Dear Quarantine Diary #13

Tags

dear diary, family, humour, music

Dear Diary – Best hug ever! It’s been over 3 months since I saw Big Guy in person. I think that’s the longest we’ve been apart. Of course, we talked and after I returned to the city, we resumed our weekly “Halo night”. But nothing is the same as being together in person. He came down for the weekend, with a large basket of “priority laundry” and a black hawk airplane cookie cutter he made on his 3D printer. So we baked cookies too. We waved him off Sunday evening 10 lbs lighter (hair/beard cut), with 4 loads of clean laundry, and a clean car. Happy Mama!

Dear Diary – I spent the morning participating in a small, distanced outdoor recording session. For the most part, it went well. There were a few false starts, a key signature change and a set-shift to accommodate the sun. Anyone who has played or spoken outside understands the challenges. The biggest, of course, being the wind. Though my pages were taped to the keyboard stand, ironically page 2 fell flat and page 3 tried to fly away as we were singing “Be the wind inside my sails”. While a bunch of pages skittered down the driveway, page 3 caught on my skirt, allowing me to grab it in time for the bridge. I was flustered by the near-disaster. I once played a flute offertory while Little Guy clung to my skirts, and entertained himself by rocking the music stand. I planted my foot on the stand and kept going, much to the astonishment of those with a front row view of the “action”.

If evolution works, how come mothers only have two hands? – Milton Berle

Speaking of front row views, during the next song, the eldest child of the household tried to sneak out the front door. I heard the door and I could see Dad’s head following him as he edged along the porch until he could jump and run to his destination. Not only did we catch him on tape, but I caught Dad’s face, as he followed him with his eyes.

I’m pretty sure my Dad has given me the same look a time or two. No harm done. Personally, I thought it was delightful reminder of family life. 🙂

Dear Diary – We celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary on Monday. I decided I wasn’t cooking. Since there’s nowhere to go, we took a chance and ordered in something special.

It was a great pizza. The wine was purchased back in April during the lock down when I went shopping for pink champagne.

If only we had played video games too…

Dear Diary – Of course! On the day that I’m leaving for a 3 week vacation at my parents, and I’m running late, Hubby calls to tell me my computer charger is broken. Little Guy has been living on my laptop for weeks and it was one of the incentives for coming with me to my folks instead of staying in the city. Dad to the rescue – he found a charger I can borrow that works until I can find a replacement. I pretty sure Hubby and I are jinxed it. We were just discussing purchasing a new laptop for me and giving this one to Little Guy. We did this the last time I got a new laptop, and it completely died the very next day. It only stands to reason that history is repeating itself.

Dear Diary – Happy Canada Day!

I woke to Westminster chimes at 6 a.m. Dad forgot to turn off the clock outside my bedroom. The sun had already risen but since I was up, I stumbled outside without my glasses and in my nightie, to snap a few pics of the morning mist, before stumbling back to bed. I looked at the pictures at a respectable hour. Apparently I wasn’t the only turkey awake at that hour. My photo caught 3 more in the field…

While we didn’t have any of the usual Canada Day activities, like the classic car show, we still enjoyed a BBQ. As the last crimson band of sky started to fade, I noticed nature’s fireworks in the grass…fireflies. And once it was dark, our neighbours treated us to a short but brilliant display of fireworks to usher in summer.

… their shining branches dropped glowing flowers down upon the hobbits…there were fountains of butterflies that flew glittering into the trees; there were pillars of coloured fires that rose…there was a red thunderstorm and a shower of yellow rain; there was a forest of silver spears that sprang suddenly into the air…and came down again into the Water with a hiss…” -― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Are we ready for 2020, Level 7?

Hope

Tags

faith, family, marriage

Today I am celebrating my  24th wedding anniversary! I have lived more years with Hubby than without him. It feels like a long time ago, and not so long ago.

A few years ago, I shared how my grandparents met and some memories of their wedding in 1948. I thought I had some of her memories about her honeymoon in the book she started to write for me, but she didn’t make it to the ’30s. Still, precious memories. I do remember that on their honeymoon, they spent a night in a little cabin and in the morning, woke to a cow peeking in the window. This was her nightgown, saved all these years, with tiny stitching, in a stiff, satiny fabric. The waist is ridiculously tiny!! 🙂

I know their marriage wasn’t always “bliss” but they weathered the storms together and were still very much in love over 60 years later. I wish I could ask them for the secret of a long marriage, if one even exists.

I saved my own nightgown, which was special because my Mom made it for me, sewing at my Grandmother’s house so it would be a surprise!  It’s made of a semi-sheer fabric with wide lace, with a matching robe.

I entered marriage with dreams of a whole and happy family, the white picket fence, etc.  As anyone who has been in a serious relationship will understand that the honeymoon doesn’t last. I joke that the first 15 years of our marriage was the hardest 🙂

I planned to pack it next year when we celebrate our 25th. I had hoped to wear it and kiss my sweetheart under the Italian stars. Now I’m not sure we’ll even make it, but I will content to just be together.

There was a time when I feared we wouldn’t make it. I seriously considered separating at one point, but I would stay married. I sought counsel from a pastor who, though I didn’t know well, I knew I could trust.

After I spilled my heart, she asked me one question: “Do you still love him?. “Yes,” I whispered through my tears. She smiled and replied, “then there is hope”.

I can’t imagine anything simpler or more profound to encourage me that day. I began to pray with a renewed spirit, for my family and  husband, but most of all for me. I asked God to help me see my husband as God saw him. I prayed for love. I prayed for wisdom to be a good wife – to know how to communicate with him, to build him up, to show him I loved him in ways he’d understand. And I prayed for a new heart and attitude.

Little by little, we both changed. God is good!

He still makes me laugh and has taught me to laugh at myself. I still catch myself watching him sometimes, the way he chews his lip when he’s concentrating, the way his eyes twinkle just before he smiles. And I could go on. I am certainly not quite the same girl he married, but perhaps a better version of the one who captured his heart. I have learned to hope.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Friday’s Tune: Joy

Tags

faith, family, Friday's Tune, grief

I’ve thought a long time about sharing this song. In fact, it was among the first to come to mind when I first decided to run Friday’s Tunes. But I’ve hesitated. Not because it’s a terrible song. I mean, what it’s about is right in the title: Joy. Something we all need. I hesitated because this song has become intertwined with memories which bring me both joy and sorrow, the loss of my grandmother. I think about her a lot. I know my Mom misses he terribly too, so I worried that sharing this song and the story behind it would hurt her and I wouldn’t be there to try to ease her pain. I never want to hurt her.

But this song just keeps coming back.

I missed Mom’s call the morning my grandmother died. I was in the shower. I’m so thankful God made me notice the flashing light on the answering machine. I called home immediately but she wasn’t there, so I spoke to my Dad and reluctantly went on with the day. I dropped Little Guy at school and headed to work.

Grandma’s death wasn’t unexpected. She had broken her hip 2 weeks before in a fall. Her heart was failing. It was a release for her from a body that betrayed her joyful spirit. I knew she wouldn’t want us to be sad. She was ready, even though we would never be.

I needed to be near God, to climb in  His lap and rest, and I knew I could do that through music. Something whispered “this one” as I rifled through the stack of cd cases.  I popped it in and joyful music filled the car. It fit.

I couldn’t sing . That doesn’t happen very often, But  I listened and phrases caught in my heart and nearly took my breath away:

“we’re choosing celebration”

“we cast aside our shadows, trust you with our sorrows”

“Though I’m broken, I am running into Your arms of love”

And I could see her, my grandmother young and free, dressed in a white summer dress, running with abandon.  No longer bound by a broken and frail body, but one that was whole. And to whom was she running? Full-tilt into the arms of Jesus. How could I be sad? She belonged there.

“But I miss her”, I blurted out loud to my empty car.

God spoke over me. Even though I hurt, He was present. He was constant. The song of my heart. My Joy.

Lyrics               Youtube Video

Copyright: Rend Collective © 2014 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

 

Friday’s Tune: King of the Jungle

Tags

faith, family, Friday's Tune, music

Big Guy and I moved to the city in August 1995. He was 5 and my parents’ home was the only one he knew. We both missed my parents…a lot! Consequently, we made the 2.5 hour trip to visit…a lot! And what’s the best thing to do on a road trip? Pop in a great cassette tape and sing along.

Both Big Guy and I liked Steven Curtis Chapman’s album, Heaven in the Real World, which was released in 1994.  There were a few tunes that we would belt out as we sped along the highway. One of our favs was King of the Jungle.

Well, the day has just begun and I’m already running late
With too many irons in the fire and too much on my plate
I’d be pulling out my hair if I could just get one hand free
And I’d stop this world if I could find the key

In 1995, I was a single parent trying to balance college (for the second time) and trying to be an awesome Mom. My brain, and sometimes my body, was on the go all the time. Twenty-plus years, and not that much has changed. I added a husband, a home and another great kid, and I’ve swapped college for other responsibilities. The body is slowing down, but the brain is still always on the go.  Thank goodness one thing has never changed: God is still in control.

Put on your dancing shoes – it’s the weekend!

Lyrics                  Youtube

Steven Curtis Chapman © 1994 Primary Wave Brian (Chapman Sp Acct) (Admin. by BMG Chrysalis US)Spar row Song (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

 

Dear Quarantine Diary – #5

Tags

covid-19 humour, dear diary, family, humour

Dear Diary – Today my parents made me laugh. They each have their own chair on either side of the coffee table.  While one is looking at the computer, the other is looking at the tablet, and after awhile, they switch. Frequently, they share Facebook stories, video clips, etc. across the table. Sometimes their timing is off, or there’s glare on the screen, or the clip won’t start…and it irritates the other. This morning, they were each playing away on their own devices, and this weird music started playing. After a few minutes, Mom asked Dad dryly, “is there a reason we’re being subjected to this?” Dad looked at her, slightly confused. She stared back. Tension grew. An eagle whistled, like in an old cowboy movie. Dad broke down first. “It’s not me…it’s you!” We have no idea what she did, but at least it was a catchy tune. They are still speaking to each other.

Dear Diary – We’re doing the Brady Bunch Thing and people can see up my nose…last week I was sent a recording of his vocals and guitar for Sunday’s worship set. It was a bit of a challenge. Do I own a device that will record? Where do I record so Little Guy doesn’t wander through in his pjs? And where is my hairbrush?

The night before I was going to record, I got a text that a second recording was coming. Since it was going to take a couple hours to download, and it doesn’t cost to download in the middle of the night, I got up 2 a.m. to download. I was up again at 5 to turn my laptop off.

After a pot of tea, I spent the morning learning a new song and practicing with the recording. I wrestled down fixed my hair and applied war paint make-up. In order to add my layer of vocals, I balanced my butt on the back of the basement couch, with my laptop beside me.  I stole borrowed a pair of Dad’s earbuds and started recording with my cell phone.

After a few false starts and overcoming my anxiety about everyone listening to me caterwauling singing with no music, I got into a rhythm. Four minutes into a thirteen minute set, my cell phone rang. Then…eight minutes into a thirteen minute set, my earbud fell out, for the fourth time and I hollered in frustration. I could discreetly stick it back in 3 times, but 4 was too much!

Once recorded, it took 2 hours to send back to him for the onerous task of putting it altogether. It airs Sunday. I will be available for autographs.

Dear Diary – I was supposed to return Pastor Ann’s cake pans, and I promised her hubby a piece of birthday cake. The cake is still sitting by the front door. The buttercream icing melted. So I baked him banana bread. It’s sitting by the front door…

Dear Diary – I asked my Mom what we did last weekend to finish my “dear diary” post. We can’t remember and my bottle of wine is still unopened. Neither of us is responsible for this…

Baa…humbug!

Don’t get all weird about getting older. Our age is merely the number of years the world has been enjoying us! – Maxine

Friday’s Tune: Goodness of God

Tags

faith, family, Friday's Tune

Yesterday was a terrifying and exciting musical adventure for me. This week’s worship leader recorded his vocals and guitar for Sunday’s worship set and sent it to 3 homes, so we could add our layer. Once recorded, we sent it back to him for complete the onerous task of putting it altogether. In theory, it’s not that difficult. In reality, it was a challenge. Do I own a device that will record? Where do I record so I don’t have family wandering through at the wrong moment? Where is my hairbrush?

I was asked to sing, just sing…harmony if possible. I’m thankful I didn’t have to play keys or lead too. I knew 1/2 the songs really well. I knew the first one kinda’ sorta. I didn’t know one at all. By now, my whole family knows it because I played it over and over. It’s speaks of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me.

David wrote in Psalm 23,  “Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life”. Goodness and mercy. Not goodness alone for we are sinners in need of mercy; not mercy alone for we are fragile and in need of goodness.

In the Message, this portion of the scripture reads “Your [God’s] beauty and love chase after me”. Do we dare to envision a God who loves us so much that He follows us when we should be following Him? I believe we can.

We don’t know what lies down the road or just around the next bend. We tend to envision a God enthroned in heaven who rules from a great distance. David, however, knew that God was a moving, living, active God who holds our hand and walks with us.

The second verse reminded me of a passage of scripture, a promise given to me after Big Guy was born, from Isaiah 43:1-5a. It was read to him when He was baptized.

But now, this is what the Lord says—He who created you, Jacob,  He who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;  I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters,  I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…Since you are precious and honored in my sight,     and because I love you…do not be afraid, for I am with you

It didn’t say “IF…” but “when…” Big Guy, in his 30 years, has had some deep waters, but was there, and when he is in that place again, I know God will be there.

God is here now.  He is walking through our current situation now, and He, in His goodness ,will never stop running after us.

Happy Weekend!

Full Lyrics           Youtube Link

Goodness of God: Ben Fielding | Brian Johnson | Ed Cash | Jason Ingram | Jenn Johnson © 2018 Alletrop Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Bethel Music Publishing

Photo by Valmir Dzivielevski Junior, http://www.unsplash.com

Cee’s Black & White Challenge: Wheels

Tags

black and white photography, black&white Photography, CB&W, family, nature, Photo Challenge, photography

My dad’s wagon for wood, long abandoned in the center of the woods.

End your day with a smile, a happy thought, and a grateful heart. – Clint Walker

Happy, restful Sunday!

This is my post for Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Wheels

Irish Hospitality

Tags

family, st .patrick's day, tea, tea cups, tea quotes

In Ireland, you go to someone’s house, and she asks you if you want a cup of tea. You say no, thank you, you’re really just fine. She asks if you’re sure. You say of course you’re sure, really, you don’t need a thing. Except they pronounce it ting. You don’t need a ting. Well, she says then, I was going to get myself some anyway, so it would be no trouble. Ah, you say, well, if you were going to get yourself some, I wouldn’t mind a spot of tea, at that, so long as it’s no trouble and I can give you a hand in the kitchen. Then you go through the whole thing all over again until you both end up in the kitchen drinking tea and chatting.

In America, someone asks you if you want a cup of tea, you say no, and then you don’t get any damned tea.

I liked the Irish way better. – ― C.E. Murphy, Urban Shaman

I can say by experience, I behave the same way, asking if my guest is sure, and assuring them it’s no bother. My Irish mother-in-law, was just the same, quickly learning that I would never decline tea at any time, and so we always got along just grand!

Happy Monday & Happy (early) St. Patrick’s Day!

 

Clover Blossom Milk Glass

Tags

family, tea, tea cups, teacup

This 1950’s Federal Glass Clover Blossom cup and saucer are part of a full set of dishes, that were a wedding gift to my in-laws over 55 years ago. It survived the long journey across the ocean when Hubby’s family immigrated to Canada in 1970.

Federal Glass was established in Columbus Ohio in 1900 by George and Robert J. Beatty.

Milk Glass resembles porcelain, and is a term used by glass-makers for opaque white glass. The opaque colour is usually made with tin oxide. Semi-opaque white glass was  made with ash from calcined bones (roasted in high heat). It has been called opal, opaline, or milk-and-water glass.

Milk glass was first made in 14th or 15th century Venice and became popular in the 17th to 18th centuries. During that period, it was often embellished with enamel paint.

The pink and silver pattern on these dishes is faded now, after serving many family meals and sharing many pots of tea.

At Christmas, tea is compulsory. Relatives are optional. ― Robert Godden

Happy Monday!

Christmas Baking

Tags

baking, Christmas, family, food, food photography

A recent study found that people start dreaming about Christmas baking 3 weeks before Christmas. Dreaming as in eating, not necessarily baking. In 2015, studies showed that 73% of Americans get excited about baking at Christmas time. Are you excited? Have you started yet?

Ever since I gave up the will to fight Holly Homemaker, I feel a lot better. In fact, with fewer disasters and fewer crime scene photos, I’m actually starting to really enjoy baking. Not so much the eating, for vanity reasons, but definitely the tactile sensations of gooey dough, the smells of sweet spices, and the sense of accomplishment when it doesn’t turn into a burnt offering.

In the last couple of years I  started planning my baking list and perusing recipes online months in advance. I have to maximize the excuse to bake! Last year, the focus was rich fudge, dunk-able donuts, and crispy Italian crostoli!

This year, I’ve baked a few dozen cookies, including lemon thyme shortbread cookies, none of which made it to the freezer. This week I tackled lemon squares with a shortbread crust, pistachio & cherry polvorones, and Italian florentines. Most were successful, the exception being the florentines. The recipe said it made 66 cookies; I barely got 30 and they are tiny!

More about baking…

According to a 2015 survey:

We are inspired by recipes and tasty results

• Bakers are inspired by recipes and tasty results
• Our motivation comes from the enjoyment we receive in the baking, and in the sharing.

Baking is therapy. – Paul Hollywood

• Half of bakers use traditional recipes (tried & true), which a small portion seek out trendy recipes.

• Cinnamon is the number one spice added to holiday baking, with pumpkin, apple, nutmeg and cranberry following.
• Bakers are more selective when our baking is part of a gift, and more than half of us gift goodies.
• Pie is pretty popular, and often there’s more than one on the table. And while most of us wait until the meal is over and indulge (or over indulge) at the table, there’s a significant number who sneak it after everyone is in bed, or save a slice for breakfast.
•  We like to share recipes and photos of our baking.

I think sharing recipes is such an important part of baking and the baking world. – Christina Tosi

I still have a long list of “desires” and requests: shortbread (traditional, lime or chai?), tarts (traditional butter raisin or mini chocolate peanut butter), fudge, sugar cookies, peanut butter marshmallow squares, bread and scones, and of course, green tomato pie (it’s a long-standing family tradition)! What’s on your list this year?

I want to have a good body, but not as much as I want dessert. – Jason Love

Happy Weekend!