Simplify

 

At the beginning of this year, I began to think of what my One Word for the year might be. The word simplify immediately came to mind and I had to smile. If there was ever a word I needed to grow into - it was that word. 

I never thought of myself as a complicated person, but I sure can be! Many years ago, I took a quiz meant to reveal my strong gifts. "Teaching" was one, which surprised me. The other was no surprise - it was "organization."  Let me tell you - I can take a simple task and organize it to the point that it's unrecognizable from the original! Whether it's a schedule for house cleaning, quiet devotional time, a budget, an upcoming trip. . . . . the list can go on and on. When I was younger and working full time as a nurse, it was helpful. But now, being retired with time on my hands and a brain that seems to leave me occasionally, it's not as good. With my senior brain, over-organizing makes for confusion. I look at my organization, re-do it,   and then decide it's just not worth the effort. 

God has slowly been showing me where simple is just better. And that goes for more than just organizing a junk drawer in the kitchen or a storage closet. It can be deciding what to invest my time in, how to do it and then, (of course) how to organize how I do it. Here are some examples.

CLUTTER

Right now, I'm working on clutter. Not especially junk and broken things that needed to be thrown out ages ago. Instead, I'm looking at projects and the things that go along with those projects that I'm having to realistically think through. At one time, I wanted to be an accomplished quilter. I bought lots and lots of "charm packs" and quilt squares as well as yardages. I bought special thread and needles used for quilting. I had books with patterns of lovely quilts. And I tried to get into it. . . . I really did. But I found that I enjoyed seeing beautiful quilts rather than making them. And yet, in my storage closet, there it all is, taunting me.

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER

I fell in love with the sound of a dulcimer the first time I heard it. I bought a cheapie one off Ebay and ended up giving it to a grandson. Then I bought a "slightly-better-than-a-cheapy" which I had modified to add an extra fret. It is tucked away in its case under the bed. Lastly, I bought a McSpadden dulcimer which is one of the top-of-the-line models. I bought books, attended some classes via Zoom and then realized that if I was going to decently play this instrument, I had to practice. So. . . . as you might guess,. . . I organized my time and books and lessons to begin learning. But my effort wasn't accomplishing my unrealistic expectations. I was impatient and I became apathetic. My McSpadden now hangs on the wall taunting me.

 QUIET TIME WITH THE LORD

This is the hardest one to admit to. I have an abundance of devotional books, Bibles, bullet journals for notes, and even a Bible study with fill-in-the-blanks. I've got a set of those wonderful Pigma micron pens to underline and make my Bible look very well used. I have colored pencils for highlighting. All I have to do now is "organize" how I'm going to do all this. Do you see the issue here? Apparently, what that quiz of many years ago failed to mention is that, while I'm strong on organization, I'm not very strong on carrying through.

So far, God is showing me that to "simplify" means to trust Him and let Him guide me. He's showing me how to tackle each bit of clutter and decision with His instruction. What does that look like in light of what I've just written?

It means looking at craft supplies or books or DVDs or dust collectors or whatever is feeling like "clutter" and placing them in a box and then putting them in the car and then driving them to the local thrift shop. It means being realistic as to how I really want to spend my time and that just because that quilt is pretty, doesn't mean I have to make one. It means having to reach deep inside and ask myself a lot of questions. . . . "Do I really want to do this and, if so, why?"

It means finding one song I really would like to play on the dulcimer and pecking away it until I can play it. It means enjoying the music and what I can do with the dulcimer without the expectation of winning "Dulcimer Player of the Year." It means being patient with myself when my senior brain just isn't into it that day.

It also means just sitting down with a cup of coffee and my Bible and reading - from a Bible reading plan or just simply where my eyes land. It means asking God what He wants to say to me in that passage. It means sitting back and just talking to him. Maybe I'll have a pen in my hand to scribble a note or maybe not. Time with my Father is what is most important.

This has been a bit long-winded so if you've made it thus far, I'm impressed. I'm learning day by day and I'm positive there is a lot more God has to show me.

Friday Five Faves - October 18

 

It's the end of the week and time to share the blessings that have come my way. It's been in interesting week with answered prayer. Come join us at Living to Tell the Story each week to share your blessings. And thank you, Susanne for hosting this!

1. Heart rhythm problems: On Wednesday mid-morning, I suddenly felt very shaky and a bit faint. It came on suddenly and I sat down and took my pulse. It was rapid and very irregular. This has happened before, only lasting for seconds in duration. This time it continued for almost 3 hours. I had nobody who come take me to the doctor or ER right away and I didn't want to call an ambulance. I considered driving myself but decided that might be unwise. I called my youngest son who was working his route for his job and did all he could to wrap things up quickly to come get me. I was seen at 3 pm by my doctor and by then my heart had returned to normal rhythm. I'm wearing a monitor for a couple weeks to catch any episodes that might occur again. More of my blessings this week come from this incident. 

2. Family: I'm blessed to be near family during emergencies and for my youngest son who did everything he could to get me to the take me to the doctor. He was calm and reassuring and a blessing. I've found as I get older that it isn't the location where you live that is most important but who is around you. I am so thankful for family nearby.

3. Church prayer: During the episode of irregular heart rhythm, I was a bit scared. I called my church for prayer. They put me on speaker phone and those in the office prayed with me. God answered quickly and within 5 minutes, my heart converted back to normal rhythm. We have a prayer-answering God! Some may call the return to normal as coincidence. I believe differently.

4. Dulcimer concert:  Every year at this time, the Black Mountain Dulcimer Festival is held in Black Mountain, N.C. It's a week long happening with lots of jams and instructor.. This year, that whole area was devastated by Hurricane Helene and the Blue Ridge Assembly where it is held was severely damaged. On Wednesday, the instructors who would have been there, organized a benefit online concert to raise funds to help the area rebuilt and repair as well as provide food and other essentials. It was a 2 hour long wonderful concert with what I consider the "greats" of the mountain and hammered dulcimer world. It was wonderful - free of charge with suggested places to donate funds for recovery. The dulcimer community certainly takes care of its own when it comes to things like this!

5. Kitty eye injury: I've mentioned before that my son and daughter in law took in a feral pregnant cat, just weeks away from giving birth. Six sweet kittens were born, and they are now going on 10 weeks old. One of the females that they are keeping injured her eye and the 3rd eye lid was all swollen and red, probably from a scratch from one of the other siblings. It was better today but we took Spot in to see the vet to make sure there was no cornea scratch or anything to be concerned about. It turns out that all is fine, and the irritation and residual redness will clear up. Spot is a cutie - her name coming from one big spot on the back of her left back paw. We stopped at McDonald's on the way back to my home and brought breakfast back. (The appointment was for 8 am). Spot lay in her crate, falling asleep while we enjoyed our breakfast and a chat.  Apollo stayed in the bedroom under the quilt. Momma, who for a couple years supplied their neighborhood with kitten, has found her permanent home with my son and DIL. She has an appointment to be spayed in 2 weeks. 

We've been having chilly temps in the 30s at night, and I've had to turn the heat on. But it's finally fall and I'm very happy. I have a couple of "Pumpkin-something" recipes to try out and hope to maybe decorate the outside of my apartment next week. I hope everyone is looking forward to a great weekend! 

Weekly Chat

 

DATE:  June 10, 2024

WEATHER:  After rain all day yesterday, it's nice to see the sun. It will get to around 80 today.

READING:  Still working on "More Than a Healer" by Costi Hinn. Just beginning "The Existential Worries of Mags Monroe" by Jean Grainger.

LISTENING TO:  Getting to the end of "In This Mountain" by Jan Karon.

THANKFUL FOR:  My first cup of coffee in the morning. A touch of French Vanilla with Stevia and Half and Half. 

KNITTING:  I've gotten a bit bored with my scarf/shawl and am putting it aside for a bit. I'm looking for an easy knitted stuffed animal. 

PONDERING:  I've been contemplating what to do about playing the dulcimer. Learning for this senior brain is more of a challenge. Perhaps I'm expecting too much of myself.

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE:

I recently downloaded a coloring app to my phone called Happy Color. Fun but highly addictive!

Here is one I colored and decided to save. Wouldn't be lovely to have a bathroom like this?

QUOTE:

SCRIPTURE:

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,

"and he delights in His way. 

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;

For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

I will leave you with this hymn. If worship is this beautiful here on earth, what will it be like in heaven?

Weekly Chat

 

Date: February 5, 2024

The Weather: It's 45 degrees and sunny. We're supposed to hit 61 today.

Books I'm reading: The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul; Widows and Orphans by Susan Meissner. 

I am thankful for: Warmer weather, and that I have all I need.

Currently knitting: I'm about to begin a shawl using some of my stash. It is knitted diagonally, beginning with 3 cast on stitches and increasing every other row. I'll keep you updated.

Dulcimer progress: I took three workshops this weekend with the QuaranTUNE Winter Fest. I learned 4 songs, one of them being my favorite:"Star of the County Down." Now it's practice...practice...practice.. It's slow progress for this senior brain but the workshops renewed by confidence a bit. It was a very profitable weekend.

A peek into my life: It's coming up on 7 years since I made the move from Florida to Tennessee. I went from a 2-bedroom house to a 1-bedroom apartment. It was quite a change. I came across one photo of apartment move in day. A clean slate.

Part of the living room.

Seven years later. 

Quote:

Scripture:

Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:11 (KJV)

I hope you all are having a wonderful week so far. All the wonderful possibilities! 

Friday Fave Fives

It's Friday once again and time to list the blessings of this past week. Thanks to Susanne at Living to Tell the Story for hosting this!

1. A new microwave: My microwave died several months ago and as I don't have a lot of space in my kitchen, I decided to not replace it and use the space for other things. But, I have missed it and so early this week, I got this.

It's a "dorm size" and lower wattage but that's what I had before. It works great! 

2. QuaranTUNE: Today begins the 2-day festival of online workshops for everything from mountain and hammered dulcimer, to guitar, mandolin, banjo . . . . everything with strings. (Except I didn't see for violin.) I'm signed up for 2 workshops today and one tomorrow. What a blessing for those of us who can't go to the various workshops offered around the country. And to learn in real time from such greats as Brett Ridgeway, Stephen Seifert, Butch Ross. . . .the list goes on. Tomorrow I will be attending a workshop teaching "The Star of the County Down." I fell in love with this song years ago when I first heard it. Tomorrow, I get to learn it in real time. In case you're not familiar.. . .

3. Wax tart warmer: I don't have a photo for this, but it has been a delight this week. My wax tarts have a fresh citrus scent, not overpowering, just perfect. I usually try to stay away from "food" scents like cinnamon or apple pie. Then I want to eat!

4. Nice weather: Although it's been chilly, the sun has been out more this week. I've taken short walks because it is so crisp and pleasant out. I didn't realize how much I'd missed the sun!

5. A non-busy week: After years of working as a nurse in various shifts, I still get a rush when I look at the calendar and see so many open days. I've gotten a lot done this week, busy things I've wanted to do and it's been very satisfying. 

This post is a rushed one for sure as I have to get ready for my first dulcimer workshop in about an hour and a half. I hope all is well with you and you're enjoying this new month.

Weekly Chat

 

A

DATE: January 29, 2024

WEATHER:  It's 38 degrees this morning and we'll be having some cold temps this week but nothing like "that other week." It's been a bit windy which makes it feel even colder. But no precipitation in sight - at least so far.

BOOKS I'M READING: The Gospel's Power and Message by Paul Washer and At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon

I'M THANKFUL FOR: Milder weather and things getting back to normal.

CURRENTLY KNITTING: Right now, nothing. But I'm going to be starting a scarf with an intricate lace pattern. With the help of my daughter. Stay tuned.

DULCIMER PROGRESS: I am taking three workshops this Friday and Saturday online during QuaranTune Winter Fest. Two workshops I'm thinking are a bit advanced for me, but I get a follow up video of the workshop to work on it later.

A PEEK INTO MY LIFE: 

Meet my new great granddaughter - Samantha Dawn. She is one week old. So precious! I hope I can hold her soon.

WHAT'S ON MY MIND: I have several people/situations that are on my mind. When I find myself beginning to worry, I have to remind myself that God has everything under control. I've found that when I give my problems over to God, I can often see that God has been working on it already.. Not always immediately but in His timing.

QUOTE: Sometimes we worry too much about the outcome of things in our life that we don't stop and realize that God has already taken care of it.

SCRIPTURE: "Take therefore no thought for the morrow for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."    Matthew 6:34 KJV

"Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."   NKJV

I memorized this verse in the King James and that's the only way I remember it!

Wishing everyone a wonderful week!

Friday Fave Five

 

With the dust settling from holiday celebrations, I wanted to sit for a moment and tell you about the blessings of this week. Thank you, Susanne of Living to Tell the Story for hosting this spot. 

1. A quiet, restful week: After all the festivities and fun of Christmas and New Year, it's been nice to just relax this week and unwind. Except for a quick run to the grocery store, I've stayed put in my warm home, reading, watching movies, a little arranging of things as the idea came to me. . . . It's been lovely. 

2. My church's 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer: Every year, my church spends 21 days, beginning soon after New Year's Day in a period of prayer and nightly services at church. Some people fast food except for fruit juices. Others fast things like social media or other pursuits. Some fast just one meal a day. Every night (except Saturday) there is a service with special speakers. Since my eyesight just doesn't handle night driving very well, I'm so thankful that the services are live streamed. And if you watch it on Face Book, it's even closed captioned. Another blessing. We began January 3rd.

3. A tea station: I've wanted to set up a dedicated spot for all my tea things. It may be coffee first thing in the morning, but tea is a treat for the rest of the day. After Christmas decorations were retired for another year, I set up a spot on top of a cabinet. It looks cluttered because I have accumulated a lot of teas. Now that I have them all together, I know what I have, and I'll stop buying for a while and use up what I've got. My lovely teacup and little holder of Old Country Roses is there for display. As my mother used to say, it's "more for show and not to blow."

4. Knitting progress: A few weeks ago, I showed you a photo of the beginning of some fingerless gloves I was working on. The yarn was a dark gray and I was having all sorts of problems. My daughter suggested using a lighter color wool which I did. I also switched from my circular needles to aluminum straight needles. It's made all the difference. So, here is what I have so far....

Hopefully, these fingerless gloves will be done this winter (while I still need them!)

5. Quarantune:  No, I didn't spell that wrong. 

Quarantune began in 2020 when dulcimer (and other folk) had to curtail their usual festivals and workshops due to the pandemic. Besides this being an economic hardship for the musicians, it was a disappointment to those who attend their workshops and concerts every year. Thus, was created Quarantine 1.0. It brought all the musicians together in a big 2-day event filled with workshops at a very nominal fee for the participant. For $10, you could participate in a one-hour workshop via Zoom with the great ones out there - Bing Futch, Stephen Seifert, Brett Ridgeway, Jessica Commeau and many others. It was such a success that even after restrictions lifted, they continued the event. Now, about every 4 months, it happens again. It's fantastic for those who just can't get to a real live event like me. Quarantune Winter Fest begins February 1st to the 4th and I'm all ready to register for at least two workshops. Always fun!

With the new year begun, I've thought of all the things I want to accomplish this year. My mother had so many sayings - one being that "my appetite was too big for my stomach." For me, that means that all my plans and goals might need to be tempered a bit. This is the time to sit back and ask God - "What do You want me to accomplish this year!" 

A late Happy New Year to you all!

Friday's Fave Five - March 3

 

Here we are at another end of the week - another Friday with an opportunity to reflect on the many blessings throughout the week. Today is a day I need this. It was 22 years ago today that my husband, Alan graduated to heaven. Some years I feel more keenly than others. This year is feels almost fresh. You never quite get over losing a loved one. You just learn to cope. 

There have been good things this past week. Right now, we're under a high wind alert until 3 am. The birds on the wire above may not stay too long! Come join us at Living to Tell the Story and share what's been going on in your life.

1. My new knitting supplies: My order from Knit Picks came in this week - a set of needle tips and several sizes in cables for knitting in the round. The needle tips are the size I need for the cowl which I'm going to to knit. The yarn I will use can be found here. My daughter is ready to help me begin. Updates to follow.

2. Spring is in bloom! My apartment complex is surrounded by Bradford Pear trees, and they are blooming in all their splendor! So beautiful! I'm seeing daffodils now along the interstate. It makes me smile.

3. A new way to learn dulcimer: I've struggled to learn to play my mountain dulcimer, using You Tube videos and whatever I could find online for free. I finally bit the bullet and decided to invest a monthly fee for a subscription to a learning platform called Dulcimer Crossing. I've started "string side up" - absolute beginner just to refresh and I enjoy the site very much. Nothing like investing money in something to suddenly spur you on!

4. Lunch with a friend: Yesterday my dear friend Barbara and I met at Red Lobster for lunch. We do this every month and I always look forward to these times. The seafood was great, but the conversation and friendship is even better!

5. My newest grand cat: I told you about him a few weeks back but at that time, he had no name. Now he does - Ziggy! How he came by that name is a story in itself. My daughter in law said she and my son were discussing a name for him, calling out different prospective ones. The cat basically just lay there. He could have cared less! When the name Ziggy came up, he popped his head up and looked at them. So, Ziggy it is! He is pretty frisky and playful and his older brother, Gus is learning to adapt.

I hope you all are having a lovely weekend and looking forward to some fun. My prayers and thoughts to you all who are still under lots of snow. Weather people in the know say we have entered "meteorological spring" so I supposed that gives hope!

Friday's Fave Five - October 7, 2022

 

Here we are, the first week of October! Temps are cooler and it definitely feels like fall! I love it. Time to share the blessings of the week. 

1. My nap buddy: I only have to say "Nap time, Apollo" and he's on the bed. He is such a sweet companion and one of the big blessings in my life.

2. An online dulcimer workshop: Back in 2020 when everyone stayed at home and things were cancelled, there were many musicians who usually made their living teaching workshops in various folk festivals and doing gigs, instead stranded at home. A few got together and decided to create an online event and present these workshops online. It was cheekily named Quarantune 1.0. It was such a success, that even when things again opened up, they've continued the event about every 6 months. This weekend, Quarantune 8.0 is in full swing. This morning I attended a workshop on chords for the dulcimer by the great Stephen Seifert.

The class lasted 1 hour and for a cost of $10, he totally demystified chords on the dulcimer. These events are awesome for those, like me, who can never attend a festival.

3. Baby blankets done: Both great grandbaby blankets are done and will soon be off to Florida and Connecticut. I'll post photos at a later date in case either of the two expectant mamas visit here. I was pleased with them, and I hope the receivers love them as well.

4. Lunch with a friend: My friend Barbara and I had lunch at one of my favorite places - Red Lobster this past Tuesday. We try to make this a monthly event and so even, if we do email back and forth, there is still so much to catch up on. I never remember to take a photo of us during lunch but here's one from our visit to the MItford Museum.

5. Fall temps: I mention this frequently. It just shows how much I hated the heat of this summer. It is wonderful to go outside in the morning and quickly duck back in for a light jacket! The leaves are just beginning to turn around here. Fall is here!

Thank you, Susanne at Living to Tell the Story for creating a place to share our blessings. 

Friday's Fave Five - last one for August

 

It's Friday again and time to reflect on our blessings that have come our way. Thank you, Susanne, for hosting this. It's such a lovely way to slow down our day and reflect on what is truly important. It's been a quiet week here with not a lot to report. So, I thought I'd share with you some things that are special to me. 

1.    Apollo: This little guy has been with me since February. He was a skittish thing, so much so that he had his own room back at the Humane Society center because the other cats scared him. His previous owner had died, and his wife didn't want him so he was surrendered at about 5 years of age. When I took him in, I knew he would be an 'only cat'. It's taken 5 or 6 months for him to feel totally trusting but now he rarely leaves my side. He loves pets and cuddles and sleeps at the foot of the bed. 

2. A Disney World memento: This was brought back to me from my son and daughter-in-law's Disney vacation last year. This commemorates Disney World's 50th year celebration. I used to live 1 1/2 hours from there and I loved it! This is intended to be a Christmas tree ornament, but it stays on my desk year-round.

3. From my grandmother: My grandmother was a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Kansas and she is her school bell. I've been told that this bell could be heard a mile away. Next to it is her autograph book from high school. The back cover is velvet.

4. Mitford village: These village pieces were created by Hallmark years ago and not always easy to find. I stalked E Bay for ages before I found them all. Someday I may take some individual photos so that you can see the detail. They really are quite amazing.

5. My dulcimer: Here is one of my dulcimers. It isn't the main one I play so it hangs on the wall. It's a tear drop shape built by Mark Edelman at Smoky Mountain Dulcimers in Gatlinburg, TN. If you're curious about this unique instrument, I have a tab up top you can click on. Next to it is an old Good Housekeeping magazine from July 1902. It has an interview with Helen Keller.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend. I'll be headed to Florida at the end of next week to visit family. I can't wait.

Friday's Fave Five

 

It's time to list some of the blessings that I've been given this week. Thank you, Susanne for hosting this! 

1. Air conditioning . . . With our temps in the triple digits as a heat index, I have been in "summer hibernation". Thank goodness for the wonderful invention of air conditioners! Apollo seems to enjoy it as well and stands right in front of the vents.

2. Apollo using his water fountain . . . Just when I was about to pack up the whole kit and kaboodle and send it back to Amazon, Apollo has started drinking from it. I was able (with the help of my DIL) to figure out how to turn the "fountain effect" down to a trickle and he's more comfortable with it. He still seems to prefer his regular water bowl, but it never hurts to have two water sources around.

3. A ministry at my church. . . My church has a ministry called Servant's Hope which has been going for several years. It was stopped when the pandemic was with us but has started back up again. We have a meeting once a month for Bible study, fellowship, prayer and lunch afterward. Other days, we split into teams and visit nursing homes and shut ins. For a long time, the nursing homes were closed to visitors but now we can go in. We had our meeting last Tuesday and it is always a blessing.

4. Lunch with friends . . . As I mentioned earlier, I had lunch out with the ladies from our Servant's Hope ministry. That is always fun and as an added blessing, my lunch was paid for by one of the ladies. I always forget to take photos of meals when I'm out, but this was a delicious grilled chicken salad from Texas Steak House! 

5. Dulcimer progress . . . After playing around with my mountain dulcimer for five years, I'm finally learning to play it! It is said that the dulcimer is one of the easiest instruments to learn to play but I'm suspecting this refers to the traditional way of playing - plucking the melody tune on one string and strumming the other strings as a drone. It's called noter/drone style. I, however, had fallen in love with the chord/melody style - playing the tune with accompanying chords. In that style, there is much more to learn, including music theory if you want to go that deep. Since I was familiar with music theory from playing violin in high school orchestra (or thought I was!), this was the way I wanted to go. I finally found a couple on-line instructors who explain things simply for my senior brain. Now to just practice enough to get callouses on the tips of my fingers so that they're not so tender!