Be Yourself...

everyone else is already taken.

 ~ bottles in early morning light ~

Simple, isn't it?

A good portion of this week has found me locked out of my blog and, indeed, blogger. I could visit, but couldn't comment, on any blogs that were Blogspot. That's okay, I still think Blogger is a great tool and am grateful to Blogger and Google for giving us all the wherewithall to have on-line journals.

A lot of the blogs...okay, maybe not a lot but it sure seemed like a lot...I've visited share a common theme or themes...weariness, exhaustion, trying to slough off the negative emotions and be positive. I think it's due, in part, to the harsh winter we've had. Global warming notwithstanding, it's been a bear of a winter; a she-bear of a winter; a she-bear whose cubs are standing on yon side of a perceived threat and she-bear is now ready to kick some major you know what.

Everyone is tired both physically, mentally and, dare I say it, spiritually. Vince Lombardi once said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all" and that is So True! Whenever we're tired, we're overwhelmed and feel life simply isn't worth the trouble. That's when all those negative, bad, terrible, no good, horrible thoughts creep into our minds and, if not nipped in the bud, into our actions.

 

It is then, truly before then, we must take time out for personal renewal, reflection, daydreaming...doing those things that make our bubble seek, and find, center again. I've been doing some of that this week and, in the days to follow, will tell you about it - dyeing yarn, making baby blankets, taking photos, cooking some great meals, baking some wonderful cookies. In short, doing those things that make a house a home and people a family. Dave and I have been cozying up in the evenings, after supper, drinking a glass of wine, sitting in the deepening darkness in the sunroom, talking of this and that, making plans, talking over old times, sharing memories. It's good for both souls, to catch up like this. Some of our family and friends have been going through troublesome times this week and we've tucked them into prayer.

Nothing, really, in and of itself that's exceptionally extraordinary but, when put all together, becomes a life well lived and worth the living.

 ~ early morning in the front yard ~

I want to tell you of the wonderful things that have been sent to me over the past few weeks. Remember the Sew, Mama, Sew! contest just before Christmas? I won a lovely mini-quilt that is just perfect for me and this farm...photos and story to come.

Remember Lisa's OWOH 2010 Blogland visitation of Jan/Feb? From a USA artist I won a delightful art piece sculpture and it WOW'ed me when I opened the box.

Then, another gift of a bookmark that's fabulously made and sure to be treasured as well but I cannot find my photo just this moment. And Misha, my next door state of Tennessee neighbor, had a giveaway and WOW'ed me when I won and when her box of beautifully wrapped goodies arrived early this week. I've just now, this morning, finished unwrapping the box and am amazed at the bounty!

 ~ a portion of Misha's goodies ~

Yes, photos and stories coming next week but, please, Thank You All! My amazement is overwhelming me and I'm carrying around bits and pieces of various gifts like they were brought to me by the Magi! I have plans for each piece...the mini-quilt will hang on my bedroom wall, the bookmark will have a place of honor in my Bible and the art piece will travel from bedroom to studio to sunroom to living room to kitchen to remind me...again and again... Part of Misha's gift will travel with me, in luggage carry-on, and will hold all those "precious" goodies I cannot be without on a long flight - MP3 to listen to audio books, hand wash, tissues, snacks, pen and pencil, e-book so I can read while listening to music on the MP3 - stuff that's essential to my mental well-being and keeps me from kicking, like the six year old I can sometimes be, the seat in front of me out of sheer desperation from being closely contained.

Have you yet guessed I'm a creature of delayed gratification? I despise just about everything and anything that's "instant" and feel it's a detriment to humankind and our personal souls. There! Is that strong enough? -smile-

~ Canada geese ~

 The Canada geese have returned and are, sometimes, in flocks of forty or fifty. These stragglers are striving to catch up, to unite with the flock. There's safety in numbers, you know. Companionship too.

~ Companionship amongst Friends ~

Even the horses have lain on the sun warmed earth, grateful for the opportunity to seek peace in the moment.

On Monday, I'm having a giveaway to win this beautiful and useful waffle maker. BTW, it's not my photo and shouldn't have my name on it but...but...you know what my computer skills are not so, please forgive me and let me off the hook by accepting...I didn't take the photo. Thanks. -smile-

~ a bee, working the small crocus, harbingers, both, of spring ~

"For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone..." so wrote Solomon in his second chapter, verse eleven. The rains aren't past but snows, hopefully, have ended for this portion of winter.

Be good to yourself; it's only then you'll have anything worth giving to give to someone else. Pax and I say again...pax.

Until next time,

Blessings ~ peace ~ well balanced center ~ sun warmed earth ~ bees ~ pax ~ gifts ~ Canada geese ~ early spring flowers ~

Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra