A Simple Woman's Daybook for November

For Today

Looking out my window... I wish I could say that I am enjoying the brightly colored leave of autumn, but alas- reality gets in the way. Ash is being blown about because of the latest fires. The closest fire is about one mile away. Lord, have mercy!

I am thinking and wondering... why do politicians get away with spending $1 trillion on high speed rail which is no where complete when they could spend it on burying the electric wires that cause these yearly infernos? 

I am thankful... for our safety, for health, for my children, for this month of thanksgiving after the month of 'spookiness.' My sensitive kiddos are just about done with all the gore and guts they would see in the neighborhood and at stores. 

One of my favorite things... my small mug collection for all day tea guzzling! 

I am creating... a few simple quilts to give as Christmas gifts for the youngest babies in the extended family. 

I am wearing.... nothing special. just my go-to at-home all-black ensemble.  

I just finished reading... Agatha Christie's Curtain- Poirot's last case and The Gift of Dyslexia. I try to have a fiction and non-fiction going at the same time- that way I don't read too much non-fiction. In audio books with the kids, we are always listening to the Chronicles of Narnia on repeat or a new library find. We finished From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler- highly recommended. 

I am hoping... that my heart and the entire world are converted to Jesus

I am learning... that I really cannot satisfy everyone with my blog posts. Either I am too superficial or too cranky, too Eastern or too Western... that is why I don't blog. I need to get over that. 

In my kitchen... I am using my instant pot a lot! Usually I sear whatever meat I have, add onions and garlic, saute a bit, add more veggies and half a cup of broth (or more if I want it to be soup) and then pressure cook for 20-30 minutes, Easy!  

In the school room... our 7th grade son (!) is doing IEW Writing and Pre-algebra out side the house this year. Both classes are 1.5 hours long with about 8 students total. I think this will be a great benefit to him as he enters high school level work. Lots of homework and learning to figure out the instructor's expectations and dealing with other students in an academic environment instead of just 'fun' classes like art, theater, and sports. 

In my garden... my (potted) vegetable are just about done. I have two beautiful eggplants that did not produce one fruit. Ah well... 

Post Script

Everyone knows this blog, right? http://likemotherlikedaughter.org/ I am hoping that Leila will publish her home and family book soon...she hints... 

Shared Quote

It might be cliche, and I don't live in a place with nice Octobers, but I remember and I can dream.... "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables 

A moment:  11 years ago- but I couldn't resist!

May November be blessed and joy-filled for us all! 

a daybook for January

Outside my window...the orange tree has split one of its largest branches and stray oranges are cluttering up the patio
 
I am thinking...that I wasn't successful at all with my blog fast for Advent and Christmas.....not one draft or idea lingers on a document waiting to be polished and posted....ah well...
 
I am thankful...for hot water and electricity! It is such a luxury to take a warm shower and then read a book by lamplight.
 
In the kitchen...just plain rice, applesauce, bananas and teas....guess how we are spending our new year!
 
I am wearing...a very trendy coral chevron 'infinity' scarf. I like it even if it is trendy!
 
I am creating...lesson plans for my college ESL students. We are going to be in the computer lab one out of four evenings. I am looking forward to mixing up my methods.
 
I am going...to be on stage with my husband! We are in the 'parent class' of our daughters' Shakespeare program- our class will perform a scene from Much Ado about Nothing- the girls are doing the entire play of Two Gentlemen of Verona
 
I am wondering...why scented candle wax darkens in color when it melts. Does anyone know? I got some great new candles at Christmastime!
 
I am reading...Regina Doman's Alex O'Donnell and the 40 Cyberthieves - Catholic YA lit at its finest!
 
I am hoping...that we will travel to the old country this summer...
 
I am looking forward to...my parents coming for the theater performances...hint...hint....
 
I am learning...more algebra...trying to help my two eldest. They are studying math that I do not remember forgetting
 
Around the house...we are doing very well not depending on random video watching during this flu. Puzzles, UNO, Scattergories, and random reading of Christmas books are working wonders
 
I am pondering...health care and economic systems. blech.
 
A favorite quote for today...
"Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.” C S Lewis- “On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature” (1966)

One of my favorite things...waking up at 6 AM to pray and exercise! This isn't really true- waking up early is hard for me because it means going to sleep by 10, but I really need 8 hours of sleep. When I do wake up at 6, I feel really good. I just might sign up for a Zumba class at 6 AM close to home to forcce me to continue waking (for me) early.
 
A few plans for the rest of the week: to get better! and to enjoy our temperate weather (60 in the day- 40 at night) with a walk at the dog park

a November daybook

written on the first of the month...forgotten
Outside my window...the dog is chasing dry leaves. I love Fall- I wish we lived in a true 4-season place like Soulemama, Leila or even Posie gets cozy...

I am thinking...of the projects that I have been avoiding like meal planning, calendar wrangling and music/video inventorying. isn't it silly that I am avoiding what will make my life easier? 

I am thankful...for my parents' 46 years of marriage! Happy anniversary!

In the kitchen...mashed potatoes, roasted carrots and garlicky meatballs

I am wearing... my Byzantine cross, a blue t-shirt and jeans...pretty causal 

I am creating...preschoolish Thanksgiving art projects- Turkey handprints anyone?

I am going...to do laundry before I rush off to teach mt class...nothing profound, but that's life

I am wondering...if the icecream truck man outside in the parking lot really thinks that he is going to get sales on the day after Halloween and in sixty degree weather. The truck is playing 'O Christmas Tree.'

I am reading...The Way of Love: The Battle for Inner-Transformation by Dr Rhonda Chervin- I got the Kindle version, so I have to use a notebook to journal the 'homework' that is part of the book. Dr Chervin was a professor of my siblings at Franciscan University. 

I am hoping...to learn how to live better isolated. This is the most difficult part of being a clergy wife. A few days ago, I posted on Facebook that we were in need of prayers. I didn't give any specific reasons- yes, it was an annoying and vague post. Anyway, many people chimed in that they would be praying for us. I felt better. Well, I felt better until my husband called me from a middle of the week business trip for his hospital job, saying "What is going on?" I guess a woman I barely know from over ten years ago, not on my list of Facebook friends,  has been somehow 'following' me on Facebook, saw the prayer request, told her mother who we do know who then called my husband. How dare I ask for general support! Priest's wives are supposed to stay quiet! It is really difficult even for an extreme introvert like I. I really am completely alone. I hope other clergy wives are able to navigate better than I have. 

I am looking forward to...Christmas break! Yes- it is far off, but I feel the need for so true relaxation. Oh wait- Christmas and New Year is actually some of the busiest times for my family...

I am learning...algebra again through helping my older daughters. Did I really get Bs in Algebra 1 and 2? 

Around the house...the big girls are memorizing their roles for Two Gentlemen of Verona.

I am pondering...this meme from 'Grumpy Orthodox Cat'

A favorite quote for today... "All of these adults complaining about the time change. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PLAY GOD"- a silly thought from 'Honest Toddler' on Twitter

One of my favorite things...Irish breakfast tea with a big splash of egg nog instead of milk and honey...moderation....

A few plans for the rest of the week: inventory the children's clothes and go shopping a bit....two girls are down to not much because of growth spurts

A peek into my day...just imagine the sounds of Lego being rattled in a bin while two little kids chose the next piece...and a dog biting a squeaky ball and big girls practicing their en pointe dance to the Beatles "Do you want to know a secret." -and me...tapping away at a little blog post.

more at the simple woman's daybook

An October Daybook

Outside my window...baskets of laundry, clean and dirty (our laundry is outside) and a single blooming yellow rose

I am thinking... that all this algebra has to be useful for something- right? My big girls are studying things that I don't remember forgetting...

I am thankful...for my mildy awful body, riddled with (mild) lupus, chronic fatigue, the battle scars of having four children...the human body is still amazing even when we don't look like super models!

In the kitchen...avocado, tomato, lettuce, chicken, blue cheese on toast...even though I am trying to eliminate dairy...not so easy...

I am wearing...pink!

I am creating... a healthier pumpkin spice drink...recipe in a few days

I am going...to force some family to come for the holidays- it is only 900 miles for some of them!

I am wondering...why some people are so bitter and unforgiving. It is not my story to tell- but can you pray for the soul of A and for the consolation of J? They were in the cross-hairs of a lot of evil.

I am reading...Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man is Hard to Find"- my stomach is still queasy!

I am hoping...that I can figure out how to get pdf files into my blog posts...Blogger doesn't like that

I am looking forward to...seeing the illustrations for my Byzantine alphabet e-book

I am learning...“Art never responds to the wish to make it democratic; it is not for everybody; it is only for those who are willing to undergo the effort needed to understand it."- Flannery O'Connor

Around the house...big girls are working on Alegebra, Boy is drawing a picture and we are being entertained by Baby Girl's playtime- turning crayons into family characters. I guess boys typically turn everything into guns (not really my boy, he'll turn a crayon into a car) and girls turn everything into dolls.

I am pondering...“You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you odd.” - Miss Flannery, of course...

A favorite quote for today..."Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you’re there." Ray Bradbury, October is his month

Some of my favorite things...children in dance shoes, a baby girl living in her leotard with tutu skirt, kids painting there paper mache ornaments, Christian radio

A few plans for the rest of the week: life, as usual, and trying to continue my two '31 days' series- less Lupus, More Life and A Byzantine Child's ABC 

A peek into my day...well...a peek into what I wish this day was like! We are not at the beach...we are knee-deep in renovations and unpacking and homeschooling...

many more daybooks at the simple woman's daybook

September's Daybook & a giveaway!

Outside my window... I see the same patio as nine years ago. I see the same tree, the same rose bush, the same chairs...I am grateful to be here, to be safe, to be able to pay the bills, to live in a place with a climate where we complain when it gets over 85 degrees. But I am disappointed and embarrassed. A month ago, we started the process to upgrade just a tiny bit. We sold the townhouse in four days and also had an offer accepted on an old, little house two miles away. It was old and little, but it was a house- room for a garden, a compost pile, a place for the kids to run just a wee bit. It wouldn't be the five-acres with goats and ponies like I had, but it would be something. Well, it all fell through and we won't be going anywhere. The big girls had packed half the house- 30 boxes of books! 

I am thinking...that there are good things about not moving...like not having to change my address on everything, enjoying all our upgraded appliances, replacing nine-year old carpet with laminate to ease my allergies, not having to worry that the outside kitty will get lost, paying bills without feeling panic (as long as husband keeps his hospital job!)...so all will be well...

I am thankful... for this new year! For Byzantine Catholics and Orthodox, the liturgical year starts today- 

"O Creator and Master of time and eternity, God of all, O merciful One, bless the course of this year, and in your boundless mercy, save all those who worship you, our one and only master, and who cry out to you in fear: O Savior, grant a happy year to all people." (Kontakion for the New Year)

In the kitchen... I'm trying to save money- does anyone have opinions about Costco?

I am wearing... blue!

I am creating... new meal plans!....I need to get beyond soup and salad

I am going...to beg, beg, beg extended family to come for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas....it is only 900 miles!

I am wondering... why I am such a scaredy-cat when it comes to confrontation...the two negative situations of this summer have not been resolved for good or ill. I don't like to 'smile and wave' at people who I consider sisters in Christ! 

I am reading... The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

I am hoping... to start a small aquaponics set-up in our little back patio as well as a compost bin...I'm trying to make compost out of lemons!

I am looking forward to...my baby girl starting tap class! She cannot wait any longer!

I am learning... about liturgical history....try this video on Vimeo by Sister Vassa

Around the house... Boy is practicing his tae kwon do moves; he has had two classes and hopes to receive his white belt soon.

A favorite quote for today...

One of my favorite things... is this solid silver, Byzantine-style cross that my brother-in-law created. Click and comment on my anniversary giveaway post (second September 1st post) if you would like a chance to win one! Please, put yourself only in the running if you are willing to email me a address and email me back when you receive the cross. It is always a bummer to do a little giveaway, send out something and not hear anything back!

A few plans for the rest of the week: school, work, paint, cook, work, more school....

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An April Daybook

Outside my window...it is a grey day, but my yellow rose bush is blooming

I am thinking...that this year is the farthest distance between Easters for 
new' calendar people and 'old' calendar people- I don't like it

I am thankful...that Christ is risen!

In the kitchen...leftover ham and potatoes for lunch; lamb soup and popovers for dinner

I am wearing...green- my favorite color!

I am creating...a soup with Easter's leftover lamb- not very original, I know

I am going...to teach a class tonight! I wonder how many students will show up on Easter Monday?

I am wondering...why I didn't have an option for readers to get my blog posts emailed to them sooner

I am reading...homeschooling materials and English grammar books...I think it's time to read something for myself

I am hoping...that my school-age children do well on their mandated state testing. it is only one day, but a decent score validates me in some ways as a homeschooler- except that state testing is testing what 'they' think is worthy to know. as homeschoolers, we have different ideas about what is important- and yes, we study math and English every day...and more...

I am looking forward to...summer...I need a break...

I am learning...that I need to learn how to cook lamb well

Around the house...the children have eaten a lot of chocolate and other goodies. I said they could go crazy today. Tomorrow, most of the excess candy will be gone

I am still pondering..."O Lord and Master of my life, give me not the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust for power and idle talk. But grant unto me, Thy servant, a spirit of chastity (integrity), humility, patience and love. Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see mine own faults and not to judge my brother. For blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen."- prayer of St Ephrem

A favorite quote for today..."faith is one foot on the earth, faith is one foot in the air, and a queasy feeling in the stomach." Mother Angelica

One of my favorite things...is not an April Fools Joke (except maybe Google's Cesar Chavez tribute yesterday for Easter was an early joke?)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Although it is not Spring Break for my college, my son has the week off, so we need to find some fun daytime activities for the children...

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A Simple Woman's Daybook for March

Outside my window...the orange tree is in bloom, so I'll pretend it is Spring. It's abnormally hot here today; the swings in temperature are really the only thing that gets me reaching for the Tylenol. Now, I'm just waiting for the Santa Ana winds...headache, here I come!

I am thinking...about the sister-in-law of one of my sisters who is gravely ill. Please say a prayer for K., won't you?

I am thankful...for employment and I am praying hard for those I know who are unemployed or under-employed. Lord have mercy! Here we have one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, yet the 'equalization board' just raised the gas tax (yes- highest in the nation...but not the best roads that's for certain).

In the kitchen...I am trying to use up the vegetables from our CSA box. 

I am wearing...a green top and gray pants...nothing interesting

I am creating...yet another tofu recipe

I am going...to be a stage mama this weekend. 

I am wondering...if everyone has seen this album about Pope Benedict- beautiful and informative- even if they did use the comic sans typeface 

I am reading...just Family Fun and National Geographic magazines...I really need to get into some spiritual reading for Lent, but my brain is weary...

I am hoping...to finally see Les Miserables next week- it was out of the 'normal' theater three weeks ago (!), so I am hoping it will soon make it to the 'cheap' theater. It wasn't my intention to wait this long, but time got away from us...

I am looking forward to... my Spring Break from my college classes...shhh...don't tell my students, but the teachers like a break, too! It is disappointing that it is during Lent, but that's okay. I'll take what I can get.

I am listening...to AncientFM. Try it; you'll love it!

Around the house...big girls are trading naptimes, trying to get over their colds and coughs before their Shakespeare performances this weekend.

I am pondering..."I would like to invite everyone to renew firm trust in the Lord. I would like that we all, entrust ourselves as children to the arms of God, and rest assured that those arms support us and us to walk every day, even in times of struggle. I would like everyone to feel loved by the God who gave His Son for us and showed us His boundless love. I want everyone to feel the joy of being Christian. In a beautiful prayer to be recited daily in the morning says, “I adore you, my God, I love you with all my heart. I thank You for having created me, for having made me a Christian.” Yes, we are happy for the gift of faith: it is the most precious good, that no one can take from us! Let us thank God for this every day, with prayer and with a coherent Christian life. God loves us, but He also expects that we love Him!"- Pope Benedict, yesterday

A favorite quote for today...“I am a pilgrim who is beginning the last part of his pilgrimage on earth.” -also Benedict

One of my favorite things...Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm -have you tried it?

A few plans for the rest of the week: The Taming of the Shrew! Daughter #1 is Bianca and Daughter #2 is Petruchio...no pressure, girls! And then we will watch Kiss me Kate with well-buttered popcorn.

A peek into my day...

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A December Daybook

I'm in a bit of a slump...maybe it is the fast that the sun sets at about five PM....but this post is where I am today...

Outside my window...the orange tree is loaded with fruit. Just on time. We need the Vitamin C. 

I am thinking...that we need more Advent songs!

I am thankful...for the season of Advent (Nativity Fast); it seems to expand time. When everyone is stressed out because Christmas will come and go on December 25th, that is just the beginning for my family. We celebrate for twelve days beginning December 25th..

In the kitchen...I'm making cam chowder and figuring out how to use the random vegetables from our CSA box.

I am wearing...a black t-shirt and black pants...a bit boring just like this post...I'll change before I go out!

I am creating...ruffled skirts for the girl cousins. I hope my machine will behave.

I am going...to help my children finish their cousin Christmas cards.

I am wondering.... about this text in preparation for Christmas...

"Christ is born! Glorify Him! Christ descends from the heavens, welcome Him!

Christ is now on earth, O be jubilant!

Sing to the Lord, the whole earth,

And sing praises to Him with joy, O ye people,

For He has been exalted!"...

I am reading...The Fathers Know Best by Jimmy Akin. If you ever wondered what the early, early Church taught and thought, read this book.

I am hoping...to see The Hobbit as early as possible, perhaps an early morning showing. We'll see it alone together, and then we will take the big girls. This is an exceedingly rare 'theater' movie for us. We usually wait and use Netflix.

I am looking forward to...my 60 year old bachelor uncle's wedding at the new year!

I am learning...that I shouldn't wait until December to start Christmas crafting...

Around the house...Boy is playing Lego, making boats and planes and not asking to watch a video

I am pondering...this text in preparation for Christmas

"The Son who was born of the Father

Before all ages, and in this latter day

Was made incarnate of the Virgin

Without seed; Christ our God"

A favorite quote for today..."We all long for [Eden], and we are constantly glimpsing it: our whole nature at its best and least corrupted, its gentlest and most humane, is still soaked with the sense of ‘exile’. " JRR Tolkien

One of my favorite things...Thai Iced tea- too delicious...yum...

A few plans for the rest of the week: prepare the final week of my college classes- then on to Christmas break!

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A November Daybook

Outside my window...we have oranges ripening and dead brown November leaves blowing onto the patio. It's a strange climate.

I am thinking...that it is about time that we had an election. Go America!

I am thankful...that all the ugly, scary Halloween decorations are coming down- here comes Thanksgiving and Christmas! Here's a photo from long, long ago...

In the kitchen...pork chops, CSA green beans and potatoes and rocky road ice cream for later!

I am wearing...painting clothes! We are painting the upstairs for the first time in eight years (except for the bathroom- that gets painted more frequently)

I am creating...meal plans for Advent (it starts on November 15th and we go meatless except for Sundays- that's nothing, Orthodox are vegan during this fasting time. For medical reasons, we can't do this)

I am going...to a classical music concert later tonight. Our friends have season tickets and they cannot attend. I don't know what the program is, but I am excited in any case.

I am wondering...what it will take to make Roman-rite Catholics understand that we Eastern Catholics are as Catholic as they are. Martyred bishops and priests and laypeople under communism (they refused to become Orthodox, the state religion) are not enough. Last Sunday, my husband celebrated the 6:30 AM Mass as usual (he has bi-ritual faculties for our geographical Roman-rite archdiocese) at the local 10,000 family parish. The patriarch of the family that literally built the parish over one hundred years ago introduced my husband to the second most important family patriarch in the parish. He introduced my husband as an Orthodox priest. Orthodox priests do not have faculties to celebrate alone at any Catholic church. While the Catholic Church states that Orthodox can receive the Eucharist at our churches, the Orthodox Church rejects this. I know people who were imprisoned and tortured for over a decade because they would not give up the Catholic faith. We hear of modern martyrs every day. It is time to get educated.

I am reading...'just' my Bible. I am between books right now. I might read my girls' latest YA find, Wildwood.

I am hoping...that we can get through painting the upstairs with a minimum of fuss. I nearly laughed at the checker at Lowes today when she asked, "So, you are going to paint the bedrooms?" Um...we have never had the money to employ professionals for anything but plumbing or electrical. Anything that it slightly cosmetic is done by us (and it shows)- kitchen cabinets, counter tops, flooring, windows, all us amateurs.

I am looking forward to...the Halloween candy being finished

I am learning...Algebra I again. It is harder (and/or more complicated) than I remember. I would love to look at my old textbooks because I don't remember forgetting even half of what they are studying now in Algebra I.

Around the house...biggest girl is babysitting the babies and dog downstairs while doing the dishes, next big girl and I are painting their 'French apartment' a dusty purple. I never thought we would live in this townhouse long enough to be repainting and contemplating having high schoolers here.

I am pondering...an idea for a children's book...do you want to be my agent?

A favorite quote for today..."faithfulness, not success!" (Bl. Theresa of Calcutta)- quoted often, but I wish to be more like she is.

One of my favorite things...not my favorite thing...but priest-husbands- he is director of his hospital's spiritual care department. This means that he is on-call 24-7 in case the official on-call chaplain does not show up or has an especially difficult case. So, one of his favorite things is O'Doul's non-alcoholic beer. This means he can have a drink even when he might be called in to a case. I don't really like the taste of beer, but he does.

A few plans for the rest of the week: switiching the childrens' rooms- the big girl will get the small room, and Boy and Baby Girl will get the big one. This makes much more sense and the littles will finally be able to play in their room.

A peek into my day...we need to eat more pizza (yes, really- we have it less than once a month. One of my sisters has a  homemade pizza night every week...I gotta copy her)

An October Daybook

Outside my window...our dog is trying, unsuccessfully, to greet the cat. The cat will have none of it.

I am thinking about... the saint of the day- “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” -- Thérèse de Lisieux

I am thankful...for the pale peach gladiolas on the dining room table and the sentiment behind them.

In the kitchen...bean and vegetable soup to use up our veggie box in time for tomorrow's new box.

I am wearing...a green shirt and grey pants and toes that desperately  need a fresh manicure. 

I am creating...ideas for my spontaneous '31 Days' series via The Nester.

I am going...to work tonight. Wish me luck, my second class is a bear to teach.

I am wondering...if the polls putting President Obama is the lead are true. 

I am reading...snippets of theological works and The Hobbit again in preparation for the film this December.

I am hoping...that Boy gets over this cold so he can go to Kindergarten tomorrow. We always get a bit sick at this time. I think our temperate weather weakens us. 

I am looking forward to...my bachelor uncle's wedding at New Year's- I'm sure the event will merit a few posts.

I am learning...Algebra again. I have a seventh and an eighth grader learning it. They are studying things I never learned so I couldn't forget it. Did you know that an exponent of zero makes any number (to be) 1? I don't remember ever learning much about exponents...

Around the house...the three lonely green tomatoes are finally ripening. Three plants yielded three tomatoes. Homesteaders, we are not. 

I am pondering...Education is the period during which you are being instructed by somebody you do not know, about something you do not want to know. - G K Chesterton

versus

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.--William Arthur Ward

One of my favorite things...tea, tea and more tea. I need to be a bit more ceremonial about it with a tea pot and such. maybe a tea cozy would inspire me....
A few plans for the rest of the week: I'm finally getting my bumper fixed (long, annoying story...). I can't wait to feel like a grown-up with a nice car!

A favorite quote for today...

"It is essential that we show our love and support to our Diocesan clergy wives, whose service, all too often, has not been adequately recognized. The work of these pious women in the ministry of the Orthodox Church and this Diocese often goes unnoticed: but all the same, it is a work that is of incalculable benefit.

Panis are said to have a task that is great in responsibility but low in authority. They serve piously and humbly, frequently shunning the limelight so that the focus could be on the Church and the parishioners. They are sources of compassion, wisdom, good counsel, and are of enormous support and companionship for their spouse, the priest.

I ask you to consider the following supportive measures that every parish can put into practice:

Ensure that the Pani is able to enter Divine Services in quiet prayer, without having to discuss parish concerns before Liturgy.

Direct questions and concerns about the parish and the Orthodox Faith to the priest, not his Pani.

Remember that the first priority of the Pani is to be a wife to her husband and a mother to her children.

Resist the temptation to express critical comments about other people or situations to the Pani.

Panis are happy to serve the parish, but in their own way. Some are great cooks. Some are great musicians. Some are great organizers. None of them are perfect, but they are each beautiful in their own right.

Do not expect the Pani to divulge confidential information about other people or parish concerns.

Respect the fact that Panis are not to involve themselves in so-called "parish politics," or to become overly involved in activities that might detract from their primary vocation, which is to care for the priest and family.

Finally, thank God for the Pani, and pray for her to grow in her faith. Encourage her and support her in her very difficult task. Her husband was called to the priesthood. She is called, like Ruth, to follow him."

+METROPOLITAN NICHOLAS (American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox)

September 29, 2007

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An August Daybook

Outside my window...black and white cat whining for his breakfast, orange tree, hanging flower baskets that are surviving the summer, megablocks scattered on the cement, 

I am thinking...that my three-year old girl looks silly (but cute) in her big sister's ballet recital costume. 

I am thankful...for my parents' visit and for their skyping with my in-laws in the old country. 

In the kitchen...I want to create orange marmalade from our oranges. It just hasn't happened yet.

I am wearing...pajamas!

I am creating...a diet and exercise plan to deal with my newly flaring lupus problem. Stinging nettle tea- here I come!

I am going...to the natural history museum today to introduce my son to his first T-Rex skeleton. He's looking forward to it

I am wondering...if I have fulfilled my summer goals....not quite....I have two weeks left before I start work...time to get to the park!

I am reading...The Invention of the Human by Harold Bloom (about Shakespeare)

I am hoping...that I have enough students enrolled in my classes in two weeks so I will have a job

I am looking forward to...finishing up the garage/family/storage/school room and posting before and after pictures. Soon!

I am learning...that doctors have to be forced to communicate

Around the house...we are getting ready for the grandparents' last day here. We will miss them!

I am pondering..."I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn."~ Albert Einstein


a photo from a fun day....

A favorite quote for today..."By bells and many other similar techniques [schools] teach that nothing is worth finishing. The gross error of this is progressive: if nothing is worth finishing then by extension nothing is worth starting either. Few children are so thick-skulled they miss the point."~ John Taylor Gatto

Some of my favorite things... songs by James Taylor, classic Elton John, Cat Stevens,  Steve Winwood, anything baroque for Sundays- my song choices are older than I am

A few plans for the rest of the week: talk to my conventional doctor about my lupus and then make an appointment with a homeopathic doctor. 

A Simple Daybook for May

Outside my window... Baby Girl is playing in the small amount of dirt we have and Boy is making a tower with his megablocks

I am thinking...about this image of Christ

medallion by veronikon

I am thankful...for the cool mornings lately.

In the kitchen...beef stew, cornbread and some sort of dessert. a very simple meal for family and two visitors after vespers and Bible study tonight.

I am wearing...a soft purple scarf made from bamboo (!) given to me by my oldest sister

I am creating...peace in my home by decluttering as much as I can with four lovely children 'underfoot'

I am going...to make plans to travel & see the new family babies this summer

I am wondering...how the folks at Blimey Cow decide on the week's topic.

I am reading...Sink Reflections by Flylady and Screwtape Letters by C.S.Lewis- yes, I have both books multiple times.

I am hoping...to go to the big park day on Friday between preschool and ballet...it is only once a month and I have to 'socialize' those kids! Really, it is only I needing socialization

I am looking forward to...the Spring semester finishing in the middle of the month. I don't teach a lot, but it takes up a lot of space in my brain.

I am learning...to listen to uplifting podcasts while cleaning instead of political talk radio! baby steps to a more positive me!

Around the house...kids schooling, playing and hopefully helping me cook dinner a bit later- then- off to ballet!

I am pondering...

A favorite quote for today..."I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won't have to die. The truth is you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren't even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they're doing it". - Anne Lamott

Some of my favorite things...rice cakes, dark chocolate, Irish breakfast tea, black trash bags for Goodwilling, Castle & Pysch on Hulu- even though I can always figure out the mystery before they do, my husband who seems to get that I am an extreme introvert,  podcasts helping wean me off talk radio!

A few plans for the rest of the week: