The Simple Woman's Day Book, entry #13

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...

Today I was blessed to see a brand new baby fawn outside my office window! I know I go on and on about the view outside my window here at Sewanee, but it truly is spectacular. Every May and June when all the babies are being born, I am fortunate to see at least one! The baby I saw today could barely walk, was so unsure on its spindly new legs, and was the sweetest, smallest one I've been blessed to see in the wild. What a rare treat! Mama was close by keeping an eye on the little guy. She knew exactly where I was peeking out the window, and the least movement, she would raise her head to stare at me as if to let me know she was watching me closely!

I AM THINKING...

what a fabulous life I am blessed to live and how full of gratitude I am that I live each day in such beautiful surroundings with so much love from family and friends.

FROM THE KITCHEN...

We haven't planned for our dinner tonight, but I am in the process of researching a gluten-free diet and the benefits of it. I am also in the process of cutting out two things from my diet...red meat and chicken (the latter is going to be much easier for me since driving down highway 64 recently behind a chicken truck). DH and I want to improve our health and feel the best place to start is with our diet. I'm looking for gluten-free recipes if anyone has any to share!

I AM WEARING...

a new product I was fortunate enough to stumble upon while on my recent trip to Fairhope and Point Clear, Alabama...new beautiful sparkly body butter that smells wonderful! Thanks to Betsey at Rosie Blu (http://www.rosieblu.com/ - be sure to tell her Paula from Tennessee pointed you in her direction) for including a sample in my shopping bag!

I AM READING...

a fascinating book, also recommended by Betsey at Rosie Blu: The Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto. I AM LOVING IT! I began the book this morning before work and had to force myself to put it down in order to make it to work on time! I can hardly wait to get home to continue reading it.

I AM HOPING...

that the day ends as beautifully as it began.

I AM HEARING...

the sound of birds outside my open window against a soft background Mozart. Is there any more beautiful combination?

AROUND THE HOUSE...

we are still unpacking from our trip, but the laundry is finished. I love the smell of fresh laundered clothing and linens! We are preparing for our yard sale in July, so each evening Dear Husband and I plan to trek up to our storage room and clean out at least two more boxes! We may be finished by Christmas! Ha!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

My newly discovered "must have" - 222 waters! (see Rosie Blu's website)

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...

Grocery shopping for new gluten-free products, a trip to the local produce stand, baths for Molly and Max (after a trip to the lake for a quick swim that I'm sure they will love), DH's "swearing in" to the Lion's Club as their newest member, handwritten letters to family members whom I miss terribly, and work in the flowers and gardens.

PICTURE THOUGHT...

Oh, how I loved our trip last week to Point Clear and our stay at the beautiful Grand Hotel (sigh). The sunset over Mobile Bay each evening was breathtaking.

A Simple Woman's Daybook, Entry #12

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...
Sunshine, sunshine and more sunshine! The sky is so blue with fluffly white clouds occasionally floating past. The spring green colors are everywhere I look, and the woods outside my window are teeming with animals, birds and new foliage!


I AM THINKING...
That I wish I was home in the garden, but that at least I have a gorgeous view of spring out of my huge office windows!!


I AM THANKFUL...
for the beautiful weather and the opportunity to grow beautiful things in my garden and flower beds.


FROM THE KITCHEN... something on the grill outside this afternoon!

I AM WEARING...
brown pants, beige top trimmed in lace, my favorite beige slip on mules!


I AM CREATING...
in the garden. I've planted new flowers in our front flower beds, along with many herbs like curly parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sweet basil, and more. I need dill!! I LOVE dill! I also put out tomato and pepper plants.


I AM READING...
Gardening magazines at the moment, like Garden Gate, one of my favorites, and Country Gardener.


I AM HOPING...
that the weather stays just as it is today for the rest of the week!!

I AM HEARING...
Students laughing and talking as they walk around outside near our building on campus. Campus is buzzing with life! Students are excited about the ending of the semester and the summer break, the flowers are blooming, and everyone wants to be outside!


AROUND THE HOUSE...
I've been working on our porches and readying them for the summer season. We sat outside on our wrap-around porch many hours over the weekend, and we loved it!!


ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...
The view of my back yard from our porch.


A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...
Get the riding mower repaired before the grass grows too high, set out more herbs and flowers, plant some flower pots with impatiens for the back of the house, and find some big gorgeous ferns to plant on the shaddy side of the house near the water hose.


PICTURE THOUGHT...
I love honeysuckle, and every year the scent of it is carried up onto our back porch and through the screen door into our kitchen. As soon as people get out of their car in our driveway, the scent greets them!



Have a Blessed and Happy Day!!

A Simple Woman's Daybook, Entry #11

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...
There is bright, happy sunshine after many days of rain, although it is rather chilly today. I have beautiful tulips blooming, and my clematis vines already have buds! The redbud trees are blooming, and dogwood trees are beginning to display their colors of white and pink.

I AM THINKING...
That I like the way the sun shines through the new sheers I've hung in our bedroom and gives the room a golden glow.

I AM THANKFUL...
for a day off from work to do some of the much-needed chores around the house.

FROM THE KITCHEN...
I'm thinking it's a night for takeout!

I AM WEARING...
a black, velour sweat suit. Comfy, comfy, comfy!

I AM CREATING...
an organized pantry in the kitchen. It was so crowded that we could barely tell what was in there! I'm fighting against the overwhelming urge to alphabetize my canned goods. Yes, I'm a type A personality!!

I AM READING...
New books arrived in the mail this week -- signed copies of four of Homer Hickam's novels. I am anxious to begin reading three of them. The fourth one, Rocket Boys, is one of my favorite books that I have read many times. You should, too! Beautifully written, heart-touching autobiography!

I AM HOPING...
that DH has a safe journey to Chattanooga.

I AM HEARING...
Purcell's Musick in the Fairey Queen playing softy in the room as sounds of the outdoors find their way inside through the open screen door...birds, a distant lawn mower, the soft breeze rustling the trees outside.

AROUND THE HOUSE...
I am doing some general "cleaning out" that I like to do every spring. Some things for Goodwill, some things for the annual yard sale we have in April...

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...
Our back porch that overlooks our back yard with a view of the beautiful trees, a few of them ancient, the nearby creek, all the critters that wander by, and the general peacefulness of our surroundings.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...
A few last minute tasks for Michael's 40th birthday party coming up this weekend, more home organization, and some time in the yard.

PICTURE THOUGHT...
I love my purple tulips!!

A Simple Woman's Day Book #10

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...

The infamous Sewanee fogging was blinding this morning, but it has cleared out a bit this afternoon. We have overcast skies and the promise of rain is in the air. The ground is still damp from the weekend's heavy rains.

I AM THINKING...

That it is amazing how much the weather can change from one week to the next!

I AM THANKFUL...

that my health, although not perfect, is as good as it is.

FROM THE KITCHEN...

How about left over pot roast with potatoes and carrots? I can't cook when there are so many left overs in the refrigerator!

I AM WEARING...

Black pants and a light pink sweater

I AM CREATING...

I have been gathering items for the baby's room this week. The bedding arrived, and I've been working on gathering a few pieces of artwork for the walls. Sometime in the next few weeks, I'll consider the paint color and begin the transformation from a pink B&B guest room to a nursery! How exciting!!

I AM READING...

Little Dorritt by Charles Dickens for the online book club I've joined. I've been TERRIBLE about reading it so far, as I was trying to finish up another book I had started. I'm terribly behind, so I need to work on catching up with the group so that I may participate in the discussions!

I AM HOPING...

that I get Michael's 40th birthday party invitations out in the mail tomorrow!

I AM HEARING...

As usual, I am listening to classical music at work. Right now, I am hearing Concerto for violin, cello, trumpet, strings & continuo in D major by Georg Philipp Telemann. Lovely.

AROUND THE HOUSE...

We have a soggy yard that the puppies love to play in (the muddier, the better is their motto), and then they track up my porches! Arrrgh. And are there many worse smells than wet dog? Ick.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

The antique 1870s bedroom suite in one of our guest rooms. It looks much like the bed in the Lincoln Bedroom in The White House! It's gorgeous!

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...

Mail Michael's birthday party invitations and plan the menu, finish our "Dear Birthmother" book.

PICTURE THOUGHT...

This is a side of one of the buildings on our town square. I love this old sign. The city's Arts Council has tried to get the building owner to allow them to restore the old painted signs on the side of the building (there's also one for Mark's Foods). Apparently, the man has said that Coca Cola would have to pay him for the advertisement! (hmph!). Well, I think it's pretty special just the way it is. What do you think?

A Simple Woman's Day Book - March 9, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...
Sunshine and daffodils! The weekend's warmer weather and sunny skies have brought the world outside my window alive! I saw red buds and pear trees blooming on my way to work this morning. It's lovely!

I AM THINKING...
That I wish I was home working in the garden!

I AM THANKFUL...
that our floor refinishing project is FINISHED! I'm thrilled with the way the floors turned out, and I am so thankful that soon our house will be back to normal. No more bedroom furniture in the dining room!!

FROM THE KITCHEN...
Kitchen?!?! I didn't even THINK about the kitchen this morning. After a weekend of painting, caulking, nailing and finishing, I think I'm due a dinner out tonight. And...actually, we didn't get to the market over the weekend, as we were so busy with the floors. Tonight will be grocery shopping night for us!

I AM WEARING...
Black pin-striped pants, black silk top, and black mules with a cute heel. Wow, I love shoes.

I AM CREATING...
I am actually REcreating our bedroom this week. We'll start moving everything back into the room, and I can't wait to see how it looks!

I AM READING...
Traditional Home magazine and Little Dorritt by Charles Dickens.

I AM HOPING...
that the weather stays beautiful all week and I can get some work done in our yard and gardens.
I AM HEARING...
Vivaldi's Spring from the Four Seasons Concerto for Violin. How appropriate this morning!!

AROUND THE HOUSE...
The grounds are waking up from a long, winter's rest.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...
My new old hardwood floors, of course!!!

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...
A couple of doctors appointments, gardening if possible, and our room back in order.

PICTURE THOUGHT...

Welcome Spring!

The Simple Woman's Day Book - March 2, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...
All the snow has gone away, and we're left with sunshine and blue skies!

I AM THINKING...
that today is my mother's birthday, and I wish I could spend the day with her!

I AM THANKFUL FOR...
for the wonderful childhood my mom and dad gave me and a million special memories I'll carry with me forever.

FROM THE KITCHEN...
Chicken in an Italian marinate cooked in the slow cooker

I AM WEARING...
My shabby work clothes, because I'll be painting today!

I AM CREATING...
Order out of chaos.

I AM READING...
Victoria magazine and the newest issue of English Home

I AM HOPING...
that my mom has a wonderful birthday!

I AM HEARING...
Bird chirps outside the window and the cat purring next to me

AROUND THE HOUSE...
The house is still in disorder from the work we've been doing...but today...TODAY...I want order! I have even taken off a day from work in order to help make that happen!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...
the new spring sun dress I bought my niece. I can't wait to send it to her!

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...
put down the quarter round in the bedroom, finish painting the baseboards, add a coat of polyurethane to the hardwood floors we just refinished.

PICTURE THOUGHT...

Thank you, mom, for being my truest friend. Happy birthday...

A Simple Woman's Daybook - February 23, 2009

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...
A sprinkling of snow on the ground, but glorious sunshine and blue skies!

I AM THINKING...
that picking out bedding for our baby is harder than I thought it would be!

I AM THANKFUL FOR...
My husband who is supportive, wonderful, loving and a rock of strength! The most responsible person I've ever met.

FROM THE KITCHEN...
Chicken in a marinate cooked in the slow cooker and will be served with rice and a vegetable.

I AM WEARING...
Brown slacks, a beige sweater, a beige, brown and black scarf and brown mules with a cute little buckle on the side...my favorite shoes.

I AM CREATING...
Right now, all I'm creating is better looking woodwork in the Man Room. We spent the weekend scraping, sanding, caulking...and now we're ready to prime.

I AM READING...
The same books I was reading last week, as I've scarcely had time to do any reading at all the last week! What a pity!

I AM HOPING...
that my husband has a safe trip to Montgomery this week and comes back home soon. I miss him when he travels for work.

I AM HEARING...
Co-workers preparing for our monthly meeting and classical music on my radio

AROUND THE HOUSE...
We have boxes of things to take to Goodwill! We really should clean out our closets more often.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...
Our yard...an acre full of trees, flowers and endless possibilities.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...
The "Mardi Paws" benefit for the Humane Society (I can't wait to wear my fancy mask and beads!), more work on the Man Room, and dinner out and a movie with my husband.

MY PICTURE THOUGHT...

At last, my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
Oh, yeah, at last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clovers
The night I looked at you
I found a dream that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to rest my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known
Oh, yeah when you smile, you smile
Oh, and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine
At last

A Simple Woman's Daybook - February 16, 2009

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...
Oh, Sweet Sunshine! It is glorious and shining through the lace curtains of the bedroom. And blue skies, my favorite color...

I AM THINKING...
That spring surely can't be far away

I AM THANKFUL FOR...
My sweet old house, 140 years old this year.

FROM THE KITCHEN...
A pot roast with potatoes and carrots simmering in the crock pot

I AM WEARING...
Well, since I'm not working this Monday and I'm off to a late start...my pink gown, no kidding. Don't tell anyone how lazy I've been this morning! ;-)

I AM CREATING...
We've just had our hardwood floors refinished, so I will be "re" creating our room by loading the furniture back in. I'm so excited!!

I AM READING...
I've started two books: Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens for the online reading group in which I'm participating, and I am STILL on "The Ambassador's Son" by Homer Hickam! Seems like I'm not getting anywhere with that one! I've also been rereading some of Robert Browning & Elizabeth Barrett Browning's love poems, as my DH bought me a book of their poetry for Valentine's Day.

I AM HOPING...
that this week's weather will allow me to go out and work in the yard and garden a while. I need to do some pre-spring maintenance!

I AM HEARING...
the sound of birds singing outside in the trees. I love that sound! It looks like spring...it sounds like spring...so spring can't be far away, right?!?!

AROUND THE HOUSE...
I'm anxious to get our rooms back to normal with the finish of our floors. We've packed up several bags of goodies to take to Goodwill, and I expect to have more by the end of the week. Spring cleaning! I love it!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...
dried hydrangea in a big dough bowl. I've so missed having a hydrangea plant since I moved from Kentucky to Tennessee. I had a beautiful yard FULL of hydrangea at my hillside home in Kentucky. This yard had none when I moved in. I've planted TWO since I've been here, and both died. I'm DESPERATE to grow hydrangea here, and I don't know what I'm doing wrong! Anyone have any suggestions to offer?!?!

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...
Max is scheduled for a trip to the vet and a day at the groomers. Michael and I are both working all week (except I have today off), but I plan to sneak in a few trips to look for new spring and Easter items that are out on the store shelves, just waiting for me to find them and take them home!

MY PICTURE THOUGHT...
I love coming home in the evenings from work where I'm greeted by our two kitties...always. And if I don't get out of the car right away, they jump on the car and peer in the windows, as if to say, "Mama, what's taking so long? What are you doing in there?!" This photo was snapped one evening as the sun was setting. I had driven into the driveway, and Isabella was very anxious for me to get out of the car. I noticed her peering at me through the side window. Now, who wouldn't want to come home to such love and devotion?!?!

Have a wonderful week!

A Simple Woman's Day Book - February 2, 2009

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...

Lovely, light falling snow. It has covered the ground and turned the mountain into a Winter Wonderland!

I AM THINKING...

Should I repaint the woodwork and walls of the Man Cave before I refinish the floors?

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

My beautiful niece. Today is her fourth birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARY ADDISON!

FROM THE KITCHEN...

I want to try a few new recipes this week. I've been on a Mexican kick for the last four days.

I AM WEARING...

Black pants and black turtle neck sweater with a red, black and gray striped wrap.

I AM CREATING...

organization in my office. I've been looking at stacks of accumulating paperwork for the last month. I don't want to leave today until I've made a signficant progress toward getting some of this in order!

I AM READING...

I'm still on "The Ambassador's Son" by Homer Hickam. I've not had much opportunity to read the past week, as every night we've been workin in "The Room."

I AM HOPING...

that the men we've hired to refinish our floors won't take one look at them and run.

I AM HEARING...

Sounds of our busy office: the printer in the next room, someone typing in the office beside mine, work study students talking down the hallway. Fortunately, I can also hear my classical music (an constant in my office) that softens all the other noises.

AROUND THE HOUSE...

We have furniture stored in every room on our first floor EXCEPT the kitchen and the laundry room (thank goodness I have some spaces in order). This remodeling job of ONE room unfortunately means that nearly EVERY room in the house is affected.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

Our 13 pane antique secretary that sits in our livingroom. I should do a post on it. It's lovely and comes with all kinds of nifty little secret compartments.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...

Schedule our "home visit" with the adoption agency, an appointment with the chiropractor for my headaches and fibromyalgia, and more work in "The Room." Also, abstract art class on Thursday night.

MY PICTURE THOUGHT...

Hard to believe this little red headed princess is turning four years old today! She's quite the "ham," in case you can't tell...just like her Aunt Paula!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - January 26, 2009

MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...
Sunshine, sunshine, sunshine, and beautiful blue skies! With the threat of incoming winter weather, I'm enjoying this beautiful day as much as possible!

I AM THINKING...
what a blessed life I have!

I AM THANKFUL FOR...
my sweet friends

FROM THE KITCHEN...
On the menu tonight is pasta in white wine & clam sauce with fresh asparagus.

I AM WEARING...
All black. Black blouse, black pants, black shoes...yikes...kind of depressing!

I AM CREATING...
a space to be creative! We're working on a little studio area for my husband and me.

I AM GOING...
to visit blogs through the One World ~ One Heart giveaway. It's wonderful!

I AM READING...
a novel by Homer Hickam

I AM HOPING...
that we'll get all our furniture moved out of our bedroom this week so that the workers can get started on refinishing our hardwood floors on Friday!

I AM HEARING...
Antonio Vivaldi: 12 Sonatas Op.2 for Violin (Sonata in D major) performed by Walter Reiter

AROUND THE HOUSE...
all is as quiet as a mouse (the way we like it!)

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...
My Burpee Seed clock that hangs in my laundry room (see previous posts on Laundry Room Remodel)

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...
Art class on Thursday, moving furniture in preparation for floor refinishing and work, work, work at Sewanee

MY PICTURE THOUGHT...

They're thinking "Isn't it time for Spring yet?!?!" And I'm replying, "Oh, how I wish!" They LOVE to go outside and play at our nearby park, chasing tennis balls and playing with neighborhood children. All of us are dreaming of Spring...

The Simple Woman's Daybook

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...

A few snowflakes swirl through the air on this overcast morning on their slow, meandering journey to the ground. It melts soon after landing at its destination. A squirrel is busying himself by scurrying up and down the tree outside my window. I'm not sure what he's finding on the ground and carrying up and away to his home, somewhere among the branches, but he is quite a workaholic! I know he's taking advantage of the clear ground before another snow makes food harder to find.

I AM THINKING...

about tomorrow's historic events and, while I did not vote for Mr. Obama, how I hope all the best for him and great success as a president. He and his beautiful family will be in my prayers. I am thinking how proud I am that our country has, in so many ways, pushed aside racial prejudices, and I have great hope for the future!

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

my wonderful husband who shows me every day in so many ways that he loves me.

FROM THE KITCHEN...

absolutely NOTHING is in the works for dinner! I awakened so late that I didn't have time to do any preparations for our dinner tonight. Perhaps after the comment above, my dear husband will want to take me out for dinner at a nice restaurant!

I AM WEARING...

brown slacks, a v-neck beige sweater, my favorite pair of brown mules. I adore the winter cape I wore today...beige and brown leopard print!

I AM CREATING...

aprons out of vintage material in my spare time. I'm working on creating my own room that will house my creative projects, my sewing machine, a fainting couch where I can read...my own space!

I AM GOING...

to lunch with friends tomorrow.

I AM READING...

Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah

I AM HOPING...

that I'll get to see at least a portion of the inauguration of our new president tomorrow.

I AM HEARING...

Classical music on NPR

AROUND THE HOUSE...

I've been in a decluttering mood. I cleaned out several drawers in our kitchen, and I'm anxious to move on to the desk drawers and our filing cabinet sometime this week! Closet reorganization is coming up soon!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

is the beautiful fine porcelain rose bowl my mother-in-law bought me for Christmas the first year DH and I were married. It sits on the coffee table in my living room, and I love it!

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...

More organizing, more planning of the baby's nursery, an abstract art class, and a date night with my husband.

MY PICTURE THOUGHT...

How beautiful is the winter light ...

Simple Woman's Day Book - January 12, 2009

MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2009

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW

My window is to the back of an old stone building on campus. It overlooks a winding path that leads to Abbo's Alley. The trees are bare and leaves are scattered on the ground making it brown and amber in color. From here, I can see fallen trees that have been allowed to remain and an occasional patch of green where evergreens and ivy keep their year-round color. The sky overhead is gray and mournful.

I AM THINKING

...that I am excited to start this day book journey.



I AM THANKFUL FOR
...my family and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am thankful that I have a job to go to when so many others do not. I know I'm fortunate.



FROM THE KITCHEN
...dinner for the evening: chicken in wild mushroom gravy in the crock-pot



I AM WEARING
...black pinstriped pants, beige sweater, simple jewelry



I AM CREATING
...a waiting journal for our baby that we will soon adopt



I AM GOING
...to the dentist this afternoon and then to the grocery store for the week's supplies



I AM READING
Charity's Children - Lois Carter Kelly



I AM HOPING
...to finish the final adoption papers this week and schedule our home visit



I AM HEARING
...Vivaldi playing softly on my computer speakers and the soft hum of the space heater beside my desk



AROUND THE HOUSE
...our cats have found various napping places, as the colder weather brings them inside and they refuse to go out! They usually enjoy places near the floor vents or curled up on one of our benches or chairs (the ones with cozy pillows are their favorites)



ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
...is the writing cabinet my husband gave me that sits on my Queen Anne writing table. It stores all of my personalized stationery, stamps, labels and other writing supplies. I adore it.



A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK
...include an art class with my husband on abstract art (a step away from our usual traditional art interests), dinner with friends, and me finishing a writing project on which I've been working



MY PICTURE THOUGHT


This morning, I'm missing my mother. She's been staying with my brother in coastal NC for six months, and I haven't been able to spend much time with her. I miss her visits to my home and us spending time together doing crafty projects around the house.