Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, February 28, 2011

Outside My Window... I am presently in the basement, and therefore, there are no windows in sight.

I am thinking... that it's lovely to start one's day with breakfast in bed, while listening to Andrea Bocelli's operatic arias, and reading Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew .

I am thankful for... love and patience.

From the kitchen... the clatter of dishes being washed.

I am wearing... a mismatched collection of pajamas. Yes, at 1 in the afternoon.

I am creating... an apron-- so excited about it-- and I have many ideas for future projects, including some bags and totes, and hopefully a purse or two. And some more aprons. I love aprons.

I am going... to step out into the warm morning air soon.

I am reading... Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott, Under the Sea Wind by Rachel Carson, The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, When People are big and God is Small by Edward T. Welch, & Guidance and the Voice of God by Phillip D. Jensen and Tony Payne.

I am hoping... to see Josh Groban this spring!

I am hearing... the parakeets singing upstairs.

Around the house... the time for spring cleaning approaches!

One of my favourite things... spending time with friends and talking about books while we sew, bake, or do other fun things.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Read books, write letters, sew, practice violin, and prepare for my final orchestra concert this Saturday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... a renaissance shirt and cape I made, donned by my brother and a friend.

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting this.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Outside My Window... glossy wet pavement and grey skies.

I am thinking... it's a mystery why my dental floss is made in Ireland.

I am thankful for... the privilege of hearing my husband preach each week.

From the kitchen... a languishing bowl of sourdough starter. I should feed it.

I am wearing... yellow-green t-shirt, black gored skirt, lavender Ugg boots.

I am creating... a home-life full of books, music and laughter.

I am going... to step out into the warm morning air soon.

I am reading... A bit of this, a bit of that. This morning, I've read three portions from the six books in my stack. Newest book, Three Men on the Bummel.

I am hoping... to think of a plan for lunch before the time comes!

I am hearing... chirping birds.

Around the house... the colour red.

One of my favourite things... a crisp piece of toast sprinkled with Gestampte Muisjes.

A few plans for the rest of the week: write a letter, go to Saturday prayer breakfast.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Christmas brunch

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting this.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, March 8, 2010

Outside My Window... Windblown lemon and lime trees, withered tomato plants.

I am thinking...that I'd like to find out more about Charlotte Mason. Perhaps a visit to handy dandy Wikipedia is in order. ;)

I am thankful for... Health and strength and daily food.

From the kitchen... John and I just finished a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread. Yum!

I am wearing... Blue jeans, red blouse.

I am creating... Patchwork cards from scraps of paper.

I am going... to dinner at a friend's home tonight.

I am reading... a memoir of a woman who came to Australia from England in the 19th century.

I am hoping... to go on a walk.

I am hearing... the wind rattling the laundry room door.

Around the house... Stacks of books.

One of my favourite things... a clean kitchen.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Go shopping, cook for company.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

One of said stacks, with an (apparently) deathless flower arrangement.

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting this.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Tuesday, January 26, 2010 (still Monday in the USA!)

Outside My Window... The barbecue grill that John and I put together yesterday, using a screwdriver and spanner (wrench). I love learning new words!

I am thinking... It's about time to sit down with my Latin book.

I am thankful for... Wikipedia. I've learned some interesting things lately--most recently, I've been reading about locusts. (see "Hoping" to find a clue why)

From the kitchen... we'll be cooking outside, for Australia day! Lamb chops, veal shanks, veggie kebabs marinated in Italian dressing.

I am wearing... Coral cardigan, floral top, sand coloured linen capris.

I am creating... ideas for Valentine's day. I want to make this cute heart garland.

I am going... nowhere. Grocery shopping is already done for the week. :)

I am reading... Asterix (finished four in the last week) Asterix the Legionary is my favourite so far.

I am hoping... to read aloud to my husband later today. I'm introducing him to the Little House books, and we're up to On the Banks of Plum Creek.

I am hearing... birds chirping, washing machine sloshing.

Around the house... Blue and white in the kitchen: Dutch tile and windmill plates on the wall, a clog on the windowsill, the new hotpads I made hanging by the stove.

One of my favourite things... Affogato.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Finish a book or two, catch up on correspondence.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Melting sun

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting this.

For Monday, January 11, 2010

Outside My Window...bright Australian sun, and a house under construction.

I am thinking...that I've never experienced such heat before! (42.7 Celsius/108.8 Fahrenheit)

I am thankful for... a shaded clothesline.

From the kitchen... I'll be making Chapati tonight. The quickest, easiest, and most yummy flatbread I've made so far.

I am wearing... Green t-shirt. Capris. Black sandals.

I am creating... A cushion cover. My mother in law helped me start the patchwork at Christmastime.

I am going... to stay at home today. :)

I am reading... Soul Survivor by Philip Yancey. It's a book that makes me think--and sometimes makes me uncomfortable. But that's the sort of book I need, to help me grow.

I am hoping... to finish planning the week's meals this afternoon.

I am hearing... the hum of our air conditioner.

Around the house... maps on the walls: Kansas in the 1870s, Ancient Iran...

One of my favourite things... Reading at the beach with my husband.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Starting daily Latin study again, attending Bible studies, cooking for company.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Sandringham beach

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting this.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, February 16, 2009

Outside My Window...bright afternoon sunlight.

I am thinking...I didn't know a girl could be so happy!

I am thankful for... many years of prayer brought to fruition.

From the kitchen... I just finished savouring a bit of dark chocolate with cocoa nibs.

I am wearing... green, black, blue

I am creating... an idea for a special dress.

I am going... to Australia.

I am reading... The book of Isaiah. Gaudy Night. And lots of books with the letters W...E...D...in the title.

I am hoping...to be a help to an amazing man!

I am hearing... the hum of the dishwasher, my sister muttering over her geometry, and my brother making explosions as he plays with his army men.

Around the house... stacks of laundry waiting for me.

One of my favorite things... my sister's computer. ;)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: check things off my ever-growing list!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Simple Woman's Daybook (Kara's)

For Monday, December 1, 2008

Outside My Window...bare tree branches outlined in the blue sky, illuminated by noon sunshine.

I am thinking...on Psalm 1:2, and how I must delight in God's word .

I am thankful for...Central heating!

From the kitchen...too many yummy things to eat! Tine made some graham cracker pudding the other day, and I haven't even tried it yet! (it's a Thanksgiving tradition)

I am wearing...blue jeans, and a blouse with this painting on it.

I am creating...nothing at the moment. I'd like to make some stationery.

I am going...nowhere today. Later on in the week, I will accompany a violinist friend on the piano at several events.

I am reading...The book of Psalms, and Strong Poison by Dorothy Sayers.

I am hoping...in God.

I am hearing...Christina practicing Christmas carols on the piano.

Around the house... we are cleaning today, and catching up on laundry.

One of my favorite things... Re-reading favorite books. This is only my second time through Strong Poison, and I love all the literary allusions in the first couple of chapters. They make me laugh!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Put up Christmas decorations, study Latin.

Here is picture I am sharing...

No photos today. I'll share a word picture instead, from a favorite poem:

The whole sky was blue;
And the thick flakes floating at a pause
Were but frost knots on an airy gauze,
With the sun shining through.

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

The Simple Womans Daybook

For Monday, December 1, 2008

Outside My Window...the sun shining very brightly against the grey clouds, and melting snow.

I am thinking... about replying to an email.

I am thankful for...God's love!

From the kitchen... my mother, on the 'phone,

I am wearing...mummy's red turtleneck shirt with snowmen on it, and jeans.

I am creating... ideas of Christmas presents for my family.

I am going...to do school in a little bit!

I am reading...nothing in particular, and everything in general

I am hoping... to get a really good violin practice in today!

I am hearing...the washing machine and the dryer do their thing!

Around the house... cleaning, so that we can get out Christmas decorations!

One of my favorite things... getting notes from friends and/or family. :)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Work hard, accomplish things!

Here is picture I am sharing...

We went hiking on Kara's Birthday!

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, November 3, 2008

Outside My Window...early morning sunshine.

I am thinking...that life is full of surprises.

I am thankful for...God's care.

From the kitchen...fresh apple juice.

I am wearing...pajamas.

I am creating...a plan to clean my room.

I am going...to gather with my church this evening to pray for our country.

I am reading...too many books, and not making much headway with any of them.

I am hoping...in God.

I am hearing...cars drive by our house, and a puppy barking.

Around the house... falling leaves.

One of my favorite things... good conversations with friends.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Finish memorizing Titus 2, study Latin, get a new driver's license.

Here is picture I am sharing...

Christina playing In a Pickle

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, October , 2008

Outside My Window...cloudy greyness and a breeze rippling the leaves of our maple tree. A lovely Fall morning!

I am thinking... about clean teeth, (went to the dentist this morning)

I am thankful for... my wonderful friend who is coming into town this weekend!

From the kitchen... nothing, but the silence of after-breakfastness!

I am wearing..., a jean skirt, shirt from mexico, a blue wrap w/specks of orange, blue and green, a leather string with a blue/orange/gold rock on it, and new shoes from a garage sale! :)

I am creating...a reformation costume! i've already finished the blouse, and am almost finished with the skirt! :) the vest is coming up!

I am going...to hem up my reformation skirt in a few minutes.

I am reading... so many things!

I am hoping... that Kara's practice goes well this morning/afternoon.

I am hearing... beautiful and calm silence. :)

Around the house... a few things that i should pick up.

One of my favorite things... the aforesaid silence.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: finish reformation costume, practice music, get along in French, schoolwork... etc!

Here is a picture I am sharing...

my lil' brother and i making popcorn balls! :)

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, October 13, 2008

Outside My Window...it's a blustery day.

I am thinking...it's Providential how the devotional of the day was just what I needed!

I am thankful for...the time together with my college-going brother on Saturday.

From the kitchen...a dead oven. But hopefully it's a simple fix!

I am wearing...Cream blouse with autumn print, khaki skirt.

I am creating...an idea for using some linen fabric. I think I'll dye it and make Reformation day costumes for my sister and I.

I am going...to practice/record an accompaniment this afternoon at a friend's home.

I am reading... Here I Stand, A Life of Martin Luther by Roland H. Bainton

I am hoping...in God.

I am hearing...My brother Rar-Rar slurping his imaginary soup. (Tim has quite an imagination!)

Around the house... Tut, tut. Did I mention it looks like rain?

One of my favorite things... Taking a walk with a friend.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Accompany at various rehearsals, Latin class/homework, Memorize some more of Titus 2, Practice gratefulness.

Here is picture I am sharing...

A sunbathing turtle seen on a recent walk.

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Simple Woman's Daybook!

For today-- Monday, September 29, the year is 2008

Outside My Window... the morning sunshine, cheerily brightening the back yard

I am thinking...that I really, really, REALLY, want to see Fireproof!

I am thankful for... my family, my friends, and best of all-- my Savior.

From the kitchen...ah, it should be, what is GOING to be in the kitchen... probably some Koloches, Cookies, Raisin Bread....

I am wearing... a shirt made in Mexico (although i've never actually been there!) with some vines, and a japanese woman on it, and a pair of camo crops.

I am creating... the idea of cleaning my room.

I am going... to start editing my novel sometime.

I am reading... Lies Young Women Believe (and the truth that sets them free) by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh. Good book! I've learned a lot!

I am hoping...to learn even more! :D

I am hearing... The Pink Panther Theme by Henry Mancini

Around the house... new-mown grass

One of my favorite things... Autumn.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: catch up on some reading, bake some stuff, work, learn, grow.

Here is picture I am sharing... my finished novel-- and the book that helped me write it!

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, September 15, 2008

Outside My Window...my dad and brother mowing the lawn in the deepening dusk.

I am thinking...about different prayer needs

I am thankful for...the Holy Spirit, who helps me in prayer when I don't know exactly what to pray

From the kitchen...My mom made an apple crisp. The scent is wafting through the house and making my mouth water.

I am wearing...Surprise! No apron today. Brown t-shirt and denim skirt, topped with a coral, knitted hoodie.

I am creating...a study space on my desk. My dad just helped me hang some new pictures on the bedroom wall.

I am going...Bound for the Promised Land

I am reading... Titus 2

I am hoping...in God.

I am hearing...Timmy playing, and my dad's footsteps.

Around the house... new-mown grass

One of my favorite things... Smiling. Or so my dad says. :)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Memorize some Bible verses, work on finishing up the exercises in chap. 1 of my Latin text.

Here is picture I am sharing... sorry. I haven't had a chance to download any recently.

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, September 8, 2008
Outside My Window... backyard, fence, backyard, fence, backyard, fence... welcome to Kansas.

I am thinking...that i should hurry this up so i can do History.

I am thankful for...Rainy days!

From the kitchen...i had a nice cup of chocolate peppermint tea this morning!

I am wearing... cargo jeans, and a black t-shirt daddy got me! :) and blue socks.

I am creating... the thought of cutting out a skirt today.

I am going... to post this once i finish it.

I am reading... Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey

I am hoping... to do well in school this year and to work hard.

I am hearing... a song by one of my favorite artists

Around the house... my room is almost clean! (wow... walking space--thanks mom!)

One of my favorite things... reading-- it's the best!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... school, and some hard practice on violin (seating auditions this weekend!) aaaannnddd.... we'll see what else comes up.

Here is picture I am sharing... my wonderful friend and I!

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, September 1, 2008

Outside My Window... actually, mostly I notice the window itself: it's clean. (nothing like a good scrub!)

I am thinking...about all the things I should do this week. And pondering whether I have the courage for new things.

I am thankful for...my friends, especially Rachel, whom I was able to visit last week.

From the kitchen...Christina has some potatoes boiling for potato salad: we'll be grilling tonight.

I am wearing...never mind that. It's covered with a blue flowered apron, anyway!

I am creating...a plan of attack for school, the house, studying Latin...

I am going...actually I've already been. ;)

I am reading... The Gift of Friendship: Tolkien and C.S. Lewis by Colin Duriez

I am hoping...to continue to see answers to prayer.

I am hearing...the sound of silence.

Around the house... We moved most of the bookshelves into one area today. Soon, we will have our own "library"!

One of my favorite things... drinking Chocolate Caramel Enchantment Chai from Celestial Seasonings tea co.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Practice piano, plan some menus.

Here is picture I am sharing...

Rachel's Twins: aren't they adorable?

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, August 18, 2008
Outside My Window... a part of the back yard: green grass, two of the three pine trees, the neighbors back yard, the hedge trees behind the house

I am thinking...that I should get back to practicing violin soon.

I am thankful for... the nice cool weather--my favorite!

From the kitchen...some bread dough in a big shiny bowl. Probably rising now.

I am wearing... jeans, and a grey scoop neck t-shirt with little black hearts, and a blue hat that I crocheted.

I am creating... a novel. (I’m at 25,000+ words! :D :D :D)

I am going...to stay home today. :)

I am reading... Llama’s on the Loose by Jeri Massi (just reading it for fun), I’m also reading Anne’s house of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery

I am hoping... to get several thousand words in today.

I am hearing...Other than the air conditioner? Silence.

Around the house... pretty quiet right now. There will probably be some cleaning happening after a bit.

One of my favorite things... sleeeeeep. *yawn*

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: writing-- serious writing-- maybe I should call a friend of mine sometime, work at the farmers market, violin lesson…

Here is picture I am sharing... well… I was going to have one, but it’ll have to wait until another post.

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, August 11, 2008

Outside My Window... The wind ruffling the leaves of the Father's Day maple tree.

I am thinking...that I hope the alterations I've made to my dress pattern will work this time!

I am thankful for...health. I was sick in bed for 4 days last week.

From the kitchen...my mom has another pot of salsa simmering on the stove. Yum!

I am wearing...red floral capris and t-shirt, sunflower apron.

I am creating...a pink summer dress.

I am going...to be leading a girls Bible study tonight.

I am reading...The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien. I'm determined to finish it this time around!

I am hoping...in the power of God to answer prayer.

I am hearing...My little brother and sister singing a Rar Rar birthday song. (Rar Rars are imaginary creatures invented between them)

Around the house...are a few messes I need to straighten. I let things slide for a while...

One of my favorite things...talking with my friend Tif on the phone. :)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Sew the dress. Work at Farmer's Market. Organize my coupon box.

Here is picture I am sharing...

A Kansas Waterfall...there were heavy rains last week...

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, July 28, 2008

Outside My Window... The big maple tree swaying in the wind.

I am thinking...that I am tired (from cleaning the kitchen), and that I should get the raspberry bars out of the oven soon.

I am thankful for...the ability to BREATHE! I'm also thankful that our van is now in working order.

From the kitchen... ack! my raspberry-nut bars! ...ah, yes, finally, safe from the oven

I am wearing...my sister's pink t-shirt, and black sports capris.

I am creating... more like I should be creating 3 summer skirts from the material that I've bought.

I am going...to practice violin... when I finish this.

I am reading... Anne of Windy Poplars.

I am hoping... to have time to come up with a suitable plot for a 50,000 word novel within the week.

I am hearing...air conditioner, Kara's sewing machine, & my brothers discussing where to next place the pet tarantula.

Around the house...it's clean! wow! :D

One of my favorite things... dancing... I haven't done that in a while.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: the aforesaid plot, work at the Farmers Market, violin lesson, and ...hoping for some serious progress on learning the guitar.

Here is picture I am sharing... nothing this week.

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Monday, July 21, 2008

Outside My Window... The morning sun lighting up our patio trellis.

I am thinking...many things. Most recently, that I need to figure out my shopping list for Walgreens.

I am thankful for...my littlest brother. He just turned 11, and is a joy to my heart. We've spent many happy hours reading stories aloud.

From the kitchen...my mom made crepes this morning. Topped with whipped cream and strawberries.

I am wearing...A yellow knit dress with coral flowers, sunflower/gingham apron and blue kerchief on my head: It's cleaning day at our house!

I am creating...a plan for sewing some summer clothes.

I am going...nowhere today. I love it!

I am reading...Power Through Prayer, by E. M. Bounds

I am hoping...to work on my memory verses (Psalm 2:6-8) before Bible study tonight.

I am hearing...the "thunka-thunka" sound of our washer in spin cycle.

Around the house...it smells like vinegar. Courtesy one of my healthful cleaning recipes. :)

One of my favorite things...listening to messages on my MP3 player while I work. Today I'll finish one by Douglas Wilson on "Christ in our Calling"

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Working. Planning the upcoming school year for my siblings.

Here is picture I am sharing...

Some poppies at a Dallas Arboretum, taking sometime in March.

Thanks to the Simple Woman for hosting the Monday daybook! I think it will be a fun feature for our blog. It has helped me think about some of the small things that might otherwise be missed in the business of life.