Sunday, December 30, 2012
snowy dreams
As I stepped outside late yesterday afternoon, after a long day of cleaning and organizing I saw this snowy wonder and was reminded of one of my favorite poems.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
by
Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
The silence of a snow filled world and thoughts of my journey ahead were filling my head. I felt that both the world and myself were at peace in that moment.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
breaking free of the fear
As last week's event unfolded, I watched and listened as my fellow bloggers talked about how it has affected their lives. The fears, the negativity, and the sense of hopelessness that many of you are feeling has me feeling concerned (yes, once a counselor, always a counselor)
There were a couple of things that caught my eye on the internet today. One was this photo.
The other was something I read in an email. You can read the whole article here, but this part stood out for me.
"The reality is we all get afraid. It’s not about being afraid but what you do when you feel that way. When you feel doubt, or fear, or anger, or frustration, know that you can let it go just as surely as you can pull your hand away from a flame. Keep your life focused on the goodness, on the possibilities and on your most treasured dreams. What begins in your mind ends up in your life. Think continually of the way you would like to be, let these thoughts drive your actions, and your reality will reliably catch up to your thinking."
So maybe you are wondering why I put these two together. Well, a long time ago someone set that bike up against that tree and left it there. Over the years the tree grew around the bike and the bike became old and rusted. It virtually became part of the tree.
That bike didn't have much choice as to whether that tree took over its life, but we do. We can decide to pull away from the fear and anger and not become part of it. We can walk away from it.
No, that does not mean we are being disrespectful of the events that happened. It means that we choose to rejoice in our lives and work to change things so that events like the one at Sandy Hook last week don't happen again.
The things we do can be big or small. They can be as simple as sharing a smile with a stranger or kissing a loved one. Or they can be larger like writing about gun control and mental health access on your blog or contacting your representatives in Washington.
If we let events like this take over our lives then we will become like that old rusty bike.
So often we feel like we are alone in all of the chaos, as if we are the only one on a long empty stretch of beach. But we aren't alone, and the wonderful thing about a beach is the water is always coming ashore and bringing new sand. That is what our lives are like. The old things are constantly being washed away and new beginnings are happening all the time.
So, my hope for all of you my sweet friends is that you will never forget the tragedy that befell our country, but that you will choose to remove your hand from the flame and remember all of the wonderful things that life still holds for you.
With Love,
Laura
There were a couple of things that caught my eye on the internet today. One was this photo.
original source unknown |
The other was something I read in an email. You can read the whole article here, but this part stood out for me.
"The reality is we all get afraid. It’s not about being afraid but what you do when you feel that way. When you feel doubt, or fear, or anger, or frustration, know that you can let it go just as surely as you can pull your hand away from a flame. Keep your life focused on the goodness, on the possibilities and on your most treasured dreams. What begins in your mind ends up in your life. Think continually of the way you would like to be, let these thoughts drive your actions, and your reality will reliably catch up to your thinking."
So maybe you are wondering why I put these two together. Well, a long time ago someone set that bike up against that tree and left it there. Over the years the tree grew around the bike and the bike became old and rusted. It virtually became part of the tree.
That bike didn't have much choice as to whether that tree took over its life, but we do. We can decide to pull away from the fear and anger and not become part of it. We can walk away from it.
No, that does not mean we are being disrespectful of the events that happened. It means that we choose to rejoice in our lives and work to change things so that events like the one at Sandy Hook last week don't happen again.
The things we do can be big or small. They can be as simple as sharing a smile with a stranger or kissing a loved one. Or they can be larger like writing about gun control and mental health access on your blog or contacting your representatives in Washington.
If we let events like this take over our lives then we will become like that old rusty bike.
So often we feel like we are alone in all of the chaos, as if we are the only one on a long empty stretch of beach. But we aren't alone, and the wonderful thing about a beach is the water is always coming ashore and bringing new sand. That is what our lives are like. The old things are constantly being washed away and new beginnings are happening all the time.
So, my hope for all of you my sweet friends is that you will never forget the tragedy that befell our country, but that you will choose to remove your hand from the flame and remember all of the wonderful things that life still holds for you.
With Love,
Laura
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
how smart am I?
Yesterday I left the world of 1999 and moved right on into 2012.
Yes, my sweet friends I purchased this.
It is the latest insmarty pants smartphones.
So guess which one of us is smart. I've learned that it is definitely not me.
Okay, I admit that I have never even sent a text, but I thought I could at least figure out the phone part of it. After accidentally calling my sister FIVE times in a row, I realized I have a lot to learn.
In fact, it only took me two hours this morning to figure out how to transfer photos from my phone to my computer (must be a new world record)
The best part is I now don't have to remember to take my camera, which means I will be getting tons of great photos.
Hmmmmm!!! Where is thatdumb smart phone?
P.S. I also had to run out to Walmart in my jammies last night to buy a new printer because mine bit the dust. SIGH!
Yes, my sweet friends I purchased this.
It is the latest in
So guess which one of us is smart. I've learned that it is definitely not me.
Okay, I admit that I have never even sent a text, but I thought I could at least figure out the phone part of it. After accidentally calling my sister FIVE times in a row, I realized I have a lot to learn.
In fact, it only took me two hours this morning to figure out how to transfer photos from my phone to my computer (must be a new world record)
The best part is I now don't have to remember to take my camera, which means I will be getting tons of great photos.
Hmmmmm!!! Where is that
P.S. I also had to run out to Walmart in my jammies last night to buy a new printer because mine bit the dust. SIGH!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Fences
Fences
Author: April Carroll
There is a lot for us to do
Like mending our fences
Before the cows go through.
Search your heart and search your soul
For fences to mend
Before you're too old.
Sometimes in life things happen to us
That tear down fences
And cause mistrust.
Forgiving and forgetting is hard to do
But we must mend our fences
Before the cows go through.
Like mending our fences
Before the cows go through.
Search your heart and search your soul
For fences to mend
Before you're too old.
Sometimes in life things happen to us
That tear down fences
And cause mistrust.
Forgiving and forgetting is hard to do
But we must mend our fences
Before the cows go through.
Do you ever think of fences?
We have so many sayings related to fences. "good fences make good neighbors", "mend your fences" , "sitting on the fence", "don't fence me in".................
Do you erect fences? Do those fences keep people out or hold you in?
Do you ever think of fences?
I do.
Linking with:
Thursday Favorite Things
Saturday, November 10, 2012
a tranquil moment
In the hustle and bustle of a busy week, when you feel like a rock being pounded by the swirling waters of life,
like the tree, whose limbs have been gnarled and twisted by time, stripped nearly bare by the cold autumn winds.
that leads you to a moment of tranquility.
sharing today with:
A Favorite Thing
like the tree, whose limbs have been gnarled and twisted by time, stripped nearly bare by the cold autumn winds.
When the sun is glaring down at you through those twisted limbs, like the expectations of those who surround you.
You follow an almost forgotten road
sharing today with:
A Favorite Thing
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
can I be heard please?
Most of the time I feel like a little cog in a big wheel.
Excuse me I say. Can you not hear me? I am trying to make a point and you aren't listening.
Well today I get to have my say.
Because I live in such a wonderful democratic nation, I get to
Was that loud enough? Because even though we may not agree, we all get the chance to make our choice.
See you tomorrow.
Excuse me I say. Can you not hear me? I am trying to make a point and you aren't listening.
Well today I get to have my say.
Because I live in such a wonderful democratic nation, I get to
VOTE
We don't have early voting in Kentucky, so I will brave the lines (thank goodness for my new knee) to make my choice.
I hope you will exercise your right to vote too.
Was that loud enough? Because even though we may not agree, we all get the chance to make our choice.
See you tomorrow.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Keeping It Simple
“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more difficult. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move swiftly in the opposite direction.” –E.F. Schumacher
I was looking at my banner this morning and how it says I am living the simple vintage life. Am I really or am I allowing complexity and difficulty rule my life.
I wrote Wednesday about how I find it difficult to say no and that it is causing problems with my work at home situation. I was immediately tested on my resolve to say no and it worked. I was able to get more done, feel less exhausted, and cook dinner for four people.
Today, though I realized that I need to decide what is most important in my life and eliminate the things that really don't matter. There are too many things cluttering up my life that I don't need. I don't want a lot of bells and whistles in my days.
I need to let go of the things that I don't feel passionate about, because in the end those things will not serve me well. I really do like the simple life. I love rustic and worn, I love old, well loved antiques. I love the search for wonderful finds and sharing them in my Etsy shops and my new booth.
I want to spend more time enjoying life's simple pleasures. I love walking in the country and next spring after I get my other knee replaced, I intend to do a lot of that.
I intend to clean and organize my work space, because the clutter and the disorganization are anxiety producing and time wasting.
I need to focus on the supportive people in my life and lovingly let go of those who are not.
I need to believe in me, because I am unique, as each of us is. I don't need to change to meet the approval of others. They need to respect me for who I am or move on.
Yes, times are hard. I am self employed in a difficult economy, but keeping it simple and liking myself will see me through.
All photos are from ImSoVintage the shop
I was looking at my banner this morning and how it says I am living the simple vintage life. Am I really or am I allowing complexity and difficulty rule my life.
I wrote Wednesday about how I find it difficult to say no and that it is causing problems with my work at home situation. I was immediately tested on my resolve to say no and it worked. I was able to get more done, feel less exhausted, and cook dinner for four people.
Today, though I realized that I need to decide what is most important in my life and eliminate the things that really don't matter. There are too many things cluttering up my life that I don't need. I don't want a lot of bells and whistles in my days.
I need to let go of the things that I don't feel passionate about, because in the end those things will not serve me well. I really do like the simple life. I love rustic and worn, I love old, well loved antiques. I love the search for wonderful finds and sharing them in my Etsy shops and my new booth.
I want to spend more time enjoying life's simple pleasures. I love walking in the country and next spring after I get my other knee replaced, I intend to do a lot of that.
I intend to clean and organize my work space, because the clutter and the disorganization are anxiety producing and time wasting.
I need to focus on the supportive people in my life and lovingly let go of those who are not.
I need to believe in me, because I am unique, as each of us is. I don't need to change to meet the approval of others. They need to respect me for who I am or move on.
Yes, times are hard. I am self employed in a difficult economy, but keeping it simple and liking myself will see me through.
All photos are from ImSoVintage the shop
Thursday, October 11, 2012
up always up
I am a great believer that we should always move forward, but sometimes along the way we forget to enjoy the moment. We may never pass this way again.
So today I am reminding myself to enjoy each moment. While sewing for my new shop, washing the dishes, seeing a smile from my mom.......each moment is to be enjoyed.
Enjoy your moments and
So today I am reminding myself to enjoy each moment. While sewing for my new shop, washing the dishes, seeing a smile from my mom.......each moment is to be enjoyed.
Enjoy your moments and
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
No, I am.....
not drunk, although you might think so if you saw some of my before photos.
I take quite a few photos for my Etsy shop and I can't tell you how many of them come out like this. Is my head crooked? Is my balance off?
Thank goodness for photo editing sites. I loved the old Picnik, which closed down, but now I divide my time between Picmonkey and Ribbet. I like them both, but I guess I am a bit partial to Ribbet because it is basically the same as Picnik.
First I rotate.
Then crop
Then because I have a very old point and shoot camera, I have to sharpen. Maps are not the easiest thing to photograph with a point and shoot, but the editing definitely helps.
Finally I add a watermark.
Not perfect, but for maps this is quick and easy for me and I can get them listed quickly. For other things I often use some of the other tools.
Do you have a favorite site for editing and if so, what are some of your favorite tools to use?
I take quite a few photos for my Etsy shop and I can't tell you how many of them come out like this. Is my head crooked? Is my balance off?
Thank goodness for photo editing sites. I loved the old Picnik, which closed down, but now I divide my time between Picmonkey and Ribbet. I like them both, but I guess I am a bit partial to Ribbet because it is basically the same as Picnik.
First I rotate.
Then crop
Then because I have a very old point and shoot camera, I have to sharpen. Maps are not the easiest thing to photograph with a point and shoot, but the editing definitely helps.
Finally I add a watermark.
Not perfect, but for maps this is quick and easy for me and I can get them listed quickly. For other things I often use some of the other tools.
Do you have a favorite site for editing and if so, what are some of your favorite tools to use?
Friday, August 31, 2012
See You In September
I know September is tomorrow, sillies,but I couldn't resist playing one of my favorite teenage songs.
See You In September by The Happenings
They were performing it for the TV show "Where The Action Is"
SIGH!!! I remember it well.
Gotta go now. I'm dancing around the room. So I'll see you in September.
See You In September by The Happenings
They were performing it for the TV show "Where The Action Is"
SIGH!!! I remember it well.
Gotta go now. I'm dancing around the room. So I'll see you in September.
Friday, July 13, 2012
go ahead
and
Do you ever have a period of time where you feel like you have this sign taped to your back. This is how I have been feeling all this week......verrrrry grumpy.
I have reached the point of wondering why I had knee replacement surgery. My knee hurt when I walked before the surgery and eight weeks after the surgery my knee hurts when I walk. Ummm, I do have a really lovely scar to show for it, but I am definitely a bit disgruntled.
And then there is my computer.......I showed you my computer in a previous post
Well, I picked it up for the second time yesterday and guess what....... Oh my, you are ever so smart.....yes, it still isn't fixed. He was going to try and charge me more to fix it again.......Don't mess with me, because I am in no mood........
I am woman hear me roar!!!! or watch me take out my handy dandy phone and call the Better Business Bureau number that you have posted on your front door.....
So that is a small portion of my week. I won't bore you with the rest.
On a bright note, it is raining, a very wonderful soaking rainfall. I think the flowers, grass, and trees are all smiling.
Do you ever have a period of time where you feel like you have this sign taped to your back. This is how I have been feeling all this week......verrrrry grumpy.
I have reached the point of wondering why I had knee replacement surgery. My knee hurt when I walked before the surgery and eight weeks after the surgery my knee hurts when I walk. Ummm, I do have a really lovely scar to show for it, but I am definitely a bit disgruntled.
And then there is my computer.......I showed you my computer in a previous post
Well, I picked it up for the second time yesterday and guess what....... Oh my, you are ever so smart.....yes, it still isn't fixed. He was going to try and charge me more to fix it again.......Don't mess with me, because I am in no mood........
I am woman hear me roar!!!! or watch me take out my handy dandy phone and call the Better Business Bureau number that you have posted on your front door.....
So that is a small portion of my week. I won't bore you with the rest.
On a bright note, it is raining, a very wonderful soaking rainfall. I think the flowers, grass, and trees are all smiling.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
It's blooming
I am so excited that the daylily is blooming. Last year it didn't have any blooms all summer.
Just thought I would do a quick share.
They just called to say I have to be at the hospital at 6:30 am. Yikes. I hope I'm awake. I still have a lot to do today so this is definitely a short post.
See you next week.
Just thought I would do a quick share.
They just called to say I have to be at the hospital at 6:30 am. Yikes. I hope I'm awake. I still have a lot to do today so this is definitely a short post.
See you next week.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Yes, I Know
It's Monday, and yes I know I always post shopping on Monday.
I could have done that today, but I was lazy last night. I had spent some of the afternoon shopping for flowers for the garden
and there are lots of them.
I have already started to place some of them where they will be planted. These are giant begonias. (Boy, I need to hose all that grass off the side of the house)
and then planted a few things. I added some white impatiens and two perennial geraniums to this bed. I think it is done. When the impatiens grow, they will fill out between the other perennials.
After that, I had to package up two big boxes, which I have to haul to the USPS today and so the rest of the night I was just lazy.
I could have done the Etsy browsing this morning, but it was sooooo beautiful out and I wanted to watch the sun coming up over the secret garden.
and the way the light filtered through the treetops.
and then two of the feral cats we feed, Smokey and Sammy came for breakfast. That's a bit of my penguin jammy bottoms in the corner.
and then they had to have a nice drink of water.
So there are all my excuses for not doing my shopping on Etsy post today. Now half of the morning is gone and I need to try and plant some of the flowers before the big storms come this afternoon.
Oh, and you can file this under way too much information and ick, ick, ick, Today is the last time I get to shave my legs for the next 4 1/2 weeks because of my knee surgery next week. There will be a big ritual leg shaving tonight and then you will not be seeing me in short pants anytime soon.
P.S. I definitiely like leaving you on a high note.
I could have done that today, but I was lazy last night. I had spent some of the afternoon shopping for flowers for the garden
and there are lots of them.
I have already started to place some of them where they will be planted. These are giant begonias. (Boy, I need to hose all that grass off the side of the house)
and then planted a few things. I added some white impatiens and two perennial geraniums to this bed. I think it is done. When the impatiens grow, they will fill out between the other perennials.
After that, I had to package up two big boxes, which I have to haul to the USPS today and so the rest of the night I was just lazy.
I could have done the Etsy browsing this morning, but it was sooooo beautiful out and I wanted to watch the sun coming up over the secret garden.
and the way the light filtered through the treetops.
and then two of the feral cats we feed, Smokey and Sammy came for breakfast. That's a bit of my penguin jammy bottoms in the corner.
and then they had to have a nice drink of water.
So there are all my excuses for not doing my shopping on Etsy post today. Now half of the morning is gone and I need to try and plant some of the flowers before the big storms come this afternoon.
Oh, and you can file this under way too much information and ick, ick, ick, Today is the last time I get to shave my legs for the next 4 1/2 weeks because of my knee surgery next week. There will be a big ritual leg shaving tonight and then you will not be seeing me in short pants anytime soon.
P.S. I definitiely like leaving you on a high note.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Blooming
Don't you love it when your perennials start blooming?
A couple of days ago, the peonies just started popping out.
I think this day lily may be next, as it has lots of buds on it. I need to get some annuals this weekend to fill in for color. It's pretty shady back here, so we usually go for impatiens.
We moved the little bird bath up next to the patio, because our favorite raccoon kept knocking it over in the secret garden. The feral cats like to use it to drink out of and it was a little upsetting to see them lick the hosta leaves for water.
And here is a little sneak peek at something I got for the front porch. It is coming together and I am really excited about how it is turning out. I disliked last years decor so I wanted to go in a completely different direction.
Thanks for stopping by.
A couple of days ago, the peonies just started popping out.
I think this day lily may be next, as it has lots of buds on it. I need to get some annuals this weekend to fill in for color. It's pretty shady back here, so we usually go for impatiens.
We moved the little bird bath up next to the patio, because our favorite raccoon kept knocking it over in the secret garden. The feral cats like to use it to drink out of and it was a little upsetting to see them lick the hosta leaves for water.
And here is a little sneak peek at something I got for the front porch. It is coming together and I am really excited about how it is turning out. I disliked last years decor so I wanted to go in a completely different direction.
Thanks for stopping by.
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