Tag Archives: Recreation

Reminders

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Evening chores, mundane moments…trudged through in habit.

Occupied thoughts amidst the sounds of hungry animals.

Staring out across the yard as the evening sun slips quietly into the night.

Ears attuned to the sounds. Dogs barking in the distance, frogs grunting, llamas humming, and that lone train whistle.

Familiar sounds.

Reminders of where she is, and who she is.

Reminders of how different her life is now.

Reminders of how life changes, people grow, lessons are learned, friends made, memories kept.

The unusually cool breeze stirs the field grass and it’s chill feels good on the skin.

The kitchen light pours through the front window and pools in the growing darkness.

She’s counting all the good things in her head, as she walks back to the house………

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For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a futureThen you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV

 

 

 

 

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Let Summer Begin!

The day started out gray, and for an early June day, chilly.

Beach shoes

Beach shoes (Photo credit: @Doug88888)

No matter the weather because this is the first official day of my summer break.

The summer season is ahead!

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Today I am thankful for:

* sleeping in an extra half hour

* a quiet morning

* first day of summer vacation

* a more relaxed schedule

* my two younger children are counselors this summer at camp, a great opportunity

* a trip to Costa Rica, my first time needing a passport!

* looking forward to this adventure with my husband, making memories

* beautiful flowers on the deck

* my husband putting up a fence on our back property…it is a lot of hard work and he is doing such a wonderful job!

* God who loves me, even when I mess up…so many times.






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I’m Blaming Hormones…Because I Can

For those of you that read my blog regularly, you know that yesterday was the pits for me. I’m happy to say, today has been much better. I really need to credit my husband. Now, he probably would not fully appreciate my undying affection splayed out all over the internet…but, that is not going to stop me. After all, day in and day out we hear all the hard, gritty stuff of life and the good stuff doesn’t get talked about as much. Today I am going to counter balance yesterday’s grumpy moodiness with today’s happier, more uplifting note.

First things first. I love my husband. I really do. He’s not perfect, because Lord knows if he were, he would not be with me! I am not perfect, not even close. My husband does balance me. I was swimming around in my moody muck last night, threatening sack cloth and ashes, and loud wailing. It was not pretty. He smiled at me and said something to the effect of “it’s not that bad”. I momentarily thought of throwing a flip flop at him….but, I chose the higher moral ground and decided that assault by flip flop is NOT what a loving wife would do. So, instead I listened to him. He remained calm during my emotional thunderstorm. It made me love him even more. Then he said, “I think we need to go out”. I agreed. We had a nice dinner and an even better conversation. Nothing like Mexican food to calm the inner beast, or the psychotic wife. Just saying.

He could have reacted differently to my bad mood. I wouldn’t have blamed him. Well…..okay, I might have blamed him because that was the frame of mind I was in, but he ignored the mess he married and made the choice to love me despite my flaws. He is really good that way and I sure do appreciate that about him.

Now, there will be days when I get to return the favor…. days when he is having it rough. We all ride this roller coaster of life with its ups and downs, and we are no exception. My mom always used to say, “Just remember, this too shall pass.” I think my husband and my mom must have been cut from the same cloth…..and lucky them, they both get to deal with me:)

Seriously, I’m not that horrible. Most of the time.

I’m blaming hormones…because I’m a woman, and I can.                                                    wedding

9 Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.   —Ecclesiastes 4

 

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The Road Less Traveled

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Some days it is about taking the road less traveled….

finding adventure on the back roads.

Not being able to see past the horizon, but knowing there is something good there

just waiting.

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Right Here, Right Now

The Gypsy Mama

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:::

Here…

*******************************************************************

I practice this day, right now, on being fully here.

Not letting my mind replay past regrets, not worrying about the future….Just being HERE.

That is so hard for me. I tend to hang on to things, or plan for tomorrow.

Planning is fine, and not letting mistakes of the past become repeats for today is good,

but living in those two places steals from today, the here and now.

I want the joy of this moment. Right, here.

 

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Give Them A Hand

English: Female hands.

I was looking at my hands today. Have you ever really looked at your hands? Yes, I know, most of us have the ten fingers (Okay, fine. Eight fingers and two thumbs!), knuckles, palms. Fairly typical. My hands have rings that symbolize my commitment. Scars from the time a student bit me. (my stint working with children with emotional/behavioral issues) In the past year I’ve acquired an age spot. I still can’t believe that, and don’t want to dwell on it. I keep my nails short and they are usually not polished. The skin on my hands tends to get dry, so I’m all the time applying hand lotion. All in all, if you were to look at my hands, you’d probably think, “normal”.

Hands. Incredibly normal, but absolutely incredible, nonetheless. My hands help me brush my hair and apply makeup. My hands make breakfast, type on the computer, bake cookies, drive a car, touch a loved ones face, clap, tap, and snap. My fingers give the okay sign and a thumbs up. My hands give a pat on the back, wipe tears, scratch a back. My hands brush hair out of eyes, and tickle. My hands have held babies and held others hands. My hands have written love letters, and thank you notes, and poetry. I’ve taken notes, and pointed at the blackboard, and prayed.

So, many “normal” things I take for granted. Today, I am thankful for these hands of mine. Simple things, really….but, stopping to appreciate them, well, it’s given me a new and different perspective.

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Today I am thankful for:

* the simple things I tend to take for granted

* hands that do so much

* good health

* a relaxing weekend (sleeping in)

* snowy, winter days

* cold temperatures (I am enjoying winter)

* songs that make my heart sing (singing loudly in the kitchen)

* funny jokes (that only I get)

* a clean house (it makes me feel happy inside)

* a new magazine (beautiful pictures)

* devotions that speak to me (yes, Lord!)

* The Father, Son and Holy Spirit






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Grrr…attitude

How many of the moments in this life of mine, do I fill with gratitude? Or is it more grrrr….attitude? It’s easy to wear blinders to all the good and instead focus on all the irritating, ugly, and frustrating things of the day. You know what I

English: Pineapple on its plant, Costa Rica De...

mean. The empty toilet paper roll, the dirty towels that need washed, the crumbs all over the counter, left over from a child’s midnight snack, rushed schedules, and running out of toothpaste, short words, short fuses and sensory overload. That is where the gratitude takes a nosedive straight into “grrr…..attitude”. Attitude. Ugh.

I know when the Lord talks to me about my attitude. It goes something like this:
“Dawn, I know your thoughts. You can’t hide them from Me.”

“I can try.”

“How’s that working?”

“Not very well.”

“But, it is all really getting on my last nerve. I want to scream. I feel like a hamster on the wheel, Lord!

Nobody understands!”

“I understand. I’m always here.”

“You know, you complain a lot and that doesn’t make Me happy.”

“I know, and I’m sorry about that. Really, I am. I just can’t seem to help myself.”

“I’ve blessed you in so many ways, you need to open your eyes to all that I AM. Really, see.”

“Yes, Lord.”

No, I’ve never heard the Lord talk to me in an audible voice. But, He is here, in the midst. In the midst of the laundry, and the crumbs. He is here in the flurry of schedules and the hum of daily grind. He moves in the snow covered fields and His majesty is in the star filled night. I hear Him on the wind and see Him as He molds my family members lives. He gives such good things, and it is my responsibility to slow down and see Him. Abide in Him. Know Him more.

Today I am thankful for:

* words of wisdom

* books whose words change me

* the Bible, God’s letter to me

* a real love story

* safety in travel

* beautiful scenes from nature

* time together

* friendships

* a to do list that is getting done…slowly but surely

* anticipation of a trip to Costa Rica

* excitement over classes I will be able to take on autism

* having a husband to snuggle with on cold winter nights

* kids that are growing up, tugging at a mother’s heart

* God who knows all, and sees all…and loves me still

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4  NIV

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I Digress…

The Gypsy Mama

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

OK, are you ready? Please give me your best five minutes on:::

Dive…

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Hmmmm……the 5 minutes are ticking, and I’ve got nothing to say. That my friends, is unusual.

Dive. Dive. Dive. The thoughts are blocked people. I’m sitting here at my kitchen table with absolutely nothing. It is a rainy, gray day outside and it’s making me think of water.

High dive. Greg Louganis, of Olympic fame? I don’t know why my mind went to him. I guess the whole water thing.

Dive, which I never like to do at the pool. It’s been awhile since I’ve even been to a pool. A bathing suit is not my favorite outfit. Just sayin’. At least not since middle age. Middle age….eee gads. I can’t believe I wrote that. Just shoot me.

Dive, as in “this place is a dive”….been to some places like that. Greasy food, loud music, you know. I used to love the tater tots at Pops in Jefferson City (where I went to college). I miss those. Now, that has me thinking about them. See, there is a reason I don’t like bathing suits anymore.

I’m completely off track now.

Usually, I like to say something meaningful in my blogs. This is obviously NOT one of those days.

I hope you are still smiling. I know I am.

Have a good day, people. Dive right in!

Mercifully, my five minutes is now up.

English: These are what tater tots look like.

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Happy Birthday To Me

日本語: 黒ゴマソフトクリーム。秋田県角館市にて。 English: Black sesam...

Today is my birthday.  I was born in 1968.

1968. What?!  How can that be? That was such a long time ago…..

In honor of my special day, I thought I’d write a list. (Doesn’t everyone do that, on their special day?)

Forty-four things I’ve learned about life and myself:

1. Days can seem long, but life is short.

2. Time doesn’t stop…it doesn’t even slow down.

3. Relationships are what is important. We are each made for relationship.

4. God is sovereign. He is in control. Always. Nothing surprises Him.

5. I don’t need to have all the answers.

6. Messy won’t kill you…it might aggravate, irritate and you might need to fumigate…but, it won’t kill you.

7. I’m glad I’ve journaled over the years.

8. It’s fun having friendships that have lasted the years.

9. I don’t need negative people in my life. Hurt people, hurt other people. I don’t need that.

10. Every person can reach their full potential.

11. Some of the happiest people I know, don’t know that they have “special needs“…they just enjoy life…and that makes me enjoy life.

12. Children are a gift from God Himself.

13. Being a mother is the closest I will ever come to understanding unconditional love.

14. Birthdays are fun. I like them. I feel special….and I get to eat ice cream.

15. I love ice cream. I refuse to feel guilty about it. Ice cream is good.

16. Dogs are the best pets ever. Loyal, furry friends.

17. I have learned to like cats. Even if I clean up puke nearly every other day. Darn them, for looking all fluffy and cute!

18. Chickens make me happy. Even if they try to peck at me.

19. Sheep freak me out. They look like aliens.  I try not to hurt their feelings…they can’t help it that they look like aliens.

20. Llamas are my favorite “new” animal. I’d like some one day. Just to watch.It lowers my blood pressure to watch them graze.

21. The city life is great for convenience, but I truly love the peacefulness of living in the country. Open spaces and quiet places…..

22. I haven’t been to a high school reunion yet. I wish I could. I think it would be interesting.

23. People watching is an art form, especially during trips to Walmart.

24. Sleep is important, and cannot be overrated. The body needs it and it helps me to not be cranky and want to gag and tie up my family members.

25. I enjoy watching ID TV. I wonder about myself sometimes…..that I should enjoy shows where people are serial killers, identity thieves, housewives that have snapped, or jilted lovers gone wrong…terribly wrong.  When our dogs dragged home some bones last year, I knew they could not be part of a deer carcass….they were probably the remnants of some poor soul that had been dumped on our road. This was completely fabricated on my part, but see how my mind works?  I’m weird, I know.

26. I like to walk. Walking is therapeutic.

27. The scales at the doctor’s office are always wrong, and we all know it.

28. I am a bad gift wrapper, but I don’t care. It’s a gift that someone is getting…should they really care if it is duct taped together?

29. I love to read….but, never feel like I have enough time to sit down and read. When I have enough time to sit down and read, by eyesight will probably have gone by then. How unfair.

30. I could eat Mexican food every day. Hot stuff is good for you. Seriously. Of course, not if flames are shooting out your ears…….

31. Never stop learning. It makes you interesting and entertaining.

32. Remember the good things.

33. Know that bad times will pass. They always do. It won’t be that way forever.

34. A truly strong person is one who can be gentle.

35. Laugh. Laugh a lot. Laugh at yourself.

36. Try to stay organized. It helps life to run a little more smoothly. Do the best you can.

37. I’m not in control of life….even though I’d like to think I am.

38. Tell people that you love, that you love them. Say it over and over again. You need to say it. They need to hear it.

39. Slow down. What is the rush, really? What are you rushing to?  Or from?  There are 24 hrs. in the day for each of us.

40. With age comes wisdom.

41. Beauty is fleeting, but a winning smile and sparkling personality go a long way to making anyone look good, no matter the age.

42. Music speaks to the soul.

43. Flip flops and worn T-shirts are the best summer gear.

44. God is good. All the time.

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The Great American Travel Adventure

I think it’s the sunshine that does it to me. The longer days, the warmer nights. I often go outside and look up at the endless puffy clouds…the vast expanse of sky…and….

I want nothing more than a full tank of gas and a map.

This country I live in, is beautiful and interesting and exciting and inviting….and I want to see it all. I want to meet the people, hear the stories, make the memories.

It happens to me every year at this time.

I pull all my travel books off the shelf. I peruse various scenic highways and byways. I have a longing to see that which will stay in my soul, long after the pictures fade.

So, I was thinking…. Wouldn’t it be fun to travel? You could come along with me. We could “virtual travel” together. Each week, I will explore  a different state and you’ll be along for the ride. (even though today is Wednesday…I’m thinking that Tuesday would be a better travel day)

Put on something comfortable, turn the radio up loud, and lets hit the road!

Hold on, just a sec. I’ll be right back. I’m going to close my eyes and randomly pick a state on my U.S.A wall map.

Here goes……and the first stop will be Mississippi!

Mississippi state welcome sign

Tune in Tuesday, for our first destination. Related articles