Reblogged on WordPress.com
Source: The World Is Still A Pretty Awesome Place Photos…
Inspiring stories that make you smile. Or tear up.
Category Archives: The Daily Grind
Meeting in the Middle Really Works
meet in the middle
drive separate roads to where
catching up is fun
~ Haiku by Angie Quantrell
Meeting in the middle works.
Yes, the sort of meeting in the middle that signifies compromise and working together – that works.
But also the physical, drive and meet in the middle between two far flung locations – that works as well.
Making the most of a federal holiday, a friend and I recently met in the middle for a fun day of rubber stamping, visiting, and eating. We’ve been discussing the idea for quite a long time, but could never put wheels on our vision.
Until we stopped talking and started driving. She booked a hotel room for her daughter and a friend and herself. I met them. We took over the hotel’s business conference room table, where we were front and center for the excitement of the day.
It was great!
Due to the limited amount of time, we really focused. We only brought some of our mountains of supplies and ideas. We only shared one meal. We only began some projects, stacking them for completion later at home (one of the best unintended parts of the day). We only spent a short time visiting a local thrift shop.
Success.
Now we know where the middle is and plan to take advantage of this knowledge again.
You should try it. Who do you want to meet in the middle?
How to Get Over Bad Book Reviews
Phew! What a whirlwind this week has been! The weather flip-flopped between winter and summer, the Bat Mitzvah RSVPs flooded in and my fourth book released to critical and commercial acclaim. It wa…
Source: How to Get Over Bad Book Reviews
You hang in there, Tara!
Wrap Them in Love – Baby Quilts
What a whirlwind!
The last two weeks have been filled with anticipation, preparation, and organization to get ready to welcome our two new baby girls to this big world.
But the desire to love and welcome them makes it all worth while.
Even when one has to borrow a sewing machine (since hers is broken), one has extra furry help (though it is not requested), and one has to shuffle to meet all those little deadlines so all could enjoy the parties.
Baby quilts are my favorite gift to make for newborns. The last go-round included several boys, so this crafter was excited to add some pink and flowers!
Love them, snuggle them, wrap them in quilts.
Congratulations mommy’s, daddy’s, sisters, and brothers
(and grandmas and grandpas).
Wrapped in love.
Way to go, Amplify!
Love is Spoken Here
Are they more than just words on a card?
Love is spoken here.
These words could be trite, overused, or just a pretty saying.
Are they more?
Maybe those who send or utter, “Love is spoken here,” are well meaning and sincerely offer encouragement, love, and affection.
Do words speak louder than actions? Or is it the other way around?
Do my actions shout in agreement with my quiet words or engage in battle between what I want to do and say and what I actually do and say? Sometimes the answer is both.
Love is spoken here.
Love is shown here.
Love is experienced here.
Love grows here.
Love is here.
Love is.
Love.
These thoughts remind me of the often used love verses for wedding ceremonies, though I think love is not just for marriages. You can read them in 1 Corinthians 13.
What do you think of when you consider love?
Old Words
I was preparing to take a relaxing bubble bath in my claw foot tub last night when I saw a wadded up log of newspaper on the floor.
The paper log was actually old newspaper. Old 1949 newspaper.
It was super dusty and fragile, so I didn’t undo it, but went ahead and enjoyed my bath, contemplating the sudden arrival of newspaper in the bedroom.
This morning, long after honey had gone to work, I noticed the newspaper had been carefully unrolled and somewhat flattened.
That was when I saw the date on the antique (or is it vintage?) Seattle Times. Sunday, March 27, 1949. Fascinating.
I do love looking at old newspapers, especially the ads. Odd, I realize, but the price comparisons between then and now are amusing and sad. The articles in this bundle also told tales of the times – fashions, comics, businesses, and even child rearing and feeding advice.
This was no ordinary newspaper. It was mystery newspaper that had been recycled to provide padding for an old wood and woven jute chair. We didn’t even know it was stuffed. Look at how creative folks were at repurposing way back before the word was even in use.
Now we know more about the chair (it is older than both of us) and the news of the day from several decades ago.
Words are valuable. No matter how old or in what format they are discovered.
What are some words that are valuable to you?
HOME
Home. What a big word.
Home is . . .
where I reside
the body I wear
the spouse I adore
my family of love
the animals I adopt
the nature that surrounds me
the future I hope for
my faith that centers me
friends who nuture me
fellow writers who encourage me
the city of my residence
the state and country of my belonging
the planet I inhabit
Home is a big word.
What does home mean to you?
Gigantor and the Tiny Chair ~ A Haiku of Proportions
GIGANTOR
if there is a chair
find it and recline therein
size does not matter
CREAK. GROAN. WOBBLE.
What is your favorite chair?
Share a photo in the comment section.
Does it fit you well, or are you like Gigantor and size is not an issue,
just comfort?
Hugh’s Photo Challenge: Week 11 – Rust
Rust
evocative form
contemplation of purpose
usefulness transformed
Haiku by Angie Quantrell, 2-4-16
I Love Hand-Me-Downs
I’m not above totally enjoying digging through a bag of my sister’s hand-me-downs to pull out new-to-me favorites.
(That would be a literal hand-me-down, as I am older but much shorter than she.)
I also thrill to the seek-and-find treasures I discover at local thrift shops. In fact, the sweater (Mr. Roger’s style cardigan, come in the house-trade the coat for a sweater style) I wear all the time is my best ever purchase from Goodwill.
Seriously. I think my family may be a tad bit exhausted of seeing me wear the same old sweater. Every. Single. Day.
But it is the best sweater! I know I look more granny-like wearing it, but it is comfy, broken in, not too hot, not too cold, but just right.
I’ve had this sweater for over 5 years, conservative estimate. It appears to be well made and may last for another 15. Score! I think I paid $1.99, maybe $2.99.
My husband and I enjoy keeping clothes long past the expiration date (yes, we are THAT couple). One of our favorite games is counting back to find out who is wearing the oldest outfit.
“I’ve had this shirt since Chelsie was 3,” I said.
“Well, I bought these sweats when we were in England,” replies the hubby.
“But I had this dress for Easter when we were in Wapato,” I counter.
And on and on goes the battle.
It is our game. And our life. We are not ones for top of the line, current fashion, get rid of the old and buy new all the time. Some of you may be saying, quietly in your heads, “YES, we know! Go get some new clothes!!!” Maybe you are even yelling that, hoping we will hear.
It’s OK. We are happy with our little game. I think, at heart, we are children of the depression, though we are not really old enough. We use every little thing until it is beyond use. And then maybe we can still find a use for the scraps that remain.
I’m thinking that’s being a good steward of natural resources and God’s providence. Recyling, repurposing, reusing.
Besides, it’s fun.
I’d love to hear where you find your favorite clothes. Are you a scavenger like me? Let’s share tips.
Love, Laughter, and Life 