Grains of Sand

I am currently enduring a painting project.  I say enduring, because it has been a long road of indecision and paint color choices that have gone awry. I decided that our living room, which we are slowly transforming into the den, needed some fresh paint.  This is due to the fact that the color on the wall very closely matched the color of the stain we chose for the bookcase we installed.  If memory serves me, the paint color was called Tribal Pottery.  Is was a nice warm, rich, red/brown.  After the bookcase was installed, there wasn't enough contrast between the bookcase and the wall color.  So, the adventure began.  Or should I say the long, arduous journey began. First, in my longing for change, I chose a beautiful sunny yellow called Lantern Light.  After applying the first coat to all the walls, I needed my sunglasses.  It was just too bright and leaned just too far into green for my taste and my home, which is filled with...

For Today... March 16, 2015   Outside my window...  the sun has set and the clouds were gray with an edge of red.  There is a little rain on the windows that is sparkling in the streetlight.   I am thinking... of our St. Patrick's day table at bible study tomorrow.  Went to a friend's store and she set me up with a green table cloth, plates, napkins and many die-cut shamrocks.  Fun, fun!   I am thankful... for spring weather this early in the year!  Our snow has all melted and the grass is green-ish already.   I am wearing... blue jeans, black tank top and a raspberry colored cardigan with dangly earrings and socks on my feet.   I am creating... an organized bookshelf.  Going through all my books and sorting them by subject and author.  I am a book nerd.  :)   I am going... to a lot of social engagements this week.  I used to pray for a few good friends to be able to chat with.  Go...

For Today.. February 17, 2015   Outside my window... blue sky and bright sunshine, birds at the feeder and a brisk wind. I am thinking... about my poor neglected blog.  I wish I felt more creative lately.  I am thankful... for a warm jacket and a warm house. In the kitchen... the refrigerator is full of ingredients for a week's worth of meals.  I just need to work my magic and make the meals. I am wearing... raspberry colored sweater, blue jeans and wool socks. I am creating... a new me.  Minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day.  I hope I never stop growing and changing. I am going... to squeeze in some exercise today.  I am wondering... what life will look like when Logan starts driving in a few years. I am reading... Fearless by Max Lucado. I am hoping... to wash the vehicle before another cold front moves in.  I am looking forward to... women's retreat this weekend! I am learni...

As I was out shoveling, I noticed Winter making itself at home....   Winter sits upon the chair. Winter built a little house. Winter spread it's blanket upon this place.

FOR TODAY January 20, 2015 Outside my window... a gray sky and fresh white snow. I am thinking... of new beginnings and changes.  I've been making little changes ever since my trip to Africa and it feels good! I am thankful... for my husbands words of love.  Something I tend to take for granted. In the kitchen... coffee brewing! I am wearing... gray tights and a purple tunic. I am creating... Pinterest boards for decorating inspiration because January is the month for change around the house. I am going... write letters to my Compassion children this week.  They are long overdue! I am wondering... if Milo the dog might have an ear infection?  We're going in to check today. I am reading... Fearless by Max Lucado. I am hoping... I get over this pesky cold soon.  I am looking forward to... turning the living room into a den complete with built-in bookshelves and comfy chairs. I am learning... all about th...

Beautiful snowy day. We grabbed our cameras... and strapped on our snowshoes. Trail through the snowy trees. Covered in a snow blanket. Breaking trail. Snow dog! Natures own birdhouse. Surprised the river was still open. Heading back.   The quiet that surrounds us while deep in the woods never ceases to amaze me.  So peaceful.  Every now and again we could hear the chickadee's singing to us from the woods and the wind whispering in the trees.    It always reminds me of Robert Frost's poem, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening .   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 an...

wel·come   verb \ ˈ wel-kəm\    : to greet (someone) in a warm and friendly manner : to receive or accept (something) with happiness or pleasure   Welcome.  It's such a big word when you start to unpack it.  It's full of hospitality and warmth.  It is an embrace.  An embrace of acceptance.   To make someone feel welcome is not an easy task.  I feel it is a gift that some have more abundantly than others.  When I ask the question, 'Who makes you feel welcome?'  You will quickly think of one or two people that overflow with hospitality and warmth.  They put you at ease with a few quick words or a warm hug.   Maybe it's a place that makes you feel welcome.  The cozy overstuffed chair in a quiet corner of the library is one such place for me.  How about your...