also write with the Apple pen and my voice, i.e., the microphone, which comes in handy when walking, too!

I think I want to embrace the “technology” just so I will a) break the habit of writing on assorted pieces of paper and b) have more time to spend exercising my creativity vs shuffling through random notes and thoughts and ideas and, and, and…

Doing so will, I am 100% certain, result in my being:

… less, disorganized, frazzled, overwhelmed, scatterbrained;

…more creative, experimental, fulfilled!

Happier!

What’s one small thing you might do to make your life happier?

Cheers~

*Dostadning: https://www.dostadning.com/home

PS.
Photo taken on a walk earlier in the month of a left-over Holiday yard display.

simply a moment|august 2022 …

 

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On my walk today, I noted more  leaves, in various stages of turning color, on the ground. Autumn, according to the meterological calendar is September 1 – just 16 days away! I feel the excitement building in my mind – despite the fact that I have no special plans on the agenda.

Thus far, weather this week has been ideal and is much appreciated! Today, since Sunday past, I’ve been able to go for a walk to and through the park, just 3 – 4 blocks from my house. Round trip, my walks are at least a mile long, take about 35 minutes and include a few hills to “climb.”  Weekdays are especially fun for the littles – children from a couple local day care centers are in the park: playing on the jungle gyms, swinging; toddlers, practicing their walking and the older ones, learning how to “get along.”  “Oh no, you can’t snatch that toy from someone ‘just ’cause you want it,” or push someone out of the way, just ’cause you can, etc… I smile as I observe these interactions. Ah life!

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I arrive home and note just how lovely is the crepe myrtle – another treat of the summer-to-fall season’s glory. I am ever grateful for these morning walks.

one little word|12.28.21…

Christmas Cactus ~ a gift

In just 3 days, a new year is about to be ushered in, give or take a few minutes or so. last year, we had such hopes that the virus would be gone and we would all magically return to life as it was…little did we know. events – both health and political – have yet again, made 2021 an unprecedented year – which is probably an understatement.

As I prepared to “pen ” this post on my 2021 one little word: color, I looked over my entries and was buoyed by the colors ~ gifts from Mother Nature ~ of the trees, flowers, sky and some human-created things, too. As I move through my house, I see all the colors that bring me comfort and joy, noting that the walls on the first floor need a fresh coat of paint – it’s been a few years – and thinking how long color had been a very integral part of my life with one, yellow, always the piece de resistance.

I end this year’s one little word journey so very thankful for the colors that have provided me comfort and solace during this year, 2021. I plan to share my 2022 word next week Monday, January 4, 2022!

Have a joyous end to 2021 and may 2022 be our best year, ever! Joining Carolyn and friends here.

Cheers~

on this autumn day |11.12.21 …

sometimes mondays | 11.8.21…

thinking I frequently approach Mondays focusing (obsessing?) about all that’s on the week’s docket: things to do that are due or even, overdue… and I (we) wonder: how will I fit it all in? Today, I took a different approach and decided to focus on the following:

inspired by the gorgeous colors of autumn ~ especially today’s display of trees, their foliage, captured on my walk this afternoon… a perfect autumn day with just right temperature for a long walk…

grateful that my niece Dolly, husband and the two little guys arrived safely in North Carolina to visit in-laws – both are having health-related issues. not (ever?) a good time but all are thankful for and taking each day at a time. Dolly did all the driving; for sure she’s tired. Rest up!

fulfilled by yesterday’s Friendstitch gathering. this time we celebrated two birthdays: Margaret’s Oct 29th and mine, on its way Nov 15 <more on that next week… As always, the food was delicious: yummy homemade vegetable soup; delicious salads; scrumptious desserts (no, one could not just eat one); and Prosecco

… and now the sun’s beginning to set – it’s just barely 5 PM non-DST ! I for one am perfectly happy that real time has returned! How about you?

Cheers~

sometimes mondays |10.11.21 …

Sunrise 4 October 2021

The following questions are from the book An American Sunrise, Poems by Joy Harjo, an internationally renowned performer (she plays the saxophone) and writer of the Muscogee Creek Nation. She was named Poet Laureate of the United States in 2019.

“FOR THOSE WHO WOULD GOVERN, p. 74

First question: Can you first govern yourself?

Second question: What is the state of your own household?

Third question: Do you have a proven record of community service and compassionate acts?

Fourth question: Do you know the history and laws of your principalities?

Fifth question: So you follow sound principles? Look for fresh vision to lift all the inhabitants of the land, including animals, plants, elements, all who share this earth?

Sixth question: Are you owned by lawyers, bankers, insurance agents, lobbyists, or other politicians, anyone else who would unfairly profit by your decisions ?

Seventh question: Do you have authority by the original keepers of the lands, those who obey natural law and are in the service of the lands on which you stand? “

I found this poem provocative and thought it most fitting for contemplation on this day of commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day.

An American Sunrise : poems/Joy Harjo. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2019.

reunion…

yesterday was a five+ star day: our Sunday Friendstitching group met for the first time since January 2020. we -all fully vaccinated – gathered in a spacious, well ventilated screened-in porch with a beautiful view of trees, accompanied by the incessant, unmistakable drone of cicadas …but we didn’t mind ’cause our chatter drowned them (the cicadas ) out! t’was a glorious day, one indelibly written on our minds and hearts.

we were all doing some sort of handwork: Theresa – knitting; Pat – applique; Barbi and Michelle – crossstitch; Margaret – needlepoint; and I – practiced drawing ( I was attending a Zoom session featuring Samantha Dion Baker, artist and author of Draw Your Day and soon to be released – 22 June – Draw Your World ).

I cannot put into words how incredibly grateful each of us was for this day; life hasn’t been easy for any of us, in addition to the pandemic. we each appreciate the blessings of our friendship and that we had this opportunity to reunite. I suspect we all slept very well … I know I did. I have this quote next to my Mac: each morning we are born again, what we do today is what matters most. ~ Buddah

tgif | 3.26|21 …

Thinking & Grateful for this truly grand and delightful Spring day! The temperature a delicious 79 degrees; the sun shines and a gentle breeze flows, caresses. Everywhere one looks, trees are budding, blossoming and bright, colorful flowers bring a smile to my face. People, including me, walk slowly, wanting to soak in and prolong this delightful day despite still having to wear face masks…

Inspired by the spring flowers, the sky and clouds, I spent some time pouring over and through my fabrics, ten plus years of accumulation (tho’ no time at all compared to many quilters) selecting colors and designs for my Confetti quilt. Each fabric I select tells a story of my quilting journey. During this pandemic, that journey totally stopped in its tracks; I welcome the rejuvenation of this creative endeavor.

 

IMG_2271Fun: This colorful chair sits outside the library. I believe it’s made of concrete. The next time I walk by,  (the library is open on a limited basis and I always manage to go there when closed ) I’ll touch to see …

Here’s to a gentle and delightful Spring weekend for us all. Enjoy!

Cheers~