July Wind Down... and a Few Things Learned...

 This is a peek into my July Planner.  

We're nearing the end with just one more day to go.  

So I turned the page and there... I'm documenting a few things

I've learned this month.

This photo was before my pen so I could write my heart,

protect others, and my secrets.

Below are a few things to share....  

I learned what it looks like to see everyone I meet in a store

wearing a mask ...of some sort.  

I  never thought I'd see the day where this would ever be a thing 

 in the United States of America... land that I so love.  

I learned people will scatter out of your way 

if you cough ...or sneeze

at all.  

I learned I'm nearly addicted to the nightly news to 

keep up with what's going on and to hear 

the latest covid numbers.  

But then... I gotta tune it all out...

shut it off and get away from it... 

I learned it's easy to start getting  bitter over some of the protesting

because truth is 

all lives matter.  

I learned teams and groups will change 

their names because someone is

offended. 

I learned a man named Sam 

stood all alone for his

convictions.   

I learned I need to start walkin more

and eating less coz my pants

are gettin way too tight.  ugh

I learned again that my friend's profound words are true: that

every one 

has something. 

(something I want to write about another day) 

I learned how it felt to 

have to go it alone...

only really 

I'm never  

really alone coz I know my  Immanuel 

goes before me and is with me.  

I learned again that my man...

really loves me and I could see it 

in his eyes.  

I learned how it hurts to lose

a beloved pet ... and felt the ache in my stomach

 for days.  

I learned a friend chose me to share her deep

thoughts and feelings with... and 

I pray I listened and responded well.  

I keep learning  how grateful I am 

for my every breath and moment.  

I learned I want to be like Lois and Eunice 

and want to make the most of 

the opportunities God gives me.  

 I learned my one little word "sacred" holds more meaning to me

today 

 than it did January 1  

I've found it in the holy scriptures.. sacraments, covenants, 

through prayer, praise and worship...life... marriage...  all the things you would think it to be.

But the sacred can also  be  found in the plain and ordinary...

 or mundane.  

In the small of things.

In the thick of things.   

An ordinary day can be sacred.  

It's something I want to keep unpacking into August..

through the rest of the year really.  

I learned I love the simple joy of pencils. 

This one is new and I adore it not only for it's 

cool brown color and metal ends but I didn't know they have 

this size.  The simple, little things that can make a person

oober happy.  ;)

Winding down... and looking forward 

to August.  

Until we meet again friends,

I 

am 

going fishin!

<*((((><

A Few Things I Learned in September

 -- That sittin on the porch with Myguy; eating 

Krunchy Klondike bars is ... delicious in every possible way.  

... To grow in grace....

is something I want 

more of.  

 

That God can  use vintage things

to move me.    

Like a  toy register sent by a friend,

hiding  a  map, key, shard of china and thimble.

 

 That's it's quite possible to 

fall asleep on the back of a motorcycle

if you close your eyes and relax too much. 

 That to play

is good.

Maybe needful! 

That it's okay to be an introvert 

and why I need to get alone and be quiet to

recharge.

That I totally loved listening and learning about

Cathedrals and architecture through a Bring To Mind 

podcast with Father Barron.

I learned I really can pull Myguy in a different vehicle into the mechanics shop

 with the Nissan ( its a standard)

--and not jerk the chain too much.  

Even under pressure- 

(Thanks Matco man.)

-- that I love charm bracelets like my Angel Mother did

and the sound of the chinkle they make

helps me to still "see her."  

I learned words can lift or tear ya down.

Yeah...sticks n stones can break your bones,

but  words can nearly kill me.

I learned eating an extra dessert every other day,

will pack another 5# on me in no time flat,

and that it takes way longer to get them back off.  

-- Frozen chocolate chips in ice cream 

Drives one of my really old fillings crazy.  

I learned Myguy's love language sparks when I run down and 

pull his truck up to the house and have the air cooling  while he's  getting dressed  for work.

--That it gets pretty well dark

by 7:30 now.

I learned large copperhead snakes can be quite a surprise when you 

take the lid off your water meter box in the dark with a flashlite.  

-- That I can lose track of time when painting in my  journal.

Even a whole night.

I learned I hate the twang in the Dollar General black olives and I'll never ever switch 

brands again.

Like Ever!

I learned I like my hair shorter in the back

with a bump.

And I learned that I'm sort of addicted to certain pens.

Black LePen Permanent marker to art journal

Black Bic z4 roller in the leather writing journal

Orange sharpie highliter to highlite in my bible

Sharpie black fine point to label packages

White gelly roll to art journal on dark paint

India Ink Faber Castelles to shade in Art Journaling

and Faber Castell fine pt journal markers as a close second.

  In confession: the stash is growing and I don't share very well.

I learned how to make washi tape too.

The L was a first try... 

These are a few things I learned.

How about you? 

A Few Things I Learned, and Discovered In August....

That August can be 

green

even in Arkansas.  

We've lived on this farm for 22 years but this is the first year 

I've seen green grass during "dog days."

I learned again that God does

work things out for good 

for those who love Him.

I learned to not

text 

and drive and that I'll refuse to ride with you

if you do!

... That "forgiven" on

her is 

beautiful!!!!

I discovered what turning 49

feels like.

(good!)- especially over cupcakes.

I learned to use new inks and stencils

in my art journal and 

became more free in journaling.

I learned you just never know when/how those

Godstops will happen.  

But to follow through

... following Him.

I learned a lesson in giving

and by her example how to really pour into 

someone's life.

I discovered this fondness for

orange marmalade and that I could eat it 

every day...

and pretty much do.

How to say goodbye to my beloved bunny

Brussel Sprouts.  He got really sick...

and is no longer with us.  :( 

I learned that my Angel Mother's dog "Mollie" passed away

after 16 wonderful years. 

I  learned a few new words like: 

aperture, shutter speeds, and manual mode-

as Myguy gave me a cool new camera for my birthday.  

--and ...That said; I learned

there's  much  to learn!

I discovered my very first blue moon!

I rediscovered how much fun 

a good olde demolition derby is!!

I discovered my most favorite, most comfortable  cowboy boots EVER:

Ariat Aztec Cheyenne Boots.  

My feet have never been so deliriously happy.

I discovered some new music  I totally love:

Gungor and All Things New.

I learned we have a gray fox here... and just last night

 saw him run out from under the crab apple tree.

I learned that along with God's love, mercy and grace- it  can also take some time to 

restore the broken pieces.  

I learned just this morning that 

raccoons can be destructive and from now on,

 birdfeeders will have to be put away at night. 

....Fare well dear August.... 

May we meet again.