Thankful Thursday

A friend of mine recently mentioned on her blog that she and her family changed their language from saying "I HAVE to" to "I GET to". I recently sent a card to a friend that said "Any Day you are Above Ground is a Good Day" I love these examples of positive thinking. The ever thoughtful people at a restaurant that shall remain nameless, put some overripe, mushy, nasty lettuce on my chicken sandwich which unfortunately I did not notice until I bit into said sandwich. Yuk!!! The point here is that I was so sick all night and into this morning that I have been mighty irritable. Toss in some road rage and possibly smacking the guy talking on his cell phone as he walked directly in front of my car...anyway...the grumpiness was getting out of control. In an effort to return to some semblance of sanity I thought maybe I should count my blessings! And buy myself some gorgeous flowers at The Fresh Market. Just stepping through the doors made my senses happy. My eyes beheld all the gorgeous, succulent fruits and vegetables with their vast array of colors! I was able to smell freshly baked bread and rotisserie chicken. I ran my fingers across some lovely heirloom tomatoes...wondering what they taste like...at $4 something a pound I am a bit reluctant to try them. I do wonder if they taste as good as they look! I purchased some honest to goodness ginger ale for my tummy and it tasted so good, not sweet and syrupy but crisp and gingery. I heard the busy hum of employees working and people shopping. As I was admiring the flowers, trying to make a choice, a lady mentioned the absolutely beautiful orchids...so simple yet so stunning. I purchased a tropical looking arrangement with Lillies and Gerbera Daisies, Palm Leaves and some other type of exotic leaves. It makes my office so much brighter and cheerful. I still do not feel great, however, I know this too will pass. It is a "light" day at the office I can relax and not feel stressed due to deadlines and demands. Today I am thankful that I have an "inside" job and am not out in the sweltering heat! I am thankful that I am finally able to improve the appearance of our office. I love looking at all the plants I recently purchased to make the work environment greener and more beautiful. I realized that I need to walk into beauty each day. Just because. Just because I am the lone woman in an office full of men. Even though we are commercial contractors a little beauty is a good thing. The "men" have noticed and actually like the chairs, lamp, table (courtesy of my garage) and the plants! I am thankful it is Thursday!

Work in Progress

Organic Cotton Washcloth knitted in a basket weave pattern. I had to concentrate and count! Washcloths are particularly good things to make when attempting new patterns as they are small and you will not pull your hair out when you must unravel the knitting due to gaping holes or such. The organic cotton yarn feels like a dream and these make particularly good face cloths as the cloths gently exfoliate your skin! I am pleased with this particular one as it turned out to be relatively square and does not resemble its deformed partners.

I did my insomnia thing this morning around 4 a.m. which is too early to get up but too late to get any more restful sleep. Rather than turn the television on and watch something totally inappropriate I decided I would finish the "confetti" scarf. When using this incredibly fun yarn and using a simple stitch, the whole activity becomes more like a meditation. The clicking of the needles, the movement of the yarn from one side to the other. I read something about knitting prayer shawls that suggested you say a prayer before you knit something for the "recipient". I do not sell many scarves mainly because a little portion of my heart goes into each one. A friend commissioned me to make scarves as Christmas gifts one year and determining the cost was very difficult. The work is labor intensive, the cost of materials is high when not purchased from a wholesaler and last of all, how does one price the little part of your spirit that goes into each item one crafts? So Dishy, I promised you a scarf, what do you think of the "confetti" scarf?" It is fun and youthful. Or would you prefer something thicker and more organic? This scarf needs a home, so leave a comment and I will allow my grandchildren to choose a name out of a hat! Tonight I will begin with the first of 50 chemotherapy caps...Needles for Noodles, as Hayden calls it, she is so clever with words! Originally I thought I would knit 50 of the same kind of cap but in different colors and textures. However, I found the cutest hat pattern, courtesy of Soulemama. I think she would be delighted to know her pattern will grace the head of someone that will deeply appreciate wearing such a cute cap. I also have a circular loom which makes a nice thick hat and may use it as well. I am excited and delighted with the Needles for Noodles project. Feel free to join us in this fun effort! Some people knit, some crochet and I have seen a vast array of sewn turbans, scarves and other head gear. Whatever your talent, let's share our "wealth" and pay it forward.

One Wrong Turn

"Small errors can have a larger impact on our lives. The longer we delay corrective action the larger the needed changes become" as taught in a lesson by Karen Connell.

I was supremely lost. One initial wrong turn and then another...where in the world was I? So close to home, so close to my destination! No GPS to guide me. A cell phone left at home. Friends expecting me 45 minutes ago. Attack of the full fledged hissy fit. As I drove and drove in the middle of seemingly nowhere I became more and more frustrated and aggravated. I was angry with myself and ready to go home except I had no idea which way was home. I was continuously circling, so close yet so far. If I wanted to attend church there were dozens of churches, one on each corner! Yet, I continued to drive and rage at the world. I finally saw a church with a sign that said " When in crisis, turn to the Lord and Move On" Hmm...I finally saw a road that looked remotely familiar, however, I was on the "wrong" end. I pulled into the quaint church driveway pictured above and sat for a minute and gathered my wits (what was left) said a prayer, took a few pictures and drove on. Finally, I was making progress and reached my friend's house one hour later than originally planned. Upon arrival I launched into a diatribe of my whereabouts complete with unladylike language, amidst much laughter I was welcomed and given refreshments! A fun time was had by all. Yet underneath all the fun I felt a sense of unease. As dusk settled upon the land, I arrived home without incident. Reflecting on the days events I was able to pinpoint the reason for my unease. I had relied on myself and in frustration behaved badly. No one was there to witness my outburst, however, I knew it was not my best self. I have been relying on the "world" lately and less on the "spirit". I know that before a situation turns to a crisis to call on a higher power. In my case, my Heavenly Father who knows what I need often before I do. As I expressed gratitude for my day and my blessings I felt at peace. On Sunday, the talks and lessons were very much directed towards relying on Heavenly Father and believing in Him. One part of the Sunday School lesson mentioned that Korihor (Book of Mormon) was speaking out of both sides of his mouth. In effect he was saying I believe there is a God, but I can't see him, so unless I see some signs I don't believe in God. So which is it, you either believe or you don't. For me, I know God lives I just don't always listen and always regret that decision. We are given a great gift of the Holy Spirit and if we will listen to the still, small voice, we won't have to resort to outrageous behavior. The lesson from our Relief Society meeting was based on making errors and taking corrective actions quickly. On my way home I gave a great deal of thought to the messages I received and went home to ponder them further. The thought that kept coming to me is that if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. I have been reading a lot of diverse material lately, some good, some questionable. I have been enjoying a non fiction book by a well known author and midway through this book, the author refers to religion and church in a very negative manner particularly the religion of her birth. As I continued reading, the stories and characters in the book resembled the very things the author would have been taught as a result of her religion. For all of her bravado, her bitterness shines through. I am unable to finish the book (which for me is highly unusual) I pick it up only to put it back down. I feel that sense of unease and so choosing to listen to that still, small voice I think I'll pass on finishing this particular book.

As for me, I am not ashamed to stand for God, the Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Fabulous Contest

CurlyWurlyGurly is hosting a fabulouso contest on her blog. She has recently returned from an extensive vacation including the City of New Orleans. In true sharing fashion, she is giving away goodies from the vacation and this fabulous griddle. Visit her blog and enter to win!

http://curlywurlygurly.wordpress.com/
Now, if she would just provide the cook.....

I AM NOT MY BOOBS!

It was that time again. It was put off as long as possible. Sigh, the "girls" needed some support. I would ALMOST rather have a root canal than to shop for bras. Oprah endorses her favorite as do many other celebrities. I have not found the ideal bra yet. I often wonder if these devices were originally designed by men to "keep us in place". Bras, for most of us, are a necessary evil! They keep the girls supported and they keep us modest. There are so many issues involved when shopping for the dreaded bras. Fit, comfort...straps that stay put, a back that doesn't ride up, no pinching or stabbing anywhere. I remember thinking that I would never have anything to fit into a real bra. A training bra sufficed until I was about 17 years old. A late bloomer...but when they bloomed...the rest is herstory. I wanted to feel pretty and at the time the options for larger breasts were pretty much limited to the Playtex, Cross Your Heart bras. During my twenties I often wanted to wear a shirt with an arrow pointing to my face. I wanted my male employers to acknowledge that I had a brain. At times I wanted to shout "I am not my Boobs!" Approaching 50, I just look at them and sigh! Gravity is not kind. My husband on the other hand is a happy man. (sorry kids, that's all I'll say) Coming to terms with who I am...I have changed the way I dress. I have given up the t-shirts to the neck with jean jumpers or anything that approaches my neck too closely. While trying to draw attention away from my chest, my clothes made everything appear larger. My look is mostly v-necks and lots of black but with a softer look! I like it.

I have been thinking about breasts due in part to several friends that have suffered the effects of breast cancer. These brave women have undergone surgery, chemotherapy and all the emotional effects of this disease. One of my friends related that every time she told someone she had breast cancer people would automatically look at her chest. Our breasts should not define who we are as women.

Recently I made the acquaintance of a wonderful woman that decided to have her silicone implants removed. She emphatically stated that she did not wish to have "these things" anymore. Who decides what is enough? This lovely lady decided to be true to herself and no one else. Bravo for You, J!

In honor of breast cancer awareness some time ago I e-mailed my friends an article written by a nurse describing how to "Phluff the Girls". Monthly breast exams are critical, yet how many actually take the time to do so? "Phluffing the Girls" has numerous other benefits for breast health according to the article. Look it over at http://www.cherylchapman.com/pdf/phluff.pdf

Big or Small, Perky or Not...our breasts are just our breasts and not a measure of who we are as individuals. The sum of all your parts makes up YOU! You are unique and beautiful, a creation of the most high God!

WARNING, Do Not Eat

I recently purchased this wonderful shower attachment with hose to install above our jacuzzi as it is extremely difficult to clean with the current set up. As I was looking at the contents of the package, I noticed one of these enclosed...

This is one of the many forms of drying agents, moisture absorbers and so forth that are included in various items you wish to keep dry. So...you'll notice the words DO NOT EAT stamped all over the packet. Somebody, somewhere whilst installing a shower attachment looked over at their partner and said, "Look honey, they included a snack!" Many of the appliances I purchase come with instructions in numerous languages. I have yet to see these little packets with any other language on them. So is this just an "American" thing? I am sure the packets come in products from other countries, however the little packets are written in English. Feel free to correct me! I just don't know. The only people I would think you would need to warn would be very small children that put everything in their mouth. In which case, they can't read so did their parents say "Look honey, they put a snack in here for the children?"

Somebody did it or there would not be a warning. I personally would not eat anything labelled oxygen absorber or silicone crystals or drying agent. As I thought about all the "obvious" labels and signs one sees posted about I wondered if this was due to the ridiculous amount of frivolous lawsuits generated in the United States. Some of my personal favorites included but are not limited to; Warning: Hot Coffee, Coffee is Hot! or Hot Chocolate is Hot! I have spilled enough drinks in my lap to know you are taking a HUGE risk drinking hot stuff in the car.

Although, a diet coke filled to the brim with ice gets mighty chilly when you dump the whole thing in your lap and you have to sit in it until you can change your clothes. Here's a new sign, Warning: Sodas with ice are really COLD, you could spill it and freeze off your ...........! I love the warnings on scissors and knives...they are sharp and they can cut you. Numerous warnings abound, so take heed and DO NOT EAT the little packets! So, have you seen any wacky warnings lately?

I SEE THE MOON AND THE MOON SEES ME!

My pitiful attempt at capturing the most glorious full moon. It was so beautiful last night. I attended our monthly book club meeting which is always, always a good time. A group of people who love to read, discussing, laughing and just having a great time! My grandchildren are learning very early to love books! Little Miss Anna attended book club last night. I rode with her in the backseat...on the way home we looked for the moon, she was soooo excited every time she spotted it. I remember reading Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown to my children every night for what seemed like years. The words "I see the moon and the moon sees me" popped in my head and I was reciting parts of the book for Anna. Every time she would spot the moon she would say "I see the moon and the moon sees me". My daughter called me and asked if I would take some pictures from my house as I have such a clear view of the sky. She said that Anna was still looking for the moon and kept talking about it. I tried many attempts at stabilizing the camera (I need a tripod or a better camera) I finally retrieved a blanket from the garage and just sprawled out on the lawn. DH was in the garage working on a new airplane...sigh. I cannot begin to describe the loveliness of lying on the grass looking at the night sky. It reminded me of childhood drive-in movies and yard camping.

I have been "coming out" of my cocoon at a very alarming rate. The revelations, ideas and epiphanies that are swarming through my brain are astounding and exhilarating...stay tuned for this crazy journey! I feel like I have been asleep at the wheel and am waking up to a whole new world!!! What truly amazes me is my strong desire to be outdoors. My children and I spent a great deal of time outside when they were "small". As they got older and went their separate ways and a series of life events occurred I settled indoors and nested. Now it appears I am being kicked out of the nest by my own inner voice! I am excited to wake up in the morning to see how the new day will unfold! Yippee!!!!