Whatever doesn’t fit exactly in the other categories.
I hope you have enjoyed a pleasant weekend. Here Summer has finally taken hold and temperatures have risen from the chill. yay!
My post will be brief this time. I found some wonderful music … actually, it is worship music, but even if you are not a Christian you may really enjoy this.
Hillsong United performs an acoustic version of “Oceans” from the album “ZION”.
Blessings on your day!
Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!
Do you have a dream? A fantastic plan? A seemingly impossible goal? but you can’t seem to move forward to achieve it? Could fear be holding you back?
Do you know who I mean by Chris Hadfield? He is the Canadian astronaut who became very well-known when he went into space in 2013. He sent images back to Earth and communicated with thousands of people through tweets from Space. You can read about him here. He is a man of many talents.
Here is a very interesting talk by Chris Hadfield, spoken in his funny and calm way. I’m sure you will enjoy it. He talks about mastering fear, and about when he went blind in space. Literally in space during a space walk!
So … what scares you?
Do you have a dream? What’s holding you back?
Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂
Today was a day of activity … secretive activity.
My husband’s landmark birthday is on Wednesday, but a surprise birthday party was planned for today. He got busy doing yard work at my dad’s this afternoon, which put him out of sight of people going past our house to our daughter’s where the party was being prepared.
Another daughter arrived and took Dad “for a drive”, and my husband and I went on to do our normal things before going home for my week there. We even ordered Chinese take-out as we usually do on the Sunday ending my week at Dad’s. (I didn’t change our routine because I didn’t want to make him suspicious.) While he was in the restaurant collecting our order, I talked with our daughter on the phone, so when he came out we had our story worked out to get him out there.
As soon as he got back into our vehicle I told him I’d been talking to our daughter and she needs him NOW at her place. Apparently, there is a leaking pipe in her yard (true) that is much worse and not getting any better (false), and she needed his help right away (false). He said to me he would have to get a shovel and his boots, so we stopped at home and left our meal and my puppy, and got his supplies. Fifteen minutes later we were driving down her long driveway. As we drove up over a rise he saw the cars parked in her yard. “What the frig is going on here??!!”, he exclaimed, while stomping on the brake. He looked at me sitting beside him trying to act innocent — and not very well by that time — and started backing up the car! So funny! He was totally bamboozled! It was great!
Sixteen of us were in attendance and oh! the delicious food! We gave him cards, small gifts, and a large one we had gone in on together for him. He kept expressing his amazement over not catching on to it, but I had done nothing to tip him off. Such success! Such fun!
And he deserved it.
Do you have any tales of surprises you have managed to pull off for someone?
Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂
I don’t know about you but I get weary. When I get weary the negativity creeps in, which should not be the case. Nothing has changed except my energy level and attitude. The situation has not changed, God has not changed, and my attitude changes nothing … at least not in a good way.
Negative begets negative.
When I get home from my week at my dad’s I just can’t face doing an effective job of my own housework. (Sad admission there.) But … this past week I was blessed to receive help from my youngest daughter who has time off work. She spent a few hours each day helping me clean my house, because it had become overwhelming for me. We went room by room, even decluttering a few things, and still have much to do. I knew it had become a weight on me, but after just the first room was done … I felt lighter! Really! I am excited to see how good it feels being in my house once it is all done. Most of my houseplants even got repotted and freshened up, but what do I do with the plants I no longer want?
Encouragement.
There are a few quotes I like that are encouraging with regard to what I said above.
“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris (That one helps with decluttering.)
“The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, and to be able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach.” – Yutang Lin (It seems this is basically saying to live within one’s means, and don’t accumulate things just for the sake of having them. As Paul of the Bible says: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.” – Philippians 4:11 (KJV) This is something I am still working on.)
“The one serious conviction that a man should have is that nothing is to be taken too seriously.” – Samuel Butler (We really do take ourselves too seriously. I need to allow myself to laugh more and relax about things. When feeling it all is too much, be honest and admit it’s never as bad as it seems, so just wait a little longer; it will get better. These words, “Don’t give up on the brink of a miracle,” have helped me more than once. )
And if all else fails, lose yourself in a good book (or THE Good Book, The Bible) for awhile. Your life will still be there when you get back, but dealing with it just may be easier.
Yesterday I finished reading another novel which I will be reviewing soon. I hope you enjoy reading reviews. Eventually, my list will have dwindled down so that I might be able to get back into my own writing.
Also, I hope you sometimes check the menu at the top of the page. When I add things I don’t always make mention, so look particularly under Book reviews, Books I read this year, quotes for writers, writers’ helps
Today was a gorgeous day – hot, sunny, with a bit of a breeze. The blackflies loved me. (Tiny pesky little flies with big teeth, I think!) The good thing – it’s Spring! and … I must be sweet; I have lots of bite marks to prove it. 
Here is a clip of one of the best Spring sounds – peepers! You know, those tiny frogs that are a sign of Spring. I love to listen to them at home, their delightful peeping relaxes my soul. Interesting facts: The peepers that sing are the males enticing females; peepers live three years in the wild and grow to only 2.5 cm (1 inch).
Now I must stop scratching those bites I mentioned and start writing a review. Blessings to you and have a great week!
What have you found to be of encouragement to you?
Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂
Book: Hailee
Author: Penny Zeller
Publisher: Whitaker House
Hailee is book three in the Montana Skies series by Penny Zeller. You can read my review of book two, Kaydie, here.
In this volume we meet Hailee, an orphan with two younger brothers. Because they were left on their own, she took on the responsibility of her little brothers. Eventually, Hailee is separated from them through bad choices she made, and was taken to a home for delinquents. There her life is changed despite her rebellion.
We meet Hailee in 1893 when she is nineteen and setting out to make a life for herself as a teacher. Through her memories of guilt and shame, and her learning to accept God’s forgiveness, we learn about her past and her heartache over still not knowing the whereabouts of her brothers.
There is another main character in this story. Nate, although brought up in Boston’s high society, chose to live a much simpler life as a pastor in a small rugged town – much to the great displeasure of his parents. He loves his new life among the varied and interesting personalities in the little town in Montana.
Hailee and Nate come from very different backgrounds, so when their paths intersect their lives take an interesting turn. There is drama, danger, love, family conflict, and more.
The reader is invited along in the journey in a way that makes one unwilling to leave the story even when necessary. Penny Zeller created characters who are believable, scenes that are well-described, and unfolding drama that keeps the pages turning. She subtly presents the message of God’s love and grace in a gentle and convincing way, making this an enjoyable read.
Although Hailee is book three of the Montana Skies series, the first two books are not needed to make this one understandable; the author neatly ties them all together. Having said that, once you read Hailee you will probably want to read McKenzie and Kaydie.
You can find Hailee listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.
Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂
This day is sometimes bittersweet. Today I visited my mother’s grave, not something I do often since her spirit is not there, but it seemed right to do today. Not sure why. I miss her so much. I miss her hugs, her gentle loving touch, her soft voice, her sweetness, her tears when she is touched by kindness. I miss her.
I have heard from all four of my girls today, which is so nice for this mother’s heart. ♥♥♥♥
Time away…
Remember the trip I mentioned I would be taking this month? It happened this past week. Since it was on my week at Dad’s, my sister took the overnight shift so I could be free to go, and a morning shift was adjusted a little. It all worked out well.
On Tuesday I left Dad’s with my friend at 9:00 AM, went to her house for a few minutes, then on to the bus stop in town. Left there at 9:40 on our way to Moncton, New Brunswick. There were a few brief stops along the way, only one transfer, and we arrived at 4:00 PM. It was very good travelling and I even was able to read in my Kindle and not get motion sick — a huge plus for me! Yay! I’m making my way through a book I will be reviewing soon.
When we arrived in Moncton we walked from the bus stop (grateful for luggage on wheels) to our hotel – The Crown Plaza – where we rested a few minutes, then went down to the restaurant for our delicious evening meal. Back to our room where we got ready for the Steven Curtis Chapman concert, and then a taxi picked us up. The driver was friendly but sneaky, took us the long way around since we were out-of-towners.
The concert was worth the bus trip. It was Steven Curtis Chapman‘s first night of his tour in Canada, and he got off to a good start with loads of audience support. He had with him his good friend Geoff Moore, also a contemporary Christian singer, and the show was opened by Canadian artist Dan Bremnes, who is making great strides in the Christian music scene. The concert was also to raise more awareness about Compassion and Show Hope through which orphaned children find their forever families through adoption. That part was emotional and well-delivered.
Of course, I purchased some CD’s before our taxi ride back to our hotel. The ride back was much shorter, and that amiable taxi driver was surprised to receive a sizable tip. He was told it was because he was honest, but he looked a little puzzled at that explanation. 🙂
In the morning we received room service … both of us propped up against pillows on my bed and enjoyed a yummy breakfast. That was worth the trip, too! 🙂 After we checked out we moseyed on downtown and eventually sat at a sidewalk table and talked about the redesign of my kitchen. My friend is skilled in kitchen design, and my outdated kitchen needs it! When we had just enough time for dinner before boarding the 2:00 PM bus home we found a little eatery called Eva’s Restaurant. Oh my! It is just a wee little Japanese restaurant but that was the best meal I enjoyed on the whole trip! If you are ever in Moncton, look for this little place and tell Eva you were sent by the two ladies from Nova Scotia who ate there before catching the bus home. I think she will remember us. 🙂
The ride home was as good as on the way there, I got more reading done, and my friend and I had lots of laughs along the way. I am grateful for the friend He gave me so many years ago. That evening around 8:00 our husbands met us at the bus stop in town and actually seemed pleased to see us. 🙂 I went back to Dad’s for the rest of the week, but I must say, for two days I was wiped out. Even with the Lord’s blessings I find travelling to be exhausting.
I’m glad I went; I really needed the change since I seldom go anywhere. Now I am home for a week and glad to be here – although I have a lot of housework to do, much reading to catch up on, reviews to write, and so on, and so on …
How was Mother’s Day for you? Were you the giver or the recipient?
Do you enjoy travelling? Why or why not?
Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂
It happened. The sad news we knew was going to come too soon was delivered. My aunt – Dad’s youngest sibling – passed away very early Tuesday morning.
Alzheimer’s disease.
This leaves Dad the last one standing. All his three brothers and his three sisters have passed from this life.
The memorial service was held Saturday morning. Uncharacteristically, Dad was very quiet during our hour-long drive to get there. He was a little jittery at the service but held his composure. It was a lovely service. The reverend who conducted the service shared Scripture in a way I had never heard it presented at such a service – or maybe ever before. He brought it alive and spoke it in a way that should make its meaning very clear to most there; it was wonderful. What was shared about my aunt was very fitting and even funny. Everyone loved my aunt who could brighten any gathering, the mischievous one who always made people laugh, the gentle one with the positive outlook and sweet spirit.
At the reception afterward I knew Dad didn’t immediately know most people who came over to talk with him, and most didn’t realize they should introduce themselves to him to give him a chance to remember. I tried to clue them in, but looking at Dad you wouldn’t know there is anything wrong – in his late 80’s he looks years younger and is very spry for his age – so unless you know about the dementia you just … wouldn’t know at first. And he covers it well, with grace, and with humour.
We all made it through that morning quite well, despite our loss. It is always wonderful seeing family members we don’t see much, but is your family anything like ours? It’s usually at funerals that we see each other again. Over forty years ago my parents, sister, and I moved to this county (notice I said county, not country), which means we live farther from most of our relatives on Dad’s side. We used to have a family gathering every Canada Day, but that hasn’t happened for many years. On Saturday my sister suggested to some of our cousins that we have a ‘cousins day’, which she wants to organize for down our way one day this summer. It seems to be a favourable idea, even though they would have the longer distance to travel for the get-together, but if they’re willing it could be fun.
Out of sorrow will come something positive. My aunt would like that.
Do you have family gatherings or reunions? How do you handle distance from family?
Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂
Polilla Writes 