So Many Good Things

I love how pictures can show us all the beauty and goodness that is in 

our current daily lives.

I had some fun going through various cookbooks for ideas

on things to bake in the future and for brunch ideas.

I am planning a brunch and also thinking of fun things to have when DV

I have family over this summer.

We had gotten a Christmas gift of various meats and we had 2 of the

hamburgers on Friday on toasted English Muffins with white cheddar cheese +

Dutch Gouda cheese.  They were so tasty!

We enjoyed watching a few of the Walton's shows during Bright Week, having

Kulich and cheese Pascha.  

I read a lot of CS Lewis In the Time of War and am enjoying it.

I need to remember to read more of my CS Lewis collection, including various of his 

letters, which we have in print at home in our home library.

I have still not fully recovered from the cough/congestion but I was given 

the strength (and voice!) to teach Sunday School this past Sunday,

which was a real delight.

We were at our favourite diner twice recently and enjoyed various 

none-fasting foods! 

Sometimes I get a bit disappointed in not feeling my best 

(this Lent has set me back in terms of illness) but I am really trying to see

how many things I am able to do and that while I may not feel the best

some days, or parts of the day, I have been given the strength to do what 

I have most hoped to do - and to be patient as I seek to regain 

health and strength.

I appreciated this blog post of a Mother who burned out by 

trying to have a fully organic/homemade life and the isolation that she 

experienced.  It was a good reminder, esp. in the understanding that our 

identity, who we ARE, is not from what we are able to DO or have,

or the ideals we have.  Yes, I buy mainly organic food for our home,

but we eat out too.  I am still learning the 'art of balance' in terms of things

and being grateful in all things. 

It's often when I look back at the pictures I took, that I see

how wonderful things are over all and the beauty that is in my life.

{around the house}: I do love my little desk nook

I have some icons picked out for the walls...

The lamp shade still needs to be found...

I am accepting that things take time and that 

beauty should be built into one's life and home

little by little... 

Sunny Tuesday ~ 5th Week of Great Lent ~ 2014

 Here we are.

Sunshine on a Tuesday nearly not-morning

and things are racing around like 

cats chasing a catnip toy, but perhaps worse! :)

But some good things and peaceful things of this day...

*

My beloved has a birthday around this time of year

and he was given these lovely, cheery, beautiful

yellow tulips for his birthday.

We are just loving them.

I am loving my window sill and savouring the light,

the beauty and this small place of light...

I always want my homes to be places of light,

of beauty, of icons, the warmth of Christ,

the hope of the Saints and the 

protection of the Holy Spirit... 

 It is a real challenge to keep

one's eyes on Christ,

the One who saves us,

who we can walk to with steady steps,

regardless of the waves that may surround us.

May Christ have mercy on us and help us! 

Beauty on a sunny morning

I woke to a sunny morning...

The roses were still beautiful and fresh...

Mr. Husband shows his love and kindness in so many ways.

He empties the dishwasher often as part of his morning routine

while he is getting ready to go to work.

I woke to sunshine in the morning;

how I treasure its light.

I am hoping to bake some special things during Lent...

It is sometimes so good just to step back

and appreciate what one has.

I love our little home,

with bookshelves overflowing... 

 

With icons and Holy Water...

*

With everything that is good and brings blessings...

*

For all of this I am thankful... 

Butter Week

We are in such a beautiful time of year.

These roses are slowly drying;

I find them 

to be very beautiful...  

We have some serious goat cheese for Butterweek this week!

I am thinking of making something like this also...

Martha inspired me! 

Mr. Husband got me some beautiful roses...

 

They were so beautiful on our table for our

house blessing!

A quiet rainy day in mid-August

It was so great just to be home,
eating salad and leftovers!

We enjoyed some cookies from the
wedding we went to.

I am so happy to be home
and light our lampadas again.

We got an early wedding anniversary for our
first year of marriage from dear friends.

A lovely postcard too!

 

Today is the first time
I've been by myself for a day
in almost two weeks...
*
I plan on lots of rest, knitting and quiet...

Loving the Hidden Art of Homemaking

One of the great things
of Edith Schaffer's book on
the art of homemaking
is that you can read chapters out of turn...
So I was reading her chapter on food
on how making a nice table
shows the love for the other
and, as she said,
'enhances communication.'


I am so glad to be reading this book!

Making a home and all the little touches
is such a joy to do.

We are in the Apostles Fast now...
Lots of guacamole, baked potato, salad and
carrots... :)

Thankfully there are lot of fish days too...

I had such a busy weekend
last weekend,
I am sadly still tiring quite easily.

 

I am grateful for all the simple and wonderful
things of my life.
Like the dishes for proper serving of a table
and little white ramekins for individual
servings of nuts for extra protein.

When I go to monasteries
like the one in Michigan,
I see what hospitality is in their serving of meals,
how dinner and dessert plates, dishes for
various foods and cups are used.
*
Speaking of HDM,
let us keep praying for Fr. Roman.
The website of HDM is updated often on
his condition.
*
Thank God for monasteries.
I am already wishing for another trip to one soon!