On Thinking Warm Thoughts

"The glow of one warm thought is to me worth more than money."

~Thomas Jefferson

 

 

I'm surrounded by candles and covered in handmade afghans and being incubated by two warm fur children and a laptop.  Bone chilling hardly seems an accurate description for this type of freezing. 

 

Winds whip, causing doors to slightly open as powerful gusts find their way through tiny cracks and crevices.  The furnace chugs away, sprinting through this Antarctic marathon without stopping for rest or refueling.  My tea kettle constantly whistles, signaling another warm cup, another attempt at these 'staying toasty' antics. 

 

 

Unbeknownst to them, my fuzzy socks and fingerless gloves have intense responsibilities placed upon them today.  I hope they are prepared for such lofty, albeit unreachable expectations.

 

Dare I say that I am in heaven?  Is it alright to completely revel in this feeling of cozy and snugly and calm?  Because, you see dear friends... I'm loving it.  I'm completely thrilled.  I can't smile brighter.  I live for days like this.  Days when I can enjoy our home, bake bread, light candles, knit and create....

 

 

 Upon emerging from my protective blanket cocoon, I shuffled into the real world, only to find cold, cold, and more cold.  Without hesitating, I prepared  myself a perfect cuppa and quickly gathered this-and-that to add to the simmer pot. (I promise that a nifty simmer pot makes staying in and being chilly a lovely little adventure.)

 

"What's that?  You want to make one, too?"

 

Good.  I hoped so.

 

  Here's how.

 

 

Simmer Pot Instructions

 

First, boil water in a kettle or pan.

While the water heats,  slice one orange (or lemon or lime....let your imagination run wild) and gather any other ingredients that suit your fancy.

(I also added cloves, vanilla essential oil, and dried rosemary from my summer herb garden.)

Cinnamon, allspice, lemon, cranberries and pine tree sprigs are all delightful additions and options- I promise.

Add all ingredients to the simmer pot of your choice. 

(I found my copper one at a thrift store for $2.00-score!)

Gently pour the hot/boiling water over the chosen ingredients.

Lastly, turn the stove on to a low setting (I usually set mine at 2 or 3) and wait for the yummy scent to waft through the air.

 

*Note: I typically use the same simmer pot for a few days, adding this and that as time passes.  Also, be sure to add more warm water every few hours to keep the potion from becoming 'sludgy' or burned.

 

 

With that, I'm lighting a few more candles, heading to my craft nook, and setting off to work on some paper crafting projects that I have up my sleeve.

 

Stay warm, my friends.  Stay warm and enjoy this day.

Dear reader, you are invited...

"Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world."

~Sarah Ben Breathnach

 

 

I've always had a sincere love of notebooks and list making.  Interestingly, I enjoy writing a list simply to allow myself the "crossing-off" pleasure of items and tasks.  "Did that," I chide at the completed chore.  "Finished," I proudly gloat to the errand gone by.  And perhaps even more disturbing is the fact that I often save these crossed offed lists.  Do I do 'cross off and save' as a way of validating my self?  As a way to feel accomplished and worthy of a few moments of high quality couch napping?  I can't say.   

 



 

However, I can tell you this.  I am currently engaged in a different type of list making, a type of jotting down that's not only cathartic, but joyful and rejuvenating and wonderful and gratifying.

 

But, pardon me, I'm getting ahead of myself.

 

Sometime in October or November, I came across a book by the title of The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story Christmas.  I knew I had to have it.  Something about it called to me, and without missing a beat my husband and I made a quick stop at Barnes and Noble.  You guessed it, the book--well the book became mine.

I fell in love.  Ann Voskamp writes in such a way that one feels she is sitting down for hot coffee with an old friend.  Allow yourself envision it....

This friend is the kind of friend who has chipped, faded, and mismatched mugs, full of good cries, hearty laughs, and meaningful conversation; a kitchen table pocked full of dings and dents, evidence of memories and shared moments and solved problems; an old braided rug, worn thin from years of friends shuffling in, children playing, and pets resting.... I kid you not, I bet Ann is that kind of person.
 

(My Jesse Tree and grass that serves as straw for Baby Jesus' manger)

 

While reading The Greatest Gift, I also participated in her study and made myself a Jesse Tree, which depicts the ancestors and family heritage of Christ.  When Christmas day came and I finished the last page of the story, I felt full, albeit empty- longing for more of Ann's words.
 "Now what?" I sat wondering.

    

Enter, One Thousand Gifts.  The words are gentle and beautiful and soft and kind.  The premise of this book is grace and Eucharist, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life.  Generally speaking, it's about finding God and thanking God for the little (and big!) glimpses of wonderful in daily occurrences.  It's life changing, that I can promise.
 

 

So, back to my love of notebooks and list making. 

 

While reading the book, it suggests that the reader keep a list of the gifts (with the intention to find one thousand) that fill and grace her life.  It's a very spiritual discipline, and I've found it highly transformational, giving deep awareness to gratitude and beauty and love and thanksgiving.

 

I found myself truly excited to embark on this journey of gratitude and gift listing. I searched around until I found the perfect little notebook, one that

was pretty, would fit in my bag or purse, and that simply put, made me happy. 

 

I'm reading and I'm listing and I'm finding myself so aware and blessed and thankful. 

 

Won't you join me? 

 

Let's read and make lists. 

Let's find the magic in the everyday and give thanks for our many gifts.

Let's do this together.

 

Blessings and peace for a happy new year,

Cathy

 





Summer Evenings

"The night walked down the sky with the moon in her hand."

~Frederick L. Knowles

Perfect summer evenings are early showers with wet hair

cooling your back as it dries.  

Perfect summer evening are lavender candles

gently flickering in the slowly enveloping darkness.

Perfect summer evenings are cups of hot tea

easing your psyche to a place of calm and rest.

Perfect summer evening are held between bound pages,

full of amazing plots and fascinating characters.

Mindfulness

"You realize your true identity as consciousness itself, rather than what consciousness has identified with.  That's the peace of God.  The ultimate truth of who you are is not I am this or I am that, but I Am."

~Eckhart Tolle

For years I've read about and heard of the benefits of meditation.  Without a doubt, the positives of such a personal awareness practice speak for themselves- reduction in anxiety levels, relaxation of the nervous system, enhancement of the immune system, increase of problem solving skills, and the ability to develop tolerance and perspective.  But try as I might, I couldn't get past the vision of an elderly, bearded man, sitting cross-legged on the edge of a mountain. 

Truthfully, the notion appeared so incredibly simple that I convinced myself I was somehow missing a key element.  I truly believed the notion of sitting and "being" while focusing on my breath or a mantra seemed, quite frankly, too easy.

However, recently my husband and I have noticed ourselves surrounded by people who give off negative energy, who continually play the "keep up with the Jones-es game", and who, sadly, go out of their way to create rift and strife.  

We have great talks, that Chad-o and I.  We sincerely attempt to keep life goals and priorities in perspective.  We strive to have balance and peace and responsibility and thankfulness, all-the-while continually focusing on the development of ourselves through education and fitness and positive life choices.

Well, a few weeks ago, I decided that I really wanted to concentrate on  recognizing the wonderful blessings in my life.  I had found myself weary of of peoples' long lists of wants, the "bigger is better" attitudes, and the hectic, fast-paced, often-times meaningless life swirling through today's society.  And, without warning, the meditation word gracefully entered my foremost thoughts.

Like any lover of psychology, I unearthed a few favorite books I had previously read, and re-read my margin notes and highlights.  Specifically, works by Eckhart Tolle and the Dalai Lama have particularly inspired me.  

While reading and researching, I came to the conclusion that meditation certainly deserved a chance.  I furthered my investigation, read  a few more articles, and committed myself to approaching the practice with an open heart and an affirming attitude.

I'm here to tell you that my meditation practice has earned a spot as one of my most favorite parts of the day.  As a matter of fact, I enjoy it so much that starting next week I'll embark on a four week meditation study to further develop my understanding and practice.  

Perhaps you could also benefit from the numerous positives associated with disciplined meditation.  It's ever so spiritual and healing and peaceful and life-changing.

Namaste.

On Finding Contentment and Listening

"The very nature of Joy makes nonsense of our common distinction between having and wanting." 

~C.S. Lewis

The blankets just emerged from the dryer and Charlie has completely buried herself, allowing only the tops of her ears to poke through.  Precious critter, she loves a warm pile of handmade afghans and blankies, and I can't blame her a teeny-tiny little bit.

It's been one of those weekends-  a slipper wearing, pony-tail sporting, get things accomplished type of weekend. With the weather taking a cold turn and the skies a messy soup of gray, gray-er, and black, I've had motivation to stay put, enjoy my surrounding, spend time with my little family, and tackle a few homemaker-ish types of responsibilities.  

It was one of those days where I found myself in love with this little house and this little life.  I enjoyed the squeak of the kitchen door as I made trip after trip up and down the basement steps with basket upon basket of laundry.  I found some kind of serenity looking out the kitchen window and watching the yellow finches stop for a snack at the feeder.  I found so much happiness in ironing and laundry and making our dinner (now cooking in the crock-pot).  

With every sock that was rolled, every precisely folded towel, and each carefully ironed button-down shirt I felt grateful.  And I mean really, really grateful.

It's kind of strange, really.  I look around this life and I am ever so satisfied.  

You should probably know that for quite a long time I've wanted to add another waggly tail to this abode.  I wanted another fur-friend to love and spoil and care for.  Well, I'd finally managed to convince Chad-o that another dog was a great, marvelous, if not all around fantastic idea. And so it was, this spring another little puppy was to grace the residence of 403.

But, remember my belief in signs?  Remember how they visit me in the most unusual of times?

We were hiking. 

We were having ourselves the most wonderful of afternoons, having just had a delicious lunch at a quaint little cafe.  To be honest, I wasn't even thinking about puppies or dogs or even my little Charlie T.  I was engrossed in the moment, plodding along a river, carefully watching my step and working to avoid soggy feet.

And then, from between the rays of a shinning sun and the breeze of a gentle wind, I heard it.  I heard the familiar whisper and I knew.  

That was that.  The decision was made.  Not the answer and decision I really wanted, but the best, most responsible one, for now.

It's so very interesting how things come about.  I'm always fascinated at how answers and solutions so clearly present themselves.  

As difficult as it is to place our "wants" to the side, it is most important and imperative that we do what is truly best- best for us and our current situations. 

Finding contentment in such a crazy, fast-paced, instant-gratification society is a gift.  

The here and now is good.  Really good.  Beyond good. 

I understand the message.  I really tried to take all I could from that gentle whisper.  

I am so grateful.  I am so blessed.  There is nothing more that I need. 

This life that I have with the people I am surrounded by is enough.  

It is enough.  

Charlie is enough.

Don't Miss the Magic

“I love you because no two snowflakes are alike, and it is possible, if you stand tippy-toe, to walk between the raindrops. ” 

~N. Giovanni

If you're anything like me, this day has been a long time coming.  

I don't know what I'd do without the promise of snow.  Most people do nothing but complain about the white fluff, and to them I say, "You are missing the magic."

Have you ever looked out the window of your home and really, I mean really, studied a snowfall?  Did you ever marvel in the artistry of each delicate flake?  Did you ever think that perhaps the snow is God's way of reminding us to be quiet and calm and close to those we love?

 Always one to love the snow, I decided to decorate one of my pencil trees with snowmen and snowflakes.  Why not celebrate the amazing and beautiful display Mother Nature so kindly provides?  

Plus, the twinkle lights truly add some warmth and coziness to the chilly and dark winter nights.  

All of these decorations were handmade by me during the summer between 6th and 7th grades.  I'm probably one of the few teenagers who stitched up snowmen that summer.  

 See, I really do love snow.  Told ya.

...And It Snowed for Halloween

"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?"

-J.B. Priestley

Forgive me for being a bit behind.  ..sigh...Life has a way of enveloping me with responsibilities.  

But, the first snow has happened~ has fallen from the sky and kicked my love affair with winter into full gear.

Happy Happy! Joy Joy!

I remember the moment most vividly.  Husband and I were laying in bed, aware of the supposed forecast, when he said to me, "Well, we have't heard any plows."  

Just then, I kid you not, the scratchy, rumble-y sound of the snowplow echoed through the icy air.  

I dashed from my bed, peered through the blinds and then ran (honest) downstairs to fully investigate the natural wonder.

The day turned into one of comfy jammies, warm socks, hot java and cozy blankets.

CT enjoyed an abundance of time in Snuggle City.  She was oh-so-happy, that furry one.

First Snow~ October 29, 2011

Frost on the Punkins

"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made.  The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air."

~Eric Sloane

I spent yesterday tangled with my yarn- ultra creamy, dreamy, baby alpaca yarn.  Now I'm craving all things warm and cozy, including tons of knitting, plenty of reading, and baking artisan bread .  Give me a log cabin, some candles, a cracking fire, and a warm blanket and I promise you'll never hear from me again.  

Pinky swear.

So this morning, when I let Little One out to Potty, you can imagine my happiness when I noticed the soft, lush grass had transformed into a crystallized forest of shimmery ice and crunchy leaves.

Today marked the kick-off.  It was the day I wait for all year.

Go grab some hot apple cider and a cinnamon stick and clink your mug against mine.  

Cheers to the first frost, my friends.

Jacks

 "The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things."

~ Henry Ward Beecher

…after a great day, a day when I received two cards for no reason at all, I come home and unload the dishwasher and find these little guys.  Looks like they've created their own little pumpkin patch~ on the top rack that is.  Awesome.

On Staying Optimistic

"Some pursue happiness, others create it."

~Anonymous 

My mom is full of great ideas.  Trust me.  Her fantastic ideas recently gained even more favor with me when she made the very genius suggestion that we put everything else aside and head to Fort Ligonier Days, a local arts and crafts and food festival.

Her suggestion came on a Monday morning as we chatted during my drive to school.  After unlocking my door, stashing my purse, and turning on my classroom lights, I logged on to the Weather Channel.  Whatdaya know….the day we were planning for had a 40% chance of thunderstorms. 

In my book that translates to a 60% chance of sun, so I zoomed off an e-mail spouting that it was totally worth the risk.  I filled the square in my day planner and reserved the day for her and I.

The night before the planned outing the rains came.  Now, allow me to explain that rain typically presents big problems for outdoor festivities.  One- mud.  Two- frizzy hair.  Three- soggy food.  Four- cumbersome umbrellas.  Five- slight chill.  I could go on and on…

I went to bed the night before our day hoping that the rains would go away, but secretly enjoying the thought of bundling up in my cruddy jeans, rubber shoes, and plastic poncho.  “An adventure!” I silently cheered.

The next morning, before the sun, I was up- eagerly anticipating the day my mom and I had planned.  Much to my initial dismay, the rains maintained a steady rhythm against the roof and windows, and made swooshing noises while passing though the spouts. 

I lay in bed, pulling the covers closer, wishing the rains away.  I wanted a day of fun- carefree, umbrella-free fun. 

But the sunshine and sunbeams just weren’t in the plans.  We donned our rain gear and prepared to make the best of it.  We even started the morning with a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks.  Pure Heaven.

As we made our drive, we continued to laugh about the rain and kept telling ourselves that a little precipitation was only going to add to the fun. 

For a good hour we walked through Fort Ligonier Days with our rain gear, perfecting the art of balancing items to purchase, money, and umbrellas with two hands.  It was quite the little circus act.

Deciding that we needed a good, hearty break for lunch, we headed to The Ligonier Tavern to warm up and dry out.  As we sat at the most quaint table, enjoying our spinach artichoke dip and white chicken chili, the clouds parted and the sun smiled and blue chased away the gray. 

“Well, well, well,” we snickered.  You see, we knew this was going to happen all along- obviously.  (sly grin)

We shopped and shopped and looked and talked, eventually stopping for some hazelnut java at Abagail’s Coffee Shoppe.  Then we found us a nice little park bench and enjoyed tapping our toes to the sounds of the Irish band, playing in the gazebo.

I can’t find the words to express how much I enjoyed our day.  Of course, we utilized every second, closing down the nearby mall and not arriving home until well after 10:30. 

Good thing we didn’t wait on the sun- we would have missed one heck of a super-fun, super-special day. 

Thank you, Mama J- much love.

Evening's Glow

"No Spring nor Summer beauty hath such grace

As I have seen in one Autumnal face."

~J. D.

It’s one of those cozy nights.  The kind where simply pulling your hair up makes you chilly—I’m thankful for the warmth of long, thick hair.  

I’m feeling ultra-productive.  Laundry is churning away.  Fresh towels decorate the bathrooms.  My schoolwork is caught up.  Life is balanced—I like that—a lot.

Oh the autumn nights, clad with their golden/gray light.  There’s something about the glow of my Halloween Tree and the soft aura of candy corn and purple twinkle lights that just has me itchin’ for sheepskin slippers and flannel pajamas.  I smell my spaghetti squash baking in the oven and enjoy the faint, vegetative aroma it sends dancing through the air.  I’m so thankful for the bounty of summer’s abundant harvest. 

Like a potion bubbling in an iron cauldron, my Halloween Tree stirs up memories of my childhood.  All of the decorations hold a meaning, a memory, a happy thought. 

See the little black cat?  That was my prize for having the best costume in my kindergarten class.  No one could guess who the portly hobo was—no princess or fairy wings for this girl (grin).

Notice the crochet ghost and pumpkin?  My Mamoo made those.  They were magnets that previously decorated her homey kitchen and refrigerator. 

The ceramic pumpkin-head ghost with the missing hand?  I broke it when I was about six or seven years old.  I remember it tumbling from its high perch on the counter. 

The ever-so-festive candy corn lights?  My mama and papa got me those last year.  I found them hanging on my door with a little note from my dad.  “Trick-or-Treat,” it said.  Yes, you guess it, I still have the note.

I tell you more stories of the Halloween Tree later.  But now, I must prepare for sleep.  Time to snuggle in and listen to the pitter-patter of the mid-night rain.  

My Cheeks Hurt

I spent Saturday smiling from ear to ear.  Between the memories and watching happiness (you really can see happiness, you know?) and eating delicious food and being in my favorite place with my favorite people, I experienced bliss at its finest. 

Pumpkin Fest 2011

Confluence, PA

 The day also involved an impromptu stop at The Confluence House, a quaint bed and breakfast owned by my dad’s long-lost friend.  We enjoyed a most jolly tour and shared quite a few hearty laughs.  It’s a long, hilarious story, but I’ll spare you the intimate details (wink).  We’ll just say there was plenty of talk of moonshine.

I simply adore milky-glass windows.  Throw a pumpkin behind such glass and I'm in complete heaven.

I truly enjoyed visiting the church where my father spent his childhood years.  At times like this, I find myself humbled and thankful that some things never change.  It was exactly as he remembered it- the smell and all- and that made me happy.  Those memories are important and deserve to be relived.  I loved listening to him relive his past, telling stories and losing himself in days gone by.  It was sweet and special.

 

Oh delicious festival!

  

 And, of course we biked.  I even went walking in a corn field.  Don’t ask.  You just never know what I’ll get myself into.

Awesomely wonderful, beautiful, fun weekend.