Monday Musings

Happy…

Would it be wonderful to put some happy in a package? A shaker might be the perfect container. With a shaker you could sprinkle a little happy where ever you go.  With a shaker you could have happy for yourself, then share with others.

You would be able to use happy for more than a greeting to accompany  birthday wishes.   Why all this musing about happy?

I am thinking about Happy Birthday greetings for my husband.  Today is my husband’s birthday. We started celebrating yesterday. I prepared a special birthday brunch.  Last evening, we celebrated at a local restaurant.  This morning, I tucked birthday cards around the house and in his car.  After breakfast, he opened his gifts. I enjoying finding the perfect gift, hiding cards, and making his birthday special. I hope  Jerry experienced real joy today. 

I know that it is silly to think about putting happy in a package. Real joy transcends a date on a calendar, an event, or special occasion.

I love this quote from the Puritans; “Our first duty as Christians is get ourselves happy in God.”

Pet of the week, Lacci

Lacci is the pet of the week. She is a miniature Schnauzer.
In this picture, she is six weeks old.
Wanda is the owner of this precious little puppy.
Wanda and I become friends through BSF.
Special thanks to Wanda for allowing me to use this picture.

Green Clothing

T-shirts transformed
into shorts. 

Do you have clothes that you no longer want or need? Are they taking up space in your closet? Do you donate clothes to Goodwill, Catholic Charities, or maybe a consignment store? In general, do you recycle clothes? 

Do we recycle clothes like we recycle cans, paper, bottles and newspapers? What can we do beside give them away? Can clothes find another purpose? Maybe.

This afternoon, I took a big bag of clean t-shirts to our church. Women from our church are creating children's pants from gently used T-Shirts. 

Our T-shirts have marked  time in our closets reminding us of our walks, retreats, runs, reunions, and blood drives.  They are also taking up space in our closets. Now, these T-shirts have a new purpose. They will find homes in so many places. 

Sewing

My first project! 

 "I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we could use. "

Mother Teresa

Time

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. "
J.R.R. Tolkien

At 6:00 p.m. I was debating about staying at home. I was thinking about  having a cup of tea and reading. It was tempting to get cozy at home.  I resisted the temptation.

Once in the class, I was glad I made the decision attend the discipleship class. Belinda's teaching was challenging. Our small group conversations was so encouraging. Then it was time for the message in the sanctuary.  The message... the signs of a healthy church. 
It was time well spent.

A common thread

Today's lesson.
Creating a lining for a tote bag.

Last week's homework. Hand sew a book bag. Homework finished.! 

Tuesdays mornings ... sewing circle...needles, thread, pins, seams, fabric, patterns, scissors, projects, vocabulary, homework, laughter, fun...

Last week lesson, preparing to cut pattern for book bag

Monday Musings

Glasses, watches, and hats were an important part of many costumes. 

Why do we love to dress up? Given the opportunity I think adults love the chance to  be creative and dress up for special parties. On Saturday, I was delighted to see the creativity of  couples and individuals at the gala.

Notice the timepieces on her costume?
The timepieces are significance to the book's plot.

The Night Circus Gala

Arriving home tonight, I notice red glitter on my face. Earlier this evening, I tasted pink cotton candy, popcorn, vegetable kabobs, and tiny sweet desserts.  I attended the Night Circus Gala. Lexington Public Library Foundation presented this event as a fundraiser.  The event was inspired by the Erin Morgenstern’s book, The Night Circus. Ms. Morgenstern was at tonight's event. She was signing copies of her book. 

This evening’s event was held at the Red Mile’s Red Barn, “Stable of Memories”. Guests were requested to wear red, black and white attire. What an evening! Silent Auction, Vintage Dancers, Victorian Costume Contest, Red, Black and White Costume Contest, Music, Fire Eaters, Fire Hooping, Face Painting…a sweet evening to support the library.

Tonight’s event was sponsored by

Joseph Beth Booksellers

Magnolia Photo Booth Co.

Buffalo Trace

WUKY

Tadoo

Smiley Pet Publishing

One Gorgeous Hat

She was one of the fire eaters. How do they do that?

Victorian Costumes

 

Black, White and Red Attire

Pets of the week, comfort animals

Jackson is the pet of the week.  He is representing Golden Retrievers and comfort dogs who are trained to help individuals who are in hospitals, special needs centers, schools, and nursing homes. Most recently, comfort dogs have been helping hospitals patients in Boston. Golden Retrievers are often trained to serve as therapy dogs. Here is more info: Therapy dogs

While Jackson is not a therapy dog. He is a loyal pet. He is loving, friendly and considerate. 
He always brings us a treat when we arrive home. What does he bring us?  One of his toys, a bone, a sock, a piece of paper. Jackson is aging. We are treating him very gently.  Last week, he fell down the stairs. 

On Monday, I took a picture of Jackson. Here, he is enjoying a good day. 

Pets can provide temporary comfort. What about people who do not like pets.  Friends and family are often a source of comfort.  What about friends and family who are not available?  In the midst of every day life, seeking God can be a source of immediate comfort and help. 

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort."
2 Corinthians 1:3 (ESV)

Prayer and exercise

I have added a water fitness class to my exercise schedule.  Currently, I attend classes at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Arriving to my first class, I was anxious. Will I be able to maintain the pace with other students? I hope there is privacy in the locker room. After a challenging beginning, I have developed into an exercise routine that is helping me work toward my goals. I have added new swimsuits. Yeah!  In addition, I am adding prayer to my efforts.

“Prayer and exercise are a perfect fit. We as Christians want to be good stewards of creation, and our bodies are a major part of that. When we exercise or work out for our physical health our spiritually can be woven into any routine." 

Sister Karen Zielinski, O.S.F.

This is where  I exercise on Tuesday and Thursday.
One of my exercise buddies has two grandchildren who live in Boston.
This was a reminder to pray for our governmental leaders and
those who are entrusted to protect our
communities. 

Monday Musings

Church Bells  at
Trinity Hill United Methodist Church

God is our refuge and strength, a very help in  trouble.

Psalm 46:1