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1.  I figure I am at least (or nearing the) half-way through my life here on earth. I often wonder

about the mystery of where we were born, how some are so poor and some so rich

and how I was born so blessed, of a loving home, of Christian parents, in a 

time of peace and of parents who sacrificed for their children.

2. I read a vintage YA book, Take Wing, by Jean Little yesterday. It was surprisingly 

lovely and very hopeful. 

3. My Husband and I took a jaunt to a used bookstore and I found my 

first Nigella Lawson cookbook ... my friend Em. has some of her cookbooks

and I have been looking for them used, at a decent price, for a long time.

So that was fun! 

4. So I have ordered some red (aka scarlet) fiestaware pieces - 2 small 

casserole dishes, and 6 bowls, 2 each size (super good sale + other discounts)...

they come in a few days.... 

5. I am looking forward DV to using the new scarlet dishes, for my Christmas dinners

soon, with my Spode dishes. They will go perfectly!

6. I bought a new tea recently, I am enjoying it!  It's a strongly spiced tea

and I find that it is best mellowed with a vegan (or if you are feasting non-vegan) milk.

7. I found, same used bookstore, the book

All the Light We Cannot See for a really great price.

8. I am dreaming of writing more and researching. 

9. I am really hoping to embark on some research and writing projects 

and go to a NYC library to do them. 

10. I am really looking forward to DV going to Christmas liturgy in a 

week Sunday.

11. I am feeling a bit more settled and connected to my NJ communities, 

a lot has happened to complicate/slow this down and I am 

grateful for those moments that show that some headway 

has been made. 

12. My baby verse is Isaiah 26:3

13.  I've been married over 5 years now

14. I really want to have a Chinese chicken dish, 

called Wu Se Chicken (Peanut Sauce) in Ottawa at this place

15. I just heard of the leipziger thomanerchor

16. I hope 2018 will be the year I finish my goddaughter's quilt

17. I really want to visit MI and see my family 

18. I love being married to my Husband

19.  I am getting new glasses, they are a more noticeably red frame

20. I love the colour red

21. I also love whites and blues 

22. In my 20s my favourite colour was green, a darker forest green

23. when I was a kid (80's kid), my favourite colour was hot pink

24. I like where I live now but reading Jean Little reminds me of how

I love and miss Canada and part of who I am is only accessed there...

25. I have more than I could ever ask or imagine

26. I don't believe anyone has all they ever wished for, even in big things

27. I think part of life is letting go of dreams and accepting what we are giving

28. But part of life also is seeking out what we are called for

29. It's a tricky balance to discern what we need to let go of and what

is ours to work and fight for 

30. I am by nature more 'free spirited' but am trying to get a bit

more disciplined

31. I really want to gain in routine that I keep desiring

32. I find that I am trying to change some routines to help with my dream of

doing more.  Like trying to get up earlier, getting dressed quickly and the like...

33.  Life often throws unexpected 'curve balls' and this is one of the biggest

reasons I don't yet have the routines and writing life that I want

34. The balance between rest and work is hard to get a handle on

35. Lifework is something I am still seeking to build into my life

36. Baking and quilting and cooking are part of what I am seeking

37. Of course the biggest thing is God and prayer and that is so hard to keep

in balance

38. I am really glad for the sacrament of Holy Confession

39. Holy Communion is one of the most important pivotal things in my life 

and is the only 'perfect thing' that I will experience this side of things 

40. I really appreciate my Husband and his disciplined ways

41. Today is my 41st birthday and I am full of dreams of the coming year... 

(may the Lord have mercy on me!)