Are you bored with life? Then throw yourself n2 some work you believe in with all your heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness!

Those are the words of Dale Carnegie, a businessman turn author/lecturer. Not, however kin to Andrew Carnegie of Carnegie Hall. He did tho, change the spelling of his name to match Andrew's seeings Andrew's success was growing.

Concerning happiness, I do so wish to write. I enjoy playing around on this blog, but I wonder if I could be a writer. Would I ever have a famous, cliche kind of quote others would recite for me long after I'm dead? Not recalling where it originated but its meaning was so powerful, it dare not be forgot. Doubtful, since I'll never seem to gather original, provoking ideas.

And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything. ~William Shakespear

To come close to writings as Shakespear or Jane Astin or Louisa Alcott seems something only a well-learned man could accomplish! To recite old English the way they did, simply b/c it was their way and the only one they knew, but none-the-less, beautiful. Sometimes, tho, it didn't sound as nice as it read. I think I prefer to read it, unless it's uttered by someone such as Brian Cox.

But, then, about what would I write? Myself? Yawn. I have been known to be one of those people that have stated, "My life's so crazy, I could write a book!" (Say it in a Southern Draw and pretend you have a beer belly!) I may have some things to share that I haven't already, like how I pee in the shower... pretty much every single time I take a shower. I can't help it. I always pee before I get in, but then here comes the warm water. Or how I abhor crying b/c I feel it makes me weak. I could do mommy/daddy issues! UGH! Who cares about that?! I don't even want to talk about that junk! So over it! I could write about my family. Or should I say, MORE about my family. I do have plenty of stories for that! But, once I HAVE to do it I may not enjoy it anymore... I could include, tho, what it's like being a Christian woman, mother, wife and how I've fought to endure through all of our struggles and tribulations.... yada yada. It's been done so many times. Everyone strives to live by some guideline and struggles to maintain it. It's called LIFE! I am a frugal person/lover! I have ideas for that, but most of them come from books I've read! I could write fiction, non-fiction, biography, autobiography... But who cares?! I'm a no namer... Hhhhmmm... Well, I suppose for now, I'll write sheer, utter nonsense to myself on my blog... It'll be a journal of sorts... Maybe something could stem from it.... I might get to author a movie like Julia and Julia! OOOoohhh... Maybe I should test things out and document every single detail and post it for the whole world to see (In my mind I'm standing on a cliff shouting this out with my arms outstretched and head tilted back like in the Irish Spring commercials! LOL)! Ahem... excuse me. I can get carried away. I suppose that's already been done, too. Hmph! INSPIRE ME!

Things I Love!

Don't you just love the smell of rain in the spring and fall. In the spring it's great b/c it's a relief from the snow that seems neverending. In the fall it's a sweet smell that arises from the decaying leaves and plant debris that have shed to the earth's floor. A summer rain can seem pleasantly welcome, too, if there shortly follows relief from a humid eve.

I love the sound of a baby's voice. Be it a cry or uncontrollable laughter, it doesn't matter. That innocent, pure sound never gets old. Sometimes, I just sit in my bedroom and fight back the tears b/c I know that the laughter, arguing, excitement, playful banter and quiet storytelling that I overhear coming from the next room... isn't going to last forever. One day... It'll be gone. As much as I want to complain about noise (sigh), it's stability and I know it won't last forever. Just let it happen. Whence it's gone, I'll be lost wondering where I may find it again.

I love the sound of lots of feet in my home.

I love the smell of spices coming from my kitchen. It means that I've got a wonderful reward of sweets in the oven. Though, I still reserve a spot in my heart for the smell of fried onions and stewed veggies.

The kitchen is full of herbs drying for winter use.

The wood floors have been recently oiled.

The woodburner is close to being lit.

The windows are open, allowing a bit of a fall breeze inside to air out the stink of summer.

The bathroom smells of baby powder that was used after the last bath.

The babies' room smells of crayons, clean laundry and that perfume (of a vanilla scent) that ReAnna keeps spraying everytime she's in there for any period of time.

I just love it.

The smell of fresh cut grass, most people love. But I, too, love the look of it. Like when you vaccum your carpet. It just makes everything else look so much better.

I love sitting in the shade of our patio umbrella or of the maple tree that sets over the hammock.

I love the Japanese anemonie that are currently in full bloom, next to a vining rose that is of the same color, yet has just begun this year.

There are many great spectacles of beauty on this earth, but yet the view of the forest from my front door will do just fine.

Soon the apples will be ready for pickin'. I like to gather the ones that are on the southeast side of the tree b/c they have been warmed fairly well by the sun. The taste is more fully enhanced. Who doesn't find the sound of the 'pop' when you've cracked a bite of the apple comforting?

How blessed, truly, I am to have the one that I share my life with truly earn my deep respect. Though persecution stumbles us all, it's nice to have a stronger hand to lift you. No need to force myself to submit to his headship b/c he makes it so easy to love and support his decisions. All he does is a sure testament of his love for his family.

I often lose touch with these insignificant treasures. Finding the time to recollect the deeper things of home and life and love can prove to be one of my tougher battles. But, when I do... the feelings of love, comfort, endurance and appreciation for all we go through and learn from are overwhelming. If only I could always remember...

See?...

Home Is... A Tuesday Thought. (It is Tuesday, right?)

Home Is

Home is where quart jars house earth's goods

Where the clothe's line is the place to spot the seasonal bird

Where there's never a full crayon in the half full box and the yo-yo always bumps the floor

Where there's an inate faith that the sun will always rise and the sun will always set in that same lead glass window

Home is where the rugs are warn and the piano needs tuned

Where the quietness means "they're up to something" and the steps are the preferred place to house your shoes

Where there's more stuffed animals on the bed than blanket

And on the dining table, a bible spread open in the hopes of finding daily comfort

Where the bills are high, but who cares

Where quiet time's when the sun leaves

Where the printer never has any ink

And a prayer is the last thing you think

Home is where to a friend, foe, family or not, the front door always says welcome

Where there's more school papers than books

Where there's more coats than hooks

Where I long to be even after the nicest of vacations

Well , maybe it's not your's, but I call it "Home".