Endless Gifts

Shortly after I started blogging I came across Ann's "1000 Gifts" where she was posting about the things she was grateful to God for. She was listing them and keeping track planning to reach 1000 things. She has since passed that number, but continued with a grateful heart to praise Him from whom all blessings truly flow. She now refers to these as Endless Gifts and has encouraged others to join her in practicing gratitude.

I had started my own list long ago, but couldn't seem to remember what posts the lists were on and what number I was on, so I gave up. I decided to get my own act together and begin again. These will be simple posts were I want to give Him praise and to record the many things, little and large that He has blessed me with. I don't want to forget. Being someone prone to forgetting His mercy when hard times come, I want to have reminders for myself that I can reflect on in those times. I pray it may also by an encouragement to someone else as well. These lists won't be numbered, or I'd never get them done. They may be posted regularly, or not. I may be able to add pictures, but not always. All I know is that I don't want to neglect the opportunity to be mindful and give thanks. These things will be in no particular order.

Here's a link to Ann's Gratitude Community.

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* Sweetheart's sweet and strong heart. His love for me and the boys.

* Listening to Pumpkin sing "I'll Fly Away" as he lays his Bunny down to sleep.

* Finding the beauty in a day alone.

* Finding joy at the return home.

*This smile greeting me at breakfast.

* Watching the boys play together and love each other.

* The taste of a peach picked fresh off the tree.

* Roses and more roses.

* Creating beauty in my home.

* Being created by the One who loves beauty.

Sweet William Market & Tasha Update

***I added more to my Tasha post below for those who may be interested...

Teri left a comment saying she and her sister were going to the

Sweet William Market this weekend.

My Mom and I decided to go, too.

Anyone else want to join us there?

Joanne?

Janna?

Carrie?

Shan?

Angie?

Kathryn?

Anyone else?

Tasha Tudor's Birthday

Today would have been Tasha Tudor's birthday. We're starting off the morning with her waffle recipe.

After breakfast we're heading up to the farm to meet with friends and play with the piggy and get some fruits and veggies. I picked peaches there on Tuesday morning. What fun! Organic peaches for less than conventional ones in the store and the fun of picking them myself. Now, to use the basketful of peaches...more peach butter? I'll have to see if Tasha had any peach recipes. Maybe a cobbler for dessert?

I'll be trying to add more to this as the day goes on...

See what others are doing to highlight the day at Storybook Woods.

*****LATER**********

I love Berry Patch Farm. I'd move everyone in with me, if they'd let me. It is so peaceful. The chickens, turkeys, and Bacon Bits spend most of the day roaming free around the barn. The owners have a bunch of picnic tables under some giant cottonwoods that also shade the side porch they've filled with rockers.

We all picked peaches and strawberries together putting them in our baskets. Pumpkin loves to carry his own basket and all the other little boys kept putting their berries into it for him. My friends' boys and Pumpkin enjoyed running around as she and I visited and gave bottles to our babies after picking the fruit.

I was admiring the chickens and my friend asked, "You're not going to go that far, are you?" I'd like to pretend I don't know what she meant, but I do. I'm sort of the odd bird of the group already with all that bread baking, canning, gardening, home birthing, sewing, no television thing, old-fashioned living stuff. I just left it at the HOA won't allow it, but I'd like to. I told her I'd like a goat. Then the conversation changed as the boys were on the run.

I doubted my friend knew who Tasha Tudor was. Tasha's life would make me look normal and way too modern. ;) It is enough to just live my own life how I want to. I'd not want to copy someone elses, even Tasha's, as it would seem more like "playing house". I am happy to glean ideas and adventures, but it is still my life to live. I must live it to please Him first and foremost.

That being said, Tasha's waffles were a hit for breakfast. (I tried just a bite to make sure, but refrained from having my own, as they aren't quite on that whole Body for Life plan. I doubt Peach Cobbler is either, but I may just have a small piece of that.) Back to Tasha...I am in the kitchen with my hair up and in braids, my apron on, and my feet bare. I skipped the skirt today, but that was mostly due to laundry issues. I have some farm fresh vegetables to prepare for dinner tonight and am skimming her cookbook for ideas. I am out of eggs though, so a few recipes are out that I'd like to try.

Tonight will be a quiet evening, enjoying Peach Cobbler and reading Tasha books by oil lamp with a nice pot of tea. I'm planning to check on the link over at Clarice's Storybook Woods of the ladies having a Tasha Tea. Maybe this weekend I can do that. (I have one Free Day a week on the BFL plan where I can enjoy whatever I like, so that's a better day for celebratory foods and a special tea time.)

What I'd take from Tasha's life is the idea to do what you love, regardless of what may be currently done. Live as you wish, dress as you wish, make what you wish, even if others don't understand. Life is better when we keep it simple and actually live in harmony according to the rhythms God put into place with the seasons. Life is to be lived to the fullest, doing things for those around us, not wasted in mindless entertainment as seems so popular. Just my thoughts. Of course, I do like my electricity! How else could I blog?

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Funny side note: Apparently, my affinity for leaving flowers and leaves in books is genetic. (See picture of cookbook at the top. That leaf was there when I opened the book this morning.) I just received a wonderful package from my Aunt Linda that included a cookbook. Between its pages I found a leaf and a packet of flowers. She also included some darling notecards, a tea catalog, and a set of her amazing photographs. Thank you!!! (PS--I will get that Peach Butter in the mail soon!)

The Day Off

The day started off with Pumpkin waking up at 6:48 and making sure I got up as well. I was up and in his room without thinking and not really awake. I took care of him and hopped into the shower and was on the road by 7:30. My first stop was the Devil's Food Bakery.


I was early enough to snag a table outside where I could enjoy the coolness of the morning as I drank my French Blend Tea, a black tea with Jasmine, Lavender, and Rose. You've got to love anyplace with a four page Tea Menu. This is the wall separating the outdoor eating area from the alley behind it.

I decided to order something for breakfast that I had never had before, nor was likely to cook at home. I ordered the eggs and trout. (I've had trout before, but never for breakfast, just to clarify.) It came with scrambled free-range eggs, real breakfast potatoes, nitrate-free bacon, fresh baked bread and pan-fried trout. It was a lot of food, but delicious.

I sat visiting with ladies at the other table by mine and writing for a long time. It was relaxing, peaceful, and so nice to not have to constantly get up and get something for someone else. I can't remember the last time I was served breakfast--must have been just after Dumpling was born. Even when I have my own breakfasts in bed, I am the one who makes everything.

As I was leaving I picked up a cup of coffee and a fruit tart to go.

I walked around the little street looking into the shop windows and checking times when things would open. I then headed over to Washington Park.

I walked for miles around the park, taking pictures, sketching, and just enjoying the day. The flower gardens are amazing and such fun to amble through. It was warming up fast. After a few hours I decided to sit on a bench in the shade and just read and write for awhile. I have no idea how long I sat, just watching everyone go by, but it was wonderful.

I sat under this tree in the shade just relaxing, reading, writing, and people-watching. I also ate that tart and let me tell you, it was as good as it looked. Yum!!

After a few hours at the park I walked back to the shopping area and wandered through the stores. I then headed to another little district nearby where I enjoyed their shops and Farmer's Market and picked up some baby bok choy and a pot of rosemary.

After awhile I drove over to the antique district where I wandered in a out of shops I can't get a stroller into and had a ball. I found an exquisite antique lace full petticoat that fits me. Miracle. The handwork on it is amazing. I'll get some pictures, eventually.

Then I headed to another area just a few miles north that had seemed sort of "up and coming" a few years ago when I had last stopped by. It was however, now rather "down and out". I went into a few shops, but couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't too safe there, so I left.

I was on Broadway and Lincoln, so I drove through downtown. I got to see a few protesters there for the Democratic National Convention, but I think they were outnumbered by police and other security. After getting passed the crowds out for the Rockies game, I was finally back on the freeway and headed home.

I arrived at home at 3:30, just as the boys were getting up from naps. We played for awhile and I made calzones for dinner which we enjoyed while watching "Cranford". All in all, it was a wonderful day. Thank you, Sweetheart, for making it possible! I missed you!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my Window...
the petunias and cosmos are in full bloom, the morning glory vines are growing by the day--still waiting for the flowers-the sunlight is filtering through the heart-shaped leaves creating a beautiful glow visible through the lace curtains.

I am thankful for...
such a wonderful "day off" yesterday that I'll share about later. It was wonderful!

From the kitchen...
I'll be trying to make plum jam this week. We just ended up eating the corn and the onions are still not done. Oh well! Maybe later this week. I did make bagels for the first time last week and we're enjoying those.

I am wearing...
black capris, black shirt--colorful I know-- and my apron. At least the apron has some color...

I am reading...
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle; Preserving;The Story of Tea, and my latest "Victoria" and "Tea Time" magazines.

I am hoping...
Autumn goes smoother than summer.

I am creating...
nothing. I'll have to fix that!

I am hearing...
Jars of Clay's "Redemption Songs", boys chatting to each other and themselves, coffee percolating on the stove, and the endless train whistles.

Around the house...
I need to really deep clean everything. I was gathering some of my Autumn decorations this morning after exercising and want to put them out, but I need to move and remove some other things, plus it's always easier after a good scrub down of everything.

One of my favorite things...
Autumn. We had a glimpse of it last week with rain and cooler weather, but this week it is back to high temperatures.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
a friend and I are trying to figure out a time to meet, Bunco tomorrow night, and going to Berry Patch Farm with a friend and her kids on Thursday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

This is Bacon Bits. He lives at Berry Patch Farm. Here he is trying to get the berries Pumpkin and I picked last trip over there.

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Blogging Field Trip:

Are you in the Denver area??? Want to meet up at the Farm?

We go a lot this time of year. It is so much fun!

Let me know and we can schedule a time to meet!!!

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Stop on by The Simple Woman for more Daybooks!

A Whole Day to Yourself--What Would YOU Do?

Sweetheart is taking over tomorrow and I'll have the day to myself. What would you do? I've got a few ideas floating around, but would love suggestions...

I'll miss my boys, I know, but it is so refreshing to just have a day.

*****Edited to add later:

I'm thinking breakfast at the Devil's Food Bakery. Then spend a little time wandering around the neighborhood by the bakery. The Tended Thicket and Pome are two unique and delightful shops. There is also a large park, Wahington Park nearby.

I'm planning on bringing one of my Everything Books, my watercolor pencils, and the camera. This is also a fun place to browse, but completely on the other side of town. We'll see...

I'll Be Joining in This--Tasha Tudor Day

Stop by Storybook Woods for more information and come celebrate with us!

The Reason Pumpkin Rarely Appears In Pictures Anymore!

My Sister took these when we were all together and emailed them to me.

I just keep the camera set to "action" all the time, but still get shots like these.

It's great though to watch him just run and play.

The Family

From The Word This Morning

Psalm 19:8-11

The precepts of the LORD are right,

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is pure,

enduring forever.

The ordinances of the LORD are sure

and altogether righteous.

They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the comb.

By them is your servant warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

***

Life goes so much smoother, doesn't it, when we follow the Directions?

I think of the pure joy of Pumpkin when he has a spoonful of honey--our remedy for coughs and throats that feel poorly--his face lights up because he loves the soothing sweetness.

How I long for that when I pour His word into my heart.

Simple Beauty

Durango

Our weekend in Durango.

We had a wonderful time being together with everyone. My Dad lives in such an amazing area, doesn't he? The guys spent a lot of time skipping rocks in the river and we all spent a lot of time outside.

My sister and her family were there as well, but I haven't asked her if I can post their pictures. Sis?

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It is our second day of rain here in Colorado. It's wonderful. I'm soaking it all in like the ground. There's some lightning and thunder. It's a great day for drinking hot tea, listening to music and boys playing.

Later while the boys nap I'm planning to cook and freeze some corn and can some sweet onions. I'll also make up some chicken and rice soup for dinner. It's the perfect day for it. I think I'll watch Little Women while I work. I love that movie.

I really enjoy Louisa May Alcott's writing, don't you? I recently read her novel, Work. I checked it out of the library, but I'd never heard of it before. When I got it home I read the cover and the introduction. I almost didn't read it because of how it was described. I'm not into feminist writings and Transcendentalism. I'm so glad I read it anyway. I loved it! It's hard to believe the book I read and the one "the scholars" wrote about was the same book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I marked some wonderful quotations to share later. The main character, Christie, learns what really matters in this life, and for the one to come.

Enjoy your Saturday and go make a pot of tea!

Out of the Pits--And a Winner!

Peach pits, that is! There is an end in sight. I am working on a couple of peach pies this morning and that will finish up the peaches. My 35+ pounds of peaches have made: 8 1/2 pint jars of preserves, 8 pints of spiced peach butter, 7 pints of peach slices, 3 quarts of spiced slices, 1 huge bag of slices that I froze, two peach pies, and two happy little boys full of peaches for snacks.

Sorry to anyone who may have checked back to see who won the drawing. We had made plans last week to go to the zoo yesterday with some friends and I was so busy canning the rest of the time I didn't get to post. I gave Sweetheart the range of numbers of comments and had him pick. Congratulations to Kelli of There's No Place Like Home. Kelli has actually been reading and commenting from the beginning of this blog. She's full of wonderful ideas and encouragement, so be sure to stop by and visit her. You'll be glad you did!

Thank you all for your sweet comments and notes. I wish I could have a cup of tea with each one of you. Don't worry--I won't wait for another 400 posts before I do another drawing! Now, I've got to go finish those pies....