Saturday, September 08, 2007

Just a lot on my mind lately

No, I am not going to rant or rave about politics or the strange world in which we live these days. Nor will I comment on the students on campus and how they were (or were not as the case may be) dressed this morning for the first home football game. My mind is full of possibilities that come with this new season (autumn for us, spring for my far southern friends!).

I know in our calendar and culture, January is considered the beginning of the new year. As a homeschooling mom, September trumps January any year for the joy of a clean slate. (I also will not rant about school starting in the hot days of August, not in this home!) I'm an old fashioned type of mom who does have control over my school calendar and we do not begin until after Labor Day. Well, the Jr. College did but my classes didn't.

September in my home is the beginning of my favorite quarter of the year. It brings with it the renewed joys of "making things with one's hands". I suppose it has been that way for me since I used to sell folk art/craft items during the Holiday craft sales. By September, one was already deep in fabric and fiberfill, sewing needles and threads... as have generations past as men and women worked on handmade gifts by light of the fireplace and candles.

I already have a few projects in mind, now I have need of prioritizing as far as time and the small amount of money I would need for extra supplies. I'm convinced this return to "making things" also has something to do with early memories of Kindergarten. :)

The cooler weather draws me back into the kitchen with a corresponding pondering time on my sofa... cookbooks surround me, a few magazines (especially Taste of Home), my recipe cards, print outs from favorite Food Channel chefs, and my recipe scrapbook (shown below).

I'm certain the guys are quite happy my thoughts are once again turning to cooking!

Late summer evenings have been spent polishing the silverware and cutting out "pictures and prose" to work on my scrapbook like Jewels, which is a refinement of the type of scrapbook I've been doing for years. I just never thought of using it as a daily journal at the same time... brilliant.

Along with all the cooking, crafts, and other projects, there is seasonal decorating to do as I add the colors of rust, gold, deep reds, and pumpkin around the house. There is the continual sweeping of leaves off the porch while pondering deep wonders of Him who made me as I watch the seasons change in the midst of the forest... as well as the joys cooler weather brings by sitting on my rocking chair or on my deck for early morning Bible reading and prayer to give me strength to meet challenges which abound.

Life is far from perfect but I will add beauty and peace to the little part of the planet for which I have some control. Life can be hard but it doesn't have to be bleak, not when one can place a rose on the table or a picture on the wall that brings peace just from gazing at its beauty.

Now to brew some decaf coffee and begin the work that is set before me. Perhaps there will be time to take some more pictures. Thank you again to my dear blog friend for giving me the camera!

10 comments:

Heather L. said...

I loved your entry today-- so much of what you said I could say of myself. I also "refuse" to start homeschool until after Labor Day! And, I think of September as a "beginning" month too. My sisters and I used to have a "Christmas planning tea" in September in which we would plan out the gifts we were going to make and talk about Christmas. It was so much fun. I hope you have a lovely weekend!

smilnsigh said...

Oh yes, I so hope you begin to really use your camera. Like the pic of your recipe book is marvelous and colorful and goes so well, with your entry words.

Subjects for your camera?

Well, there are the leaves, before you sweep them off the porch. And the heaps of fabric and fiberfill, sewing needles and threads, before you begin to work with them. And your cookbooks, spread out on the kitchen table, before you pick a favorite to make. And the making of it! From start to finish... the making of a fav recipe!

Seeeee? Our ordinary life is full of lovely photo ops! If we just let our imagination roam. And if we notice.

I bet so many of us are looking forward to sharing glimpses of 'what you do.' Via photos too, I mean. You are always very evocative with your words. That goes without saying. But... now that you have that camera... Think of the pretty "Icing On The Cake" you can give us, with your photos in your blog!

Hugs, Mari-Nanci

CONNIE W said...

I share many of your comments as well. I love the fall season from the beginning of it throughout while it's getting cold. The colors, the sights, the smells, the things to do, they all spark creativity for me. All things fall, they are special. I start thinking about making soup, baking pies, making quilts. Taking walks and drives to see the fall color.

Tammy said...

nice post. I am loving the beginnings of Autumn and the feel of fabric in my hands as I quilt. Have a blessed weekend.

Mindy said...

What a lovely post....I am looking more and more towards the autumn season, even though I have been down with a late summer cold. September is a fresh slate for me...richer color palettes and textures, and hearty soups and stews...yum!
Hope this finds you well.
Blessings,
Mindy

Heather Anne said...

I love your post - it is so in tune with my own heart! I was recently treated to a full childless 1/2 hour in my favorite shoppe - a place where my heart sings and I drink in beauty like nectar. It helped me to re-focus and inspired me to find beauty in my own home - or create beauty where it is needed, so that I will always have a place to make my heart sing, and hopefully the hearts of others as we open our home with the heart of hospitality!

blessings!

smilnsigh said...

Thank you for understanding and appreciating this entry of mine.

Hugs,
Mari-Nanci

Anonymous said...

I've just discovered your blog, I loved reading your entry today - it's good to be positive about each season and not be sad that Summer is done! C'mon over to my blog sometime for a cuppa! x

Anonymous said...

I love everything about fall!. The cooking & baking, the gardening (living in Georgia there are still many things I can plant), working on projects and mostly the cooler temperatures. I have so much more energy in fall than any other time of year inlcuding spring. Loved this post!

Manuela

Unknown said...

I just discovered your beautiful blog and feel that I have met a kindred spirit. I will surely add this lovely blog to my favorite reads. I love the fall too, and enjoy the change in season to inspire new creations. I peeked at your wonderful recipe blog and was thrilled at the nostalgic artwork references. Have a lovely day, and be sure to stop by my place for tea. Blessings, Karen