the cold...

brrrrrrr... yep, that sums it up perfectly.  I have no idea how much snow we will end up with, but we've already shoveled the drive and sidewalk twice since 8:30 am.  It wasn't supposed to start until after 2 pm, but man plans, God laughs.  It was a soft airy snow as it began to fall, shortly after Hubs and I went up to top off our gas tanks.  You definitely do not want to be low when the weather is bad.  

I decided I'd have plenty of time to run south to my quilt shop. I definitely had time, but just barely.  Within an hours time, the roads had hit the end of my comfort level. We'd planned one more stop, but the intersections and one and off ramps had gotten far too slippery for comfort and I have an AWD. We got home at the same time, shoveled for the first time and stopped for the day. 

I have two mystery quilts going this year and I wanted to get the fabric for the one as full yardage. I have no idea what it will look like when unveiled in October, but this one is going to be my first black and white one.  I've been wanting to try one for a long time, but I never seem to get to the ones I want to make for me. So the wonderful young lady that owns Your Quilt Shop helped me pick some fabulous colors. I cant wait to see how it will turn out.  I'm excited to start. Although I am a bit frazzled today and not in a sewing mindset, so I will head up tomorrow morning once I've given all the meds and made breakfasts.  I will work on both of my mystery blocks then.  

The second one is a 250th year Celebration quilt.  It will be red, white and blue.  I did grab a few more fat quarters for that one.  It will be scrappy, so I will probably pick up odds and ends throughout the year. It is 12 months long, so I have plenty of time to acquire additional colors and prints as the mood hits me. 

We were supposed to have a lull in the snowfall, but so far it appears to have decided not to happen.  I wonder if that will affect the amount of snow we finally get. Who knows.  I'm not at all worried about it, although my Pups are a bit concerned about the lack of a walk.  We toughed it out yesterday, but I'll be honest, I am not tough enough for -15° wind chill.  My fingers were burning from the cold through my very thick gloves. They are going to have to wait until the temperature gets out of the single digits. 

No sunrise this morning...

It wasn't supposed to start until 2 pm,
this was noon... 

I was doom scrolling earlier while cooking lunch and came across a sentence that really resonated with me.  "When you prepare, you don't have to get ready".  That is truly how this week has felt to me.  While everyone was scrambling to stock up on bread, eggs and milk.  We weren't.  We weren't rushing around to buy staples, take care of pet needs, or any of it.  I went into Pan Asia to see if they had any beef femur bones, as my pups love them and we'd run out.  I thought they might help them stay "busy" while stuck inside.  They didn't, in fact they didn't have any bones of any kind... I moved on.  I did pick them up some duck feet that are still thawing, I will pop them in the dehydrator once they can be comfortably handled. 

I didn't need fabric, I wanted it.  

We are prepared for most anything that is heading our way.  As the cold was going to be so extreme, we did go buy insulators for both outside faucets.  Something we haven't needed before, but felt it wise to err on the side of caution. 

I didn't truly need gas, the 4 gallons I added were not exactly going to cause a huge difference for us, but in the event that this is not a pleasant experience, I have almost 400 miles I can drive before I need more gas.  

Our biggest concession was to fill the garden tub with water, simply as a precaution.  As cold as it is, it isn't hard to imagine a water line breaking somewhere in the city.  And I did place towels at the base of all the doors.  That cold is creeping in from every crack it can find, I want to be ahead of it. 

Shortly I will start a pot of chili for Hubs, I'm not a fan, but he loves it.  And today feels like a chili kind of day. But for now, as soon as I wrap up writing, I am going to give my thumb a test run with the knitting needles.  I was about 70% finished with a sweater when I broke my thumb.  It's been killing me not to finish it. I hope it will not cause discomfort, it is still a little stiff from lack of use. 

I hope everyone is tucked in tight, that your pets are cozy and you have a pot of soup on the stove and warm blankets to snuggle in as this event moves across our country. 

Be safe!  Stay warm!

much love, 

b

against the odds...

Sunshine, hot cup of coffee and a busy morning.  Yep, life is GOOD!  It's only 8 am, the sun has been up for a bit, although it is just starting to be visible above the treeline. I hit the ground running again, trying to break that habit I had found myself drifting into. It feels good to start the day off strong.  I feel productive and vital.  

While watering my spring garden this morning I happened to spy a lilac on my little bush.  It's had such a hard life.  It's not planted in a good spot to begin with, I didn't plant the sweet thing, but its clinging to life on a rather steep and rocky hillside.  Last year we had the fence installed and I was definitely not sure it would survive, they dug a post hole right near it's roots. Yet there it was blooming for all the world to see.  It only has a single flower, just enough to say "don't give up on me".  As if I would.  

I can definitely empathize with my sweet little lilac bush.  I have had some challenges in my life, haven't we all.  I fully expect to be able to nurse it to full health one of the springs.  Just the fact that it bloomed a perfect bloom definitely proves it is a fighter. 

I was running through my to do list in my mind this morning while cutting Hub's hair.  He hasn't let anyone but me cut his hair for over 20 years now, I'd like to think it's because I do an amazing job.  Realistically, it probably has more to do with the fact that he can get it cut at 6 am in his jammies, while drinking his coffee.  But I digress.  That to do list is definitely hopping.  It seems everything I have on it is taking at least three times longer than I "proposed" that it would. 

Why did Mom have to get up early???

For example, yesterday I decided to take advantage of the early morning coolness to weed the front flower beds and plant the bulbs that I decided I needed (note to self... you need absolutely zero more bulbs).  I was sure I would have them long done before the warmth of the day hit.  I was loving those 50° temperatures and could have spent the entire day working out there if it had stayed that way.  

before

after...

By the time I had moved on to painting the front door frame and door, it was already pushing 80° and I was so very thankful for the strong breeze that was moving through the house. I'd painted our door navy blue over eight years ago when we moved in.  I did not like the muted blue that it was, it was dull and uninviting.  After all that time, I was weary of blue, I wanted a welcoming color. It is now a beautiful red (ironically the name of the color is "forbidden red"), and it looks so beautiful.  Now I need to order new bunting for the rails, the weather finally beat up the ones I had, and get some nice flowers for the planters that sit out front.  

I often forget that I had my knee replaced.  I've adapted to moving a bit differently, instead of simply dropping down to my knees to do a task.  I've learned to stand up from the ground, although it is awkward and I am sure I resemble some type of farm animal mimicking a human.  What I haven't learned to remember is that my leg still gets weary easily.  And some of the spots I managed to get myself into required a lot of thought to get myself out of. By mid-afternoon when I was finished with those few tasks, I was worn to the bone.  My legs were sore from the strange twists and turns that I now do to complete a task that previously I would have simply dropped to the ground to complete. Sometimes I simply forget. 

Yesterday, while taking a break a friend sent me a link.  As I read the words the person shared, I felt like I was reading the words of a kindred spirit.  He'd written his thoughts on what God is asking of us.  Yes, he asks for prayer and faithfulness.  But I have always felt that God wants us to be active, engaged participants in our lives.  Not the kind of folks that throw our hands in the air and mutter... well I prayed about it, my part is done. 

I mean he pointed out, quite honestly, that Noah had to build an ark, Abraham was asked to sacrifice his only son, David had to gather stones, the Israelite's had to walk around the walls of Jericho for seven days and then blow their shofars. These are just a few examples of what was asked.  

I truly feel that we are called to actively participate. As I read the article I felt renewed in my convictions.  I have much to do.  It is what my chosen lifestyle calls for.  Could I simply purchase things?  Of course, would it have the value that it does to me? Nope. 

I have chosen to be a homemaker.  In the purest sense of the word.  I take care of our homestead, do I wish it was a hobby farm out in the country, of course.  Will I utilize what I have here in the city?  Absolutely!

So this morning is filled with making red bud jelly, there is a large pot of chicken bone broth simmering on the stove, I will start another one after I process all of the jellies.  I will inventory the freezers, see what needs to be used or what is waiting to be canned and get busy with that.  It's the very start of canning season here.  

I will soon gather asparagus (we have eaten or shared all of the pickled asparagus we had).  The dandelions are in bloom and will need gathered for jellies and maybe even a dandelion wine this year (if I can find some nice fields to gather from).  

Tomorrow is our first trip of the season to the Amish market, God willing as their sign says. And I am excited to possibly get some young starter plants for my garden.  I was able to keep the green Amish pepper plant alive over the winter and as a result hope to get another one to add to the collection. 

Who knows.  So much that I want to do.  So much that I love to do.   God has blessed me with a wonderful life and opportunity, I am not about to squander that blessing by wasting the time and talents he's provided. I cannot ask for the gift of abundance and not be willing to work hard to receive it. 

This weekend we will visit the market, work on creating some flower beds, do a bit of planting, do some canning, help Hubs work on my quilt, do some sewing, visit with family, spend quality time with our new church and thanking God for the blessings that surround us.  

I love our life. I am thankful for all of the opportunities and the joy I find in it.  

Well, it's time to get back to work.  The jellies are waiting and I just remembered I need to fill the hummingbird feeders.  I think I saw an early arrival the other night. 

love and prayers...

staying busy...

There is a beautiful breeze blowing through the treetop garden this morning.  The leaves are rustling and it's soft enough to be enjoyable. Or at least it would be if it wasn't simply moving the hot, humid air around.  I get it, it's almost summer, only a few more days of late springtime left.  But when they keep saying we are breaking almost century old records, it makes you wonder. 

So much makes me wonder these days.  This heat is yucky, but tolerable.  I'm thankful that I took the time to put heavy drapes in all of the windows yesterday.  It's amazing the difference in our house already.  Makes me wonder why I waited so long. The blinds in all of the windows definitely did not do as good of a job of blocking out those hot rays of light.  I actually enjoyed the time I was in my sewing room and during the summer, well that is hardly the case. That late afternoon sun is brutal, we even managed to get the dining room cooled, again not something that usually happens from late June until about September. The things you learn when you start paying attention. 

Yesterday I ran up to the corner grocery, I decided to make Hubs some keto ice cream.  I didn't want to go all the way to the other store, at some point you have to make a decision about how much gas you are willing to spend to do something spur of the moment.  Schnucks has been struggling to keep their shelves stocked since about March of 2020, we all know what happened then.  They are also the first ones to jump on every stupid bandwagon that comes along.  I assure you I wasn't colored surprised when they were all masked up again and the shelves were mostly barren.  In fact, I guess my expectations were solidly met. 

the stocker had just left...

I'd read that potatoes were in short supply this year and worse is expected next year.  Now Hubs and I agreed to give them up over a year ago, so I wasn't really overly concerned about it.  Nor had I paid much attention.  But when I went to Costco the day before I noticed they only had a very small bin of potatoes, not the giant ones they usually have.  Yesterday at Schnucks it was glaringly obvious that something is definitely up with potatoes.  Yep, I know they aren't really in season yet, but being a spoiled American, I know for a fact that they have been in abundance year round until recently. 

I guess we can add potatoes to the growing list of things that are struggling to reach the shelves.  I wonder if I need to consider growing some?  It's too late to start them this year, but I am feeling like I need to get some organic ones and let them become seed potatoes. We actually like them, but they are super heavy in carbs and we try to avoid that. 

Saw another news article that has me even more perplexed, evidently 10,000 cows dropped dead from the heat, in Kansas.  Now I admit it is warm, but I am struggling to believe the truth in this one.  Maybe a couple head, but 10,000 previously healthy cows?  Something doesn't smell right... not in the least... the pictures were quite disturbing and the articles were carried on multiple sites. 

Ahhhh... that breeze is getting stronger, I can hear all of my wind chimes! I love the peaceful sounds they make.  They fill me with joy and a sense of calm. Like everything is going to be okay.  Just a reminder that life has a minor hiccup (maybe major at this moment) and to simply remember to go with the flow.  Float along with the breezes kind of message. 

I spent a lot of time lifting and carrying heavy things yesterday.  The Pups food came in and I needed to get it the extra one downstairs.  I always order two, because they are growing babies and because puppy food is stupid hard to come by here in the Lou.  They are seven months old now, soon we can transition them to big dog food, that will make it a touch less challenging.  I'm not so used to heavy lifting, I'm just starting to be brave enough that I trust my knee on stairs while carrying heavier things, so needless to say... today is an achy kind of day.  

I even used Hubs' inversion board today to stretch out the old back.  Today it feels super old.  Not so sure I enjoyed the feeling of being suspended upside down, but I will admit that the pain in my back dropped dramatically.  Our orthopedic doc has some incredible suggestions sometimes.  I was nervous, worried it would be too much for my knee, after all you are basically suspended from your ankles.  No issue with the knee and the back feels light years better, I'll be able to complete the tasks I have laid out for myself. 

they don't care...

I think it is time to take down the kennels, or at least close to it.  I left the puppies alone for over an hour yesterday, they slept and waited for my return, they didn't destroy anything.  Well, anything of ours, the soft toys are rapidly dying off.  Hubs and I pick up their remains at least six or so times a day.  Those squeakers mean the toy is going to be ripped to absolute shreds in search of that noise.  

what are you looking at?

I even gave the steps a test run last night.  After we head to bed with the Pups, I was worried they would wander the house, so I have been laying a gate across the top step.  Yes, I know full well they can take it down if they want, but they haven't even begun to bother it. So last night I didn't bother.  Neither pup wandered.  They slept soundly through the night.  After almost six months, our home will start to return to normal.  I do not know how I will handle it! I think for now I will simply disassemble them and store them downstairs, just in case.  No need to be hasty. 

Well, the things don't happen without me doing them.  So it's time to get with it.  One of my friends is coming over this afternoon and we will can some of the meats she's been doing up in her smoker.  I figure I'd better get my stuff done before she comes so that there is room to play. 

Watch out carrot peeler... here I come. Have a great day everyone!  Please pay attention to what is really going on around you!

love and peace...

personal growth...

It's already been a busy morning, I just need a few minutes of time for myself before I dig into the day.  I'm finally getting a whole cup of hot coffee (the struggle has been real this morning) and the pups are laying at my feet working on the Kong's that Hubs fixed before heading off to work. Me, I'm enjoying the silence of the moment.  No noise, if you don't count the licking and crunching and the sound of the heater running.  It's dreary outside and almost dark inside, except for the light filtering in and the single lamp I have burning.  

Since I don't rush off to a traditional job any longer I find that I usually do not get out of bed until around 6 am, I might be awake, in fact I usually am.  But I often find that early morning hour or two the time that I get engrossed in learning a new skill or reading an article or two about things I find fascinating, after I have spent some time in deep thought and meditation.  It balances me out.  What I am finding though, is that then I am rushing about trying to complete all of the tasks that need to happen before Hubs leaves or starts his day. 

I'm not sure that I want to give up that quiet time, it's a leisurely way to start the day off.  Hubs usually brings me coffee around 6 and that signals that it's time to start the day off at a brisk pace.  I am finding that hour or two to be a bit stressful, which is why I am not sure my current plan is working. On the flip side, the time after that rushed period is priceless and calm.  Maybe I am just pushing against the way I used to do things and that is causing the anxiety?  I don't know, my old life was all about rushing and hurrying.  It was very hard on me mentally and emotionally, and I will not even talk about the damage it caused physically.  You really don't think about those things when you are deep in the moment.  You simply survive. 

I don't live in survival mode any longer.  I am so blessed and thankful for that.  It might be the reason why whenever I am confronted with even a tinge of it, almost like a boomerang feeling that instills that fight or flight emotion?  

This morning I forgot to turn the flame off under my cast iron skillet after making breakfast.  That one is going to need cleaned and seasoned again.  I almost crumbled when it happened, Hubs kept telling me over and over that it wasn't a catastrophe, but for that moment, it felt like it. 

I'm calmer now.  The pan is okay.  Hubs has been fed, Pups have been fed and walked.  But for a moment it felt out of control, I guess I sometimes have PTSD from the life I lived before. 

In a bit I am going to head to the kitchen and work on some canning, it didn't happen yesterday.  Time got away from me while I was gathering recipes and planning my course of attack on the pile of fresh veggies that need my attention. Before I knew it is was almost time for the youngest grands to join us for Easter dinner.  It was late, the dragon was with her dad and needed retrieved. It didn't matter, it was wonderful to have everyone gathered together.  If we had planned a bit better I might have gotten all of the grands together, but alas I am not incredibly awesome at planning. 

Today is going to be a serious homemaker day, the dreariness outside is definitely compelling me to stay inside.  It looks like I have enough tomatoes to make the tomato paste and a small batch of tomato sauce. Of course I still have 5 pounds of jalapeno's to prepare and get into their cans.  The two months of waiting will feel like an eternity, but the freshness of homemade is worth it. I think I am going to run up to the fruit stand and get more pickling cucumbers before I start the pickles, it feels a bit like a waste to prepare the brine for so few, but we'll see where I am later in the day. By tonight the onions will be in the dehydrator, the red buds will be strained for jelly making day and I will be working on tackling my plan for the chicken.

I have to clean the fridge that Hubs managed to get free yesterday, I knew if we were patient the right one would come along.  I finally have my cheese cave!  After I clean it good today and we move it downstairs, I can start planning my cheese making journey. I have been stalling until I felt better prepared, and who knows I might be a bit apprehensive about trying something new, the excuses for stalling are running out.  

In between all of that there is laundry to wash, a bull to finish (decided that has to happen while puppies nap, as they are far too interested in the yarn), I might even find time for a long walk with the babies if it warms up and doesn't rain.  

We are under a frost warning for the next almost 24 hours.  I would really like it if Mother nature would tell winter it is time to move along.  I am over it. Had to bring my herbs inside again as opposed to putting them in their bigger pots, so frustrating.  I ran across a picture of me and my grand daughter the other day, we were wearing capri leggings and tank tops because it was so warm.  That is not the story this year, for sure.

From this weekend, but I LOVE this pic of him

I saw a quote that often pops up this morning, "the older I get the more comfortable I am not fitting in with society".  It's been around for years in different forms and verbiage, but truthfully, the older I get the more it resonates with me.  I love marching to my own drummer, the band playing in my head doesn't fit modern society for the most part.  For the longest time, I felt weird and out of touch with reality.  Now I understand that my reality is perfect for me. I'm a bit old fashioned.  I'm definitely odd in my hobbies and the things that fill me with joy.  Truth is... I no longer care what others think or feel about my life choices.  It's so liberating.  I don't begrudge other's the things that bring them joy and happiness, even when it isn't something that fills my soul.  We're all here to live our own journey and experience what we chose.  

nap time

The babies have worn themselves out and are crashed on the sofa, I guess it's time for me to get busy doing me things... I hope all of you have a blessed day and that your journey is bringing you immense fulfillment. 

love and peace...  

there's a storm rolling in...

There is a storm blowing in.  Well a real storm. By mid-morning we are expecting super high winds, thunder, lightning and rain, lots of rain. I love it!  All of this beautiful rain is turning my corner of the world vibrant spring colors. Everything is bursting with light and life.  

I am concerned that there is worse storm blowing in that is not filled with those wonderful experiences.  I worry that it isn't so much life giving as it is energetically damaging. One that will cause people harm in many ways, not just physical.  Actually, I feel like maybe we have been in a storm for a long while now, and that it is simply escalating. 

The thing is, I am not sure what the end plan of this storm is.  I have a few ideas, I am not altogether sure for some of us the outcome is going to be what it will be for others.  I am afraid some people will be lost as this continues, they aren't riding the waves, they are being sucked into the under current.  They've either forgotten or never been taught how to avoid an under current and the swirling darkness is grabbing at their legs and pulling them down.  When all they need to do is focus on floating above the danger, don't fight it - you can't beat it that way.  By stretching out and floating they will have the ability to remove themselves from the danger. 

I keep getting alerts telling me what to do to be safe with today's incoming storm. How to seek shelter, where to do and what to do. 

Oddly, I haven't heard any warnings about what to do to withstand the storm that we've been in. I was stunned to hear that we are at 8.5% inflation.  I hated math in school, still not something that I spend my free time playing in, but I can do the math needed to know that 8.5% is a fantasy.  Most everything we purchase, even the taxes that we pay have gone up far more than that. And it might not be terrible if that was the only storm out there.  Unfortunately, that feels like it's just the high winds - at almost a CAT 4 tornado level - I would say CAT 5, but I fear it can still get worse and that is the definitely the plan. 

Throw in the booming thunder of fear that is being drummed up yet again.  The powers that be trying to force people back into their homes and into masks.  If the past two years didn't teach us anything, it should have taught us that the thunder is just loud voices yelling to get their way. 

I am not sure what the lightning is... Maybe it is the mandates, or maybe it is the sheer number of people that have lost their jobs (and no folks are not really hiring), or could it be the "supply chain shortages" that are causing true hardships in some areas?  Could it be the latest call of disease impending that could further damage the food supply?  I don't know, it's so multi-pronged. Or could it be the damage being caused to our youth?  I can't even go there right now. 

I know that I think and feel differently than some of those around me.  I always have. 

I know in a real live storm to secure things that could fly through the air and harm not only myself but others.  I know to seek shelter from twisters.  And not to stand under a tree in a lightning storm.  I've been trained to do that since I was young. 

Yesterday, I took the babies for a walk.  Our beautiful subdivision sits in the middle of some interesting real estate.  I climbed the hill they love to go to the top of to survey their kingdom, because that is how it feels.  As we were standing there looking out on the duplexes that are below us I noticed that almost half of the patios that I could see were covered with container gardens in the making.  In years past there was fancy lawn furniture and outdoor play areas. 

Do you know how to plant a victory garden?  Have you ever done it?  Have you ever worked the land to provide food for your family and loved ones? I know for a fact that most towns and communities that we live in today frown on tearing up your pristine grass and planting a garden.  In some you can be fined and told to remove it.  Are you willing to violate that?  And if you are willing, do you even know how?

I remember being a kid and dad and mom insisting that we got a garden plot whenever we lived somewhere that had them available.  I wish I had one now.  I remember walking through my grandpa's garden with him and helping him harvest the sweetest strawberries that I have ever eaten.  Or learning when the corn was ready to pick.  I remember the huge chest freezer, I was mostly interested in the popsicles stashed in there for treats, but I also remember it was filled with deliciousness that he grew with his own two hands and his labor. 

Do we have basic life skills, because that is what is going to be needed to survive this storm. Do you possess a strong work ethic, the willingness to have dirt under your nails, aching muscle from hard labor, or even the willingness to learn new skills?  To make and create the things that you are used to running up to the store or out to a restaurant to grab? Or have you fallen into a trap not of your own making.  Lured by the ease that life has been?  

Try finding a television show that factually depicts what life was like the last time the government crashed the economy. Yet we are lured into watching hours of television, full of ads for things we want, creating a fantasy life that all of us would love to have. 

We recently had an election, there was a proposition on there in our entire county to add another tax on all internet sales.  This was to add additional taxes by the city to the state tax that you already pay on internet purchases. I was curious as to the over all outcome of that vote and had to do some serious searching to find the answers.  It wasn't like I could simply click a single place for election results, easily and without searching. What I found the most disturbing was the trends. The two middle highest income areas passed it. The lowest, poverty stricken areas passed it.  And all of those in the middle areas said no. 

Here's the thing.  It was being sold as you would get more "free" benefits from your local governments,  they simply needed more money to survive and build a budget (even though my own town had a large surplus the past two years), but mostly, they were going to take it to give every one more free things. 

Folks, nothing is free in this world that we are living in. Stop and think about it.  Today I will do my taxes, I am sure I will write a very large check to Uncle Sam and my state government.  Because they feel they need more and more of my hard earned dollars to exist on.  Then stop and think about the fact that congress just voted to give themselves a 21% cost of living pay raise.  Where is that coming from?  And frankly why do they need it?  True leaders take care of the flock, not enrich themselves off their backs.  

You are free to think and feel the way you want.  As am I.  I'm tired of being a sheep being groomed for slaughter.  I'm tired of all my labor enriching those that have never gotten their fingernails dirty trying to coax some vegetables from the ground to enrich their own families. 

Today's incoming storm is nothing compared to the one that we've been in.  As I began typing this, I truly felt like this storm was recent. As my brain explored my thoughts and feelings in depth while I was typing, I realize that this storm has been here a long time. Longer than most of us will even realize.  Most younger people today have never grown food, can't even sew on a button and frankly (based on how busy restaurants and fast food places still are) have limited ability to cook and prepare their own meals. 

This storm has been here for a very, very long time.  Slowly but surely activities that can benefit growth and knowledge have become "uncool" and are disappearing.  Kids don't want to work in the food industry (they would learn from the labor), I don't know if any schools have 4H clubs or Home economics courses anymore - although even when I was going through school I learned more on how to clean the kitchen than the skills I needed and that was over 40 years ago.  Do schools have wood-working or shop classes anymore?  What about automotive classes?  Is that taught anywhere?  

Or do I truly belong to a very extreme clique of people that simply didn't move on?  That thrive with all of those random and useful skills.  Please don't ask me to play a video game with you, I can't.  Or maybe it is that I won't. I took computer programming courses, I can use most modern technology with skill and ease, the thing is... I don't want to. 

I will still have struggles if some of the things I am used to having at my disposal go away.  But I know that I possess the basic skills to survive, even clumsily. Are you part of my tribe?  Are you crazy busy preparing for this part of the storm that we are now in?  Do you have your storm shelter ready?  Supplies on hand? 

I sat with my awesome girlfriends last night for a couple of hours pinching dandelions to get them ready to make jelly.  One of them had gathered a huge bag of them on her way home from work.  While she was gathering them, I was sitting in my yard gathering more wild violets. We are working on improving our skills and providing for ourselves. We talked about different things that we either feel we need to learn or start doing more of to stop being so reliant on things that might not continue to serve us.

I need to take my babies out for a long walk, they will not want to go out in the incoming storm, and I need to get busy working on getting prepared for the storm.  Working on having back ups and plan b's for the crap life is throwing at us. I hope you are at least paying attention to the incoming storms.  That you know how to lift your legs and float so that you are not sucked down.  I pray that my family, friends and loved ones, heck everyone is ready for whatever life throws at you.  Don't wait for someone to come and save you?  Because the reality is that has never been the plan, need a reminder - look at some of the areas of our world that have been destroyed by natural disasters and man made ones.  Look at the devastation to inner cities and ask yourself why. 

Gotta get busy... love and peace...

following dreams...

Normal start to a normal day.  I love this new normal.  Pups are snoozing at my feet, the fire is warm and toasty.  The wind is blowing the chimes playing a beautiful melody.  Hubs is working downstairs.  All before 5 am.  Got smart last night, went to bed when puppies did.  Super early, but the sleep deprivation was getting to us.

Feeling a bit like I have had too much sleep today.  7 straight hours feels like I'm having a sleep hangover, after almost two weeks of maybe 5 or 6 hours.  We'll see how long it takes for the effects of a full night's sleep to wear off. Our sweet babies are 8 full weeks old today, soon they will have their first two shots and be able to go for longer walks outside.  They will be able to meet the neighbors and start on their journey to being well socialized, well trained pups.  Oh my!  What a journey it will be.  Thankfully, they are both smart and are already learning so much. 

I'm hoping to work on the quilt today.  It will all depend on the puppies.  And Hubs work schedule.  He has a super early conference call every Wednesday morning that he takes from his home office.  Which also happens to be where my longarm is.  So I am going to work on another UFO upstairs until that is over.  I feel it would be quite rude to be sewing while he is trying to hear and speak.  I really want it done this week though, so I need to get a bit more organized.  

I finished the first UFO yesterday and will hopefully deliver it to my girl today.  It's odd how those little accomplishments, can make one feel well... accomplished, successful, on track.  As I was finishing up the hat my girl requested I was thinking about it in depth.  Remembering when I first learn to knit, ironically to make a sweater vest for her as a little one.  I remember how hard I struggled with it, how I felt it would not become a lifelong hobby as I really wasn't doing a very good job.  It took me years to figure out how to knit.  I had a massive creative block where it was concerned. My brain could not complete the actions. 

Put a crochet hook in my hands and I could do anything I decided I wanted to do.  But two sticks, goodness what kind of sorcery was that? I refused to give up, I was determined to master it.  Over 35 years later, I am not so sure I have mastered it, but it is my preferred needlework.  Oh I still crochet, particularly when I want something done quickly.  Yet as I was correcting a problem yesterday in the final row of the hat when a needle slid out and I dropped stitches, I remembered frogging (tearing out) many projects because of that very issue.  

I was thinking about how much I enjoy creating some things.  A lot of family and friends have commented on the gifts I have made over the years.  I have sold a few of them as well and done a bit of commissioned work.  I am always my worst critic, never feeling that it was good enough, embarrassed at what I had given.  Looking back, there were a few beginner pieces that probably deserved those thoughts, but for the most part, I can hold my head up with pride when I finish a piece now.  Yet oddly, some of those slightly misshapen early pieces hold the most joy for me. 

As I was finishing up I started to think about the time it takes to become skilled.  And also the passion it takes to stay true to what you are creating.  My younger sister is incredible at making afghans.  I love the work she does.  They are so pretty and some are complex.  I envy her.  Can I crochet, absolutely, it was my first craft I mastered.  I have made many, many things, and I am more than capable to make afghans, in fact I have made a fair number.  I loathe making afghans.  If you have one that I made, know it was a pure act of love, because I truly despise making them.  And I am not really sure why.  The only thing I can figure is that they take such a time commitment to a single stitch or series of stitches and my attention span is far too short for that. The memory of the weeks I spent working on full sized afghans causes me a good amount of anxiety.  The memories are not pleasant.  My only hope of an afghan is that she will take mercy on me and make me one.  Who knows I might commission her to do so. 

My other sister has a Cricut, she creates so many wonderful projects.  I keep trying to convince her to sell them, to create a business out of it.  I hear her echoing my own words for many years.  If I do it for a living will I still love doing it?  I get it.  I truly understand. But dang, she's so talented.  I hope I can manage to pull off even a bit of what she has accomplished when I finally get to try mine, maybe a year from now?

I have a both a sister and a friend that are masterful at capturing pictures.  They can frame them in such a way that you feel drawn into the moment.  You can imagine the scene, smell the smells and hear the sounds captured in that moment.  Makes me wonder how many pictures didn't make the cut.  How many times did they discard those other photo's to capture that one precious moment?

When we become good at a skill it isn't because we picked it up one day and poof like magic we mastered it.  How many times have I unwound a project, picked stitches out of a quilt (like last night - I switched to a new kind of thread and I'm still working on the tension), how many batches of soap are strictly for home use because ugghhh?  I have candles that burn perfectly wonderful, but look a fright.  The first stuffed toy I made had his head on upside down.  It's all about the journey.  The time you put into it.  The dedication to mastering the craft.  

When you are passionate about it, it's magical.  When you are simply going through the motions... well... you get the picture. 

As I thought about those things and finished the hat, I treasured my own gifts and silently celebrated those around me that don't give up. I'm cheering for everyone that is willing to step out of their comfort zone and learn something knew, to follow their dreams and passions. 

Well puppies are awake and wired, Hubs is wandering around with a grumbling belly and the day is ready to start. 

love and peace...

slow and intentional...

It is way too early to be wide awake, but here I am.  I've been awake since 3 am, I think Hubs' sleeping schedule is trying to rub off on me. Truth is, I was exhausted yesterday and went to bed super early.  Instead of making myself stay up.  I will be regretting this a bit later today, I'm sure. 

Yesterday was full of chores and honey do's.  We were so busy almost all day, yet I sat down to update my calendar and to do list, and was shocked at how little was actually marked off.  I sometimes fail to realize that the things on the list take time.  They are not always quick check boxes.  Sometimes they are far more time intense. My brain just wants to make them quicker. 

We did our shopping for groceries, as we are being more intentional about where we shop to extend our dollars that took most of the morning.  I am stunned by the steadily increasing cost of groceries.  And thankful for the ability to cook and make us healthy meals and snacks.  That prepackaged stuff is outrageous.  I always look at the cost of it and the nutritional content.  Things we are led to believe are healthy and will make our lives easier are far too often not what they are advertised.  We have a couple more things to go out and get today, but I needed to make sure I had freezer space. We'll take care of that stuff in a couple of hours. 

I made some more of the zucchini chips yesterday when we got home, Hubs and I have a new treat to add to our menu and I am able to make use of what is in abundance right now.  Besides, it looks so pretty in my mason jar collection!  

I'm getting ready to start a few more trays of them this morning, tomorrow is reserved for drying more of the cranberries.  Anyone that loves dried cranberries, seriously needs to try drying their own.  I use this recipe Dried Cranberries. Both of these women a pure genius when it comes to healthy tasty food, there are several others that I use a lot also.  I am so unbelievably thankful for the people that put the time and energy into creating recipes for others to be able to live a healthy life. 

My little dehydrator is definitely getting a work out. After I finish with the cranberries, I am going to harvest some of the herbs that are left and dry and store them.  I am also going to really look at what ones I use a lot and add them to my list of things to plant next season.  I had to pick up a few at the store, and the price almost gave me sticker shock.  

The front gardens are tucked in for their winters nap, it was so sad to trim everything back and rake up the leaves that had fallen.  Although I will be the first to admit that it looks wonderful and clean.  It was time.  I also trimmed a bit of the Japanese Maple, I've been waiting, but it's been scratching the truck a bit and Hub's antenna has been tearing it up for months.  It was a bit unruly and since the truck was there for me to stand on the bed, I figured it was time.  It needs a better trim, but I want to wait until it's colder before I do that.  

We hauled another load of wood yesterday, Hubs went to pick it up and said they were packed with others doing the exact same thing.  Either they are all like me and simply love a beautiful wood fire in the morning, or they are also like me and Spire is making them a bit antsy.  I am still not sure how I feel about this impending "natural gas" issue.  Is it for real?  Or is it a way to justify greater profits for the gas company?  Are they really going to be having an issue that will impact us, like Texas had happen last year, or is this how they will justify going after a rate increase when costs have been flat for a while?

It's really sad when you can't trust anyone.  I am making plans and working to be prepared.  If it happens we will be ready, if it doesn't, we will still be ready.  I have to admit I do not like living in this bubble of uncertainty, yet at the same time, it doesn't hurt to be ready. I feel that we have all forgotten how our grandparents prepared for things.  We are so used to zipping down to the store to pick up our daily needs, or popping on Amazon and doing that next day delivery.   I know I am as guilty as sin where that is concerned. 

I did not grow up like this, yet it sure was easy to fall into the trap of convenience once it was available.  It was almost necessary so that I could function in my professional role and still care for my family and home. Now that I am working on slowing things down and planning, I feel a greater sense of calmness and control.  I like that feeling. I am fairly certain Hubs does too.  

I get so anxious when I have to go shopping when we are around crowds of people.  And no it isn't because I am fearful of catching something, I'm not.  I simply do not like being in large groups, the energy is too strong for me.  It makes me feel super stressed and steals my energy.  The less I have to do it, the better. 

I like this slower life. I love functioning with intention, instead of willy nilly and hoping I don't drop the ball on something important. I love this sense of control and calm.  I absolutely do not know how I functioned before.  

love and peace...