The Simple Woman’s Daybook – January

On the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take interest in the things that are and are to be, and not in the things that were and are past.

Henry Ward Beecher

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Hello Friend,

I’ve come down to my couch on this early morning to sit facing the bay window looking out on the quiet neighbourhood. Twinkle lights are twinkling, and the remaining candle lanterns from Babe’s summer wedding add a golden glimmer that reflects in the window. Though it’s dark outside, it’s cozy in here.

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Image by Sabrap59 from Pixabay

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For Today

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Looking out my window

It’s early-morning-dark. And cloudy. But the streetlight casts a warm glow through the bare branches of the ash tree onto the mounds of snow in our yard, making sparkles and spidery shadows. A light is on in an upstairs room across the cul-de-sac. Another early morning riser.

I’ve just watched the newspaper person deliver our newspaper, which puzzles me since I cancelled our subscription in December. This has been happening more often than not. I guess I’ll have to phone the paper.

I am wearing …

A flannel nightshirt, and slouchy socks knitted by my mom. Covering my legs, a buttery yellow afghan that I began making long before we moved to this house. The beginnings sat in a cloth bag with all its balls of wool for years until Mom finished it for me. There are hints of Mom all over the house. Afghans, quilts, tablecloths, a door stopper that looks like a rag doll.

I am learning again …

That I work well with deadlines.

I am thinking …

That I’ve procrastinated too long on, spent too much time thinking about, the cupboard with all the photos. A lifetime of albums and boxes and loose photographs. It’s going to be a huge job because I refuse to transfer it all to the new house in the form it is in now. It must be culled, gathered, organized, stored. Once I get into it I know I’ll enjoy it, but I wince at the thought of the huge task ahead of me.

However, since I work well with deadlines, that is the secret. The deadline is the key.

I am thankful …

For deep breath and fresh air … every time I take off my mask.

One of my favourite things …

Bookstores. Any bookstores, really, but especially the kind with hidden corners and creaky floors.

Leaving any bookstore is hard … especially on a day in January, when the wind is blowing, the ice is treacherous, and the books inside seem to gather together in colorful warmth.

Jane Smiley

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mkupiec7 from Pixabay

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I am reading …

Amy Tan’s memoir, Where the Past Begins.

If my curiosity is innate, it has been greatly enhanced by involuntary apprenticeship to my mother and her school of wonderment. She questioned everything, from fishy odors to fishy explanations, both of which pointed to faulty character.

Amy Tan

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I am watching …

Miss Marple episodes. There are several Miss Marple series, of which I’ve watched many. But right now I’m watching the series starring Joan Hickson, for the very reason that apparently Agatha Christie was heard to say, “I hope one day [she] will play my dear Miss Marple.”

I am listening to …

The theme from Howl’s Moving Castle. I heard this piece on a Spotify playlist, and was so swept up in it that I kept putting it on repeat. I’d never heard of Howl’s Moving Castle so of course I had to look it up, and now I’ll have to watch the animated movie for which this music is the theme.

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In my garden …

All is quiet except for Stevie’s busy scampering. Every squirrel since we moved here fifteen years ago has been named Stevie. Yesterday, Stevie sat perfectly still on a branch just outside our kitchen window watching The Cowboy and me enjoy our breakfast. He sat there on his fat little haunches, front paws almost crossed on his belly, watching and watching. I wonder, could he have been trying to figure out a way to break in and steal our crumbs?

Shared Quote …

To read a poem in January is as lovely as to go for a walk in June.

Jean Paul

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Closing Notes …

As I come to the end of this Daybook post, the sky has erupted in sweeping corals and apricots, giving the snow a soft pink sheen.

There’s always a sunrise and always a sunset and it’s up to you to choose to be there for it.

Cheryl Strayed

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Thanks for visiting today, friend. Stay safe out there and see you next time.

Joy

Post Script …

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

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Feature Image by wdietz of Pixabay

2 Comments

  1. Dear Joy,

    I felt the quietude and restfulness of your post today as you shared from that lovely spot on the couch by your cozy candle. I settled in right beside you. Do have fun with your photo project – I’m glad you find deadlines the secret to getting things done – mostly what they do for me is put knots in my stomach :). And what fun to be watching Joan Hickson in her Miss Marple role. She is my top favourite Miss Marple, hands down. I’ve got Amy Tan’s memoir on my book wish list – a great quote you shared of hers. I loved the many quotes you’ve scattered like joyful leaves in your post. Will be jotting of few of them in my commonplace book.

    Wishing you a beautiful week ahead. xo

  2. Hello Joy,

    I came over from the Inscribe blog. I love the format of the Simple Woman’s Daybook, and enjoyed reading of your recent activities. I very much enjoyed your quotes, as well, and will be copying some of them into my own collection of quotes, which, like your photos, need to be organized and curated. Best of luck on the organizing of your photos.

    Lorrie

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