A Day in the Life - inside edition

I wake up at 7 a.m. and feel refreshed. It helps to have good long night's sleep.  

I pad off to the office, roll out my yoga mat,  and turn on my YouTube Pilates session. Short but effective is the way I like my online exercise to be. Next I click on Caroline Williams Yoga to do some calm, gentle movements with a prayerful focus. This is really a great way to start the day. I am happy with myself if I get to it four times a week. Lately, I've been doing alright. If I fall off the wagon, it always takes me a while to get back into the groove. 

Speaking of groove, have you heard of Body Groove? My friend at church mentioned she does this exercise program regularly (I found the free version on YouTube) focused on fun dance movements.  

After breakfast and preparing for the day, I grab my coffee, and head to my office to review my notes and begin writing my end of term reflection paper for the Spiritual Formation course I'm enrolled in. The paper is somewhat challenging, but hopefully it'll all come together. It's been a VERY long time since I had serious homework and a deadline to meet! 

Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

I hear a knock knock at our door. My two grandchildren, Clark (5) and Audrey (3) are spending a few hours with us while mom takes little Dean to a doctor's appointment. Snacks, games, and laughter fill the next three hours. 

Then it's back to my office. I settle into my swivel chair, notebook at my right side on the desk extension, and a few pages open on the desktop computer.... oh, and my jar filled with individually wrapped ginger chews. The evidence of how many I've eaten mindlessly is in the wastebasket ;) 

A break for supper. 

Hubby leaves for floor hockey. 

A bit of Body Groove (it's got a good vibe :)  

Back to the computer for an hour or so... 

Time to relax with some knitting and perhaps a podcast or movie. 

Tomorrow I'm spending some time outside! 

Thursday Thirteen

 Thirteen Beautiful Things 

1. a five week old baby girl, looking intently into her mother's eyes

2. first snow

3. the sound of a pebble whizzing across frozen water

4. fresh eggs from happy chickens

5. birds at the feeder

6. a cup of delicious creamy coffee

7. freshly baked cake

9. classical music to write by

10.  chatting with a friend in a coffee shop 

11.  library books awaiting pickup on the holds shelf

12.  words on a page, finally completed

13. a phone chat with Mom

Life with Limitations

 We've all learned to live with limitations, it seems, especially in the last year.  Whether we like it or not, limitations have been imposed on us. 

Things are out of our control, life changes, and we attempt to adjust. 

It's been a little over three years since I have limited my diet to only eating low histamine food. Not by choice, but because the alternative involves a very nasty flare up involving rashes and swelling. I've learned to accept this change and, until I have healed from this autoimmune condition, I take it one day at a time and all is mostly well.  

As long as we are home, I'm fine with these limitations. It's when we are asked out to a restaurant, out to someone's home, or with others during seasonal holidays that involve special food, that things get a little more challenging. Actually a lot more, sometimes. 

Like Christmas time, birthdays, and other celebrations. I really miss being able to enjoy some rich, delectable treats like I used to.  Goodbye eggnog, Bailey's, whip cream, chocolate, gluten-full cookies and squares, ice cream cake, cheese and meat platters, leftovers, wine, ...  well, you get the picture. 

Believe it or not, there are some good things that have come out of my struggle with this condition: 

1. I am eating large quantities of vegetables and leafy greens, more than I have ever eaten in my life! My plate really is usually 3/4 vegetables and 1/4 protein (mostly chicken or eggs). This is good for my health! 

2. I have learned to cook up a tasty meal very quickly! 

3. My husband has learned how to cook. Because he (understandably) chose not to change his diet 100% to mine, we decided to try out the fresh food boxes in our area. He now chooses his meals most of the time, and actually prepares them! This is a miracle, folks. 

4. I do not tire of eating vegetables. I've tried some new ones. Surprisingly, I really do actually crave them a lot. I think of the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years, and eating a lot of manna, which God miraculously provided for them. But... they did complain after a while.... Oh, some days I do have a pity party. 

5. I often will take a deep whiff of what my husband is cooking, and say "Oh, that smells so yummy". And then I'm back to my plain jane supper (compared to his). Just smelling it does make me feel like I haven't missed out totally. It's weird, but true. Half of our ability to taste is due to our amazing olfactory system, is it not? 

6. My blood pressure is pretty well normal now! I have been on medication for about 10 years, but now I'm pretty well off.  

7. I have learned to be very grateful for both functional medicine and conventional medicine. Sometimes you need both. I don't like to take medication, but if it's giving me my life back, I will. I'm still working on finding the root cause and hopefully healing from this condition.  

8. Our bodies are amazing creations! I'm learning more about the importance of gut health.  Stress can do crazy things to our bodies! 

9. I have experienced the care of friends who go out of their way to make sure there is something for me to eat when I'm at their home (before the lockdown ;)  Even when I let them know I'll bring my own food (which is becoming normal for me), they will insist on preparing food so that I can eat it, too. I'm so grateful for them. 

10. I'm learning more about faith and healing. God works in ways we do not always understand. I believe we can be healed one small step at a time. A lot of time that's how it works, because He cares about more than just giving us what we want when we want it. And sometimes, the answers we hope for never really happen, but we experience His nearness through it all. 

What limitations have you overcome or are learning to accept? 

The Never Ending List

• peruse the daily Kindle Ebook deals from Modern Mrs. Darcy
• so many good books available for cheap! 
• but it's not like I don't have enough already
•  grab a muffin from the freezer, defrost it, and enjoy it. 
•  click on 'mature clothing' IG ads from companies I've never heard of,  displaying all sorts of beautiful summer clothing
• scroll for a bit, then  close the app
•  open the snail mail, read through it, stack it on the counter
•  recycle envelopes in the bin
• open parcel from my health supplement provider
• decide to keep the little cardboard box which may be a perfect box for a gift I'm sending. 
•  reply to a few older texts
•  then hope a conversation starts with someone
•  consider making an iced latte
•  can't get that vision out of my head now 
•  spend time finding the perfect Spotify playlist for this moment
•  cull old emails from my two accounts 
•  click on and read several emails before they get swept into the trash
•  read our current news email about how hot it is in our area right now (40 degrees C! about 110 degrees F) and consider forwarding an email to caution my family against doing anything that may cause a spark to fly in dry grass
• decide against it
• they already know 
• consider purchasing a summer dress online....
• but which one????
•  get a glass of water
•  begin to check off my 'today list' in my bullet journal 
•  talk to my husband
•  text my daughter in law to offer to take the grands out in the kiddie pool under the large shade trees by the river
• no such luck; they are out for the morning. 
• consider taking a nap 
• text back and forth with my sister
• write a blog post and search for the perfect photo for it! 
• realize it's getting too hot in my office
• time for that iced latte! 

What do all of these activities have in common? You've probably guessed it, if you're anything like me. They are all ways to PROCRASTINATE!! 

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

However, I WILL complete the few tasks I wrote down on my 'Today List' in by bullet journal. That includes working on a writing prompt for a writing group! 

What's your favorite way to procrastinate? 

Five Minute Friday:: Once

 Another Friday freewrite coming up! That's 5 minutes of writing, with no (or little) editing. Come join in with the community of writers here. 

Once

Just once, stand still and observe the happenings outside your kitchen window.

Just once, put yourself in someone else’s shoes and see what happens to your perspective

Just once, say yes when fear makes you want to say no.

Just once, do what you said you’d do for yourself today.

Just once, go out in the freezing cold for a brisk walk.

Just once, send that card telling someone how much they mean to you. 

Just once, say “Thanks for that, I’ll definitely think about it”, when you just want to dismiss the unsolicited advice.

Just once, stop fretting and tell your soul to trust, really trust.

Just once, stop yourself in mid thought and ask if you are liking the way you are heading.

Just once, just do it, without over thinking.

Just once, make that appointment you’ve been putting off, but is taking up too much space in your head.

Just once, believe that the whole world is in His hands, not yours.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

 Just once, go for a walk alone in the woods.

 Just once, belly laugh. 

Just once, dance like crazy alone in your kitchen.

Because sometimes

Just once is enough to keep it going.

 

What would you recommend doing just once? 

Peace on Earth

Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards all people! 

The angels concluded their message, proclaiming to an ordinary band of lowly shepherds, certainly no pillars in their community. They were just simple people doing the work necessary to keep their families fed. After seeing the Christ child, as the angels had said, they excitedly spread the word they had been told. "And all those who heard it marveled at those things the shepherds shared." Luke 2:18 

God uses the most unlikely people to bring the message of peace to the world. 

I feel unequipped for the task of bringing peace to the world, failing many times. Often I'm tempted to focus on my  own wants and needs. Often I lack confidence. Sometimes the pain I see in this world is simply too much, and I want to hide. Do you feel the same?  How, then, do we help to usher in peace and goodwill? 

Peace on earth, I must remind myself, is not conditional upon what is or isn't happening 'out there'  but it is based on a Person. Jesus brings peace to our world, in the middle of the mess. He brings it by changing our hearts one bit at a time. And then we must bravely join in the work of making change. One small step at a time, often beginning with the person in front of us.  

I recently had a conversation with two of my coworkers. For some reason, we had a really deep, meaningful conversation about life, and I, praying that God would give me the words to say that would matter, shared something I had learned in my life. "When you said that, I had goosebumps all over! I don't know why! That really hit me!", one of them responded.  I was as surprised as her, but I believe it was the Spirit of God touching her the way only He can. He is the one who changes lives. I keep praying for her, one who has been so beaten down by life.  

The spirit of Christmas gives us a voice to cry "Good will to men, and Peace on earth", making it so much more than just a sweet sentiment and a shallow hope. 

Good will, or Peace on Earth, this is an act of rebellion, a full forced movement against the effects of the fall. It is not blind faith nor is it childish rhetoric. It is holy wisdom and it is as out of place as a host of angels hovering over a band of shepherds.

 (from Peace is Here: Christmas Reflections, by Jars of Clay)

May we all remember whose we are this Christmas, and respond to the little (and big) nudges the Spirit gives us, joining in the movement of bringing the peace of Jesus to our world. 

Photo by Tom Hill on Unsplash

Grand-love

 I was sitting with my three year old grandson at the table, side by side.  Little Clark was quietly playing with the playdough and matchbox trucks he loves, moving 'rocks' and 'logs' from one spot to another. I was working on a little knitting project and fiddling with my phone, trying to find the perfect kids Christmas playlist. 

"Oma, play with me", he said quietly, looking up at me with his beautiful blue eyes. I stopped and looked at him.  He gave me a heart-melting smile and turned, wrapping his little arms around me. 

"Oma, play with me," he repeated, maintaining eye contact, his little chin pointing up.

"Of course, sweetie", I replied, putting down my knitting, smiling at him. We chatted, two workers loading up trucks with rocks. 

 

Thanks for the reminder, dear little one. 

The view from the sixth floor

 If we ever move, I really, REALLY want to be sure to have a view! My home doesn't have to be fancy as long as I can stand by my window and behold. 

Today my part time job took me to a little apartment complex in the downtown area of our little city. When I looked out the window of the tiny dwelling, I stopped wiping and paused.  I could live here, I thought. With a cute little apartment and this view, I'd be quite happy. 

I imagined my favorite chair arranged just so, so that I could sit comfortably to observe the goings on and admire the view. 

Of course, I'm not really ready to live in an apartment, and I think I'd probably wither without a little bit of greenspace of my own.  Where would the grandchildren play? And where would my husband work on his car renovation projects, if not for a garage or workshop? I remember having a conversation with him a while back  about downsizing to a condo (hypothetically speaking) and he responded by saying we'd have to have a really good cable package if we did that. Yikes!  That was his way of showing a strong disinterest in the idea.  

It was fun to day dream of downsizing and simplifying, but no, we're not ready for that YET! 

Awe-full moments

The other day my girlfriend and I headed for the hills nearby to hike the trails. It's a place we often frequent, but as she said, "The views never get old". It's true. I never tire of them and I pause and take in the views, snapping photos (how many photos do I really need?) Pictures never really do the scene justice, though. 

Getting outdoors and into the quiet of trail walking is one way to de-stress, and bring a calmness to often anxious thoughts. And it seems now, more than ever, we would all benefit from activities that calm our nervous system. One of these ways, I have recently read about, is to intentionally experience awe. 

What is awe? It is an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, deep respect,  etc,  produced by something grand, sublime, or extremely powerful. (dictionary.com) It often includes wonder, which is more about seeing something marvelous and asking questions about it.  Awe moves beyond self and makes us feel part of something much bigger than ourselves.

Why is awe good for us? Scientific studies related to neuroplasticity (how the brain can change) show that the sense of awe and wonder one experiences actually helps switch the brain and autonomic nervous system to the parasympathetic branch, which controls the functions needed for healing. These functions include digesting, detoxing, and balancing the immune system.  This means that by viewing awe-inspiring images, the body calms down. Our bodies can actually leave the fear swirl we might feel trapped in.  The more one experiences awe in one day, the more inflammation is reduced. 

Apparently, awe can be experienced in various ways. Intentional walks in beautiful places such as mountains, on beaches, or forest trails, prayer, meditation, lit candles, scents, and even silence cultivate a shift in the brain.  Isn't it amazing how science and biblical wisdom seem to complement each other, rather than oppose? 

I guess it's never a waste of time to linger in a beautiful space and enjoy the experience. With a busy life, that might be a lot harder to do, though! 

When was the last time you were in awe of something? 

Joys and Sorrows

I haven't been in the mood for writing much lately. Most of my thoughts tend to be towards the sorrows of this world right now. I have my opinions about what's happening and why. I'm not sure what organizations or people to trust with giving accurate information anymore. What I do know is that we all are called to do what we can to make this world a better place. We are all called to love each other. We are all different, in our personalities, strengths, passions, so our contributions won't all look the same. But, we can all do something. 

Despite the heaviness that lingers lately, there is still beauty in the world, and it's okay, even GOOD to enjoy it during this time. Maybe, especially during this time. After all, isn't the desire for peace and beauty the reason WHY we protest, help, pray, contribute?

As earthly human beings, we have to take account of an earthly future. For the sake of this future we must accept tasks, responsibilities, and joys and sorrows. We need not despise happiness simply because there is so much unhappiness. We should not arrogantly push away the kind hand of God because God's hand is otherwise so hard. I think it is more important to remind one another of this in these days than of many other things..."   

 (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, pastor in Germany during WW2)

From the book: Bonhoeffer:Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

~when it's best not to wait~

A few years ago, we enjoyed a wine tour with some friends.   It was one of those days you look back on with fondness.  We hopped into the Tasteful Excursions van and spent a sunny summer day winding up the highway and down little known country roads, being treated to a commentary on the history of the vineyards in our area. Great friends, inspiring views, fabulous wineries, and so much wine tasting! We frivolously picked up this special bottle of  "oak-aged port-like dessert wine" and talked about saving it for New Year's Eve and drinking it with our friends. For some reason, we didn't drink it on December 31st.  Maybe we thought we'd save it for our anniversary, who knows. So it sat in our cupboard for over a year, maybe even two, when I began having some health issues just before Christmas 2017.  Little did I know that alcohol, especially RED WINE would be off limits for me indefinitely, maybe even longer.

It took a few months before a naturopath helped to diagnose my condition, the main symptoms being facial rash and swelling (not fun!). I have what is commonly known as a histamine intolerance. Basically, for some reason, my body isn't doing a good job of ridding itself of histamine, so when I have too much, my symptoms show up. Anyway, I won't go into detail here, but if you want to know more about histamine intolerance and how to heal, check out these two highly recommended websites, Healing Histamine and FactvsFitness.com. The bottom line was to stay away from (quite a long list of) high histamine foods, of which alcohol is one of the main culprits.

Whenever I open the kitchen door to where we keep our alcohol, I see this little bottle back in the corner. And I think to myself,  Why didn't you enjoy it sooner? Why did you wait for the 'perfect' moment? 

This experience reminds me to stop waiting for the BEST time to do something. If it's a good idea in 6 days or 6 weeks, or 6 months, it could be a better idea now.  

So, I'm reminded to:

• Use the fancy dishes more than 3 times a year (even if I have to wash them by hand) because they were a gift to me and they are lovely. One day they'll be sitting in an estate sale in perfect condition and no one will be interested in them. 

• Wear that top I really love more than I normally would because one day it might be ruined or I might not fit it anymore! 

• Go outdoors regularly and get a good walk in because one day I might not be able to walk anymore. 

• Call my mom more regularly because one day she might not be able to answer anymore. 

• Spend regular time enjoying my kids because one day they might move out of town and I'll hardly ever see them. 

• Tell my friends I appreciate them, even if it's not their birthday, because they need to hear it and they're not getting any younger! ;) 

• Spend time pursuing my creative practices because one day my eyes and hands might not work as well!

What about you? What's one thing that might be a better thing to to do right now instead of waiting for the 'perfect moment'?

The Blank Slate and Catching Up

I open up my email account and scan the more than 100 sitting in my inbox. I'm bad that way. I used to have a few thousand sitting there and just never got around to deleting them. Not that I had read them all or anything! I guess I was waiting for that right moment to catch up on them.  Then one day someone called me on it. I know, a cluttered inbox = a cluttered mind, or something to that effect. So, I bit the bullet and deleted wildly. Aaaahhh...much better. I like blank slates.

And.. 'catch me up' features. I need all the help I can get!

I use theYouVersion app for most of my Bible reading and am usually reading one of their devotionals, as well. It's a great, not only for the excellent content, but for the Catch Me Up feature. Without that, I'd feel dejected, because I like to check off boxes neatly. Missing a day or two, or three in a row would usually wreak havoc with 'daily' plans, but YouVersion offers peace of mind with one click. Suddenly, all the days I've missed disappear and I'm caught up once again.

Saturdays are often 'catch me up' days. Google had sent me my calendar for the day last weekend with the words "you have no events scheduled today". Yippee yi yay! I love it when Saturdays are a blank slate, to fill however I need to or wish to.

I'm so glad we have only 24 hours in a day. At the end of that, I'm just about ready to start over, anyway and begin with a new slate.

It's Summer!

This is the time of year where it's really, really important to let everyday count. Enjoy the moments because in a very short time, the busyness of the Fall season is going to loom large.

And it'll feel like everything is moving ahead at a breakneck pace.

And it'll be hard to control.

I know that feeling all too well. It's almost like my heart constantly beats a little faster when the end of summer approaches. But enough of that! Time to focus on... SUMMER!

It's the NOW I intend to relish. Everyday, I hope to do at least 3 simple things that bring me joy (it's good for the soul!).

So far, today it's been...

A morning walk around the neighbourhood with Prince Enzo. Here he is on one of our hikes earlier this Spring. He's the best little companion!

Puttering around the pool.  It's been cool and rainy the last little while, so no pool days lately. But today, it's sunny-- it was relaxing and almost meditative to simply walk around the perimeter of the pool, manually vacuuming it, taking in the warm sunshine, and listening to the little neighbour girls happily splashing in their new above ground pool.

Number 3 yet to come.. tonight I'm heading out to the library for a FREE workshop on still life drawing. I'm really looking forward to that!

What simple little things are you enjoying today?

Simple Woman's Daybook

Yes, it's been a while! Thought I'd get back into the swing of things with one of my favorite link ups: The Simple Woman's Daybook . Join me?

For Today...

Outside my window...

a pair of mallard ducks are back, repurposing our winterized pool for their own personal pond

Oh, and just now, this....

I am thankful...

my daughter is back in town again, after six months of solo trekking adventures in S.E. Asia!

I am learning...

about YL Essential Oils and enjoying my diffuser!

ahhh... Lavender... 

I am wearing...

jeans, t shirt (short sleeved) with a sweater close at hand, socks and slippers. Nothing that would make me stand out in a crowd!  It's a blustery, cooler day outside.  After several days of warm sunshine, this is an adjustment!  Socks to barefeet and back again!

I am creating...

a knitted comfort throw for my older sister's birthday coming up in June.

I am going...

to the Gold Medal Women's International Hockey game tonight! Canada vs USA

I am wondering...

..about decisions I must make. There's always that balance between being true to my own needs/feelings/desires and the needs/desires of others. What's the right thing to do..??

I am reading...

a number of books (as usual). Looking forward to getting into

Presence - Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy. Maybe it will give me some insight into what I am wondering (see above)..

I am hoping...

for a clean bill of health in the next little while! Time to do the annual bloodwork, etc.. and more.

I am learning...

more about myself through reading The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr and Andreas Ebert. Here's looking at you, Type Five!

In my garden...

the garlic is growing, and that's about it 

right now. Enjoying the first pop of color in my flower bed.

In my kitchen...

I have a Whole30 Paleo Minestrone soup/stew cooking in the crockpot. I hope it's tasty!! Day 4 of Whole30. So far, so good.

A favorite quote for today...

"Never confuse your perception of yourself with the mystery that you really are accepted."

Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel

One of my favorite things...

kicking back at the end of the day, enjoying The Voice on my iPad app

A peek into one of my days...

hiking companion-- Battle Bluff family hike Easter 2016

Post Script

A playlist I'm enjoying on Spotify..

Acoustic Spring

Getting Through February

February is not my favorite month of the year, although I do like it better than January.With February the promise of Spring is that much closer. I know, we have almost another official month of winter, but around here the snow is gone and it's not really that cold out any more. Still hovering around freezing in the morning sometimes, but still, it could be worse!

So, what's gotten me through February, a month that finds me mostly indoors sipping coffee (one cup a day usually-- I really do sip!) whittling away at portfolios, and dreaming of warmer days?

A trip to the coast! We celebrated my mother in law's 86th birthday together with a slew of family. A great weekend.

This little guy. He is my companion. He is a blessing in my life. He makes me laugh. He gets me off my chair,  taking little breaks throughout the day. He sleeps quietly as I work. And he's always over-the-moon happy to see me when I return home from outings. Talk about an esteem booster! No, I'm not talking about my hubby although he does fit the bill in some ways!haha!

Books!  I've got a few on the go. Just finished Someday Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham. I saw it recommended on Goodreads and decided to finally read it. A twenty something tries to make it as an actress in New York. A cute, funny quick read with some great characters.
I'm also reading In the Land of the Blue Burquas by Kate McCord. It was written before Farewell, Four Waters, which I just finished a few weeks ago. But I don't think it really matters that I'm reading in reverse order. It's giving me more insight into the culture in Afghanistan, and the life of a foreign aid worker. Fascinating.
I am half way through The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown. Three adult sisters converge on their home town to visit their mother who is battling cancer. All about family relationships, importance of home, growing up, and figuring out life. The title refers to Shakespeare and the father quotes Shakespeare all the time (his daughters are named after characters) and all members of the family are book nerds. I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, but it's grown on me. It's my bedtime read.

Spotify. I listen to music all. day. long. sometimes. Music to reflect my mood or to get me out of my mood! Or to motivate me to work.
Classical, contemplative, meditative, acoustic, counry, jazz, pop. Adele, Andy Grammar, Andra Day, All Sons and Daughters, Rend Collective, The Brilliance. etc etc.  If you're looking for some new music, check out Spotify. It's free and it recommends music based on what you like, so there is always something new to explore. 

Podcasts. I've added a few more to my list. Don't listen to every
episode but sure do enjoy them. I find the ones that are about 30 minutes in length are just about right. Any longer, and I skip them because I don't always have one hour to listen.  A few others I enjoy: The Essential Oil Revolution, Spark My Muse, Katy Says with Katy Bowman

Knitting. Been enjoying knitting a comfort shawl and socks this winter. And some bibs and dish cloths. Just small items but it's great to have something on the needles when I feel the urge to create something tangible. And they make great little gifts to give away.

Netflix. My hubby and I try to find something we both like to watch together one or two nights a week. We are not always successful. We did watch Making a Murderer together and I have to say we were sucked right into the drama of that documentary. Truth and justice and the miscarriage of it. Who knows what the the truth is when people lie through their teeth? Yes, it was a pretty biased documentary, but we had some good discussion while watching that. Still confused about what really happened. It was hard to watch at times, just seeing the depravity and awful lives some people live. Sad. I couldn't watch too many shows like this, that's for sure. We binge watched it for about 2 weeks.  I think I prefer fiction! He likes shows with zombies or war  and I would rather watch an episode of Downton Abbey or Mr Selfridge, but the verdict is still out on the latter. Haven't continued for a few weeks. Sometimes we watch  an episode of  the murder mystery Death in Paradise. It's good!  I'm waiting for Nashville Season 4 to come to Netflix. And looking foward to watching the next season of The Voice (on the CTVgo App) . Got any recommendations for must-see TV shows on Netflix?

Planet Woman - got a membership for one month because my kids encouraged me to sign up for a 5km trail run at the end of March, and how am I going to be able to do that if I don't grow my muscles and my cardio?! Don't always want to go but always glad when I do. Except when I'm sore afterwards. And recovery takes longer than it used to! Soon I must transition my workouts to the outdoors..actually running 5 km!! Doesn't sound like much except if you haven't done it in a while! I'm a little bit concerned... but --as my daughter in law mentioned "There's no shame in walking". I'll try to embrace that thought.

and finally...

Z is for Zumba. Imagine doing Zumba with a band of church ladies aged 19-50-something? To hip hop music? Imagine the fun and comeraderie. Yes, it brings some much needed levity to my Wednesdays. We don't do the moves very well at all, but it's good for a laugh, it's a workout, and it's a way to connect with those I mostly just see at church happenings.

What got you through February?

signs of life in the dead of winter

Half way through January already!??

*techy (or rather non-techy) alert: pictures didn't appear earlier.. hope they show up now. 

I'm slowly slipping back into daily routines. Still finding it hard to jump out of bed with wide eyes and a spring in my step.  Winter makes one so hibernative (I think I made that up), doesn't it? I simply want to stay home and unsubscribe to all of my outside obligations at times. But, I know that that would not be a healthy decision! Once I get out there, it's all good.

Sometimes I do wonder why we live where we do. Last weekend, the mountain passes were clear, so we took a quick 3 1/2 hour trip down to the coast. It was so wonderful! I felt like we had just bypassed a season and waltzed into early Spring! Sunshine and no snow!

winter where my sister lives 

winter where we live 

Speaking of unsubscribing, today I checked out this very interesting site called unroll.me which helps clean up your inbox by managing subscriptions. It's a simple way to unsubscribe, keep, or send to 'rollup' (which sends you ONE email a day with any updates on those).  Am I the only one who is a subscription junkie? 

Which leads to a very full inbox. Overwhelmingly so. I had over 100 subscriptions (newsletters & blogs) between my 2 email addresses (that's besides my bloglovin' subscriptions). I know. I think I'm down to about 40 now.

Whittling down the reading list is going well. But the day AFTER I blogged about not purchasing any new books this year, I received a very generous Amazon gift card in the mail from my dear friend (who knew nothing about my challenge). Yes, it's true!! But I am holding off. This past week I was so close to purchasing a book to read along with an online book club, but I steeled my resolve and inquired if the local library could obtain it for me.. Win!

Winter is for indoor projects. I am super pleased with the guest bedroom reno we finished in one weekend. Mr. Handyman worked on the floors, and I painted walls and refinished old furniture.

out with the old carpet,
in with the new laminate

ready for a vintage-y look

guest room ready for company!

 And some Me Time has led to..

 Experienced a mild second-sock-syndrome-- weeks--
-- nothing as serious as last time!

wintergreen dishcloth

adding to the gift box- for the next wee baby girl I meet

Being hibernative doesn't mean being unproductive, right?

Hope you are enjoying the season you are in right now!

Oh, and I can't sign off without giving a Happy Birthday!!! shout out to my dear adventurous daughter who is trekking in the country of Myanmar (Burma) at this very moment!