Dear Quarantine Diary – Week #11

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baking, cooking, covid-19 diary, covid-19 humour, dear diary, doctors, groceries, humour, music

Dear Diary – I got shot today. I knew it was probably going to happen.

I showed up at the rheumatologist’s office full of pepto bismol and sweating through my t-shirt. I don’t think the doctor quite believed me when I said I’m in bad shape, until he asked me to raise my arms…his eyebrows went up and he grimaced and shook his head before commenting, “nope, definitely going to do the cortisone shot”.

I was prepared for “the worst”. I had envisioned a 6″ needle being forcibly stabbed into my shoulder, followed by searing pain right before I lost consciousness. Instead, it was just a small prick. As he went to sit down to print my prescription, I said “that wasn’t so bad”. Famous last words! No sooner had the words left my mouth, that my body realized the violation to which it had just been subjected, and it screamed at me. I bit my lip under my mask and with curled my toes, tip-toed to the pharmacy next door. I had to replace the shot for the next victim patient.

I texted Hubby from the car: “ow!” Both Hubby & Little Guy met me at the door at home. They cooked dinner and brought me my plate of spaghetti. They even grated cheese on it. The next day, before my “24 hours of rest” ended, Little Guy suggested I leave the dishes…for Hubby. I washed them anyway, but not with my usual vigour.

Now I have to book physiotherapy appointments.

You know you’re getting old when..your address book has mostly names that start with Dr.

Dear Diary – I was excited this week because a current contestant on the Great Canadian Baking Show liked my scone photo from Monday’s post on my Instagram account! He isn’t a celebrity, but it’s the closest I may ever get!

Apparently the CBC is accepting applications for Season 5 of the show. I told Hubby, just to see the look of panicked horror on his face. Even I know my limitations!

Dear Diary – It was Christmas grocery week again, and everything seemed to come together so smoothly. It shoud have been a red flag. When the guy came with my substantially loaded cart, he apologized because they lost one of my bins, and I had already been charged for everything. I was going to have to call and ask for a reimbursement. My stomach immediately twisted in a knot because I knew this was going to be a hassle. Then I had a moment of illumination, and asked nicely, “since you know what’s missing, might there be someone free who could grab those 4 items now”? He supposed he could, if I was willing to wait.

I was willing to wait.

Eggplant paremesiana, a new experiment for me, doesn’t work so well with no eggplant!

Dear Diary – Last weekend, Hubby was worried he was coming down with Covid. He only had to wait 24 hours for a testing appointment, and in that time he gave us all a wide berth. I started to feel like I was the one with the plague, and with such close contact in our small house, if he had it, it was toooooo late! Sunday morning he came home relieved that he had not been lobotomized during the testing. On Monday afternoon, I was in the process of calling to reschedule an appointment, when he hollered up the stairs, “I don’t have the plauge”!

On the plus side, he can now taste his coffee.

That might seem like an odd comment, but the man has virtually no sense of taste or smell. I believe him after, several years ago, he stuck his nose next to Little Guy’s horrifically smelly bum (I could smell it on another level of the house) and inhaled without passing out.

Dear Diary – Why are dermatology offices always pristine, minimalist, and white? Soft flute music was piped throughout. I felt like I was in a spa (or what spas look like on t.v. having only been to one once in my life). I could certainly have used a relaxing massage…and maybe a pedicure!

Dear Diary – Hubby farted and I asked him, “what is that? B-flat?”. I was close. He farted a perfect middle C.

We already know I scream in A.

Talk nerdy to me!

Dear Diary – It’s nearly time to clean the oven again. Little Guy commented last night that he thought he smelled smoke. The oven had just been on because I had just baked another batch of pumpkin chai scones, so I told him it wasn’t smoke, but the incense of many burnt offerings.

Today me will live in the moment, unless it’s unpleasant, in which case me eat a cookie.

Cookie Monster

Friday’s Tune: Resting Place

Tags

faith, Friday's Tune, music

It was the Sunday following the attacks on September 11th, and I was still trying to wrap my mind around it. So we gathered as a congregation, clustered en masse at the altar, praying and worshipping. It was the first time I heard this song taken from Isaiah 66:1-2.

And as I sang, in the midst of the fear and confusion, God whispered in my ear…”Heaven is my throne and earth is my footstool”. What a mental picture! The God of the Universe is so much greater and stronger that this planet is a small piece of furniture in comparison. He is not a God who stays at a distance, but One who saw each tear and heard each cry that day, and this day. I could trust that He would hear us in the days ahead, and I could trust Him, God of the Angel Armies, to keep us safe.  I don’t ever need to be afraid.

Happy Weekend!

Lyrics         Youtube

Daphne Rademaker (c) 1991 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook)) Vineyard Songs Canada (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook))

 

Friday’s Tune: Turn Your Eyes

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faith, Friday's Tune, hymns, music

Today’s tune is a surprise, even to me. It’s been a tough week, and this old hymn, first published in 1918 by Helen Lemell, has been an anchor. I can remember singing it as a kid and being confused by the line “and the things of earth will grow strangely dim”. How could the things around me, the trees, my house, my toys, just fade? I knew it wasn’t by magic; I knew about miracles and Jesus’ power. Was it like drifting off to sleep?

As I’ve grown older, I have understood the deeper meaning. That when I take my eyes off Jesus and focus instead on the things the world values, I lose intimacy in my relationship with Christ. I become proud and arrogant, going my own way, being swayed by “fine-sounding arguments”. I get beaten up and overwhelmed. I lose sight of Who I am to follow and to Whom I belong. I become no longer who I was made to be, and to serve as I’ve been called to serve.

But if I focus on Jesus only, the opinions, the conspiracies, the craziness of the world will fade away. I can have lasting peace and joy. Don’t get the wrong impression. I’m not a naive, “airy-fairy, ignore-it-and-it-will-go-away” person. I am not living in fear. I am not afraid to speak up, in love. I hope I am wise enough to know when to shut up. I have a choice in Who and what I listen to, and I choose Jesus.

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Gal. 6:14

Friday’s Tune: In the Silence

Tags

faith, music, poem

I haven’t shared a Friday’s tune in a few weeks, but it isn’t because I haven’t been singing! Sometimes it’s better to take a break from writing, than to force it and lose joy in the process. 🙂

I hesitated to write today. Sharing something you wrote requires a degree of vulnerability and this song is one I wrote. It’s so easy to let the opinions of others steal your joy or crush your soul. But I have been singing this all week.

I have been frustrated by the on-going opinions and “theories” related to Covid-19. In particular, those restrictions that are viewed as restriction of rights. I believe some of the restrictions are necessary to protect one another in love, and are for a season. I get tired of “entitled” people spewing poison and creating conflict. Some just for the sick pleasure of doing so.

Worship, especially music through worship, is important to me. I can’t imagine attending a church service without singing because that is one of the greatest forms of expression, for me. But if I’m asked to refrain for a season, then I will. I will sing in my heart when I’m in public, and I will sing with all the breath in my lungs when I’m at home (or in the car)! You’ve been warned! 🙂

It might have been on my mind Saturday night as I slept. I had my frequent Saturday night nightmare. I am panicking!! I’m late for church, I’m leading, and my sheet music has vanished. I’m supposed to provide the offertory as well. Just me. So as we rushed out the door to get to the church (this time I wasn’t even in the building yet), I started to write a song…and I woke up with the first 2 lines still in head.

I’m not a morning person. It was 6 a.m. and my eyes were still heavy with sleep. But I rolled out and foraged in the dark for a notepad and pen…

If there’s no music, then I will worship in the silence
I will soak in the reverence of Your majesty
And in the silence, I will glory in Your splendour
I will wonder at Your depths of love for me.

If there’s no music, then I will worship in the silence
I will whisper the name of Jesus, He is King
And in the silence, I will praise You for Your goodness,
I will marvel at Your depths of grace to me.

In the quiet, when I’m trusting You
You are my strength, my joy
In the quiet, I hear You calling me
I know Your voice
My heart and soul will always sing to You

If there’s no music, I will worship in the silence
I will wonder at Your mercy, how You lifted me to stand
In the silence, I will tell You how I love You
How much I need You in the silence, make me whole
I am Yours

(c) Jenn Simpson, August 23, 2020

Friday’s Tune: All The Way

Tags

faith, Friday's Tune, hymns, music

The sun was shining this morning. It had rained through the night and broken the oppressive heat. A gentle breeze was blowing, and the birds were all singing their glorious songs. But I was sitting there in a bit of a funk. I felt guilty because I knew I shouldn’t be feeling this way. My unwelcome and long-time companion, insecurity, was hanging around too.

I had participated in an exciting venture this week, but it felt like no one noticed. Of course, they did! I had worked hard to make sure other players were acknowledged. But wasn’t I also part of the team? Like a person on fire, when a pity-party threatens, I need to stop, drop and roll before the Lord. I need to remind myself why I did what I did, why we all did. It was to honour Him with our gifts and talents, with the creativity and the opportunity He gave us. It was an honour, and each of us had an important part to play.

As I confessed my insecure heart and my ungrateful, selfish attitude, a song started to play in my heart. A hymn I have I loved for a very long time. There is nothing more that I need.

Lyrics       Youtube 
All the Way My Savior Leads Me  (c) Fanny Crosby / Richard Mullins Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management

 

What’s In My Cup: Just Peachy

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#whatsinmycup, ice pops, iced tea, music, summer, tea, tea cups, what's in my cup

 In vain have I struggled. It will to do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. – Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

“Just Peachy” is a real summertime treat. Big Guy gave me this tea for Christmas and I’m so glad he did. While on the sweet side (and slightly artificial tasting) when served hot, it is surprisingly refreshing served cold. With temperatures hovering around 30C these days, cold is good! In fact, David’s recommends it as an addition to fruity cocktails, and I heartily concur. Even if that cocktail is non-alcoholic! 😉

Just Peachy is an herbal tea comprised of apple pomace, artificial peach flavouring, sweet blackberry leaves, peach, natural sweet blackberry leaf flavouring, and artificial apricot flavouring. While seeing “artificial” anything in an ingredient list can be off-putting, keep in mind that it contains less sugar than juice and no added artificial sweeteners like diet pop. 

Serve it hot or cold, tall glass or cup and saucer (who says cups and saucers are reserved only for hot drinks)! Or think outside the square…

But indeed I would rather have nothing but tea.” -Jane Austen

Happy Monday!

Friday’s Tune: It’s Good to Be Alive

Tags

blessing, faith, Friday's Tune, music

Sometimes we just gotta’ wake up and count our blessings. Widen our focus. Put on some music and dance. Each day is a gift. Even the hard ones.

When we “count our blessings”, we shift the focus from our circumstances or the 4 walls of our minds. It helps us appreciate what have, or who we have, in our lives. It encourages us to say “thank you”, thereby spreading the blessing. Renewed gratitude renews relationship, even the one you have with your own soul.

Like a conversation with someone else, we are forced to rethink our perceptions, talk through what is holding us back, or holding us down. We can see where we have been and where we are going, and where we are growing. If we don’t like the direction, we can start to make choices to  change it.

This life could almost kill ya’ when you’re trying to survive

When all your energy goes into just surviving, ask God to show you the blessings in your life. Share the pain, the guilt or whatever it is that is threatening to overwhelm you. He can handle it. He can handle your anger, your disappointment, and your sorrow. He can fill your loneliness, restore your peace, and strengthen your resolve.

Each day is a new beginning, a little resurrection. A chance to start over. A reason to find joy.

 

Happy Weekend!

Lyrics           Youtube

Photo courtesy of Jasper Geys on http://www.unsplash.com
Writers: Tom Douglas, John Cooper, Zachary David Maloy

Friday’s Tune: Canada’s Really Big

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arrogant worms, Canada, humour, music

It’s summer and to start it off, Canada celebrated its birthday. Mostly without fanfare because we are all staying home. Which will also mean fewer road trips this summer.

BUT you can still experience the great Family Road trip right at home. Just pile everyone in the car in the driveway for a few hours. Once the heat threatens to overwhelm and the electronic devices are dying, throw in a cd for a fabulous family sing-a-long. I can recommend just about anything by the Arrogant Worms. Our favourite album is Live Bait, released in 1997, and in honour of Canada Day, this Friday’s Tune is Canada’s Really Big…the classy orchestral version!

So stand up and be proud and sing out very loud
We stand out from the crowd ’cause Canada’s really big

Happy Friday!

Full Lyrics

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?

Friday’s Tune: Perfect Union

Tags

faith, Friday's Tune, memories, music, weddings

This week, while resting with a cup of tea between jobs, I perused Instagram. I don’t normally check out the “suggested for you” page, but I did and there were wedding photos. I’m a sucker for ball gowns. Actress, Busy Philips, celebrated her 13th anniversary this week and she posted pics from her nuptials, including her dress, her invitations, and her “mix tape”, a gift to  was given to her guests. My guests received homemade chocolate truffles. I think I’d prefer the truffles.

Anyway, it got me thinking, since this Monday is my 24th wedding anniversary! I’ve lived more years with Hubby than without.

There were certain things about my special day that were extra important, the groom and my family aside. The dress (as Princess Diana as I could afford). The flowers (red roses like my grandmother). And the music. I selected every piece, from the processional (Praise My Soul the King of Heaven) and recessional (Trumpet Voluntary), to the hymn and 2 solos. I also selected the first 3 songs for our small dance. I danced with my father to Matthew Ward’s, My Little Ones. It made us both cry. Our wedding party danced to All the Way My Saviour Leads Me by Rich Mullins. But it was our first dance that is today’s tune: Perfect Union by Matthew Ward.

My sister-in-law introduced me to this song when she had it sung at her wedding. I loved the imagery that despite the “storms of life”, if we chose to seek God first in our marriage, we would be strengthened and love would endure. We would be joined in “three part harmony”.

During some very difficult years, I would look at our wedding photos and I was encouraged by the light reflecting on the cross on the altar in front of us. I took that as a special message from God that He was still part of this relationship and if we looked to Him, we would endure.

Hand and hand we’ll seek the Father.

Happy Friday!

Lyrics
copyright: © Matthew Ward / John Andrew Schreiner Music, Megins College Fund Music