That's where I spent my day. The morning was invested in doing laundry and reading student compositions. Afternoon was focused on more laundry and Christmas cards. Until 4:30 I had made it only as far as the mailbox. But when I noticed the beautiful turquoise and gold sunset sky, I decided I had to grab my shoes and jacket and head out for a short walk.
This evening, I will continue with the Christmas cards with short knitting breaks.
Today ends November 2010 NaBloPoMo. I made it!
Tomorrow: December 1st: World AIDS Day. Do you know how many AIDS ORPHANS there are in Africa and Asia?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Cards
I am an old fashioned sort of woman. I like to send Christmas cards. I sign them. I stamp them. I mail them. Usually, I include a little typed letter with family news for my relatives and long time friends. Because I'm normally a frugal, thrifty person, I purchase cards when they are on sale after Christmas and then store them during the year in a special little box with the other Christmas stuff.
But this year! I discovered that I am short on cards! How did this happen?
This afternoon, I trolled the stationery stores' websites hoping to find a deal on cards and desperately wishing I could just order online and have them delivered to my front door and thus avoid the mall. Every time I clicked on 'Add to cart' the store informed me, "Oops, sorry. We're out of stock on that one." No cards, no sale. So I called the local shop and put cards on hold there and told the clerk I'd pop in this evening on my way to the airport to pick up The Professor. By tomorrow afternoon, I hope to have all the cards in hand, signed, and addressed. Wish me Godspeed.
I am thankful that the shop had enough of my first choice. I am also thankful that the store is basically on the way to the airport.
But this year! I discovered that I am short on cards! How did this happen?
This afternoon, I trolled the stationery stores' websites hoping to find a deal on cards and desperately wishing I could just order online and have them delivered to my front door and thus avoid the mall. Every time I clicked on 'Add to cart' the store informed me, "Oops, sorry. We're out of stock on that one." No cards, no sale. So I called the local shop and put cards on hold there and told the clerk I'd pop in this evening on my way to the airport to pick up The Professor. By tomorrow afternoon, I hope to have all the cards in hand, signed, and addressed. Wish me Godspeed.
I am thankful that the shop had enough of my first choice. I am also thankful that the store is basically on the way to the airport.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Answers to the Pandora Dilemma
The Professor's comment on my previous post should provide illumination and instruction for the people who live in my universe.
Go to 'www.pandora.com and register using your email address. Once you are registered, you will be asked to, "Enter an artist, song or composer. We'll create a radio station featuring that music and more like it." The songs will play on your computer.
I've been listening to "Classical Christmas" and "Celtic Christmas" music this afternoon.
This evening, I am thankful for another safe, speedy and uneventful road trip through four Southern California counties.
Go to 'www.pandora.com and register using your email address. Once you are registered, you will be asked to, "Enter an artist, song or composer. We'll create a radio station featuring that music and more like it." The songs will play on your computer.
I've been listening to "Classical Christmas" and "Celtic Christmas" music this afternoon.
This evening, I am thankful for another safe, speedy and uneventful road trip through four Southern California counties.
And tonight I will light the first Advent candle.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Pandora's Juke Box
Am I the only person in the universe who didn't know about listening to music on Pandora Radio? I'm so excited! Christmas music. All. Month. Long.
Have You Started Shopping for Christmas?
This is one of the best Christmas lists I've ever seen.
Which presents on this list are you giving to your friends and family this year?
Friday, November 26, 2010
Post Thanksgiving Thanks
Because my computer simply will not speak with the internet connection at my daughter's house, I am unable to post any pictures. A thousand words will not suffice to express the blessings of this week. As usual, I have linked up to Susanne's Friday Fave Five at her blog Living To Tell The Story.
1. Visiting with long time friends who had traveled this week to the Los Angeles area to attend a wedding, catching up on what's happening with their kids and family.
2. A quick and safe trip from Los Angeles to San Diego. An added bonus to that was driving along the beach and seeing the beautiful blue sky and bluer ocean.
3. Father Joe's Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk at Balboa Park. 8a.m. on Thanksgiving morning? It was a great run (I walked) with 10,000 people, all of us enjoying the morning sun, crisp air and casual camaraderie.
4. Hanging out with my kids' friends. We barely made a dent in an awesome authentic Southern Thanksgiving Dinner created by an accomplished Southern cook. We chose our blessings to share. We played Speed Scrabble. We laughed. And laughed.
5. Calls and communications from all my children (and my Professor). That was the best blessing.
Happy Thanksgiving!
1. Visiting with long time friends who had traveled this week to the Los Angeles area to attend a wedding, catching up on what's happening with their kids and family.
2. A quick and safe trip from Los Angeles to San Diego. An added bonus to that was driving along the beach and seeing the beautiful blue sky and bluer ocean.
3. Father Joe's Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk at Balboa Park. 8a.m. on Thanksgiving morning? It was a great run (I walked) with 10,000 people, all of us enjoying the morning sun, crisp air and casual camaraderie.
4. Hanging out with my kids' friends. We barely made a dent in an awesome authentic Southern Thanksgiving Dinner created by an accomplished Southern cook. We chose our blessings to share. We played Speed Scrabble. We laughed. And laughed.
5. Calls and communications from all my children (and my Professor). That was the best blessing.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful I live in the US and can celebrate this official holiday that focuses on Being Thankful!
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanksgiving with Family
I am spending Thanksgiving break with my youngest daughter and her husband in San Diego. When I say "I", I mean "I" because my wonderful husband is not with me. He is doing what he terms "the daddy track", caring for our older daughter who had oral surgery today and watching over The New Boy while she recovers. I'm thankful that he is able to be there, caring for them both, even though we are not together on one of our favorite holidays. This year our family is scattered all around the world, but I am nevertheless thankful for each one of them.
Today on the day before Thanksgiving, we spent a quiet day, enjoying our small tasks, visiting friends, walking the dogs. Tomorrow after a 5K run at Balboa Park, we'll be joining several friends for an afternoon of fun, food, and pumpkin pie.
Today on the day before Thanksgiving, we spent a quiet day, enjoying our small tasks, visiting friends, walking the dogs. Tomorrow after a 5K run at Balboa Park, we'll be joining several friends for an afternoon of fun, food, and pumpkin pie.
Day Five
When I wrote earlier that I had been thinking of my friends, it was in anticipation of seeing two very special BFFs, one a dear 'sister' from my years living in Oregon and the other from my Los Angeles period. My Oregon buddy is here in SoCal for a wedding, and we arranged to meet up and catch up. There are never enough hours to say all we want, tell our stories and relate news of our children who used to play and homeschool together. An overnight visit, early breakfast and a beach walk afforded a bit more time with my 'little sister'. Walking, chatting, laughing, sharing, coffee drinking bliss. I love my friends!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Day Four For Reading
Browsing in a book store this evening, I thought, "I am so thankful that I know how to read!" Even in the Twenty-first Century, there are places on earth where little girls, big girls and women do not know how to read, are not encouraged to learn and are in fact discouraged from learning to read. I love to read. And I'm thankful that I live in a place where and at a time when I can read what I want without fear of reprisal.
Because my mother loved to read books, I learned early to value reading. I remember learning my words and simple sentences. Isn't it funny how you never forget the words that did not come easily to your learning? "Cookie" is the word I remember struggling to read. By the time I was seven, I was a regular at the public library and carried home stacks of books to read every week.
Perhaps it is because of my love of reading that I eventually became a reading teacher, working with students who desperately wanted to read but were having difficulty reading even basic one or two syllable words. I'm sure it was my love of words and books that brought me to my current position of teaching children to write- write stories for others to read.
Reading is a gift for which I am thankful every day!
Because my mother loved to read books, I learned early to value reading. I remember learning my words and simple sentences. Isn't it funny how you never forget the words that did not come easily to your learning? "Cookie" is the word I remember struggling to read. By the time I was seven, I was a regular at the public library and carried home stacks of books to read every week.
Perhaps it is because of my love of reading that I eventually became a reading teacher, working with students who desperately wanted to read but were having difficulty reading even basic one or two syllable words. I'm sure it was my love of words and books that brought me to my current position of teaching children to write- write stories for others to read.
Reading is a gift for which I am thankful every day!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Day Three
Today I have been thinking of my friends. I have friends all over the world. Although I don't communicate with all of them regularly, I value them and love hearing from them via snail mail, email, facebook and phone. I'm thankful that I have so many friends and that they make an effort to stay in communication with me, too.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
A Second Day
I am thankful for my husband. We have been married for a rather long time, more than half our lives. Sometimes people claim that marriage is boring. I would disagree. Living with my husband is seldom boring. Secure, quiet, contented, yes. Boring, no. I am thankful that my husband works hard at helping me. This evening, he cooked dinner. He often does the grocery shopping. When I married him, I didn't realize I was getting my very own barrista. He puts gas in my car for me. He seldom laughs at my crazy ideas and dreams. Yes, I am truly grateful that he shares my dreams, and through our years together we have made so many of those dreams come true. And he's cute, too.
A Growing List
It's Thanksgiving Week. Every day this week I would like to focus on posting my thanksgiving list. In one of my classes, I asked my students to write a paragraph about what they are thankful for. Starting with an outline, I modeled writing the paragraph for them.
This Thanksgiving season, I am thankful that I am fortunate to live in a comfortable home. My shelter is warm, inviting and large enough to accomodate guests who I invited to stay with me. Living in a safe neighborhood, I feel secure when I am home in my sweet little cottage. When I look around my house, I remember the people in Haiti and Central Java who have no homes because their abodes have been completely destroyed by earthquakes and volcano eruptions. In my safe, secure shelter, I have hot water and heat all the time. Certainly, I am blessed! Every day of the year, I thank God for my safe and pleasant home.
Yes, I am thankful for my home!
This Thanksgiving season, I am thankful that I am fortunate to live in a comfortable home. My shelter is warm, inviting and large enough to accomodate guests who I invited to stay with me. Living in a safe neighborhood, I feel secure when I am home in my sweet little cottage. When I look around my house, I remember the people in Haiti and Central Java who have no homes because their abodes have been completely destroyed by earthquakes and volcano eruptions. In my safe, secure shelter, I have hot water and heat all the time. Certainly, I am blessed! Every day of the year, I thank God for my safe and pleasant home.
Yes, I am thankful for my home!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Truly Thankful
Friday. The week before Thanksgiving. Faves. Five of them.
As we enter the week of Thanksgiving, everyone in the United States and every American living outside the United States, is thinking about turkey and dressing, family and friends, pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce. We are also focused on being thankful. I like the idea of being thankful and grateful all year, every day, every week. That's why I post my Fave Five every Friday along with many other people at Living to Tell the Story which is Susanne's blog.
1. A three day visit with our daughter-in-law. Three days full of love, laughter, walks, talks. I am so very thankful that my son married a wonderful woman who loves us and makes an effort to stay connected with us even when our boy is far away serving God and country as a military chaplain.
2. The opportunity to talk by phone with our son.
3. Will I sound like a broken record if I state again that I am thankful that we have a fantastic local farmers market open 51 weeks a year? I know that it is unusual to have an outdoor market selling fresh and local fruits and veggies open all year long. We are so very fortunate! We love shopping there every Saturday morning and supporting our local farmers.
4. Email. I love the almost instant access I have to students, family and friends. This week, I've written back and forth several times with one student who ended her last email with "I can't wait for class!" and I've corresponded with friends in the Pacific Northwest and on the East Coast of the US and blogging buddies in the US and Europe. The internet has truly changed our lives and made our world so much smaller.
5. I love my knitting needles. I love to knit. I love yarn. One knitting project accompanies me everywhere I go-in the house, in the car, to the store. I might have a few minutes to add a row or two to one of the hats, scarves or baby sweaters I'm always knitting.
What are you thankful for this week?
As we enter the week of Thanksgiving, everyone in the United States and every American living outside the United States, is thinking about turkey and dressing, family and friends, pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce. We are also focused on being thankful. I like the idea of being thankful and grateful all year, every day, every week. That's why I post my Fave Five every Friday along with many other people at Living to Tell the Story which is Susanne's blog.
1. A three day visit with our daughter-in-law. Three days full of love, laughter, walks, talks. I am so very thankful that my son married a wonderful woman who loves us and makes an effort to stay connected with us even when our boy is far away serving God and country as a military chaplain.
2. The opportunity to talk by phone with our son.
3. Will I sound like a broken record if I state again that I am thankful that we have a fantastic local farmers market open 51 weeks a year? I know that it is unusual to have an outdoor market selling fresh and local fruits and veggies open all year long. We are so very fortunate! We love shopping there every Saturday morning and supporting our local farmers.
4. Email. I love the almost instant access I have to students, family and friends. This week, I've written back and forth several times with one student who ended her last email with "I can't wait for class!" and I've corresponded with friends in the Pacific Northwest and on the East Coast of the US and blogging buddies in the US and Europe. The internet has truly changed our lives and made our world so much smaller.
5. I love my knitting needles. I love to knit. I love yarn. One knitting project accompanies me everywhere I go-in the house, in the car, to the store. I might have a few minutes to add a row or two to one of the hats, scarves or baby sweaters I'm always knitting.
What are you thankful for this week?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Taming the Longest, Thinnest, Meanest, Most Dangerous Hyperbole
Last week in class, when the fourth graders were reading the tall tale of Pecos Bill and planning how to rewrite the story, I explained what a hyperbole is--that over the top, out of this world exaggeration. I encouraged them to try including one hyperbole in their stories. This is the result:
If he were to run around the world, he would be running faster than the world was spinning!
He was as strong and skilled as a giant.
His favorite lasso, which he used on the tornado, was so long it took weeks to reach the end of it.
Pecos Bill went soaring through the air like a plane.
Texas was such a dry place that you would die of thirst just by crossing its borders.
It was so hot it could kill a fellow!
And my favorite:
When such a tornado happened to pass by, he looped his rope around it, but not just any rope--he used the longest, thinnest, meanest, most dangerous rattler he happened to have in his back pocket to lasso that tornado.
If he were to run around the world, he would be running faster than the world was spinning!
He was as strong and skilled as a giant.
His favorite lasso, which he used on the tornado, was so long it took weeks to reach the end of it.
Pecos Bill went soaring through the air like a plane.
Texas was such a dry place that you would die of thirst just by crossing its borders.
It was so hot it could kill a fellow!
And my favorite:
When such a tornado happened to pass by, he looped his rope around it, but not just any rope--he used the longest, thinnest, meanest, most dangerous rattler he happened to have in his back pocket to lasso that tornado.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers
Try saying that five times really fast!
Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers
Rubber Baby Bunky Bubbers
Rubber Baby Buggy Buggers
Bubber Baby Buggy Bunkers
Rubber Baby Bubby Gumpers
Because life doesn't have to be serious all the time.
Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers
Rubber Baby Bunky Bubbers
Rubber Baby Buggy Buggers
Bubber Baby Buggy Bunkers
Rubber Baby Bubby Gumpers
Because life doesn't have to be serious all the time.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sittin' By the Sea
Balmy autumn days
best spent sitting by the sea
sun drenched shells and sand
Two seagulls standing
guarding their spots on the shore
searching for dropped crumbs
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Surfin' USA
Ventura Beach style.
Surfers Point in Ventura is a popular surfing site.
But this guy seems to be unclear on the concept.
So is he:
And on a totally unrelated point, I have a question to ask all of you, my readers. I have noticed through the years that some bloggers always respond to readers' comments in their own comments section. Do you ever go back and read the comments and responses? Would you like it if I were to do write responses to your comments? Please let me know your thoughts on this in my comments section. Thanks!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Intarsia Knitting
Every little boy needs a warm sweater knitted by his meema. My New Boy has sensitive skin so he prefers to wear cotton or cotton blends. And every little boy ought to have a Weasley Sweater with his initial knitted in to the front.
Working an initial involves using several balls of yarn at a time in the same row. In his sweater, I juggled seven strands at a time, three neon green and four blue like his eyes. While this technique looks horribly complicated, it really isn't. It's the same technique that is used to knit argyle socks and various plaid patterns. Called intarsia, this way of working several colors into one row of knitting does not involve 'stranding', carrying the extra yarn along the back of the garment. You just pick up the new strand of yarn, twist it around the old one and keep on knitting. The only difficult parts are remembering to always twist in the same direction and making sure the seven balls of yarn do not become hopelessly tangled.
Details and Requirements
Weasley Sweater from Charmed Knits
Sugar'n Cream cotton yarn, 3 skeins blue, 200 yds each; 1 skein bright green for initial
Size 8 needles
One adorable grandson as recipient
Enough courage to try the Intarsia Technique
Friday, November 12, 2010
Kindness - FFF
Did you know that there is a World Kindness Day in November? I wish we had a World Kindness Day every month, every week, and every day. It has to start with us, you and me, if that's ever going to happen.
1. An every-week-kindness comes from Susanne who hosts Friday Fave Five. I think that the blog world is a better place because so many people either participate in FFF or read Fave Five posts every Friday. Thank you, Susanne, for your kindness!
2. When you make friends with the sellers at the farmers market and become one of their 'regulars', they show their kindness and appreciation by sometimes slipping a little extra produce in to your bag which is an occasional-kindness. We have an abundance of carrots this week.
3. My husband's excellent lattes which are placed piping hot into my hands are an every-day-kindness and sometimes even a couple-times-a-day-kindness. When I switched over to soy and almond milk, he didn't slow down at all; he just started making soy lattes. (I tell him that if he ever loses his job, he could step right in to a postion as a barrista since he is already experienced.)
4. I receive every-time-I-go-to-the-store kindness from the employees at my local Trader Joe's. Do the managers slip little happy pills in to the staff lounge coffee or do the people just enjoy working there? I'm not sure. But I never encounter a grumpy or unpleasant clerk in that store.
5. My students are delightful. Their weekly-kindness of always saying, "Thank you, Mrs. Willow!" makes me smile. I thank them for working so hard, finishing their homework, and making me laugh over their amazing stories.
Let's not limit Kindness to only one day of the year!
Have you thought about making an extra effort to show kindness to a loved one or a stranger? Even a simple smile can encourage someone around you. Who has impressed you this week with their kindness?
Share something in your comments or click over to Susanne's blog (link above) and post your fave five there.
1. An every-week-kindness comes from Susanne who hosts Friday Fave Five. I think that the blog world is a better place because so many people either participate in FFF or read Fave Five posts every Friday. Thank you, Susanne, for your kindness!
2. When you make friends with the sellers at the farmers market and become one of their 'regulars', they show their kindness and appreciation by sometimes slipping a little extra produce in to your bag which is an occasional-kindness. We have an abundance of carrots this week.
3. My husband's excellent lattes which are placed piping hot into my hands are an every-day-kindness and sometimes even a couple-times-a-day-kindness. When I switched over to soy and almond milk, he didn't slow down at all; he just started making soy lattes. (I tell him that if he ever loses his job, he could step right in to a postion as a barrista since he is already experienced.)
4. I receive every-time-I-go-to-the-store kindness from the employees at my local Trader Joe's. Do the managers slip little happy pills in to the staff lounge coffee or do the people just enjoy working there? I'm not sure. But I never encounter a grumpy or unpleasant clerk in that store.
5. My students are delightful. Their weekly-kindness of always saying, "Thank you, Mrs. Willow!" makes me smile. I thank them for working so hard, finishing their homework, and making me laugh over their amazing stories.
Let's not limit Kindness to only one day of the year!
Have you thought about making an extra effort to show kindness to a loved one or a stranger? Even a simple smile can encourage someone around you. Who has impressed you this week with their kindness?
Share something in your comments or click over to Susanne's blog (link above) and post your fave five there.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Flags Flying
Veteran's Day 2010
Ventura Pier's knobby knees were modestly covered by a higher tide to honor America's veterans.
Flags were flapping wildly in the high winds along the beach walk to celebrate their service and sacrifice.
Thank you for serving.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
A Shining Star
This Sweet Eleanor cap is one of my current favorite hats to knit. Working up quickly, this hat still provides interest for me as a knitter and for the wearer, too, with its two cables alternating, one large wide cable and one small four stitch cable, around the cap.
I have made three hats in this oatmeal yarn. Encore. 75% acrylic, 25% wool. Machine washable. Two skeins = 3 hats.
Every time I finish one of these hats and see how the ingenious pattern produces a six pointed star on the top I'm thrilled with the beauty of the hat and the pattern and the brilliance of its designer.
You can purchase the Sweet Eleanor pattern on ravelry here.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Check
An update on the Drawer and Shelf Attack.
1. Counters cleaned off. Check.
2. Papers recycled. Check.
It looks so much better.
3. One medium box of photos and negatives organized. Check. I had a quick look at all the photos in the box which was being stored in the closet and eliminated all the duplicates. Why do school picture companies give out multiple photos to teachers? I recycled several years of school pictures of Mrs. Willow and kept only one copy from each year. Then I gathered the negatives from that box and put them all in a small photo box, so I was able to break down and recycle the larger box. Then I filed children's pictures in their own sections in a second photo box. I've been dreading even starting again on the photo project because it seems so overwhelming, but now I see that just 45 minutes can make a huge difference, a major dent in the picture mountain. Next step will be to decide which photos are destined for the scanner.
4. Two minutes to look through jewelry. Check. Why did I keep that necklace? Out it moved, into the donation bag.
1. Counters cleaned off. Check.
2. Papers recycled. Check.
It looks so much better.
3. One medium box of photos and negatives organized. Check. I had a quick look at all the photos in the box which was being stored in the closet and eliminated all the duplicates. Why do school picture companies give out multiple photos to teachers? I recycled several years of school pictures of Mrs. Willow and kept only one copy from each year. Then I gathered the negatives from that box and put them all in a small photo box, so I was able to break down and recycle the larger box. Then I filed children's pictures in their own sections in a second photo box. I've been dreading even starting again on the photo project because it seems so overwhelming, but now I see that just 45 minutes can make a huge difference, a major dent in the picture mountain. Next step will be to decide which photos are destined for the scanner.
4. Two minutes to look through jewelry. Check. Why did I keep that necklace? Out it moved, into the donation bag.
Monday, November 08, 2010
The Attack
I get tired of having too much stuff around the house. I am constantly annoyed with losing something I know I saw yesterday but I can't find today. It's not that I dislike cleaning, it's that I don't like cleaning around stuff.
If you're like me, or if you do not like to clean, sort or fool with stuff, have less of it.
Here's how I get rid of clutter in my house.
I engage in what I call Drawer and Shelf Attacks. I can go along for a few days or weeks and be comfortable with the level of possessions in a particular room or area of my home. Then it hits me. I need to clean it up and sweep the counter, shelf or drawer of extra stuff. The first step is to dump the easy stuff. In my first run through of an area, I grab the obvious clutter which in my house is usually papers-newspapers, receipts, mail. I try to keep up with it on a daily basis but when I get lazy it's amazing how quickly the mess will spread.
Secondly, I open a drawer or cupboard and take a critical look at the contents. Do I care? Do I love it? Is it useful to my life right now? If I love it and it's useful, I find a home for it. If I'm not sure, I set it aside for a later decision. For example, if I haven't worn that shirt in a year, I'm probably not ever going to wear it. Even if I think I love it. I put the hanger around backward and watch to see if in the next month or so I pull it out and put it on. If not, then I know I'm ready to let it go. If I don't love it or use/wear it, out it goes into the bag I reserve for discarded items that will make its way to the car and then the thrift store donation site.
A third way I attack the shelves and drawers is by applying the Equilibrium Rule: get a new item; get rid of one.
I realized this weekend that I have been picking away at the little things which have been piling up on the shelf between our kitchen and family room. Obviously, it was beginning to annoy me. I feel an attack coming on. Tomorrow, I'll be doing another Drawer and Shelf Attack.
If you're like me, or if you do not like to clean, sort or fool with stuff, have less of it.
Here's how I get rid of clutter in my house.
I engage in what I call Drawer and Shelf Attacks. I can go along for a few days or weeks and be comfortable with the level of possessions in a particular room or area of my home. Then it hits me. I need to clean it up and sweep the counter, shelf or drawer of extra stuff. The first step is to dump the easy stuff. In my first run through of an area, I grab the obvious clutter which in my house is usually papers-newspapers, receipts, mail. I try to keep up with it on a daily basis but when I get lazy it's amazing how quickly the mess will spread.
Secondly, I open a drawer or cupboard and take a critical look at the contents. Do I care? Do I love it? Is it useful to my life right now? If I love it and it's useful, I find a home for it. If I'm not sure, I set it aside for a later decision. For example, if I haven't worn that shirt in a year, I'm probably not ever going to wear it. Even if I think I love it. I put the hanger around backward and watch to see if in the next month or so I pull it out and put it on. If not, then I know I'm ready to let it go. If I don't love it or use/wear it, out it goes into the bag I reserve for discarded items that will make its way to the car and then the thrift store donation site.
A third way I attack the shelves and drawers is by applying the Equilibrium Rule: get a new item; get rid of one.
I realized this weekend that I have been picking away at the little things which have been piling up on the shelf between our kitchen and family room. Obviously, it was beginning to annoy me. I feel an attack coming on. Tomorrow, I'll be doing another Drawer and Shelf Attack.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
A Thought About Shopping
This afternoon I walked into the craft store clutching my two 50% off coupons. I wanted to purchase yarn. I had a plan, a pattern, and a purpose for buying some non-wool yarn. Noticing the large increase in bins of all weights, fibers and colors, I quickly zeroed in on one of my favorites--a bamboo blend. Even better, it was on sale! Then I looked at my coupons.
Stated in large print, both coupons said, "Any One REGULAR Price Item". Huh. Nearly every skein of yarn on both sides of the aisle was on sale. My coupons were useless.
I actually walked around the corner to the next aisle and perused the needles. What could I buy with my coupons? I couldn't waste those 50% discounts! Then I stopped in my tracks. What was I thinking? Blindly grasping at the idea of a 'bargain', I was ready to grab a product I didn't even need just for the thrill of using the 50% coupons. Fortunately I caught myself in time. I turned around and purposefully walked out of the store.
How many times do I (and you) spend $$$ in order to save $$$? The consumer mentality is strong, and it's hard to break. Often, we buy something without really consdering whether we need it, want it or just like the idea of getting a bargain. Spending in order to save isn't. Fortunately, today I didn't.
Stated in large print, both coupons said, "Any One REGULAR Price Item". Huh. Nearly every skein of yarn on both sides of the aisle was on sale. My coupons were useless.
I actually walked around the corner to the next aisle and perused the needles. What could I buy with my coupons? I couldn't waste those 50% discounts! Then I stopped in my tracks. What was I thinking? Blindly grasping at the idea of a 'bargain', I was ready to grab a product I didn't even need just for the thrill of using the 50% coupons. Fortunately I caught myself in time. I turned around and purposefully walked out of the store.
How many times do I (and you) spend $$$ in order to save $$$? The consumer mentality is strong, and it's hard to break. Often, we buy something without really consdering whether we need it, want it or just like the idea of getting a bargain. Spending in order to save isn't. Fortunately, today I didn't.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Beach Walk
At low tide, Ventura Pier's knobby knees are uncovered.
Seagulls gather at a tide pool to sift through the sand and wade in the shallow water to search through the debris for morsels that only a seagull would find appetizing.
Since summer season has passed, the lifeguard shacks have been pulled back behind the sand dunes.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Thursday, November 04, 2010
A Month Beginning
As we begin the month of Giving Thanks, it is appropriate to focus on a weekly event called Friday Fave Five. Every Friday all year long, I post my list of five reasons I am thankful, five events that remind me to be grateful. During November, Americans set aside one day, which turns in to a four day weekend, to give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy. Some people are posting on facebook or their blogs every day in November stating what they're thankful for. You can join Friday Fave Five just by clicking over to Susanne's blog and linking up. I hope you will.
1. The weather in my area has been interesting to say the least. We have gone from rainstorms and 50 degree days last week to hot hot mid 90s temperatures this week. The roses think it's summer again. Normally, I don't cut my roses and keep them in vases inside, but I just couldn't resist these beauties because it's so unusual for them to bloom so profusely in November.
2. For several months, I've been following a blog 365lessthings.com written by Colleen who lives in Australia. I've enjoyed reading about Colleen's adventures in decluttering her home one (or more) items each day for a year. Recently, even though she has been dealing with a serious accident involving her son (prayers appreciated!), she has continued to post daily and has added a section where she lists five things for which she is thankful. Reading her blog post makes my day better.
3. This week I've been reminded how much I appreciate my husband. Since I have been slowly moving my diet over to one that excludes meat, dairy, eggs, oil and sugar, he has been completely supportive and willing to eat whatever I cook. Thanks, honey!
4. The internet has been a fantastic resource for my research in to eating a plant-based diet. I can easily find answers, information, and recipes by simply typing a few key words for my search and clicking a couple of keys.
5. November is also National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and National Blog Post Month (NaBloPoMo). I've decided to try writing a post on my blog every day in November! Will I stick with it and complete all thirty days of posts? Check back to find out!
So that has been Willow's Week. How was yours? Have you found any fun and interesting new blogs to read? Have you been challenged or encouraged by someone or something?
1. The weather in my area has been interesting to say the least. We have gone from rainstorms and 50 degree days last week to hot hot mid 90s temperatures this week. The roses think it's summer again. Normally, I don't cut my roses and keep them in vases inside, but I just couldn't resist these beauties because it's so unusual for them to bloom so profusely in November.
2. For several months, I've been following a blog 365lessthings.com written by Colleen who lives in Australia. I've enjoyed reading about Colleen's adventures in decluttering her home one (or more) items each day for a year. Recently, even though she has been dealing with a serious accident involving her son (prayers appreciated!), she has continued to post daily and has added a section where she lists five things for which she is thankful. Reading her blog post makes my day better.
3. This week I've been reminded how much I appreciate my husband. Since I have been slowly moving my diet over to one that excludes meat, dairy, eggs, oil and sugar, he has been completely supportive and willing to eat whatever I cook. Thanks, honey!
4. The internet has been a fantastic resource for my research in to eating a plant-based diet. I can easily find answers, information, and recipes by simply typing a few key words for my search and clicking a couple of keys.
5. November is also National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and National Blog Post Month (NaBloPoMo). I've decided to try writing a post on my blog every day in November! Will I stick with it and complete all thirty days of posts? Check back to find out!
So that has been Willow's Week. How was yours? Have you found any fun and interesting new blogs to read? Have you been challenged or encouraged by someone or something?
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Satisfaction
Teaching writing can be a tricky profession. Just because people can talk properly, it doesn't mean that they can write clearly and creatively. Writing is a learned skill. Generally, any person can write a stream of consciousness essay in the manner of James Joyce. But to write an organized paragraph or story takes thought and training. It also helps if you know a few tricks.
I love it when my students follow instructions and end up with a clever, creative essay! I taught them to add a clause which began with who and include somewhere in each paragraph an interesting adverb to describe a verb. Here's what three of them came up with:
I love it when my students follow instructions and end up with a clever, creative essay! I taught them to add a clause which began with who and include somewhere in each paragraph an interesting adverb to describe a verb. Here's what three of them came up with:
An exerpt:
The pig and mule were ready to fight. Because the mule was so old, the pig, who was arrogant, thought the mule was completely weak and knew that he could kick the mule's butt.
The pig, who was avoiding the mule's long teeth, ran for the mule's rear end. He should have thought twice because the mule kicked the pig right in the face. The pig flew off the bridge and landed loudly onto some grass. The pig, who realized that he couldn't win, ran away. "If I have to fight an old mule again," he thought, "I will have to worry about the bite and the kick." The mule, who was barely bothered, slowly crossed the bridge and went on his way.
Another one:
On the 18th of April in 6200 B.C. there was a daring and arrogant wild pig. There was also a wise old mule who did not like fighting. On that sunny date 8210 1/2 years and 10 days ago both animals were standing on the same bridge, which was somewhere in southern Brazil. But it wasn't known as Brazil back then. And all was not peaceful, because the animals were not on good terms with each other. They were tussling, furiously biting and kicking with tooth and hoof.
Here's a third example:
It quickly became a chaotic encounter.
The pig wanted to have a brutal fight with the old mule. He viciously started teasing the mule, who became visibly mad. Because he thought the mule was weak, he gloated excitedly. The pig decided to attack from behind to avoid the mule's razor sharp teeth. So he immediately charged.
The clever mule threw his heel back. The mule savagely kicked him in the face. The pig who soared in the air, landed in the grass. The pig ran like a coward.
(This student really likes adding adverbs!)
Didn't they do a great job? These kids are only ten and eleven years old! They used two little tricks to add so much interest to a simple folk tale. Reading these stories gives me so much satisfaction!
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Bzzzzzz
Because I reacted with intense itching and swelling to stings when I was a child, I have an uneasy relationship with bees. I find them to be very interesting insects. According to all reports and my observations, they are industrious little things, always winging to and from their hives, delving into blossoms to search for a little more pollen. When they return home to their hives, they turn that dusty pollen into creamy honey.
Although I have stopped eating sugar (white or brown) in my diet, I occasionally indulge in consuming a little honey. I am thankful that bees make honey.
As long as they buzz loudly around the flowers in my garden so I can hear them and avoid their stingers, honeybees will continue to be my friends. If one of their less wise members decides to sting me, all negotiations will cease. Then there will be war.
Monday, November 01, 2010
On a Whim
When I read my daughter's post this evening about NaBloPoMo*, I decided without giving it much thought to try to write and post something here on the Willow's Cottage blog every day this month. I wonder if I can keep up the momentum. Because I'm a writing teacher, I feel a bit obligated to write well and sometimes that keeps me from writing at all. Silly, huh?
The following is a two paragraph descriptive essay I recently wrote about a homeless man I saw at the local library.
Dejected and downhearted, the bareheaded young man sat slumped against the library building wall, slowly sucking on a discarded cigarette butt because it was all he had. He focused on each puff, the smoke as gray as the foggy day. After the butt was extinguished, he continued to sit, head bowed, hand over face, his head pounding with the overpowering pain of what felt like a migraine. Tom had a hangover.
Library patrons passed him where he squatted near the front entrance, some ignoring him altogether, the proverbial elephant in that outdoor courtyard room, others glancing furtively and quickly in his direction, careful to never make eye contact. He, in turn, ignored them all focusing his gaze inward on his own self-imposed misery. Clad in faded blue jeans, once white sneakers and a gray fleece jacket with empty pockets, he stood slowly, stretched clumsily, and shuffled off noisily, searching for water, warmth and welcome.
*National Blog Posting Month
The following is a two paragraph descriptive essay I recently wrote about a homeless man I saw at the local library.
Dejected and downhearted, the bareheaded young man sat slumped against the library building wall, slowly sucking on a discarded cigarette butt because it was all he had. He focused on each puff, the smoke as gray as the foggy day. After the butt was extinguished, he continued to sit, head bowed, hand over face, his head pounding with the overpowering pain of what felt like a migraine. Tom had a hangover.
Library patrons passed him where he squatted near the front entrance, some ignoring him altogether, the proverbial elephant in that outdoor courtyard room, others glancing furtively and quickly in his direction, careful to never make eye contact. He, in turn, ignored them all focusing his gaze inward on his own self-imposed misery. Clad in faded blue jeans, once white sneakers and a gray fleece jacket with empty pockets, he stood slowly, stretched clumsily, and shuffled off noisily, searching for water, warmth and welcome.
*National Blog Posting Month
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