I woke up at 4 A.M. this morning.
I debated if I should get up and start my day.
Afterall, I could accomplish a lot in the quiet of the morning.
Instead, I decided to read so I would fall back asleep.
Sleep a few more hours, I told myself, and then “Hit it full steam ahead!”
These little handprints are on the sidewalk in a little town in Alabama.
Try as I might I could not make out all of the names.
Too much time and too much weather had taken their toll. Continue reading “There but for the grace of God…”
I have seen this old house many times.
Viewed during the day, it struck me as odd but whimsical.
It’s like the naughty younger sister among the stately, pristine white homes on the street.
Three pastel colors with a burgundy and gold leaf trim.
Seeing it in the early morning light transformed it into an image of beauty and grace.
Like homes, women often prefer the softer lights of dawn or dusk.
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.excerpt from “She Walks in Beauty” by George Gordon Byron, 1788 – 1824
Photo taken on my Samsung 6 in the wee hours of morning.
I love the quiet and softness of early morning.
We must use time creatively, and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.
Quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. posted on the wall in the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, Florence, Alabama. This is a beautiful library.
I like that this quote from Dr. King is very succinct. It packs a powerful message.
How will I use my time? How will I be creative? Will I do the right thing?
I am trying to be more mindful in my life and more attentive to the “thin slices of joy” all around me.
My life is a work in progress.
Photo from http://www.pexels.com
After babysitting for three weeks straight I consider myself an expert on babysitting.
So, I wanted to share my number one tip for babysitting.
I find that this tip works like a charm with a rambunctious seven-month old baby.
The old stories comfort me.
The comfort is the same as when I was a child.
Revisiting old familiar stories allow me to breathe and feel safe for awhile.
But in a different way. Continue reading “Comfort in the Familiar”
“You learn by going where you have to go.” *
I often think that the most important thing we can do is to show up.
Today I learned to make Gifs. Here is an example. So easy and so fun with Google.
Mabel is my favorite model. Gifs are appropriate for her since she is rarely still.
Happy Easter!
Here is my gift to you today.
I hope you will take the time to watch the video.
It’s wonderful.
I live a pretty sweet life in Portland.
I keep busy but there is still plenty of time to linger over a meal.
To stop and smell the roses.
To practice yoga and meditation.
A nice gig!
Babysitting my baby granddaughter for a few weeks in Alabama, my Portland life seems far away. Did I ever enjoy leisurely meals?
Like a fireman I jump out of bed each morning and get dressed.
Off to the kitchen to prepare my breakfast, lunch and a few snacks before her parents leave for the day. I eat on the go with this precious little girl.
Toast with almond butter, a smoothie, a hard boiled egg, some fruit and raw vegetables…I am set for the day. And of course coffee…lots of coffee!
Of course, everything has to be set way back on the counter to prevent Hank, the gigantic standard poodle, from noshing on my food!
Mabel has trained me to hold her most of the day.
Otherwise, she cries pitifully. She’s clever, that one!
I walk with her on my hip, try to read, let the dogs out and go about the day with this adorable, wiggly, chubby baby latched to my side.
“Peace at any price” is my motto and holding her is a small price to pay for serenity.
We are coming to terms with each other. I can prop her on the couch for short periods while I sip my coffee. Great progress!
Her newest thing is to wrap her fat little arms around my neck and put her head on my shoulder.
My heart melts. My aching back feels better. I love being with this little angel.
Mabel will be seven months old this week.
During the first seven months of her life I have traveled three times to Alabama to enjoy her and care for her.
It’s hard to believe how fast she is growing up.
Happy Birthday Mabel!
Lori Greer in Portland 