Scary and Wonderful

A couple of weeks ago I came across an article that was an interview with newswoman Jane Pauley. She made a comment that is now a favorite quote of mine. 

 

This is the cover to a new simple journaling notebook. Jane's quote starts off my journal.

 

 

 

 

Finally made it by my booth...

 

 

 ...not knowing what will sell keeps it interesting.

 

Trying my best to declutter at home and move things I no longer use or want out to the booth...

 

   

Goodwill votive house in silver tin adds a warm glow to mantel.

Someone's discard is my newest acquisition.

I think all this recycling is great. 

 

 

The Christmas tag on this white pitcher is going to stay out where I can see it. With all the unrest in today's world,

to pray for peace is paramount.   

  

Have a wonderful week!

Another Day

How are you? Is it cold where you happen to be? This little plant in my utility room window reminds me that warmer days are coming.

As many of you know, my mother's health continues to decline. Every time the phone rings, I dread answering it. To have a loved one lose their memory is absolutely heartbreaking. It gets harder and harder for me to watch as my mom's personality disappears.

 

 

Also her physical condition is extremely fragile. I appreciate and admire the aides and nurses who care for Mother and all the other elderly patients. Watching them lift and move weak patients is amazing;they do such a smooth transfer from wheelchair to bed. 

 

 

I believe January is one of the best months for reading. I am glad my love of reading was nurtured years ago when I was a little girl. I remember what a thrill it was when the bookmobile would stop in front of our house in Swartz, Louisiana. Now I probably have too many books, but I can't part with many of them.

 

 A few have special significance.

 

 Some have been lovely gifts.

Some were inexpensive finds at stores like Goodwill.

 

Speaking of finds, I chose this tin pail recently to use as a wastecan in the guest bedroom. Each side shows children climbing trees and swinging...reminders of my own childhood.

 

 

 

A Calm Day

And life goes on...each day more precious to me than the last. Driving home from the nursing home, I took in every detail along the route, wanting to savor the calm beauty of this day. 

Changes are coming. Savor TODAY.

Two treasures that were paired remain on my kitchen windowsill. Such simple little things in familiar places give comfort in a crazy, troubled world. How I love to see that metal chair with the tiny house!  

 

I recently added this small chair and occupant to the windowsill. 

Sweet Holly Hobbie figurine has a tranquil presence.

 

This Christmas ornament is one I kept out because I like it, and it's a  trinket that calms, too.

 

Summary

The start of a new year is already a blur. Truthfully I can't recall how each precious day has been spent. It's journal entries that help me out. Pen and paper assist my hazy memory.

I have written a lot about my visits with Mother. There are days now that she doesn't know my name. Time with her may be very short. Sometimes while she sleeps, I sit and watch her breathing and also stare at these items on her bedside table...my head a jumble of memories, my heart heavy and sad.

 

 

Reading about other people and their situations enables me to get away. Two recent escapes are

 

 

 Art is another tension reliever. I'm working on a mixed media piece. 

 

 Tonight's contemporary church service focused on this point: every breath comes from God...the first one at birth, the last one in death, and all the ones in between.  





Starting Over

In one day Christmas decorations disappeared into storage boxes behind closet doors. The festive look was replaced by plainer furnishings. Then our visitors departed, leaving this house extra quiet.    
 

   

 

The days after Christmas require an adjustment period. 

There's a bit of sadness, but also appreciation for calm routine, too. A time to reflect...to start again.

For now the Christmas chest is parked beside a reading chair. 

   These little ones helped to make our Christmas extra merry.

 



 

Looking forward to sharing 2014 with you...take care and much love...Sandy