Hi Everyone!
I seriously have been trying to muster up the energy and focus to take action on some projects today. You know, since we all have time these days.
I thought a shower would help and a little bit of reading.
So, I did shower which has been a regular activity. This morning I discovered if I stand very still for longer than a few seconds under the stream of warm water pulsing on my head it would imitate the massage you get when a stylist washes your hair. Lingering has its advantages.
You are on my heart and mind this morning. We social beings are deprived of the variety of social interaction in person with maybe just a little too much thinking time on our hands. Making a list of projects is flat out exhausting to even consider. Can you relate?
Some of my projects “to do” undertaken have been utterly frustrating failures. I don’t recall meal planning when the kids where younger being so taxing.
Because I have been culling my FB feed, I see posts from others I haven’t in awhile. One was Jan Karon, the author of the Mitford series. Then, I discovered a FB group of fellow readers for an online book club devoted to the Mitford series and joined. It’s been over a decade since I last read them. This is a project that has not been a failure! I’m visiting Mitford again these days and I’m finding the excursion delightful.
The setting is in the rolling hills of North Carolina reminds me of my childhood in the south. The story of an Episcopalian priest, his parish and town is woven with skill into life. Of course, there were conflicts and tension. Father Tim, the local Episcopalian priest takes us into his congregants and friends’ lives which are pretty ordinary. But somehow, Karon makes each page engaging. I want to live there and honestly, sometimes I know I have lived in places like Mitford among friends and family who love me. Perhaps it’s a matter of perception and attitude.
So today, I have given myself the mental freedom to just read and reflect and maybe a little pondering. No wallowing allowed.
First thing that came to mind was to check in…how are you doing in your spirit and hearts? Have you told anyone about sad days or fun times?
We had an unusual birthday party this week. A fun time! Jim waved his candles out, no blowing allowed.
Have you ordered pizza and stood by the kitchen counter with your family laughing as you lose count of how many slices you have eaten? Then fully satisfied with words and love wandered off to your spot with a smile. Hope so with family with you there or seeing them virtually.
May you know today the peace that passes all understanding.
Love to hear from you.
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Rosemary Palmer says
I try to enjoy the quite first thing in the morning but around me has been the sound of progress. Trucks coming in. Tow trucks hauling off cars. Hammers on roofs. But thankful we still have a home to enjoy.
Barbara Chapman says
Good morning, Linda! Yes, I have up and down days lately… This whole Corona Virus mess leaves me blue… But then I rally and get some gardening done and I have been able to “volunteer” at my school passing out Chromebooks to students who need them to get online for their classes. This week I put together 37 bags for students who live in apartments near the school and need school things to do. Our librarian went through all her books and culled a bunch of oldies falling apart and those along with some school supplies will help keep 480 of our kiddos going! Happy to be doing my part. <3
I do love Jan Karon's Mitford series and was rereading them this past winter. I always read the Christmas stories leading up to and through Christmas. Now I have a friend who is hooked on reading them and she comes over every couple of weeks and gets two or three more and swaps out the previous books ~ that's what we are doing while "sheltering at home." I've been rereading my Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs.
Happy spring to you and hang in there! Your girls are adorable and I'm glad your husband was able to celebrate his birthday online with family. <3
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
bushel and a pickle says
Barb, Thats for your comment. Good you are able to serve your community in person. We are not able to do that in person. I am part of our local school board. Having Zoom meetings is a new experience! I enjoy the Tea Shoppe mysteries too. I also enjoy reading Daisy Dalrymple mysteries. Enjoy your day.
Maria Brittis says
Such a lovely family, Wishing you well
bushel and a pickle says
Thank you Maria
Kim Purvis says
These times definitely are trying and sometimes boring. I am pretty sure I will have a virtual birthday too this year.
Best,
Kim
bushel and a pickle says
New kinds of memories aren’t totally bad! Enjoy your day!
Deana Landers says
Very sweet, Linda. And you are so right. I have been going through the same thing. In my column today I write about being a grandparent and interacting at this time. I think our hearts are in the same places.
Patti says
Linda, I can relate as I guess most of us can. Even though working from home is something I’ve been doing for a long time, this time period has found me so much less motivated. Thanks for the book suggestion. I have been reading more. It’s something I used to love doing and have gotten away from. Mealing planning is hard too. I’m trying to only go to the grocery store once every two weeks. That means I really have to plan out the perishable meals or freeze meat, something I don’t really like to do. Oh well, it’s a new week and I am trying to get on with life in this new normal. Stay safe and healthy!
bushel and a pickle says
Hope your new kind of normal coming along well! Hang in there!
Paula@SweetPea says
Glad you and your family are doing well!