My Reading Blog

Where have the years gone? They seem to pass by so quickly and yet it seems like only yesterday that ... I graduated from high school,               now we're celebrating 50 years I started in the work force ,               now I've been retired for two years We got married,               now it's 46 years ago We raised our son and daughter,               now they're both in their 40's My nieces were born ,                  now they have children in college, graduating high school,  and 8th grade Our twin granddaughters were born,                 soon they will be 6 ...

I've been trying to dig deep into the recess of my mind for something to write about and draw nothing but blanks, so Currently Thinking - about our next trip to Illinois to celebrate the girls' 6th birthday and to help with the move to a new house, a new school, a new adventure. Listening - to Max' labored breathing.  He's had a rough couple of days with his back legs and incessant panting.   Enjoying - The simplicity of my life.  The days when I don't have anything planned.  The books that I love to read.  The cards that I create.  The scrapbooks that are waiting for me to put together. Planning - Our trip to Boston, Cape Cod and New Hampshire with our son and daughter-in-law.  Reservations made, researching where to go, reading about the Freedom Trail. Loving - Our "new" home that we moved into last July.  We are making it in to our style, with the addition of wood covered walls in the bedroom and dining room. Wanting - Umm...

As I sit on my front porch Early in the morning I awaiting the day to begin I listen, I hear The robins and cardinals sing their familiar tune The wind gently blowing the weeping willows The swan flapping her wings across the pond The quiet of the neighborhood The faint sound of cars traveling to work I look, I see The break of dawn The sun shining thru the trees The swan floating peacefully The birds soaring across the sky A car comes in, a car goes out The day is quickly becoming alive The Joy of the Morning The Peace of God's World Feeling so blessed

Earlier in March, I wrote about a new project that we started starting-new-project. Well,  WE COMPLETED IT!  We had a slight delay since we were away for ten days, but last week we (Hubby) got back at it. We had the wood on the walls, and the hanger for the door was in place, but the door needed another coat of sealer.  And, I think, there was a little apprehension on Hubby's part that it would hang properly. But, HE DID IT!  And, it looks absolutely great.  The blank wall and test board Hubby making progress The wall is finished Barn door into the bathroom It works! Now that we are finished with this wall, we have started on another wall.  This time in the dining room.  It is a long blank wall and is calling for some wood.  We put sealer on the pieces of pine yesterday and today we will start to stain them.  This wall should go together quickly as there is nothing that needs to be cut around.

As I think back over the month of March and all that I've written, I feel a sense of accomplishment.  This was my fifth year of slicing in this challenge. Does it get easier?  Do I still wonder what to write?  Do I still wonder if anyone will read what I write? Questions I asked at the beginning and can answer today. Yes, yes and yes.  I've shared about family, projects, life, weather, and Max has written.  I've sat at the computer and somehow my fingers just start typing or I've sat and wondered.  It's been a great month and I'll continue sharing on Tuesdays,  This challenge began for me five years ago and has created a habit, a way of making me look at things differently, a way of remembering what has transpired, a way to share what's on my mind. Thanks to all who have taken the time to read and share.  Y'all make this special.  See you next Tuesday!

I think there are times in all of our lives when we only see the negative in what is happening in and around us.  I found this quote this morning when I was looking for my thought for the day for Michelle.  It's a very appropriate thought regarding my slicing. I look at my surroundings, at people, at life's experiences differently.  My attitude isn't always "good", it isn't always "positive", but when writing slices, I try to look for the good, the positive, the building up, the blessings.  So I challenge you today, to look for all the beauty around us - the brown grass turning green, the gray skys turning sunny, the rain making the flowers grow, the cocoon changing to a beautiful butterfly, ranting turning to listening, the baby's crying turning to cooing and smiles - the list is endless.  It's up to each of us to look for that change.

Several years ago, I wrote this acrostic birthday prayer for Michelle and wanted to share it with you today, as Michelle celebrates her birthday,  Dad and I want you to know that you are always in our prayers.   God has blessed us with so much, especially with a wonderful, caring and loving daughter.   So today we'd like to share some favorite Bible verses and our prayers to go along with each of them. M - Numbers 6: 24-26 - MAY the Lord bless you and protect you.   MAY the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.   MAY the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace. Michelle, we pray that God will always protect you, smile on you and give you peace as you go about each day of your life. I - Isaiah 43:1 I have redeemed you.   I have summoned you by name.   You are mine. Michelle, we pray that you will experience the joy that comes from realizing that God knows you by name and that He has called you personally.   May...