I have read other bloggers' "10 guilty pleasures", this is my take on it.
Bugs, snakes, spiders... you know, all that stuff girls are supposed to be afraid of... I am drawn to them. While other women shriek and run away from them, I clap with joy and run to them!
Thunderstorms....lightening to be exact. I have an incredible urge every time I see lightening to run outside to an open space with arms outstretched so I can feel it. I have resisted this urge thus far in my life, but if in the future you hear of a woman burnt to a crisp on her front lawn during a thunderstorm... you'll know I gave in!
Non-fiction...I have a very hard time reading fiction, unless it is written pre-1900. When I have an hour or two to read, I nearly always read non-fiction, many times taking notes. This may sound like a round-about way to brag but honestly it isn't..it makes me feel a bit "out of it" at times. It can also be a bit annoying. Friends recommend books to me, I check them out from the library, and I have all I can do most times to manage to get through the first chapter. I want to read the latest and greatest, too... but instead I'm stuck back in 1850.
Facebook... Okay, this isn't weird or strange.... unless you don't get it. THEN, it may seem odd. I do not spend hours on there each day, but I do enjoy reading the statuses and articles posted. I work on a project for an hour or two and if I'm home I'll check Facebook for 5 minutes or so. It is a fun little addition to my life!
Notebooks...I nearly always have a notebook with me. It is rare for me not to. I have little ones (yes, two) I carry in my handbag (which is quite small itself!) I am always jotting down notes and thoughts and have notebooks full of a paragraph or two of random thoughts.
Boxes...I collect unusual or cute-to-me boxes. Yeah, boxes. I have to be careful or I will have quite a stack. About once a year or so, I go through the ones I am not using and burn most of them. I use them to organize papers, and etc.
I sing to myself...nearly all the time when I am alone. A few times I have been caught doing this within hearing range of others.. I hum, too. I try not to when others are around but sometimes....My boys grew up listening to me sing and singing with me... I remember when they were young, an Amy Grant song came on the radio and my youngest son thought it was me singing... ah the ears of love! Now mostly just my guinea pig must endure it although on occasion I have been caught singing to my chickens!!
Why?.... I want to know the reasoning behind things. I can seldom take anything at face value, everything must be researched before I can call it my own. And conversely, I find fascinating what many find dull... to know that the base of much modern thought actually goes back centuries is so interesting to me! Much of what we think or how things are done today is because of the ideas of men many years ago. To me, that kind of stuff is cool. (Note: If you are looking for the Truth, look no further than the Word of God, the Bible. Authors like Francis Schaeffer can help you "put it all together" as well. We must have a solid base!)
Well, that is all I can come up with for now... there are not 10... I may add on eventually or maybe not, maybe I'll keep the rest a secret. ~smile
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Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
It's tick, tick, tick, tick, ticking away....
"The past, present, and future all stand together."
Our pastor shared this thought Sunday evening at church, to watch his message go here:
The Fullness of Time
The Fullness of Time
The concept of time and eternity is one I have been trying to grasp all my life. I have a beginning here on earth and I will have an ending (physically). But...to think that my soul will continue on forever.
Wow.
It is just too amazing to understand. AND to think that God has always been. He is Alpha and Omega. He is the beginning and the end.
...To always have been?
...To be the beginning?
How does the human mind grasp that? I don't think as a person I will ever be able to fully understand it. I don't think it is possible.
You know what?
I don't need to understand the concept of time, because I know the One who created time and controls it.
Knowing that God is, always has been, and always will be
comforts me.
He is always there, never changing, forever.
And I'm so glad He is. ~smile
And I'm so glad He is. ~smile
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Frustrated with Our Current Government and Welfare Systems? Here is an interesting little book to read...
Being unable to fall asleep last night until the wee sma's (namely, 2 am), finally around midnight I decided to get up and read. I am reading several good books at present but what drew me back was The Law by Frederic Bastiat which I had left several months ago at midpoint. Although a very interesting little book, I was drawn away by other books for a time and left The Law sitting to be finished later.
What I found so incredibly interesting while reading The Law is that even though it was written in 1850 about the current state of affairs in France, it reads in many ways as a commentary on our current welfare and political systems in the United States.
"But how is this legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some persons what belongs to them, and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong. See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime. " p. 25
And:
"When a portion of wealth is transferred from the person who owns it — without his consent and without compensation, and whether by force or by fraud — to anyone who does not own it, then I say that property is violated; that an act of plunder is committed." p. 32
Does not the following passage sound like mindset of our current government?:
"What is the attitude of the democrat --(he is speaking of a democratic system, I believe, not necessarily democrat as in democrat vs republican)-- when political rights are under discussion? How does he regard the people when a legislator is to be chosen? Ah, then it is claimed that the people have an instinctive wisdom; they are gifted with the finest perception; their will is always right; the general will cannot err; voting cannot be too universal.... But when the legislator is finally elected — ah! then indeed does the tone of his speech undergo a radical change. The people are returned to passiveness, inertness, and unconsciousness; the legislator enters into omnipotence. Now it is for him to initiate, to direct, to propel, and to organize. Mankind has only to submit; the hour of despotism has struck." p. 68-69
This is only a little taste of what the book has offer. And although it does address the law, welfare, and politics, I think it would be an interesting read for everyone, even those not interested in either of those three subjects.
It is a very inexpensive book to purchase. I purchased my copy for less than $5 on Amazon. It is also available at a number of places online to read for free. For a pdf copy: The Law by Frederic Bastiat (this copy has both a foreword and introduction by other men that I have not read) or a copy directly on a website: The Law .
I will end my little blog post with how Mr. Bastiat ends his book.
From The Law p.86:
"And now that the legislators and do-gooders have so futilely inflicted so many systems upon society, may they finally end where they should have begun: May they reject all systems, and try liberty; for liberty is an acknowledgment of faith in God and His works."
What I found so incredibly interesting while reading The Law is that even though it was written in 1850 about the current state of affairs in France, it reads in many ways as a commentary on our current welfare and political systems in the United States.
"But how is this legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some persons what belongs to them, and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong. See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime. " p. 25
And:
"When a portion of wealth is transferred from the person who owns it — without his consent and without compensation, and whether by force or by fraud — to anyone who does not own it, then I say that property is violated; that an act of plunder is committed." p. 32
Does not the following passage sound like mindset of our current government?:
"What is the attitude of the democrat --(he is speaking of a democratic system, I believe, not necessarily democrat as in democrat vs republican)-- when political rights are under discussion? How does he regard the people when a legislator is to be chosen? Ah, then it is claimed that the people have an instinctive wisdom; they are gifted with the finest perception; their will is always right; the general will cannot err; voting cannot be too universal.... But when the legislator is finally elected — ah! then indeed does the tone of his speech undergo a radical change. The people are returned to passiveness, inertness, and unconsciousness; the legislator enters into omnipotence. Now it is for him to initiate, to direct, to propel, and to organize. Mankind has only to submit; the hour of despotism has struck." p. 68-69
This is only a little taste of what the book has offer. And although it does address the law, welfare, and politics, I think it would be an interesting read for everyone, even those not interested in either of those three subjects.
It is a very inexpensive book to purchase. I purchased my copy for less than $5 on Amazon. It is also available at a number of places online to read for free. For a pdf copy: The Law by Frederic Bastiat (this copy has both a foreword and introduction by other men that I have not read) or a copy directly on a website: The Law .
I will end my little blog post with how Mr. Bastiat ends his book.
From The Law p.86:
"And now that the legislators and do-gooders have so futilely inflicted so many systems upon society, may they finally end where they should have begun: May they reject all systems, and try liberty; for liberty is an acknowledgment of faith in God and His works."
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
A Red Flag for the Homeschool Community
After reading about the latest controversy in the homeschool community, (see below for more information), I dared to enter the fray (as one friend put it in a phone call- she was glad I had shared some information and my point of view in an email to an homeschool email list.) However, I found myself quickly becoming impassioned about the topic. So much so, I made a comment on my post on Facebook that implied (or seemed to on my reread through an hour later) that many people were not able to understand Susan Wise Bauer's book The Well Trained Mind. I did not intend to insult anyone's intelligence, rather, the point I was trying to make was that in places in her lengthy volume she got a bit wordy, (deep, intense, etc.) so much so, that she may have muddied the waters a bit about key issues if one isn't familiar with certain topics about worldviews (i.e. a humanistic worldview vs. a strictly Biblical worldview.) I suspect that she did not do this intentionally, but rather it is just her style.
As I read and conversed with others about the topic, I found myself once again caught up in the old zeal I had years ago. What to me is a real danger in the homeschool community and one in which I noticed years ago, ... many homeschool moms instead of researching out a curriculum for themselves will buy a curriculum or follow a method because a friend is doing it or because a reputable company is selling the book and or curriculum. I know that homeschool Moms are very busy people. I was one for 16 years. I know time is limited and I do realize we can and do learn a lot from others. And of course, it is wise to seek counsel in making decisions, so I understand the trusting of others in the choices we make.. but if we seek advice from others, we need to be sure they are doing their research and that they have the same worldview we do, if we do not intend to or have the time to search out the matter for ourselves.
My intent is not to criticize anyone, but rather send up a warning flag.
Here is the issue.... if a writer or a publisher does not believe the WHOLE Bible to be true and literal, their philosophy will subtly (or not so subtly) be throughout their entire book or work. We may think that if they speak of our world beginning with evolution or old earth creationism, we can just skip over that section of the book and continue on teaching it to our children. The problem is.... that principle or train of thought will be throughout the entire book,
-in whom they decide to write of as historical figures,
-which events in history they choose to highlight,
-and ...here is the vital point...in how they portray
each person and event.
each person and event.
Parents, we must be wise in choosing which books we will use in the training up of our children.
~~~~~
The controversy:
Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis was cancelled as a speaker at at least 2 homeschool conventions because he spoke out against the gross errors in thought in the following curriculum.
Curriculum: Telling God's Story, A Parents' Guide to Teaching the Bible - for use with Telling God's Story series: Year One
Author: Peter Enns
Published by: Olive Branch Books, imprint of Peace Hill Press (Susan Wise Bauer)
Please read the well written and well researched review by Heather Idoni at the following link.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Present Day Slaves and Their Owners...
Last evening, someone at our church briefly mentioned children today being sold into slavery. (Slavery is still happening today, all over the world, even in America - sickening to think of but it is a fact.) It got me thinking again about a post that has been rolling around in my head for a year or so....
Last year, I heard about the show Oprah did on the little boys in Africa being sold as slaves to work on small fishing boats. One day I just happened to see an advertisement that she was doing a follow-up program. I was interested in the topic, so I made a point to watch her program that day. (I do not watch Oprah as a rule.) She told of little boys as young as 6, maybe even younger, that are being sold by their parents to fishermen. Most of the boys will spend their entire lives fishing. 16 hours a day or more they are in small row boats with 3 or 4 other boys or men.
16 hours a day, 7 days a week they work in those little boats. That's right. EVERY day.
They are nearly starved and are abused horribly by their owners. If they are fortunate enough to live to adulthood, and are able to earn their freedom, most of them buy a little boat of their own, purchase a few boys and continue on fishing 16+ hours a day, 7 days a week.
My heart breaks for those little boys. No childhood, no breaks, no fun, no mother to hold them when they are sick, no love. Can you imagine such a dreadful life?
Although I would love to be able to hate the men who own them and treat them cruelly, I can not. In fact, I find myself having less compassion for the parents who sell them, than on the men who buy them. I have never been in their situation, so I know it is wrong of me to judge them, but to sell my child so I can have money to eat. Hmm. No. I would rather die. Maybe these parents are delirious with hunger and don't really know what they are doing, but I'm sorry, if I was even slightly in my right mind, there would be no way I'd be able to sell my child to someone I KNOW will horribly mistreat them. Sorry, I digress...
Back to those vile men, I would love to hate those abusive, little boy buying, men. But instead, when I think of them I think of the hopelessness of their situation --being trapped in that horrid, horrid cycle. How they must hate themselves, I can only imagine. Oprah interviewed people who are trying to free the young boys by buying them back from those fishermen. (I try not to be overly cynical thinking about it. Oprah Winfrey and all her money could certainly, if she TRULY cared, free those boys. If she honestly cared, like she says she does, wouldn't she give anything and EVERYTHING to free them? --- Just as God has done for us, giving up what He treasured most -- His own Son, for us...) But who gives any thought to those poor wretched men? I weep for those boys-- and I weep for those men whom no one seems to care about... they are totally lost, what despair they must live in.... who will reach them with Christ's love... who cares for them?
Last year, I heard about the show Oprah did on the little boys in Africa being sold as slaves to work on small fishing boats. One day I just happened to see an advertisement that she was doing a follow-up program. I was interested in the topic, so I made a point to watch her program that day. (I do not watch Oprah as a rule.) She told of little boys as young as 6, maybe even younger, that are being sold by their parents to fishermen. Most of the boys will spend their entire lives fishing. 16 hours a day or more they are in small row boats with 3 or 4 other boys or men.
16 hours a day, 7 days a week they work in those little boats. That's right. EVERY day.
They are nearly starved and are abused horribly by their owners. If they are fortunate enough to live to adulthood, and are able to earn their freedom, most of them buy a little boat of their own, purchase a few boys and continue on fishing 16+ hours a day, 7 days a week.
My heart breaks for those little boys. No childhood, no breaks, no fun, no mother to hold them when they are sick, no love. Can you imagine such a dreadful life?
Although I would love to be able to hate the men who own them and treat them cruelly, I can not. In fact, I find myself having less compassion for the parents who sell them, than on the men who buy them. I have never been in their situation, so I know it is wrong of me to judge them, but to sell my child so I can have money to eat. Hmm. No. I would rather die. Maybe these parents are delirious with hunger and don't really know what they are doing, but I'm sorry, if I was even slightly in my right mind, there would be no way I'd be able to sell my child to someone I KNOW will horribly mistreat them. Sorry, I digress...
Back to those vile men, I would love to hate those abusive, little boy buying, men. But instead, when I think of them I think of the hopelessness of their situation --being trapped in that horrid, horrid cycle. How they must hate themselves, I can only imagine. Oprah interviewed people who are trying to free the young boys by buying them back from those fishermen. (I try not to be overly cynical thinking about it. Oprah Winfrey and all her money could certainly, if she TRULY cared, free those boys. If she honestly cared, like she says she does, wouldn't she give anything and EVERYTHING to free them? --- Just as God has done for us, giving up what He treasured most -- His own Son, for us...) But who gives any thought to those poor wretched men? I weep for those boys-- and I weep for those men whom no one seems to care about... they are totally lost, what despair they must live in.... who will reach them with Christ's love... who cares for them?
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Why I wear skirts a LOT - you might be surprised!
If you know me at all, you know that I wear skirts a LOT, not exclusively, but nearly so. I find it amusing when I overhear someone telling someone else why I wear skirts a lot. For some reason, many people believe this is an odd trait that needs justification.
I first started wearing skirts a lot years ago when I was going through what I call my "mildly hippie" stage. I liked to wear Birkenstocks and long flowing type dresses. During this season in my life, I learned how to make soap, candles, and bake bread. ~I still really enjoy these three activities. I had just begun home educating my sons and was into a kind of "earthy" phase. I have always loved the colonial period of history for our nation and that had an influence on my dress as well.
Then came my phase of deep searching in the Bible concerning the subject. I did an extensive study on modesty, fashion, and dress, pertaining to women, in the Bible. I read books on the subject and as many articles, websites, etc. I could find. For example, http://www.momof9splace.com, has many articles on her website concerning the wearing of skirts exclusively.
After an exhaustive (and at times exhausting) study of the topic over the better part of 2 years (and revisiting the topic several times since), I found two qualities in the Bible that stand out for woman's clothing: a woman's clothing should be feminine and modest. Although I know a number of women who are convicted that the Bible teaches we are to wear skirts (or dresses or culottes) only and I GREATLY respect these women (and have at times wished I had the same conviction as them), I found nothing in the Word of God that specifically says "skirts only". The Word is clear though, a woman's clothing is to be feminine and to be modest. So, when we wear tight jeans or mini skirts, -both of which I have been guilty of wearing in the past so I don't speak from a "holier than thou" standpoint - let me assure you of that!! --when we wear these or similar clothing, they may be feminine but are they modest??? ---Really?? Something to think about...
Well, the story straight from me, in case you have ever wondered why I wear skirts all the time is.....(and seriously folks, it does amuse me that so many people wonder about this and have asked me... although, I don't mind anyone asking. ~smile)
......I like to.
I first started wearing skirts a lot years ago when I was going through what I call my "mildly hippie" stage. I liked to wear Birkenstocks and long flowing type dresses. During this season in my life, I learned how to make soap, candles, and bake bread. ~I still really enjoy these three activities. I had just begun home educating my sons and was into a kind of "earthy" phase. I have always loved the colonial period of history for our nation and that had an influence on my dress as well.
Then came my phase of deep searching in the Bible concerning the subject. I did an extensive study on modesty, fashion, and dress, pertaining to women, in the Bible. I read books on the subject and as many articles, websites, etc. I could find. For example, http://www.momof9splace.com, has many articles on her website concerning the wearing of skirts exclusively.
After an exhaustive (and at times exhausting) study of the topic over the better part of 2 years (and revisiting the topic several times since), I found two qualities in the Bible that stand out for woman's clothing: a woman's clothing should be feminine and modest. Although I know a number of women who are convicted that the Bible teaches we are to wear skirts (or dresses or culottes) only and I GREATLY respect these women (and have at times wished I had the same conviction as them), I found nothing in the Word of God that specifically says "skirts only". The Word is clear though, a woman's clothing is to be feminine and to be modest. So, when we wear tight jeans or mini skirts, -both of which I have been guilty of wearing in the past so I don't speak from a "holier than thou" standpoint - let me assure you of that!! --when we wear these or similar clothing, they may be feminine but are they modest??? ---Really?? Something to think about...
Well, the story straight from me, in case you have ever wondered why I wear skirts all the time is.....(and seriously folks, it does amuse me that so many people wonder about this and have asked me... although, I don't mind anyone asking. ~smile)
......I like to.
“Why do women want to dress like men when they’re fortunate enough to be women? Why lose femininity, which is one of our greatest charms? We get more accomplished by being charming than we would be flaunting around in pants and smoking. I’m very fond of men. I think they are wonderful creatures. I love them dearly. But I don’t want to look like one. When women gave up their long skirts, they made a grave error…"
~Tasha Tudor
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Beauty, hope... and French bread!!
I have decided to once again study the French language. It has got me thinking again of the summer I spent in France. For one summer, I was a "city girl". Yes, little ole "backwoods" Penni was a French city girl for a summer and loved it! Of course, it helped a lot that I lived with approximately 25 other Americans and Canadians who spoke English. If I had been out on my own, I would have had a hard time surviving. (Major understatement!)
It is funny how vividly I remember some of the people I met that summer. One young man in-particular stands out in my memory. I only met him a couple of times, yet I remember him so well.... he reminded me of a young John Lennon....others I knew much better and hardly remember at all. It is funny how memory works. I remember he was into Mysticism and very concerned about his Ying and Yang. He was so sad and so serious, obviously searching for answers in this life. Since I was unable to communicate with him effectively due to the language barrier, I am thankful there was a young man on our team who spoke fluent French and was able to tell him about Christ. I wonder where that young man is now. Did he continue searching for answers or did he find the One True Way?
I also remember vividly the night of my 16th birthday. We were doing an outdoor concert for people who lived in a nearby set of high-rise apartment buildings. Quite a large crowd had gathered to hear us, if I remember correctly. As we were singing praise songs, the sun set and an amazingly gorgeous orange/red moon rose. It was one of the most beautiful moons I have ever seen. It was an amazing night filled with beauty, hope, God's Word, and good friends.
Other memories from that summer include: walking along the cobblestone streets eating fresh, crusty, french bread (Yum!!!), swimming in the Rhone River, doing more hard work (construction and demolition) than I ever thought I could possibly do (Loved the great attitude everyone had working together; singing songs when we were hot and tired.), getting dirtier (from said work) than I ever thought possible (~smile), checking our boots every morning for scorpions, and traveling through the French countryside in a little dump truck hauling rubble to the dump.
You might not think so, but those little trips to the dump were magical. Everyone wanted to go on those dump runs and since there was only room for two passengers and since they NEEDED the guys to go, it was rare for a girl to get the chance go. However, a couple of times I convinced one of the guys to let me ride along and help. You know, I remember very little about that dump or the work we did there (thankfully). The scenery along the way was incredible and that was all I focused on. Miles and miles of lavender fields in bloom. Sadly, I took no pictures. Somehow, I doubt they would do justice to the experience any way. The smell and beauty of those lavender fields are forever in my memory.
Hmmm.... I wonder if this is why I nearly always use lavender essential oil in my homemade household cleaners. Each time I clean, I get a little whiff of France and travel back in time for just a moment or two...
~Penni
It is funny how vividly I remember some of the people I met that summer. One young man in-particular stands out in my memory. I only met him a couple of times, yet I remember him so well.... he reminded me of a young John Lennon....others I knew much better and hardly remember at all. It is funny how memory works. I remember he was into Mysticism and very concerned about his Ying and Yang. He was so sad and so serious, obviously searching for answers in this life. Since I was unable to communicate with him effectively due to the language barrier, I am thankful there was a young man on our team who spoke fluent French and was able to tell him about Christ. I wonder where that young man is now. Did he continue searching for answers or did he find the One True Way?
I also remember vividly the night of my 16th birthday. We were doing an outdoor concert for people who lived in a nearby set of high-rise apartment buildings. Quite a large crowd had gathered to hear us, if I remember correctly. As we were singing praise songs, the sun set and an amazingly gorgeous orange/red moon rose. It was one of the most beautiful moons I have ever seen. It was an amazing night filled with beauty, hope, God's Word, and good friends.
Other memories from that summer include: walking along the cobblestone streets eating fresh, crusty, french bread (Yum!!!), swimming in the Rhone River, doing more hard work (construction and demolition) than I ever thought I could possibly do (Loved the great attitude everyone had working together; singing songs when we were hot and tired.), getting dirtier (from said work) than I ever thought possible (~smile), checking our boots every morning for scorpions, and traveling through the French countryside in a little dump truck hauling rubble to the dump.
You might not think so, but those little trips to the dump were magical. Everyone wanted to go on those dump runs and since there was only room for two passengers and since they NEEDED the guys to go, it was rare for a girl to get the chance go. However, a couple of times I convinced one of the guys to let me ride along and help. You know, I remember very little about that dump or the work we did there (thankfully). The scenery along the way was incredible and that was all I focused on. Miles and miles of lavender fields in bloom. Sadly, I took no pictures. Somehow, I doubt they would do justice to the experience any way. The smell and beauty of those lavender fields are forever in my memory.
Hmmm.... I wonder if this is why I nearly always use lavender essential oil in my homemade household cleaners. Each time I clean, I get a little whiff of France and travel back in time for just a moment or two...
~Penni
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Happy New Year!
In just a little over 24 hours, a new year will begin.
A fresh, new year,
a clean start,
a time to plan, organize
and dream...
Don't you just love the thought of it?
What will 2011 hold for me? for you? What does God have planned for us? It is exciting to think of all the possibilities. Without a doubt, 2011 will hold some heartache, some testing, and some stretching. But we also know that if we trust in Him, He will guide us through it. 2011 will undoubtedly contain many pleasant experiences for us as well. And lets face it, shall we? If we did not experience any hard times the good times would not be as sweet, would they?
Praying YOU have a wonderful 2011- in which you draw closer to Christ, experiencing His Love and direction for life.
~Penni
Monday, December 13, 2010
Brown
I have been asked several times recently what my favorite color is. It struck me as an odd question. I hadn't been asked that in many years and now in the past month or so, I have been asked that question three times, I think. Each time it has caused me to pause and think about just what my favorite color actually is. Although in the past I have had decided favorites, when asked recently, it took me a few moments to decide. I listed several in response each time, finally settling on one.
During my teens my favorite color was light blue, no other color mattered. And if I could pair it with a darker blue in an outfit, making "two-tone" blue, that was all the better.
During my twenties and thirties, my favorite was dusty rose (mauve).
Now I find I like several colors and at first I was unable to settle on a favorite.
You see....
I love red - love to WEAR it.
I love blue- love to SEE it -- in the sky (a not so common occurrence here in Maine this time of year).
I love the greens of mosses and ferns - I love to TOUCH them.
And I love brown. Brown is the sort of color you FEEL. Brown is soft, and warm, yet it is strong (think of the mighty oak.) It is the color of chocolate. (Yum, yum, yum!) It is such a rich, smooth color.
So I have settled it. ~smile~
My favorite is brown - not the dull, lifeless brown of a dead leaf, but the deep, rich brown of a chocolate tootsie pop or of brown eyes. The kind of brown that has a sheen and a shine to it. I am crocheting a shawl just this color now, just can't wait till it is done and I can snuggle up in it.
During my teens my favorite color was light blue, no other color mattered. And if I could pair it with a darker blue in an outfit, making "two-tone" blue, that was all the better.
During my twenties and thirties, my favorite was dusty rose (mauve).
Now I find I like several colors and at first I was unable to settle on a favorite.
You see....
I love red - love to WEAR it.
I love blue- love to SEE it -- in the sky (a not so common occurrence here in Maine this time of year).
I love the greens of mosses and ferns - I love to TOUCH them.
And I love brown. Brown is the sort of color you FEEL. Brown is soft, and warm, yet it is strong (think of the mighty oak.) It is the color of chocolate. (Yum, yum, yum!) It is such a rich, smooth color.
So I have settled it. ~smile~
My favorite is brown - not the dull, lifeless brown of a dead leaf, but the deep, rich brown of a chocolate tootsie pop or of brown eyes. The kind of brown that has a sheen and a shine to it. I am crocheting a shawl just this color now, just can't wait till it is done and I can snuggle up in it.
Friday, November 12, 2010
A Child at Heart
I'm 43. ~~Gasp!~~ That sounds so middle age-ish! I remember when I was a teenager I thought anyone in their late 20's and beyond were over the hill!! My perspective sure has changed. Fact is, I don't feel any older now than I did 25 years ago. I look older and am, hopefully, wiser but inside I feel like the same person. I am privileged to have a number of friends in the 65+ age range and they tell me the same thing. It is as though our personalities, our souls?, are ageless. For me, personally, I love the 40's. I really do. Each new day is a learning experience and there is so much I want to learn about. I have a great desire to become fluent in French, raise and milk goats, raise sheep for wool and learn to spin, become an expert (hah!) at baking different kinds of breads, learn to make the perfect pie crust, make soy candles, read the diaries and original documents of our "founding fathers", know the Father more, more, more, memorize long passages of scripture, know the names of and the uses of ALL the plants on my property, have a huge garden (I sure do love to hoe - must be a genetic defect or something, I know of no one else who feels the same way!), have a ministry working with and teaching children (Their enthusiasm is contagious! How can you not feel happy when you look into the face of a smiling child and hear their laughter?), learn to play the guitar, be able to give a speech without becoming a nervous wreck, ......the list goes on and on. In many ways, I feel like a little child wanting to learn everything at once. Honestly, it is a fun feeling, even if a bit overwhelming at times. This is such an exciting time....
Life begins at 40? I agree.
Life begins at 40? I agree.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
When smoke gets in my eyes...
Mmmm... can you feel it? That toasty warm feeling of a fire crackling in the wood stove. Don't you just love the feeling of coming in from the cold, frosty air to a warm home? It is so comforting. I have had the opportunity of benefiting from three different types of fires over the past couple of months.
While at camp in August we cooked quite a bit over a campfire. I love the SMELL of a campfire. Usually I am not big on the smell of smoke but a campfire is different. There is something so soothing about sitting around a campfire in the dark and yet somehow it is exciting too, like something good is about to happen. It causes me to think about my life and dream.
When we returned to camp in September, we used the wood cook stove instead. I love cooking on a wood stove. Just the thought of it got me out of bed bright and early each morning. I just couldn't wait to hear the crackle of the kindling and feel the camp warm up. It was so satisfying to use it, like somehow I was communing with some of my ancestors who may have had to cook this way each day.
And now it is October, a chill is in the air and I am sitting in my living room being warmed by my wood stove here. This stove and I have a love/hate relationship. Actually, I hate it and I'm pretty sure it hates me. It is suppose to be smokeless and it is not. Cough, cough! It is also a bit stubborn to start most days.To start a fire in it you must leave the stove doors open, be sure none of the tiny little holes in the back of it have any ash in them, and recite the alphabet backwards while hopping on one foot. Okay, okay, the alphabet and hopping part aren't true but you get the idea. Still, after all this, many times I must open a window in my living room so it will "draw". Goodness, I'd buy it a pack of the finest Crayolas if it would only draw well enough so I could keep my window closed!! ~smile~ Yet, this frustrating thing does eventually get a really good fire going and it warms my house very nicely. THEN, of course, I love it. I am so fickle. Right now, I am sitting in my warm and cozy living room enjoying it's generous heat. And once again, I am in love.
Wishing you a warm and cozy evening,
~Penni
While at camp in August we cooked quite a bit over a campfire. I love the SMELL of a campfire. Usually I am not big on the smell of smoke but a campfire is different. There is something so soothing about sitting around a campfire in the dark and yet somehow it is exciting too, like something good is about to happen. It causes me to think about my life and dream.
When we returned to camp in September, we used the wood cook stove instead. I love cooking on a wood stove. Just the thought of it got me out of bed bright and early each morning. I just couldn't wait to hear the crackle of the kindling and feel the camp warm up. It was so satisfying to use it, like somehow I was communing with some of my ancestors who may have had to cook this way each day.
And now it is October, a chill is in the air and I am sitting in my living room being warmed by my wood stove here. This stove and I have a love/hate relationship. Actually, I hate it and I'm pretty sure it hates me. It is suppose to be smokeless and it is not. Cough, cough! It is also a bit stubborn to start most days.To start a fire in it you must leave the stove doors open, be sure none of the tiny little holes in the back of it have any ash in them, and recite the alphabet backwards while hopping on one foot. Okay, okay, the alphabet and hopping part aren't true but you get the idea. Still, after all this, many times I must open a window in my living room so it will "draw". Goodness, I'd buy it a pack of the finest Crayolas if it would only draw well enough so I could keep my window closed!! ~smile~ Yet, this frustrating thing does eventually get a really good fire going and it warms my house very nicely. THEN, of course, I love it. I am so fickle. Right now, I am sitting in my warm and cozy living room enjoying it's generous heat. And once again, I am in love.
Wishing you a warm and cozy evening,
~Penni
Friday, October 8, 2010
Warning: Cute picture ahead...
"It is a very blustery day... outside." ~Pooh bear, just after flying Piglet by a sweater string and ending up in Owl's home.
It most definitely is a blustery day today in Maine. I love the wind. I love the sound of it. I love to be out in the woods and hear it blow through the trees. At times it sounds like ocean waves, at other times, it sounds as though the trees speak to me telling me all their sad stories or are singing to me a happy little song. I also love the POWER of it. It reminds me that God is in control and I don't need to worry. To see the effects of something so powerful, the bending of the trees, and yet to not see WHAT it is, the actual wind itself, reminds me of God's might, and power. I am so glad He is in control.
When my boys were young, I read aloud Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne. It has been years since I have read it. I remember we laughed a lot. Today, with this wind, I am reminded of this book. I'm am going to sit down in a little while and begin it again. A well written book can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. So even though we may think of the story of a "bear of very little brain" as being a child's story, it is a treasure to read for adults as well. So, if you need me, I'll be off in the Hundred Acre Wood with Christopher Robin and his friends...
It most definitely is a blustery day today in Maine. I love the wind. I love the sound of it. I love to be out in the woods and hear it blow through the trees. At times it sounds like ocean waves, at other times, it sounds as though the trees speak to me telling me all their sad stories or are singing to me a happy little song. I also love the POWER of it. It reminds me that God is in control and I don't need to worry. To see the effects of something so powerful, the bending of the trees, and yet to not see WHAT it is, the actual wind itself, reminds me of God's might, and power. I am so glad He is in control.
When my boys were young, I read aloud Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne. It has been years since I have read it. I remember we laughed a lot. Today, with this wind, I am reminded of this book. I'm am going to sit down in a little while and begin it again. A well written book can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. So even though we may think of the story of a "bear of very little brain" as being a child's story, it is a treasure to read for adults as well. So, if you need me, I'll be off in the Hundred Acre Wood with Christopher Robin and his friends...
 |
| Alex and Pooh, 1989, I look at this picture and miss my little boy so much.... |
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
A goose, a shrew and a canoe!
My husband and I were once again blessed to go back to the same camp last week that we went to in early August.
(NOTE: if you click on the photos, they will enlarge for you. Just click the back arrow to come back to my blog after viewing. :) )
It was a different little visit this time. It was much cooler, which meant no wading in the stream for me. I love the cooler temps though and was very happy to meander around in the woods near the camp and along the stream.
On one walk up the road, my husband got this beautiful picture:
We only got to go canoeing once, but Nick got this amazing shot while we were out there:
We were paddling on the Deadwater of the Little Machias Stream. Deadwater is an odd name for it. It is certainly alive with wildlife. It is an interesting place though, all curves and turns. One minute you are going with the current and then you turn a corner and the current is against you. The current is VERY slow through there though, almost like being on a lake so it is a great little place to canoe and daydream or snap beautiful photos.
I am so thankful that through the generosity of friends we were able to go to camp once again! I enjoyed being at camp so much, that when it came time to leave I was (shamefully) a bit angry with my poor husband. I was a grumpy shrew! Hate it when I am like that! I think unconsciously I just wanted to stay there for a bit longer (and go canoeing a bit more), hence the shrewish behavior, but alas, we all must come back to the real world eventually! And after all, I do love home, too....
~Penni
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Going my way?
I have mentioned before that I walk on weekday mornings with a friend. It is about a 15 minute drive to her home. We walk for about 1/2 an hour and then I drive home. I find it interesting, that most mornings when I drive home I am the only car on the road (within my view) heading north for the whole ride. I am definitely going against the flow. You know what? I love it. Don't misunderstand - I do not like to "stick out" in a crowd, I am a blend-in sort of person. I have no desire to be the center of attention, quite to the contrary. But I do enjoy doing things differently from others. Peer pressure had very little pull on me growing up. Never could understand how being rude or mean to others made a person "cool". People who are sincere and caring are cool in my book. Always have been. So, to put it lightly I was not the most popular girl in school (I was horribly shy) and you want to know the honest-to-goodness truth? I didn't want to be. REALLY. It was not a desire I had. I had a few good friends and that was enough. Hated all the clicky, catty stuff about school, couldn't wait to get OUT.
As an adult I chose to do things a little differently than a lot of people, certainly most of the people I knew. As a young woman, I chose to use cloth diapers, stay home and make that my career (not the house- my family and my HOME), breastfeed, make my own baby food, grow most of our produce and can and freeze it, eat mostly wild game for our protein, Christian school for a year for our oldest son and then homeschooling - all the way through the high school years for both of our boys. Each of these met with multiple questions and unfortunately even the loss of some friends. "You use cloth diapers??? Why would anyone use them when disposables are so easy?" - health benefits, and cost. "Why are you going to quit your job and stay home? You can't afford it. And you'll be bored." Couldn't afford NOT to. Home is where I needed to be. Time will pass quickly and my babies will be grown. (Ain't that the truth!!) "Homeschooling? Why would anyone homeschool???" God wanted me to.
I received many more questions over the years and many more rude comments. Disgusting was said at least once to me concerning one healthy choice for my babies. I would try my hardest to kindly reply and then move on. The negativity never swayed me from doing what I wanted or what I thought was right. As a pregnant, single 19 year old I was told I was STUPID for not having an abortion. All that did was firm my resolve to have my son.
Please don't think I'm tooting my own horn here. I made many mistakes along the way, some really big ones unfortunately. And I was not alone in making many of these good choices. I have made some wonderful friends over the years that have been a great encouragement to me and even paved the way ahead of me being a Godly example to me.
Well... now I find myself at another season of life. Both of my sons are grown (well.... mostly... kinda... :)...) and we are done homeschooling. The question I get repeatedly now is, "When will you be getting a job?" or something similar. Guess what? I have no plans at present to get a job, who knows what the future holds, but I know for the unforeseeable future I plan to stay HOME. God called me here and He hasn't changed His call for me yet. Fact is, I don't where I'd find the time to work outside the home for more than a few hours a week. I'm busy here. We don't have much money - I don't want it someone else can have it. :)- my car is OLD and was actually given to me, I buy most of my clothes at thrift stores and like to make stuff (soap, candles, skirts, etc.) I prefer to cook from scratch and love to use the food we grow or my husband gets hunting (this is a much healthier choice, too!) Our expenses are not great and I love to do things that help to stretch the funds we have.
So some morning if you are heading south on a major road in Maine, you might see me driving north and wonder where is that woman going this time of day when everyone else (seemingly) is headed south? Don't worry about me too much though, the odds are I'll be smiling- happy to be going in the direction God has called me.
As an adult I chose to do things a little differently than a lot of people, certainly most of the people I knew. As a young woman, I chose to use cloth diapers, stay home and make that my career (not the house- my family and my HOME), breastfeed, make my own baby food, grow most of our produce and can and freeze it, eat mostly wild game for our protein, Christian school for a year for our oldest son and then homeschooling - all the way through the high school years for both of our boys. Each of these met with multiple questions and unfortunately even the loss of some friends. "You use cloth diapers??? Why would anyone use them when disposables are so easy?" - health benefits, and cost. "Why are you going to quit your job and stay home? You can't afford it. And you'll be bored." Couldn't afford NOT to. Home is where I needed to be. Time will pass quickly and my babies will be grown. (Ain't that the truth!!) "Homeschooling? Why would anyone homeschool???" God wanted me to.
I received many more questions over the years and many more rude comments. Disgusting was said at least once to me concerning one healthy choice for my babies. I would try my hardest to kindly reply and then move on. The negativity never swayed me from doing what I wanted or what I thought was right. As a pregnant, single 19 year old I was told I was STUPID for not having an abortion. All that did was firm my resolve to have my son.
Please don't think I'm tooting my own horn here. I made many mistakes along the way, some really big ones unfortunately. And I was not alone in making many of these good choices. I have made some wonderful friends over the years that have been a great encouragement to me and even paved the way ahead of me being a Godly example to me.
Well... now I find myself at another season of life. Both of my sons are grown (well.... mostly... kinda... :)...) and we are done homeschooling. The question I get repeatedly now is, "When will you be getting a job?" or something similar. Guess what? I have no plans at present to get a job, who knows what the future holds, but I know for the unforeseeable future I plan to stay HOME. God called me here and He hasn't changed His call for me yet. Fact is, I don't where I'd find the time to work outside the home for more than a few hours a week. I'm busy here. We don't have much money - I don't want it someone else can have it. :)- my car is OLD and was actually given to me, I buy most of my clothes at thrift stores and like to make stuff (soap, candles, skirts, etc.) I prefer to cook from scratch and love to use the food we grow or my husband gets hunting (this is a much healthier choice, too!) Our expenses are not great and I love to do things that help to stretch the funds we have.
So some morning if you are heading south on a major road in Maine, you might see me driving north and wonder where is that woman going this time of day when everyone else (seemingly) is headed south? Don't worry about me too much though, the odds are I'll be smiling- happy to be going in the direction God has called me.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Breathless
I have been walking with a friend recently early in the morning. The purpose of the walk is to get me in shape. A side benefit of this walk is that I am walking with a dear, dear friend and we get to chat all along the way. As we begin our walk the road is level. Gradually, the road steepens until it is a very steep little hill. Each morning as we walk and approach this hill I begin to dread it. By the time we are 1/4 the way up this little hill I am REALLY hating it. Half way up I am totally out of breath. I trudge along though chatting with my good friend and with the cheerfulness of my good friend's talking with me, I make it to the top! It probably takes another fifty yards or so before I am back "in breath" again. From there on out it is such a wonderful walk!! Adrenaline is an amazing thing.
You know, life is a lot like that walk. Sometimes life gets so tough we get totally out of breath. Each step is a struggle and we think there is NO WAY we can go on. However, if we trudge along breathless, trusting we CAN make it, somehow before we even realize it we are past the tough part and enjoying our lives again.
When life makes me breathless I must listen to the good Words of One who truly loves me. When I listen and walk with Him, I will still remain breathless. Life sometimes will still require one struggling step at a time, but before I even realize it once again I have got my "breath back" and am walking quite easily again.
Just as with my early morning walks with my friend, I benefit most in life from the breathless moments. I hate that hill when I am walking it but when it is over I feel so good that I did it! What an accomplishment! In life, those tough times teach us a lot. They can be so very hard, but we don't need to travel them alone. I'm so glad I have my good friend to walk with in the mornings and I am so very thankful I have Christ to travel this journey of life with.
~Penni
Monday, September 13, 2010
A Fresh New Morning
I love the early mornings. Everything feels so fresh and new as I watch darkness turn into light. (Don't get me wrong, when I have been up late it is HARD to get up early, but I am always thankful that I made the extra effort to get up!) There is something so exciting about watching a new day begin as the sun comes up. What will today hold? Blessing? Sadness? Somehow when I watch a sunrise I always feel as though good will be coming, in spite of what may be happening in my life at the moment.
The first time I ever remember watching the sunrise was when I was teenager on a camping trip with some friends. The excitement I felt as the new day began in such a beautiful way, I'll never forget. I was hooked! Sometimes months go by and I forget how great the early mornings are, choosing instead to sleep in. I am so thankful for this time in my life when I "have" to get up early and I can welcome in the new day into my life!
Won't you join me tomorrow? Rise up a wee bit earlier and greet the new day. I bet you'll feel a little bit more cheerful throughout the day for doing it.
Penni
The first time I ever remember watching the sunrise was when I was teenager on a camping trip with some friends. The excitement I felt as the new day began in such a beautiful way, I'll never forget. I was hooked! Sometimes months go by and I forget how great the early mornings are, choosing instead to sleep in. I am so thankful for this time in my life when I "have" to get up early and I can welcome in the new day into my life!
Won't you join me tomorrow? Rise up a wee bit earlier and greet the new day. I bet you'll feel a little bit more cheerful throughout the day for doing it.
Penni
Monday, August 16, 2010
A VERY happy camper
My husband and I had the great JOY of spending five days at a camp in the northern Maine woods.
It was just he and me for 5 whole days (excepting the time we went out to the store to buy mouse traps!).
We walked in the woods.
We went canoeing! I finally got my husband out in a canoe with me after 21 long years of trying to do so! And don't tell anyone....but I think he really enjoyed himself as well. As for me, I was thrilled!!
We cooked over an open fire, hunted mice, read books aloud, etc. It really was a time of vacation - a period of time devoted to pleasure, rest, or relaxation (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/vacation). There was still the everyday type chores to be done, i.e. cooking 3 meals a day, washing dishes, sweeping floors, etc. but somehow at camp it is so pleasurable to do these things. Each morning I would scrub down the counters because Herman the vermin had visited in the night -- got some interesting tales to tell about that! - and yet somehow it was kind of fun, and almost relaxing. Ohhh and how I LOVED being away from the phone!! I love my family and friends dearly but it was so nice to not hear a phone ring for a whole five days!!!
While there, we had several visitors that made our time away even more enjoyable. I will share about more of them in the future, but first I want you to meet a visitor we had everyday while at camp. He came every morning and left each evening. I assume to return home to his family.
He liked to "sit" on the middle step of the stairs leading up into the camp. Believe me, many times he nearly met his demise, but we watched out for him because he was so darn cute.
Every time we came near him, he would curl up like that. I guess you had to be there, but honestly, take my word for it, he was cute! So much so, that when it was time to leave I wanted to bring him home with us, but he was nowhere to be found! All that time on the step showing off and suddenly he turned shy. I think that he dreaded that long sappy goodbye and was conveniently busy elsewhere. ~smile~ (So you can have a relative idea of how big he was, that is a nail head to the left of him.)
My perspective on life (if you care, and if you are reading this blog you just might) is that it is the little things in life that make our lives enjoyable. Enjoy the fun of watching a caterpillar, enjoy the pleasure of watching the cream swirl around in your coffee cup- what lovely colors this makes, enjoy a chat with a good friend, enjoy the feeling of warm water on your hands while washing dishes, etc. These simple little things add up to a much greater whole= a rich life full of what really matters.
Also, I must add that too often I hear weary, heart broken people lamenting the fact their house, car, spouse, kids, friends, etc. aren't want they want or need. They want/need/deserve better. Sorry folks, but we will never be happy in this world without acknowledging/knowing/serving the One who created it. Without Christ, this whole life is all for nothing. It is just empty pleasure or one heartache after the other as we continue to seek out more pleasure, whether it is pleasure of the flesh or pleasure of a more intellectual side. For myself, I can't imagine how I would ever make it through the tough times in life (and I mean that literally) without Christ. And I am sure that the things in this life that make it pleasurable, whether large or small, wouldn't bring nearly as much joy to me if I didn't know Him.
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