Tea Time

Breathe

Posted on by Joy / 2 Comments

Hello Friend,

Come on in! How nice to see you again. 

I’m just getting off my feet, myself. Please take a seat at the table, just there, close your eyes and breathe.

In … Out …

I’ll go put the kettle on.

We’re listening to Bach today. Makes me think of boundless meadows, vaulted skies, mountains in the hazy distance. And overcoming.

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Photo by Joel Holland on Unsplash

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Do you prefer Earl Grey or Orange Pekoe? I’m an Earl Grey fan myself, but I’m always up for trying something different, if you like. Ok, Earl Grey it is.

I have two sisters-in-law who would be quite shocked that I’m even drinking tea, let alone the amount of tea I drink these days. But, as I’m sure you know, one preventative is to drink hot things. And so, I’ve adapted.

It’s what we do, isn’t it? Adapt. 

Excuse me, did you say you prefer cream or sugar? Or both? A touch of honey for me today. 

Now, try these scones. I baked them this morning, on the off-chance you might stop by. They’re sprinkled with sugar, and if you add some of this whipped cream and strawberry jam … mmmmmm. Perfection! There’s quite a debate out there about whether to put the cream on top of the strawberry jam or vice-versa. Either way, I say Perfection!

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I’m so glad you caught us at home today. The Cowboy and I were scheduled to deliver meals to children who usually get them at school and likely won’t have much to eat at home. But, it turns out they had so many drivers they didn’t need us.

Too many drivers. What a wonderful problem to have.

I think of the children often in this unusual season. I was in the grocery store on the first day children were not allowed to go to school. Many were with their dads, excitedly picking out snack foods and such. But I saw a few, one girl in particular, about 11 years old, following her grandma around the store, looking completely bewildered.

Yes, these are strange times. But I do think one good thing that will come of it in the end is the family closeness. I see it in my grandchildren. Even though it is challenging for Sweetie and Peaches to stay home all day every day with busy, rambunctious children, the kids’ love-tanks are full. They are having quantity AND quality time with their mamas and it shows.

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I see you eyeing another scone. Please, have another while I top up your tea. Why would anyone have just one?

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Image by Terri Cnudde from Pixabay

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I’ve put out my spring tablecloth, as you see. Yes, it snowed again yesterday – those big fluffy flakes I love. But I am ready for the cheerful colours of Spring. You too?

In fact, yesterday I put on my brightest blouse – pink of course – and wore my flashiest earrings too. Just because. Nobody to see me but The Cowboy, Babe and me. But it made me feel energized and alive. Who says you have to save those things only for when you go out?

I love these verses in Ecclesiastes – the Message version – full of vitality and life:

Seize life! Eat bread with gusto. Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes – God takes pleasure in YOUR pleasure!

Dress festively every morning. Don’t skimp on colours and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love each and every day of your precarious life.

Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you have in exchange for the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one!

Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!

Makes me smile every time I read it.

It’s been a lovely visit. Thanks again for dropping in – such a pleasure. Make sure you get your rest now. That’s important. And remember to breathe.

See you next time.

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Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay 

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Featured Image of teacups and pitchers by Jill Wellington from Pixabay 

Tea Time

Tea for Two

Posted on by Joy / 4 Comments

Hello Friend,

Let’s pretend we are sitting down to a shared pot of tea. I’ll pour. Sugar? Cream? Perhaps a hint of honey.

I’ve started the habit of putting my cream in first – no sugar – and then pouring the tea. If I add honey, it’s half a teaspoon added after I pour so it can melt as I stir. I didn’t make scones today, but I have a few chocolate chip cookies left that I baked last week. Please, help yourself.

Now tell me, how are you holding up as you hole up these days? 

I find myself steering away from all the fear-inducing feeds. Of course, it’s important to stay informed, and The Cowboy and I do that by listening to the news or checking the provincial website in the mornings, and then carrying on with our day. 

I’ve decided that I will do one COVID19-related thing a day. Must stay vigilant. Then make the most of the rest of the day in front of me, which is actually very easy, as I find myself more than usually busy these days. 

Yesterday, I disinfected all the light-switches and doorknobs in the house – especially the one on the outside of the front door. Wiped down the piano keys, and all the remotes, computer keyboards … whatever we touch a lot. Because Babe is still leaving home to work out there in the world, I feel this is necessary. 

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Photo by Jochen Gabrisch on Unsplash

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Today, I opened all the blinds on all the windows – wide open. Everybody is so insulated these days that I felt we needed to OPEN UP somehow. I opened some windows too. It’s kind of a grey day but the fresh air is nice. Fresh air! Wonderful. And it’s lovely to hear the birds singing. Don’t you agree?

I hope you are finding things to do with your day. I hope you are getting out of your pajamas – most days – brushing your hair and putting on your makeup. Because, after all, we do not live in a cave.

Can I warm up your tea? Please, have another cookie.

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Image by Selling of my photos with StockAgencies is not permitted from Pixabay 

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Lately, when I’ve needed a little pick-me-up, I’ve been watching that British tv show Portrait Artist of the Year. It’s so inspiring to watch these painters, professional and amateur, create a complete portrait in four hours. My goodness there are talented people in the world! I find the show on the Makeful channel, and have been recording it so I can watch it when I need it.

Some people find sketching or painting therapeutic. I think I would, if I could paint. Haha. But I don’t even know what colours make up the colour-wheel I hear artists talk about all the time.

I think my therapy is sewing. There’s just something about turning scraps of fabric into a finished masterpiece. A masterpiece, as you know, doesn’t mean something is absolutely flawless or perfect. It is only that the finished work reflects the artist’s heart and skill. Her gift and personality.

A combination of all of those things is what makes it a work of art. I suppose that’s what I enjoy so much about Portrait Artist of the Year. Every artist and every artist’s work is unique to them. No one else could do it just that way.

No one else could do what you do just that way. That’s why the world needs you.

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Oh, do you have to run? Well, thank you so much for stopping by. It’s been a pleasure, and I hope you will do it again soon. Take care and stay safe out there. And as you go, here’s a jolly tune to walk you out.

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https://youtu.be/fKb0Sc2lYVU
Art Tatum plays Tea for Two

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Featured image of lemon teapot: by Jill Wellington from Pixabay 

Life is so Daily

February Edition of Simple Woman’s Daybook

Posted on by Joy / 2 Comments

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For Today

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

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Looking out my window …

the snow is in marshmallow-ey mounds over grass and shrubs, chair and fencepost. I love the way the string of lights we have looped around our little cedar trees glows through.

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I am thinking …

about seasons. How life is a series of seasons. Some are fresh and new, like Spring, while others cut through our layered clothing like an icy wind, trying to freeze our very bones. And we long for the warmth of Summer. 

The north wind doth blow,

And we shall have snow,

And what will poor Robin do then?

Poor thing.

He’ll sit in the barn,

And keep himself warm,

And hide his head under his wing,

Poor thing.

(Anonymous)

Sometimes, all we can do when that north wind blows is hide our head under our heavenly Father’s wings and trust that it will pass. Spring will come.

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I am thankful …

that I’m done with potty-training little ones. Both Sweetie and Peaches have been potty-training their boys this month, and I well remember the dedication and frustration it took.

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One of my favourite FAVOURITE things …

is a tiny pewter chair, no bigger than my thumb, given to me many years ago by my kindred spirit. In the days before she gave it to me, I had been telling her how there’s a little man who lives in my brain, and all the thoughts I have go into file folders which he dutifully files in the miles and miles of shelves in my head. And, whenever I try to remember something, he always knows which row, which shelf and which file to get. The times when it takes me longer to remember something is because the poor little man had to dig so far in the shelves to retrieve the file that it took him longer than usual. He never rests. He’s a very very busy little man. When she gave me the chair she said, “This is for your little man to sit down.” My heart swells whenever I see that tiny chair because it reminds me that there is someone out there who “gets me” (and even if she doesn’t, she loves me just the way I am).   

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I am creating …

a new story about the children who live on Gabriel Lane.

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I am wearing …

black workout pants, and a mint green T-shirt with the words I Know I Can, Today I Will printed in yellow.

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I am reading …

Agatha Christie’s autobiography. Recommended by a dear writing friend for quite some time, I’ve finally taken it up. Agatha Christie opens the book with these words … One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is to have a happy childhood. I had a very happy childhood. So far in my reading, she is eleven years old, and what a delightful read. I highly recommend it.

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I am watching …

old seasons of The Great British Sewing Bee as I wait for the new season to come out. Will there ever be a new one? I’ve watched them so many times that I feel like I know the competitors. Such nice people! But I’ve found that sewers are generally kind, happy, helpful people. Maybe because creating is such a fulfilling thing that it pushes away all the nastiness that could otherwise arise in one’s life.

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I am listening to …

Scarlatti Piano Sonatas

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In my kitchen …

The child-size picnic table and benches still linger … last traces of a Christmas abounding with small grandchildren. 

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A moment from my day … 

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Post Script …

The best thing I saw all week was the twinkle in my mother-in-law’s eyes when her great-grandchildren came to visit.

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Closing Notes …

Happy February, dear friends.

May your month be blessed with joy even in the hard times.

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Christmas/Grandparenting

Christmas Joy

Posted on by Joy / 3 Comments

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I’ve turned on all the twinkle lights in the house – the ones I managed to put up before the grandbeans arrived – and I now sit in front of our colourfully-lit tree. 

Hard to believe that in the middle of the looking-after-little-grandchildren-craziness, I would have time to write.  But they are napping now and here I sit in the quiet house taking joy in the Christmas tree. Breathing and reflecting.

Our tree bears many of the ornaments I’ve gathered over the years, along with almost two-dozen white snowflakes that Mom crocheted for me, tiny stuffed gingerbread men made out of felt – with jingle bell buttons – left over from a craft fair the girls and I entered many years ago, pewter bells, and every kind of snowman you can imagine. I love snowmen. They are so jolly.  

Also on the tree are six sets of booties, one set added for each grandchild that arrived, including one for little Selah Rae who never breathed on this earth, but who waits for us in heaven. 

Looking at the ornaments we’ve collected over the years brings me joy.

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I’m thinking about joy. Joy on the face of almost-two-year-old Little Munch when he mastered the toddler slide at the indoor playground today. He clapped for himself with a loud “YAY!” every single time he came down that two-foot slide.

I’m thinking about one elderly woman from a private seniors’ home, whose name I do not know, and whose face lit up with joy when Santa handed her a gift just for her. The gift turned out to be cozy socks, and she was thrilled.

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Image by Terri Cnudde from Pixabay 

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I’m thinking about the shepherds, who must have cowered in the presence of an angel proclaiming, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy…

Did they feel joy in that moment, or only shock and terror? What was that like, to go searching for this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us? How long did it take them to find Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger?

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pixabay.com

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I think it must have been after. After the angel, after the searching, after laying eyes on the Baby. That’s when the joy kicked in. Because they knew.

They knew for certain that what the angel had proclaimed was true: That this day in the city of David, a Saviour had been born. And He was Christ the Lord.

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This is the joy of the season, and every season. That even though sadness and suffering seem to go on forever, there is a Saviour. Born to earth long ago, still living in heaven and in the hearts of those who believe He came to save, who will one day rule heaven and earth.

It’s not an old-fashioned story. It’s relevant for every kind of story present in the world today. He came to save. I believe it with all my heart, and that’s where my joy comes from. That’s why, with the shepherds, I look to the future with hope.

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scrapsofjoy.com

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And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel of the Lord said unto them, Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen as it was told unto them.

Luke 2: 8-20

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