Do You Remember?

Do you remember these from Christmas past?

The tin harmonic top hums as it spins.

Raggedy Ann and Andy with their button eyes
and embroidered heart mouths.

The silver tinsel tree that looks like
the aluminum trees you knew and loved
complete with a color wheel light!

The gumdrop tree.
(I still have my Mother's tree.)

Santa Light Pin
Pull on the string and his nose lights up!

All these wonderful, nostalgic goodies from Vermont Country Store.

***

It has been several Mondays since I last did any mulling. I guess Rocky's death and THE grandson's visit *threw me for a loop* (as Granny would have said). So, I'm back today. Mulling a little about nostalgia and words. Did you pick a word for last year? I've visited many blogs this last week, and many were busy picking their word for 2010. My word for 2009 was LISTEN. It's a lot harder than I thought it would be. LISTEN -- to the earth, to my heart, to the universe, to those I love, to those I don't love ... a real lesson this last year in listening. So, I'm thinking about the word for 2010 and I've made a list. Here are a few in no particular order -

• comfort, change, abundance
• renew, rejoice, energize, fresh
• balance, wisdom, stimulate, stretch, transform
• start, discover, explore, teach, test, relax
• seek, practice, transform, dream, reach,
• boost, imagination, intuition, visualize, communication
• adventure, challenge, heal, revitalize

What do you think? I tried very hard to come up with words (except for dream) that were a little different. I have favorites -- adventure, boost and seek. I have a few more months before I make a decision.

That's enough mulling for today. Have a wonderful week.

Joy to You!

International Peace Day

Today is the day.
It is International Peace Day.
It is the day when people from all over the world pray for peace.

Rhonda Roo is having a Peace Party.
Please join us on the peace train!

Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one.
~John Lennon

We shall find peace. We shall hear angels. We shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds.
~ Anton Chekov

Either war is obsolete or men are.
~R. Buckminster Fuller

I believe that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for oneself, one's own family or nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.

~H.H. the Dalai Lama

Peace To You!

It's Amazing!

I just can’t get away from Julie and Julia! I was going through some old Cooking Light Magazines and found this article on Julie Powell from March 2004. I seem to be haunted by Julie, Julia and food! Did you know that Julia Child’s birthday was August 15? They are everywhere I go. Every book I touch!



I am reading The Best Thing I Ever Tasted: The Secret of Food by Sallie Tisdale. I think I mentioned a while back that I do (did) tours for a college literature class on food and feasting at the museum. This book by Tisdale is one of the books the instructor uses in his class and I thought I should read it. It is quite good and when I’m finished I’ll do a short review. It is worth a read. At any rate, I’m reading along and what do I find on page 128 -- JULIA!!! Here’s the quote:

“Martha Stewart, cooking on television with Julia Child, couldn’t stop correcting Julia’s work. She quietly picked, picked, picked away at this and that, and Julia Child, in her inimitable, breezy way, just let the criticism float by.”

“Julia Child, for all the years of complaints about her technique, has never failed to express her firm belief that good food is part of a well-lived life with rough edges and a few untidy corners. She is a woman of appetite and undenied pleasure. Martha Stewart’s vision of a well-lived life has no untidy corners; tidy corners may be her vision of heaven. Control, not comfort, is her joy. Julia Child once told a friend she didn’t think Martha Stewart would ever be happy.”

No wonder I never got hooked on Martha! Perhaps Julia was a closet Buddhist??!!!!!!!!!!

I wonder what might pop up this week about Julie or Julia. If something does, I’ll report next Monday!

***

Hurricane season started June 1. So far, it has been a very quiet year, but we are starting to watch the waves coming off of Africa as the hurricane business heats up. We’d like some rain, but please, no repeat of Ike. Guess that’s why I haven’t done a proper rain dance. I don’t want it to be misinterpreted by the powers that be.

***

I am thankful for another day on beautiful Mother Earth.

Joy to You!

To Mull

Monday Mulling

***

It might have been because it had been such a long time since I had seen a movie in a movie theater. It might have been because I had read both books. It might have been because I now qualify for the senior ticket price now that I’m 60. It might have been just because Julie and Julia is a good movie. For whatever reason, I thought the Julie and Julia movie was wonderful.

This is a story about two women who are looking for something “to dooooooo” with their life. Julia decides to take cooking classes at the Cordon Bleu. Julie decides to prepare every recipe in Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 365 days and blog about it.

This is a love story. A love story about food. At the same time, you can’t ignore the love story between Julia (Meryl Streep) and Paul (Stanley Tucci) or Julie (Amy Adams) and Eric (Chris Messina). These women aren’t looking for love. They’ve found it.

There is a funny scene with Julie and three of her friends at their weekly “cobb salad lunch”. I can remember having a few lunches like this one. But I couldn’t remember the scene from her book. That’s because it isn’t in her book, but is something Ms. Ephron added.

Go see Julie and Julia. If you remember Julia Child you’ll enjoy Meryl Streep’s reincarnation of Julia if nothing else. Don’t eat before the movie. You’ll want a nice meal after!

***

We had some rain yesterday and may get more today. Enough to raise the humidity level, but take us out of the heat advisory for a little while. I’m not going to complain. I’m just going to say that I will be very glad when it isn’t so darn hot.

***

Mr. Dragon is hitting golf balls this week with the kids (our god-daughter and her beau and our god-son). They’ll have a good time -- even in the heat. Their mom and I will think about lunch for them when they decide to come home and cool off. It’s nice to have them all together before they are off to their various universities.

On another day I'm having lunch with another of my "sisters". We are bag lunching at her school while she prepares her classroom for school to open. Seems like the summer vacation just started. Time is flying!

Mr. Dragon has decided to take an art history class along with his studio class this next semester. I think the title is something like art history between the wars. Lots of "isms"!

***

I finished reading another of the Miss Julia books by Ann B. Ross, Miss Julia Throws a Wedding. This is the third book in this cozy Southern series and what a hoot Miss Julia is. From the back cover: “Miss Julia is feeling a little wistful when Hazel Marie, once her late husband’s paramour and now her best friend, prepares to move out and live in sin with that marriage-shy Mr. Pickens. Suddenly, to Miss Julia’s delight, a wedding is in the offing: Handsome Deputy Coleman Bates and attorney Binkie Enloe announce their plans to run down to the courthouse and tie the knot. But Miss Julia insists that they have a real wedding ceremony and vows to make it happen. When a lost preacher, a crowd of uninvited guests, and a queasy bride threaten the blessed event, Miss Julia is there to restore order, confirming her undying motto: if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself!” Miss Julia has come a long way since her husband’s death. She is ignorant of the plight of many of those who are less fortunate than she, but watching her learn is a lot of fun! She continues to grow emotionally and spiritually with each novel. That’s not easy for an old-fashioned widow in a small southern town. Go get ‘em Miss Julia!

***

I am thankful for another day on beautiful Mother Earth.

Joy to You!

Monday Mull

Welcome to Mulling with the Dragons!

Some joyful news to share on Monday morning. Mr. and Mrs. Dragon announce the arrival of the newest member of our tribe, the very handsome and very young, Benjamin. He was born July 31, weighed in at 6 lbs 10 oz and 19.5 inches long. We waited for the official portrait before making the announcement. Welcome to the world, precious one. Unfortunately, this family is in Nashville. Guess a trip will be in order!

***

We were wondering what we’d be watching on television now that the Tour de France is over. On Sunday evenings we watch Merlin. "Merlin" is a new drama series that updates the story of the infamous sorcerer of Arthurian legend for a new audience. The mythical city of Camelot, in a time before history began; a fantastical realm of legendary beasts and mysterious people; a dangerous world in which magic has been banned by the ruthless tyrant, Uther Pendragon.
When Merlin, a young man gifted with extraordinary magical powers, arrives in the kingdom, he quickly makes enemies including the heir to Uther's crown, the headstrong Prince Arthur. But guided by Uther's wise physician Gaius, Merlin is soon using his talents not just to survive but also to unlock Camelot's mystical secrets. As he does so he discovers that his destiny and that of the kingdom's young leader in waiting, Arthur, are inextricably linked. Very different from what we know as the Merlin/Arthurian legend. This is a BBC show now being shown in the states. We, of course, like the dragon the best.

***

Bag Museum

(economist.com)

I love museums. Good thing since I spend so much time around one. I have made a change. I resigned from the docent program. It was a difficult decision to make, but it’s the best one for me. You see I have a bad back. I had surgery in 2001 and I won’t go into the details, but I can walk. I can still walk, but I’m now having problems with the other side - sciatica, numbness when I stand for long periods - little things like that. The museum floors just aren’t good for me. But, I’m still doing what I really love and that is research on Asian art. The new China and Japan galleries are in the works and that will keep me busy and happy.

I found a wonderful article in the Economist about an online column they are doing on lesser-known museums and galleries that they feel are definitely worth a visit. I think everyone should see the Louvre in Paris, London’s National Gallery, the Prado in Madrid, Pinakothek in Munich, The National Gallery in Washington,DC, the Met in New York and oodles of others. Let’s face it -- sometimes it just isn’t any fun to elbow the way through the crowd to see a work of art. The Economist suggests that you can get just as much pleasure seeking out treasures in the world’s less known museums. So, The Economist has started an online series on some of these hidden treasures. They started with France’s National Museum of the Renaissance at the Chateau d’Ecouen. They will also talk about the Noguchi Museum in New York, an Amsterdam museum dedicated to bags and purses, and the wonderful Capodimonte Palace in Naples among others. If you’d like to take a quick virtual look at these places, go to the Economist.


Talk about synchronicity. This morning I found this article at the NY Times: At Louvre, Many Stop to Snap but Few Stay to Focus By MICHAEL KIMMELMAN. "Spending an idle morning watching people look at art is hardly a scientific experiment, but it rekindles a perennial question: What exactly are we looking for when we roam as tourists around museums? As with so many things right in front of us, the answer may be no less useful for being familiar." It must be museum day!

***

The week is looking busy ...hair cuts, a baseball game on Wednesday and, most exciting, our friend,Vivian, is in town. I’ve blogged about Vivian before. She is a young friend who has spent the last year in Beijing studying Chinese. Before she left for China we went temple visiting together. We had so much fun. I originally met her at the museum where she worked in the Asia curatorial office. She is visiting this week before she leaves for Michigan where she will start work on her Ph.D.

***

I love wind chimes. I hear the ones in Musashi’s Garden every morning. The birds get them started as they fly in for their breakfast.

***

I’ll leave you with this picture thought:

(icanhascheesburger.com)

I am thankful for another day on beautiful Mother Earth.

Joy to You!

Monday Mull

Mull: verb. Mull over, ponder, pore over, consider, reflect on, deliberate, think about for a while, give thought to, study, meditate, weigh, ruminate.

Here are my Monday Mullings for July 27, 2009.

First, I’d like to thank David McMahon for shouting out my last Tuesday’s MY World post as one of his POTD (post of the day). That was a wonderful surprise. Welcome to those of you visiting from David’s blog. Thanks again, David. What a nice thing to do!

***

From Versus.com

Mr. Dragon and I are wondering what we will watch on television now that the Tour de France is over. I guess it’s back to the news, weather and baseball. We’ve been watching the Tour for about ten years now and think, finally, we are really getting all the ins and outs of bicycle road racing. It is very much a team sport and teams from all over the world compete. The Tour de France is 3 weeks long -- 21 days on a bicycle over roads, cobble stone streets and mountain passes, through fields of sunflowers and mown hay. In fact, one reason we watch the tour is to see the countryside, the Pyrenees and the Alps. This year the tour started in Monaco, traveled through Spain, Italy, Switzerland and France to finish on the Champ Elysees. There is an individual winner, a sprint winner, a king of the hill, the best young rider (under 25) and a team winner. There is a team time trial and two individual time trials. A little something for everyone. I think I’ll take the list we made this year of places to see and add it to the 9 other lists we’ve made of places to visit. It doesn’t hurt to dream.

***

From Space Weather.com

I mentioned the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing last Monday. Seems I just can’t get away from astronomy in one form or another! Last week it was the solar eclipse and the discovery by many amateur astronomy lovers that something hit Jupiter leaving a very large spot. Several days after the Jupiter discovery was made, many of the television channels had it on the news. Sorry guys, you are a few days late. We already knew thanks to Space Weather!

***

It is still hot (so what's new). We did get some rain last week, but could use more. Drought conditions are no fun. It’s bad for my farmers market. My favorite egg guy says the girls don’t like this weather and we have to get on a waiting list for eggs.

***

The pigs are on their way to California and I miss them! I started a Christmas project. Now, I don’t know about you, but the idea of starting something for Christmas is a little frightening. Time is passing too quickly. At any rate, I like making a few things that I can use for hostess gifts or little surprises for the holidays. Mr. Dragon says this looks very festive and it does, but I don’t like the yarn. The silver metallic thread running through the yarn has a mind of its own and the thread itself is a little thin. Live and learn. I have another round to put on and then it is finished. I have enough yarn to make two. The first one I make is always for me. It has all the mistakes, the trial and error phase.

***

We aren’t movie goers. Thought I could talk Mr. Dragon into seeing Star Trek, but we never went. I’ve seen some of the trailers for Julie and Julia. I went over to the Sony site, and after watching what they had there have decided I must see this movie. Meryl Streep as Julia Child is something I don’t want to miss! I read the Julie book that was based on her blog. Speaking of blogs, the sony site is posting a foodie blog a day. I figure I owe you a few blogs of the week so here are some of the blogs they’ve mentioned:

• Whisk: A Food Blog
• Best Food Blog Ever
• Simply Recipes
• Cooking With Amy
• One For The Table
• The Scent of Water
• Dine and Dish
• Mia Cucina Su Cucina
• Elle's New England Kitchen
• Coconut 'N Lime
• Food Blogger

These are just a few, but enough to get you started!

***

There is nothing on the calendar for the week. Good thing, Mr. Dragon has a cold.

***

I’ll leave you with this picture thought. I thought it fit well with the food theme!

I am thankful for another day on beautiful Mother Earth.

Joy to You!

To Mull

Mull: verb. Mull over, ponder, pore over, consider, reflect on, deliberate, think about for a while, give thought to, study, meditate, weigh, ruminate.

Here are my Monday Mullings for July 20, 2009.

***

I do love when the post arrives. On Friday, I made a trip to the post office to pick up a package from my friend, Kim. Inside was my Pay It Forward prize and I had such fun opening everything. I saw the collage first on Kim’s blog. I loved it there and I love it even more in person. The birds and the bees in a garden with a kitty. Couldn’t be more perfect. (Kim said she couldn’t get the thought of Musashi’s Garden out of her mind).



The meditation string of beads is in my pocket. She based them on the 17 bead bookmark she saw at the Daily Om. Every time I touch the beads (each one different), I smile and spread a little joy out into the universe.



Thank you so very much, Kim. Everything is perfect and sooooooo me! You aren’t late. Everything in its own time and I get to celebrate a little more, my good fortune in knowing you.

***

Do you remember where you were when Apollo 11 landed on the moon? I was at university. I do remember watching and crying and being amazed that we were on the moon. Amazed that we got the men there and we got them back home -- all in one piece. The whole world seemed to hold it’s breath and watched as one, the trip to the moon.

I watch each and every shuttle launch and watch the NASA channel to see what the latest news is or to watch a space walk. We seem to take so much for granted now. Everything is old hat. Where’s the joy, the imagination, the knowledge, the excitement, the fascination that life seemed to have *way back then*?! Was going to the moon the last frontier and now there is no interest in science or space? Ruminate on that!

There was a lot going on in 1969. The Jets won the Superbowl and the Mets won the World Series. Nixon was sworn in as president. The Beatles’ had their last public concert. Golda Meir became Prime Minister of Israel. The premiere of Rowan and Martin’s Laugh In was in 1969. That’s just a few of the happenings in 1969.

***

It is still hot. The weathermen promised us rain. Actually, I believe they said 60 percent chance for two days and then chances would lessen. Well, we got one day of a 20 minute gully washer. In other words, didn’t do much good. We need a day long, soaking rain. I’m afraid I may have to resort to a rain dance. Not pretty.

***

You might have noticed on other Mondays, I have said prayers for Ann Marie and Cydney Marie. I am happy to report that after 14+ weeks in the hospital Ann Marie, by C-Section, gave birth to Cydney Marie on July 17 (also Ann Marie’s birthday). The story of Cydney Marie and her big brother, Coy is an amazing one and I invite you to visit their blog to read more.

***

The piglets are finished. Mrs. Piggy and the little ones will be traveling to California this week for a birthday celebration at the end of the month.

***

I haven’t decided what to read next. I finished The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz and really enjoyed reading this novel. Here’s info from the back cover: “In 1959, a young woman, Haruko, marries the Crown Prince of Japan. She is the first non-aristocratic woman to enter the mysterious, hermetic monarchy. Met with cruelty and suspicion by the Empress, Haruko is controlled at every turn, suffering a nervous breakdown after finally giving birth to a son. Thirty years later, now Empress herself, she plays a crucial role in persuading another young woman to accept the marriage proposal of her son, with tragic consequences.”

***

On the calendar I have a dermatology appointment and we have an Astros baseball game. Still trying to stay cool!

***

I’ll leave you with this picture thought:

From The Stitchery

I am thankful for another day on beautiful Mother Earth.

Have a beautiful week.

Joy to You!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman’s Daybook

For Today...July 13, 2009

Outside my window... the sun is shining brightly. Not a cloud in the sky.

I am thinking...that I’d better get a move on. Off to the gym.

I am thankful for...another day on Mother Earth.

From the kitchen...bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches. Still using home grown tomatoes. It has amazed both of us how long our tomatoes have lasted on our balcony in all this heat. They came to an end today when I picked the last one.

I am wearing...my standard gym clothes - red shorts, gray Planet Hollywood T-shirt, tennis shoes

I am reading... Miss Julia Takes Over by Ann B. Ross. This is the second book in the Miss Julia series. It is a southern cozy with just a little bit of mystery. Quoting from Publishers Weekly “Imagine Aunt Bee from the Andy Griffith Show with a lot more backbone and confidence and drop her smack in the middle of a humorous, rollicking plot akin to that of the movie Smokey and the Bandit and you have the tone and pace of Ross’s entertaining second novel.” What’s funny -- Ross’s characters remind of people I know (or have heard about)! Great summer reading and I have 8 more in the series before I’m caught up.

I am hoping...for a break in the heat! We did have some rain last week -- one day when it rained in the morning, stayed cloudy, and broke the heat advisory (feels like temperatures are between 105-110 degrees F. or more). Wish the high pressure would move on down the road!

I am creating...Mrs. Piggy is finished (crochet), but I have to get some more yarn to finish up the little piglets. Here’s the finished Mrs. Piggy. Piglet photos to follow when they are done.

I wanted to make sure you saw her tail. She makes me laugh out loud!

I am praying... for Anne Marie and Cydney Marie, Jean and Carol

Around the house... it’s too quiet! I wonder what the kitties are doing? Mr. Dragon has feed the birds -- I can hear them outside talking to each other (Mr. Dragon and the birds).

One of my favorite things...rain!

A few plans for the rest of the week...staying cool is big on the list. I need to get to Sam’s Club. Make a dermatology appointment. Mr. Dragon has two more color pencil workshops. I need more pink yarn to finish the piglets -- Michaels here I come. Otherwise, stay at home and stay cool.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...I’ve always had a fondness for Mary Engelbreit and this card was in my mail this week from my Saurian Sister in California.

To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook. While Peggy is on summer vacation, more Daybook posts can be found at Grandmother Wren’s

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...July 6, 2009

Outside my window... the sun is shinning brightly. There are a few wispy clouds in the sky.

I am thinking... yikes! Half the year is gone. How time flies as you get older (have more fun, are busier -- take your pick).

I am thankful for...another day on Mother Earth.

From the kitchen... I am going to make one of Mr. Dragon’s favorite meals, Red Curry Beef stew. We don’t eat a lot of meat and this will be a special treat for him.

I am wearing... gym clothes - red shorts, gray Planet Hollywood Paris T-shirt, tennis shoes.

I am reading... The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz. Marie at A Year from Oak Cottage mentioned this book in her Daybook post last week. It looked like something I would enjoy and I put it in my amazon stack. Lo and behold (some things are just meant to be), I found a much cheaper copy at Costco. No waiting for shipping. I’m really enjoying it. There will be a short review when I’m finished.

I am hoping...the weathermen are correct and we get a little rain to break this heat cycle for a few days.

I am creating... I finished the counted cross-stitch and should have the pig done this week (crochet).

I am praying... for Anne Marie and Cydney Marie, Debbie, Jean

Around the house... I can hear the water running. Mr. Dragon is outside watering the plants in pots.

One of my favorite things...seeing what the postman has left for us! This came in the mail from Kelley at Dragonfly Reflections. Isn’t the card fun?! I do love birds and this is just perfect. I also enjoy the list of easy ways to move from autopilot to mindfulness. Thank you Kelley for all my goodies!

A few plans for the rest of the week...staying cool is big on the list. Mr. Dragon starts a color pencil workshop this week. Staying cool. We have a baseball game on Wednesday (good thing that Minute Maid stadium has a roof that closes and air conditioning). Hair cuts. Staying cool. Off to Hobby Lobby with a coupon to look at color pencils and rubber stamps. Staying cool. Sending off a few packages. Staying cool.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


Isn't he a little doll? This photo and a few more came in an email - one of those emails that gets sent to everyone on your list type emails. I couldn't resist sharing!


To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook. While Peggy is on summer vacation, more Daybook posts can be found at Grandmother Wren’s.

Joy to You!

Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman’s Daybook

For Today... June 29, 2009

Outside my window... the sun is shinning brightly. Not a cloud in the sky.

I am thinking... that Hades couldn’t be hotter than it has been here the last several weeks. And, summer has just started! Ouch!

I am thankful for...another day on Mother Earth.

From the kitchen... despite the heat, I am going to bake. Banana bread and strawberry muffins are on the list. Sort of necessities -- use up the bananas and strawberries before they ruin.

I am wearing...white shorts, white World Wildlife T-shirt, no shoes

I am reading... just finished Happiness Is An Inside Job: practicing for a joyful life by Sylvia Boorstein, Ph.D.

I am hoping...that it rains soon. (Seems I have a one track mind ... hot, hotter, sweltering, sultry, torrid, simmering, steaming, scorching, sizzling.)

I am creating... still working on the counted cross stitch (watch for a post later this week) and have started crocheting a wonderful pig for a little girl’s birthday.

I am praying... for Anne Marie and Cydney Marie, Debbie

Around the house... Mr. Dragon is in the shower. Kitties are sleeping. I hear the Doves cooing and the air-conditioner running.

One of my favorite things...Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice

A few plans for the rest of the week...I do have to grocery shop. Mr. Dragon has pen and ink workshops. That’s about all we have to get out for.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

This is from the Stitchery Catalog. Too good to pass up!

To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook. While Peggy is on vacation you can find other Daybooks by visiting Grandmother Wren.

Stay cool!

Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman’s Daybook

For Today... June 22, 2009

Outside my window... the sun is shinning brightly. Another hot day!

I am thinking... how happy I am to be having lunch today with one of my *sisters by choice*. I’m an only kid and I’ve picked some great women to have as sisters and tribe members. Mar and I will celebrate our birthdays today and catch up.

I am thankful for...another day on Mother Earth.

From the kitchen... I have portobello mushrooms and will make a marinade with pineapple. Yum! Also, fresh cherries and strawberries. Munchies!

I am wearing...real clothes for a change. Navy blue trousers, Navy blue blouse with tiny white fish all over, Navy blue shoes.

I am reading... I just finished The Death of An Irish Sinner: A Peter McGarr Mystery by Bartholomew Gill.

I am hoping...there is a break in our hot weather,but the weather guys say not until this weekend -- maybe. We are now officially in a drought. I’m not going to like the water or electric bills.

I am creating... counted cross-stitch continues, and online class. Also, see plans for the week!

I am praying... for Anne Marie and Cydney Marie, Coy, Debbie

Around the house...the kitties are waiting for their treat. Mr. Dragon is out watering the garden.

One of my favorite things...tea

A few plans for the rest of the week... lunch today with Mar, two Astros baseball games this week with the tribe. I’m going to look at crochet and knit patterns today. I have plenty of both. I’m looking for some good ones for a little girl -- a farm animal toy. I want to find some autumn patterns, too. That should keep me busy.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...it was sent to me in an email with others. This was my favorite.

To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook. While Peggy is on vacation, you can find more Daybooks here.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman’s Daybook

For Today... June 15, 2009
Can you believe? Half of the month of June has flown by!

Outside my window... the sun is shinning brightly. I watched the city water truck come by and water the new sod.

I am thinking... how much we both enjoy Musashi’s Garden. The butterflies have been beautiful this year and the birds! They have been so much fun at the bird bath.

I am thankful for...another day on Mother Earth.

From the kitchen... bacon and lettuce sandwiches today. Have to use up our tomatoes.

I am wearing... navy blue shorts (I’m not going anywhere), white World Wildlife t-shirt, no shoes (as usual).

I am reading... I just finished a historical mystery Hell Screen by I.J. Parker. Having trouble picking the next read and it’s not because there isn’t an unread book in the house. Wonder what I’m in the mood for? Since I can’t figure it out -- I’ll look for some brain candy.

I am hoping...there is a break in our hot weather. We need some rain. I’m not going to like this months water bill.

I am creating... counted cross-stitch continues and I start a new online class today.

I am praying... for Anne Marie and Cydney Marie, Debbie

Around the house...the kitties are sunbathing. Mr. Dragon is in the shower.

One of my favorite things...sea shells

A few plans for the rest of the week... It’s amazing. There is nothing on the calendar except for Mr. Dragon’s art workshops. WOW!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...



Isn't this fun? When I saw it, I knew it should live with me. I ask you. How could a Texas girl pass up a cowgirl fairy wrangling ducks? And, it was so close to my birthday, I thought it would make a nice birthday present to myself. So, I ordered it from my pal, Sarah, at Cottage Garden Studio. If you haven't visited with Sarah, you should. Drop by and say "Hi".

Sarah, being the sweet thing that she is, threw this in as a surprise.
Thank you, Sarah.
I love you and your work!
You bring a smile to my face!

Happy Monday everyone.
Joy to You!

Monday Morning

You Are Sunset

Even though you still may be young, you already feel like you've accomplished a lot in life. And you feel free to pave your own path now, and you're not even sure where it will take you. Maybe you'll pursue higher education in a subject you enjoy - or travel the world for a few years. Either way, you approach life with a relaxed, open attitude. And that will take you far!

What Time Of Day Are You?