Simple Woman's Daybook

 http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-2011-daybook-edition.html

Outside my window…it is dusk and drizzly and the chickens are shut up for the night.

I am thinking...how I can release time to blog more often and do all the other stuff I want to get done in 2011

I am thankful for...great mates!

I am learning that…if my BSL(British Sign Language) is to improve I need to watch See Hear and revise my vocab, one thing I have structured into my week now.

From the kitchen...will come savoury mince in condensed Oxtail soup tonight....

I am wearing...a new, smarter and much more professional-looking shirt for work, even if the neckline is a little suspect for me!!!

I am creating...felt coasters and knitting someone a present.

I am going... to see "The King's Speech" at some point in the near future, not sure exactly when....

I am reading…the biography of Sadhu Sundar Singh and being challenged (yet again!)

I am praying…for a lady imprisoned for her faith

Noticing that…pomegranates are actually not a waste of space, full of pips with no flavour.

I am hearing...dh playing his Airport Game on the computer, but at least he has turned the sound down.

Around the house...there are catkins, but need to buy yellow tulips and daffs and some fragrant hyacinths for a convincing spring feel....maybe Saturday!

One of my favourite things...watching the sky change through all the different blues as the evening progresses to night.

Pondering these words…"What we love we grow to resemble" Saint Bernard (never heard of him, will Google...okay, he was French 11th century)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Finish another coaster, soak some pulses and try some new recipes. Sort out some filing which is lying in piles...organised chaos.  Watch an episode of Band of Brothers and see what else happens spontaneously!

A picture to share:

The view from my back garden one morning in the mist, vaguely see Glastonbury Tor in the far distance, slightly to the right.

Simple Woman's Daybook

1. 

Outside my window… it is "as black as your father's hat"

I am thinking... "one day at a time....lived to the full..."

I am thankful for... my church family who teach me so much. I am so privileged to have such people in my life.

I am learning that…when the pears fall off the tree, they are generally ripe after a couple of days in my kitchen.

From the kitchen...comes the aroma of a chicken meal cooked by N, made up (always the best!)  Secret ingredient?  Syrup....but it worked!

I am wearing...my work uniform and wondering when the new tops will arrive....

I am creating...many things in my head that involve ensuites and dining areas, kitchens and bathrooms....all dreams for now. I am content but this word facillitate keeps popping up!

I am going... to Bath Spa on Sunday afternoon, with the Friday girls, A pool on the roof?!

I am reading…Zephaniah and River Cottage Cookbook :)

I am praying…"Your kingdom come in Yeovil"

Noticing that…cobwebs are strangely beautiful when covered with dew.

I am hearing... David cough, Dh type, the computer fan and clocks ticking.

Around the house...there is a pile of unsorted washing on the stairs, still damp from the line. I will hang them before bed, which will be soon.

One of my favourite things...dinner cooked for me.

Pondering these words…" But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always"  didn't expect to discover that in Hosea last week! (12:6)

A few plans for the rest of the week: get to grips with the camera, I am missing out on so much that it can do......but I wish there was an instruction BOOK instead of flippin' software to download.

A picture to share…

An English cream tea !

The Simple Woman's Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Outside my window… Apples are ripening on the trees and dh has already stewed some windfalls with the blueberries and some cinnamon. Had some with yogurt at lunchtime, lush as lush.

I am thinking... I have much to process....what has been and what is to come.....challenges and questions....need a facillitating bubble bath.......

I am thankful for...a new day, a new adventure!

I am learning that…if I want PLJ, I have to go to Morrisons!

From the kitchen... dh is preparing french beans for the freezer.

I am wearing...black leggings and a long tunic top...both of which are a little too big now.....

I am creating...some ideas about a new style day journal, but uncertain whether two into one will go....

I am going... to start writing stuff daily, if I can, done in the hope that somehow, something may rise to the surface...rather than putting things to one side until I have a slot where intelligent words just come flowing out...hahahaha!!! (as if!!!)

I am reading…"More than conquerors, a call to radical discipleship" Simon Guilleband. Chapter 2 so far....I underlined a lot and made little comments in pencil....make a book your own, I say!!!

I am praying…for family stuff....

I am hoping...I get my 1 1/2 stone award tonight....a sticker and a clap!!!!

Noticing that…a buzzard is being dive- bombed by a crow in my back garden...

I am hearing...N filling a bowl to soak his washing....all life skills, I love the boy xx

Around the house...remains of "New Wine" sorting...books, teaching Cds.....tent, camping equipment...now waiting for Greenbelt....and piles of ironed bedding from last week's visitors. Sort of semi organised chaos!

One of my favourite things... dawn

Pondering these words…"I'm not what I ought to be, I'm not what I'd like to be, I'm not what I hope to be, but I'm not what I was and by the grace of God I am what I am". John Newton.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Not in priority order.....you'll be pleased to hear...oh holy ones!!!!

Love my house (cleaning)
Love my garden (weeding)
Love my friends (talking)
Love my job (listening)
Love my God (learning)

A picture to share…

A new day begins..."New Wine" Shepton Mallet 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

Friday July 22 2010

Outside my window… the teasels are turning purple and the Goldfinches have visited once so far!

I am thinking... that I need a day to blitz the house..

I am thankful for...my lovely home...even if I managed to fuse the whole of the upstairs lights...makes me appreciate that electricity is something I take for granted most of the time.

I am learning that…sometimes you just have to say it or pray it and seize the moment...in the case of work today, before the phones start ringing again!

From the kitchen... I have eaten baked beans with melted cheese and two eggs, followed by plums and natural yogurt. Thank goodness for quick food!

I am wearing...my work uniform and the trousers I bought last month are now too big...will be removing safety pin and sewing a tuck in the waistband this w/e.

I am creating...fruit salad tonight and tomorrow a "Welfare friendly" veal cassorole for when the boys return from their Nothern Europe Trip.

I am going... to wash some fridge shelves in a minute, having hopefully sorted out the leak which keeps dripping on to the carpet...

I am reading…Bringing Heaven to Earth by Bill Johnson, a book recommended by a friend.

I am praying…for my workplace.

I am hoping...that I will relax during my full body massage tomorrow!

Noticing that…I have hardly stopped all week, but it has been good and fulfilling....tomorrow I will play!

I am hearing...and I hope I am listening...one thing for sure, I am not writing it down yet...and I must. (cryptic!)

Around the house...are many unfinished tasks, will have to play, "Set the Cooker Timer" game.

One of my favourite things...Lying in bed listening to the rain

Pondering these words…Live Life and always be ready to learn new stuff!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Friday:Massage (as mentioned) Lunch with L, not sure where. Welcoming the men home!
Sat: A short time with A before he returns to London,Camping shopping, wedding, defrost freezer and ironing.
Sun: Church family and pm, can't wait(!) Strictly Come YCC dancing! Fundraiser for C and her dance course. Many mates all partnered up with different generations. Photos are bound to follow!!!!


A picture to share…


Imagine a poppy! The photo is taking forever to load!

A reminder of the trip my Husband and son are doing investigating stories from WW2, in particular D Day.

The Simple Womans Day Book

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

Date 7th July 2010

Outside my window…I see Gert, no longer broody...at last!

I am thinking...about how I can incorporate solitude into my life regularly

I am thankful for...a husband who does the supermarket shop EVERY week and buys expensive syrup so that I can make the bestest flapjacks for work on Mondays!

I am learning that…finding ethically sourced clothing that I actually like is going to be a challenge

From the kitchen... I see some of Monday's washing up still waiting to be done...(This was written on Wednesday!)

I am wearing... joggers, but will change into lightweight clothes for tonight's weigh in. If I do not lose a lb, I will be fed up.. added later....I lost 2lbs!!!

I am creating...some ideas in my head but might need to draw a mind map to make sense of it all....that will be a first!

I am going...to send my dream to Sarah H soon...when I've typed it up..

I am reading…various books on Solitude and Intimacy

I am praying…on Mondays for two important people

I am hoping...that Sarah M gets a job soon that compliments her gifts!

Noticing that…my sweetpeas have been disappointing this year....however the vegetables are growing madly. Will pick my first yellow courgette today and will follow through with a "yellow blog "later, just because I'm feeling frivolous!

I am hearing... a very noisy fan on my computer and 2 ticking clocks...probably quieter in the garden.

Around the house... there are cobwebs and dust, but I'm sitting here with "wha'-evva" written across my face...

One of my favourite things...washing blowing on the line!

Pondering these words…What does a pure heart and steadfast spirit look like...really....

A few plans for the rest of the week: Friday-Coffee with the girls, Reception pm. Saturday- gardening,baking and watching the Air Day from my back garden. Sunday - Being with my church family at the Gateway, pm meeting up with the group going to New Wine in August.

A picture to share…

A and I both weary after full days. I have my feet up on the table...

Simple Woman's Daybook

The site behind the inspiration!


http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com


Date June 25th 2010

Outside my window…I can see the blueberries, now netted up protected from the birds….and beginning to go blue!

I am thinking... about my “To Do list”… this wasn’t on it….but am combining it with after lunch coffee!

I am thankful for... someone to give my clothes to now that some of them are too big!!!!!

I am learning that… you never stop learning and it’s invigorating!

From the kitchen... I see Basil plants that need repotting on the windowsill

I am wearing... beige crop trousers (with a belt to keep them up, yay!) and a multicoloured short-sleeved shirt.

I am creating... a house extension, in my imagination….!

I am going...to paint my toenails tonight, in readiness for a brilliant family wedding tomorrow…and AM going to charge both cameras up later….

I am reading…about loving God, loving others and what that actually looks like in different situations I find myself in, every day.

I am praying…for a deeper understanding which can express itself wisely.

I am hoping...I get my Club 10 on Wednesday …Slimming World Style!

Noticing that…I am not seeing much of N as he comes in after I go to bed (before 10pm) and thinking we need to be intentional!

I am hearing... many different bird songs in my garden…not great at identifying them though.

Around the house... things are looking straighter than they were….Zones are in play again….

One of my favourite things...walking barefoot on warm grass

Pondering these words…”If you always do, what you’ve always done, you’ll always get, what you always got.”

A few plans for the rest of the week: enjoying my nephew’s wedding, meeting up with my brother’s family and my Dad, football on Sunday!

A picture to share…

Simple Woman's Daybook

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

Date Friday 17th June 2010

Outside my window... the night sky moving into dusk, but the birds are still singing. Chickens are settled for the night, but I can’t quite see if Mrs Jenny Wren is still on her nest in her inconvenient spot in the bank by the chicken’s door…..

I am thinking...how tired I am and looking forward to bed…

I am thankful for...a husband who had cooked me pheasant burgers tonight, which were ready as soon as I walked in the door from work!

I am learning that…looking after the pennies as far as the water meter is concerned has meant that having a bucket in the shower to then use to flush the loo has reduced our monthly standing order by £4.50….better than a kick in the face….

From the kitchen... I see the dishwasher needs emptying….it can wait until the morning…

I am wearing...my work uniform…and still haven’t taken off my shoes…

I am creating... a new smaller top for work out of my old, faded, stretched one and not doing very well……

I am going...to have dinner with friends tomorrow and the challenge is we have to prepare a free three course meal without spending any money! We are doing dessert, it’s coming together!

I am reading.. “Why men don’t listen and women can’t read maps” and having a snigger….

I am praying….. that N's band have a great time in Belgium, and…. it’s nice to have the car at my disposal!!!

I am hoping... that my Dad’s Father’s Day card arrives on time, despite the fact I left it too late…Moonpig, do your stuff!

I am remembering something that made me laugh today….a patient’s report that talked about a “nigel in her groin area”….lucky nigel!

Noticing that…the kitchen (zone for the week) has fallen behind on the cleaning schedule…but there is always tomorrow, between dessert creations….

I am hearing... an exasperated football “post mortem” on the TV after the England match…..

Around the house...there are piles of various things that need sorting…always tomorrow…”Can you tell I’ve had it tonight?”

One of my favourite things...black olives, but they have to be pitted….

Pondering these words…”To prove his love for her, he climbed the highest mountain, swam the deepest ocean, and crossed the widest desert. But she left him....he was never home."

A few plans for the rest of the week: Enjoy every minute of my weekend and try and get a blog done by Sunday evening!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing: except that it won't upload...so am giving up!

From where I got the inspiration!

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/



Wednesday 2nd June

Outside my window... I can see the area I weeded this morning around the blueberry bushes....looking forward to the fruits, but first we need to cover them before the birds start looking interested.

I am thinking... that "Bucket Lists" are all very well, but there is a selfish trap which is easy to fall in to, haven't written one yet....

I am thankful for...a garden to grow things in and wander around, with my thoughts.

I am learning that…sometimes I need to keep my "injustice" thoughts to myself.

From the kitchen...I can see the first radishes I have just picked, plus some beetroot leaf tops which I will add to my homegrown salad leaves and chive flowers for lunch!

I am wearing... my joggers which I haven't changed out of from my walking exercise around the block....well I did some gardening, so what's the point?!

I am creating... time to gaze and listen

I am going...to be weighed tonight and I hope I will have lost a lb

I am reading.."The call to Intimacy" by Tony Horsfall

I am praying…..for the Gaza/Israel situation

I am hoping...that I can get knitting again soon.

I am remembering... I have planned to clean the bedroom this afternoon.

Noticing that…if I don't bite or fiddle with my nails...they grow...and I have started wearing gloves when gardening....a bit more.

I am hearing...the sound of ticking clocks and nothing else as everyone is out!

Around the house...things are beginning to take shape, although the carpet appears to have merged with the back garden....

One of my favourite things...watching the dawn and hearing the birds begin to sing.

Pondering these words…Time is precious, use it wisely.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work hard, play well!!!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY 25/05/10

Outside my window... I heard my first cuckoo

I am thinking... about contemplation...and trying not to get distracted!

I am thankful for... Slimming World

I am learning that...I still have much to learn!

From the kitchen... I see someone else cooking dinner for me tonight!

I am wearing... my work uniform, black trousers and a cerise polo shirt

I am creating... a vegetable bed and a simple life!

I am going... to try and have a bath tonight

I am praying...for my friend's ex

I am reading... Life of the beloved Henri Nouwen and "There are no limits" Danny Cox, both borrowed from friends.

I am hoping... I get my 1/2 stone award tomorrow

I am remembering...that I should be doing the ironing

Noticing that...that bite my nails when I read...

I am hearing... "Freely freely, you have received, freely freely give"

Around the house... things need doing.....

One of my favorite things... laughing with friends!

Pondering these words..."Any fool can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed" Ancient proverb

A few plans for the rest of the week: Restart my cleaning zones, lunch with a friend, read and study.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...



Dolly catching sight of herself in the mirror!

Loads of people from around the world are now filling out these pages once a week. Thought I'd have a go!

Have a look at the link below:

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/