In the Storm

30 Pages in 30 Days | This is September | Page 27

I am a huge fan of recap pages, currently pages, and this is one of those pages. I used a plethora of Ali Edwards' Story kits, words plus photos to tell my story with one word prompts, another favorite of mine.

SEASON: Always, forever watching the sky and some days, when I’m at work I chose to capture the sky at the same time each hour near the top of the hour   - all the cloud formations. Especially on the days when I could visibly tell the changing of the seasons. The sky holds truths if one will but look up and see. Never tire of watching the sky! Whatever the season.

TREAT: We took Athena to her first vet appointment and because of some recommended vitamins we began giving her a treat (with the vitamins mixed in) of ‘wet’ food and she’s become addicted to it. She doesn’t want her dry food unless she’s super hungry. Hope we find a happy balance. Besides this, we are finding she is definitely a daddy’s girl, but sleeps on me, more, when we allow her free range of our room on weekends when we're not hitting the alarm at 4 am.

HABIT:  Monday’s I swim, Tuesday’s I prepare a meal for a woman undergoing cancer treatments and her family. Wednesday’s I swim after work. Thursday‘s Jeff and I swim in the evening, come home, and crash. Friday’s are either another meal deliverY or catching up on household chores - like - oh, washing clothes. Saturday’s Jeff and I swim in the morning, eat breakfast out, go grocery shopping for the week, and have a date night in the evening. Sunday’s we go to church, serve at church, eat lunch as a family, and host small group in our home. We repeat this week after week. It’s our habit.

LUXURY: Jeff had one stipulation only, otherwise he was all for buying new accent chairs for our living room. The stipulation: we wouldn’t buy anything unless we sat in the chairs first. Wise man that he is, I would have never picked this chair out online. It wasn’t on my eye candy radar, not even the color. But, when we saw it in person and sat in it, Perfect! Definitely a luxury item!

ON REPEAT: This month is Together by King & Country, for sure, along with a host of other current favorite worshipful songs, Still Rolling Stones, There Was Jesus (especially the version sung with Dolly Parton), The Blessing, Peace Be Still, Love God Love People, Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be OK), Graves Into Gardens, Amadeo, Another in the Fire, Holy Water... 

JOY: It’s the little things these days that I have looked for to find my joy. Those rambling pink blooms against the crystal blue sky. The re-connections we have eased into this month, a few people gathering without masks - trusting. The delight receiving a text saying they loved the meal you’ve delivered. A new way to serve so I can serve, because I want to serve and thankful they are excited I can contribute in this way. Just in awe. Finding a few snarky t-shirts for my son (in-law) and super excited when he receives them for his birthday because they are so him and we get him. Jeff swimming with me 2x a week. Slow weekends - bring me such joy. Un- believably, I still find joy in the drive to the pool because - I am going to the pool!

READ: A couple of new releases I had been anticipating all year were released in September. The first by Louise Penny, All The Devils Are Here, and it’s a good thing I pre-ordered her book #16 in the Chief Inspector Gamache series, because the books were not available online immediately after release. As was also, J D Robb’s, Shadows in Death book 51 in the series, which I did not pre-order and which I had to wait to find it locally because it wasn’t available online. In Penny’s book I missed the usual supporting characters - yet, it was still a fantastic book and I think could easily be read stand alone, although I think it is the first one besides the first one that could be read stand alone. And, surprisingly, I was thrilled with Shadows in Death. It was fantastic! I gave both books 5 Stars, each in their own right.

PERSON: Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Supreme Court Justice passed away this month. She, more than any other justices in history held up women’s rights as equal protection under the law. Without Ginsberg and the little-known Struck vs. Department of Defense case, while serving in the military, I did not have to be discharged from the military when I became pregnant and had 4 children born while continuing to serve in the military (the policy in place prior to Struck vs. Department of Defense stipulated a woman who got pregnant while serving had to either be discharged or terminate the pregnancy). But, I was able to continue serving and was able to remain in the military. Known also as a reader, and as a reader myself, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, said, “Reading is the key that opnes doors to many good things in life. Reading shaped my dreams, and more, helped me make my dreams come true.”

LEARN: The ugly rhetoric in today’s news, who’s right and who’s wrong thinking, has me spinning my head. But, I am learning, because of something a preacher said several months ago had me relieved. He said, “Listen to the news, to political rhetoric, to protests, to racial conversations, and any other conversation for that matter through one lens - the lens of the Gospel, because the Gospel is the only foundational truth with which I can trust." 

#100dayproject | 030

 

Currently | July 2019

I hadn't done a CURRENTLY page in quite a few months and I so wanted to use that gorgeous flowers journal card that came in my July Stories By the Month digital kit. I also used an older Day in the Life digital kit (both are, of course, Ali Edwards). Pretty simple page: a journal card plus those word stamps and my journaling.

I enjoy using the present participle -ing words as a prompt for the journaling as it tells a specific mini-story, when combined with all the other present participles offers a current picture of life right now - or at least during that month. As I am not documenting this year through Project Life as I have done in past years these 'monthly' currently pages are a clever snapshot of my life.

When I was perusing my photos for an accompanying photo for the page I realized over the past month (except for 4th of July weekend, yet even that weekend) I have truly taken very few photos. I also realized this needs to change. I know the reason. Generally, it is just Jeff and I. John and Jarrod are off doing their own thing and while they still live with us we are becoming empty nesters. Yet, we still have us and I need to make photo taking a priority again. Hopefully, I will make that happen in August.

 

CURRENTS | January 2019

Welcome new year. Welcome life right now. This is my first pages of 2019. Almost monthly I have (and will)make a page keeping track of what is currently happening, what I'm currently thinking, and any other present participles I find intriguing or applicable to - life, right now.

Sometimes, it is simple tidbits of life that if not recorded would be forgotten just like that.

This month, January 2019 I am...

resolving to not make resolutions this year. However, I am making monthly WHOLE intentions with 3-5 short term goals each month relating to becoming whole (my One Little Word for 2019)

exploring my One Little Word at a snail's pace this year in the hopes that I won't lose steam and not be able to cross the One Little Word marathon race finish line.

choosing to slow down. choosing to spend my time on worthy endeavors. But not only that. I have a habit of racing through things. because in my mind there's always been something else. something better. it doesn't matter what that something is, even. I don't like this about myself, so I'm choosing to slow down in worthy endeavors, and even in the mundane.

reading It's not supposed to be this way, a Christian non-fiction by Lysa Terkhurst; The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay, a fiction novel by the author who garnered my best book of 2018 pick with Dear Mr Knightly. And, I'm reading aloud to Jeff most weekday mornings before work, Love Does by Bob Goff. This is our third book since September we are reading together, aloud.

tidying the pantry. I recently pulled everything out of the pantry and gave it an overhall. Other areas that need tidying this month are my home office/studio table top and our attic (which is a long term goal this year).

refreshing my body with some healthier eating habits. I've begun a very low carb live-it and in one week I've seen over 9 pounds loss. This week I will refresh my pool attendance, hopefully at least once a week (preferably more). I am hoping to refresh our living room this month with my 'blue wall' of photos updated with all the latest and greatest photos of loved ones. And, the large wall in the living room, a photo and picture gallery, plus new curtains. I'm also refreshing my blog postings. As in I'm posting almost daily. I'd also love to find a cleaner, fresher, simple template.

watching Madam Secretary - again - because we started watching it while Ashley was here and I got hooked again. We are still watching Blue Bloods. I have the 1st season of S.W.A.T. on DVD I still haven't opened.

 

all about me | currently november

currently | october 2018

pushing through emotionally, spiritually, and relationally with Jeff. We're doing this. This navigating a strained relationship but doing it well. We're communicating no matter how much it hurts or how grueling it is. And, we're kissing and holding hands and laughing and moment by moment growing stronger. There is hope in the dark. We were listening to the sermon in church this past Sunday and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 came on the screen:

"Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
¹⁰ If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
¹² Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Jeff nudged me. It was a simple reminder of what we had covenanted over 24 years ago. He was saying without words, "that's us! With God, you and me we won't break." So, yea, pushing through.

reading J.D. Robb's Delusion in Death. It is book 35 in the In Death series. There are currently 47 in the series. I am re-reading the series this year averaging 3-4 each month so I should be able to re-read them all plus the latest that came out in September before the end of the year. I am reading aloud to Jeff The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. Our relational difficulties originate in our minds, each facing a different battle raging war against us. I'm hoping as we tackle this book together we will be able to apply truths to our lives that will ultimately win this battle and - change our minds. Generally, I have with me at any given time 3-4 books in a variety of genres because I rarely know what I'll be in the mood for. I have in my leather messenger bag Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly. I have read his exceptional historical, Killing Lincoln and a friend mentioned she thought I'd find Killing Jesus fascinating.

listing out to-do's for our trip to Austria later this month. Right now it's mostly a mind-list rather than a penned list. Jeff and I are bouncing things off each other, decisions are made and plans finalized and mentally checked off the list. Order euros for the trip, pick up gifts for the staff, solidify small group plans for the coming week - check, purchase suitcases - check, etc. Much of the trip is decided because it is a mission trip and a working mission trip at that. Any touring for the most part is planned in advance for us as well. I'm going in without expectations personally other than I'm expecting God to move mightily! 

trying new recipes again, recently. I think over the past month or so I made about 5 or 6 new recipes. All of them delightful. I made these Korean BBQ Bowls with Garlic Rice and, boy, were they delicious. A bit time-consuming but worth it! Inspired by this recipe for Big Mac Sliders I fashioned my own, that tasted way better than McDonald's Big Mac's. Using this recipe for Garlic Basil Chicken with Tomato Butter Sauce as my template I made another out of this world pasta recipe. When I was telling Jeff about what we were having for dinner he asked one question, "Where's the mozzarella and provolone?" Sent the recipe over the top! Copycat Chipotle's Burrito Bowls with this chicken, our own homemade salsa, these green peppers and onions, cilantro lime rice, pico de gallo - all yummo! Finally, who would of thought adding a fried egg hard to a classic BLT and topping off with a spicy chipotle mayonnaise on multi-grain toasted bread would make the taste buds burst open. Everyone enjoyed this simple but decadent - sandwich.

purchasing a new roof for our house. We were the very first house in our neighborhood 22 years ago and the last house - thank you Lord - in need of a new roof. We have been saving for quite some time now and finally took the expensive plunge. Just in time for Hurricane Michael to come through as a strong tropical storm; picking up last minute gifts for our Haus Adelweiss hosts and partners in ministry and travel accessories such as a neck pillow.

watching NCIS on Netflix from the beginning. Oh how awesome and strange it is to begin at the beginning. I am also watching the older show, Star Trek Enterprise (with Scott Bakula) which I'd never seen before. I love the opening theme song sung by Rod Stewart, Faith of the Heart. Because I'm watching it on Netflix you can skip the introduction if you choose to but I often don't because I love the beginning song with accompany photo stories. We also recently watched Blackhawk Down (October 3). It is the anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia. Jeff had been gone less then a month and we watch the movie every year to remember the fallen.

needing to - it's a big, long list - get my scrap room and office purged and organized, recently ordered prints from Persnickety Prints into albums, update my statement photo wall in my living room, find new curtains for the living room to 'finish' the living room décor, plan out a mini kitchen and dining room renovations involving paint, shiplap, and lighting fixtures, plan out a mini master bathroom renovation involving paint, flooring, and lighting (mostly), and think about Christmas.

deciding on what kind of album for our Austria trip. I have it narrowed down to a choice between a 3 x 8 travel album (which I own) and a travelers notebook (which I also own). In addition, I'm contemplating what size album for our December Daily. I'm considering 4 x 6, 3 x 8, and 6 x 8. I also make a 30 Days of Thankful album every year and while I will more than likely go with another 4 x 4, I might do a 3 x 8 or a 4 x 6. But, I also saw recently someone made a travelers notebook sized album. Decisions!

enjoying Pic Tap Go, Becky Higgins online class on iPhone photography tips and tricks, catching up on One Little Word videos and mapping out plans to catch up some of the assignments, eating homemade tacos on Tuesday's again, finally getting some much needed rain and when it is all done some cooler temperatures; evenings when we eat together as a family (even if it is on television trays in front of the - television - watching a show); reading our latest selection aloud; our small group meeting together again regularly and loving our study by Matt Chandler on the book of James; hanging out with Melinda on Sunday mornings and getting to know her a little better; scrapping the simple, everyday moments and not being worried about 'great' design but simply getting the stories told; reading a lot!

soaking in the wonder of the skies. It doesn't escape my notice or my thanks to God for showing me His glory in the brilliant sunrises and cloud formations, even the ominous storm clouds.

 

 

 

 

 

all about me | currently

Each month since the beginning of my All About Me album I have been documenting a few present participles; those regular verb forms that often end in -ing and express what I've been doing and what I am currently doing. Actually, I have been documenting my months this way for quite a few years, but this year is the first time I've created scrapbooking page(s). Fitting - for the year I document all about me.

This past month, July, I chose listening, wearing, loving, eating, studying, reading, and watching...and I just now noticed I have two loving's:) I created a 2-page 6 x 8 - of course, since my album is 6 x 8 - and added a front and back 3 x 8 insert. Ali Edwards recently re-supplied her store with full-sized 3 x 8 protectors so I stocked up in anticipation of creating more inserts, plus a 3 x 8 travel album, in the foreseeable future. 

 

 

Then there is the page of present participles I made for June. Crazy how time gets away. This summer has been a slump for documenting and, especially blogging. Definitely one of my favorite pages, lately.

Again, lists. It is a familiar way for documenting; I can say a considerable bit more often than not when I write in lists. Numbering and present participles are assuredly in the pros column for documenting stories. I love the mélange of present participle possibilities (How's that for an alliteration?).

 

all about me | april currently

Each month this year I am creating a 1- or 2-page currently page to include in my All About Me album. It is a present participle, those -ing words highlighting what is currently happening in my life. I must say my album is growing exponentially, far more than I ever believed it would. After all these years of scrapbooking I just never considered a book about me. 

It has been - enlightening, empowering, revealing.

I'm loving every minute I take to consider - me.

April is, well, April. I am...

moving, swimming laps and deep water running. It is so, so good. My prayer is that it will get me in the shape I need for my mission trip in October - an intense, working mission trip.

needing, to purge the office/den and organize the entire room. It is beyond out of control. I cannot even stand to walk into the room. I need one location for card making and one for crafts because I no longer scrapbook with any physical product what-so-ever.

watching, New Girl. Oh - my - goodness! Rolling on the floor laughing - funny! I am also watching Stargate: Atlantis, again, because when Ashley and Brad were here that is something we started watching so I figured I would finish the series. Lastly, I am watching ALIAS! Oh, Yes. I AM! It's the whole admiration and respect I have for kicka**, strong women.

reading, The Dry. I finished it in a day. It was - engrossing. The Simplified Life (TBR), If You Only Knew (only the best non-fiction Christian book I have ever read!), Cinder (TBR), and Reunion in Death which I am re-reading right now this minute.

loving, that we just heard that Jeff has been added to the list for the GO AUSTRIA mission trip, along with me. I am so excited we are going to get to go together.

eating, I joined AE Wellness Tribe on Facebook and it is extremely motivating me to get my act together to better eating habits. I'm not going Whole30 all the way but I need to manage what I'm eating better and kicking most sweets goodbye and eating more vegetables.

planning, an anniversary trip to Charleston, our favorite place to vacation; and, it has been awhile since we have been there. Trying to figure out a birthday gift for Ash, too!

 

 

 

 

all about me | february details

This is an earlier page that I neglected to post. Almost every month for the past several years I have been recording a present participle list of current happenings for the month. As I said this page was created earlier this month so everything on my CURRENTLY list, those little February details, has already happened.

This year I am still creating a list of currents, but, instead of simply blogging my list I am creating a page for my All About Me album 2018. My January page is here. I am enjoying this years All About Me project immensely. I'm setting aside my discomfort at having my picture taken and instead I'm snapping plenty to choose from. And, I'm recording all about me because I rarely have; it's always been scrapbooking about the boys, or grandchildren, or the girls. I'm a worthy subject, too. Having a blast!

Simple 6 x 8 page using Ali Edwards' Story and SOTM kits.

all about me | January Currents

I am creating an All About Me album for this year, 2018, and my plan is to regularly make pages for that album. Sure, I'm creating other things, too; like, my One Little Word album - LIGHT and I am doing a clean and simple Project Life 2018 album. Then, there is the Stories 2018 album.

Just digitally scraping a little bit this year. 

Or, is that too much?

I'm not dreading any of these projects in the least. In fact, I'm seriously excited about 2018.

Will I miss some weeks in Project Life? Yes, but, I see a good finish. I'm even thinking - this year...this year I'll finish a One Little Word album.

My plan is to continue my monthly Currents in 2018 but instead of just 'blogging' about them I'm making a page for my All About Me album - because they are about me. And, here is January's page. Some months will have many more 'currents', or    -ing words, but this month I only included 5 to get me started on the year.

Digitally, I used Ali Edwards Story kits For the Love and Me.