The Simple Woman's Daybook, Week One

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...
is only inky darkness. It's very late at night...so late it has become morning. Very distantly I can hear the sounds of the night: crickets, an occasional dog barking, but mostly the quiet that engulfs a small town when it settles down for rest.

I am thinking...
how grateful I am for the multitude blessings in my life. I have been feeling a sense of sorrow over something past in my life, and while that feeling still clings to me, I know that my prayers for comfort and for something new will be answered.

I am thankful for...
so many things today. Mostly I am thankful work has been easier than I thought it would be today. I was worried I would be overwhelmed by all of the tasks I have to do, but it has been going much more smoothly than I thought. I also am thankful for those people I am able to touch in some small way through my writing. I "met" one tonight via Facebook.

From the kitchen...
there is the soft glow of a candle flickering and the gentle tick-tock of a clock, but nothing more. The dishes are either clean and in their home or dirty and in the dishwasher, waiting for their bath. The only thing in the kitchen with any "movement," beyond the hands of the clock, are the sweet basil seeds in the pot on the counter. I know deep beneath the dark earth they are slowly moving, expanding, and will soon transform from seeds to sprouts to delicious basil with which I will season my cooking.

I am wearing...
a simple pink patchwork cotton house dress. It's very well worn, and very well loved. It's developed a few little holes here and there, which are being held together with my clumsy stitches or even safety pins. The flowy skirt is comfortable and cool when the weather is warm, though, and its softness is a comfort against my skin.

I am creating...
a thread-crochet project for my mother for Mother's Day. I hesitate to reveal too many details about it. I doubt she will read this and spoil the surprise, but I'd rather play it safe than sorry. I will reveal more details once the big surprise has been revealed to her.

I am going...
to go to bed soon. I am happily anticipating the feel of the sheets on my skin and the way my feather pillow cradles my head. The music I listen to at night is a comfort, and its lyrics creep into my subconscious. Ah, another thing to be thankful for -- the blessing of Kari Jobe's voice and music.

I am reading...
a novel called Any Minute by Joyce Meyer. I didn't know she wrote fiction and was accidently sent this one through a book club. (I say accidently -- I don't believe in accidents, but I did not request the book, so it found its way to me through means not of me.)

I am hoping...
to find contentment. For so long I was too busy to realize whether I was content or not. I have a few small things that have been tugging on my heart and mind lately, though. I know these issues will be resolved eventually, but just as surely because I am human I will long for something else. I pray only the Lord will help temper my restless spirit.

I am hearing...
my television. I am in such a bad habit of having it on all the time again. I miss last summer when I did my no-TV challenge. I am thinking I am coming very close to doing one again soon.

Around the house...
things are mostly put away for the night. I still have a few things out of place -- ok, more than a few. But I am getting things into shape steadily. I have prayed for a spirit of hospitality...and in order to have that I have to feel comfortable with my home and with having people over at any time with or without warning. I'm not quite there, yet, but I will get there.

One of my favorite things...
is the feel of my dog's fur under my hand. It seems so silly, but I am so thankful for her. She has been part of my life for nearly six years now, and I cannot remember my life without her. I do think often of what I will do when she is gone some day, and my heart just breaks when I think about it. I tend to push the thought away quickly. It amazes me how much I love my little Molly.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Work, of course. Continue to work on mom's gift; I should be able to finish it by week's end. I hope to go to a Bible study Thursday night, and perhaps church Wednesday night. Steadily working to get my home into the shape I want it to be in.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I got my ring! It's more lovely than the picture from the Web shows, and I am thrilled with it. I plan to wear it constantly, like I do my cross necklace Corrie gave me.

The above from The Simple Woman's Daybook.