Pamela's Daybook: March 20st

Last week: We made a quick trip to Pennsylvania to see my daddy. We had such a nice visit -- complete with snow, although not the 14" we were promised. It was nice to spend two evenings with my sister Melodie and brother-in-law Steve, relaxing around the fireplace. On the way home, we met my brother Craig for a 3-hour meal. Becky was sick and not able to come.  

Latest Obsession: Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher. Have you tried it? I enjoyed one -- that's right, only one. Then I made the mistake of looking it up and guess how many sugar grams it has. 20! I'll just be happy to put some strawberries in my Awake tea. 

Thankful for: RB -- he just did the dishes so I could work on my Postmark List!

Praying for:  A Florida teenager who is missing. I had a soul-satisfying discussion with my friend, Chris, about prayer and the importance of praying specifically. 

At my writing desk: I left my computer at home last week, so I worked double when I returned. Sometimes a little break makes my thoughts clearer. 

I'm reading:  "Black Rainbow: How Words Healed Me. My Journey through Depression" by Rachel Kelly.

I'm finding joy in: Crocheting a blanket for someone special. I pray for the little-one-to-be when I pick up the blanket to add rows. 

Favorite Quote: Sometimes we need the salt of tears to remind us how to savor the sweetness of life. Lysa TerKeurst

Pamela's Daybook: March 8th

Yesterday:  RB had a teacher to review in Indianapolis last evening, so I tagged along. I do that as often as I can -- especially if there's a Barnes and Noble nearby. I didn't take my computer so used the old fashioned pen and notebook. In 4 1/2 hours I wrote enough that I had to wear my brace when I got home. But it was a delightful time, sitting beside a window with the sun warming me. 

Last evening was the first time I've been to the Castleton Barnes and Noble for a while. I enjoyed seeing the needlework group that meets there. There's one man who does beautiful counted cross stitch. The others are ladies and they knit, crochet, etc. 

Latest Obsession: Rifle Paper Company notebooks. I was first introduced to the Rifle Company through their notecards. They have a set of three slim notebooks with packaging that makes me smile. Gel ink glides on the pages so it's a delight to write in them.

Thankful for: Yellow tulips. RB bought me yellow tulips Saturday. They are on my desk in one of my mother's vases. 

Praying for:  Oh my, so many to pray for this week. The Shelter: Postmarked list has so many serious requests. Our friends, Michael and Kim Matlock's house was hit by a tornado this past week. Thankfully the roar woke Kim and their three sons (Michael was at work), and they were able to get in a closet just seconds before it hit. 

At my writing desk: Writing on joy today.

I'm reading: I'm reading fiction! "Healing Ruby" by Jennifer Westall. Westall leaves a huge cliff hanger on this book. So I bought book #2. This leaves another cliff hanger. So I bought book #3, thinking it was the last book in the series. Oh, I was wrong. And the worst part is book #4 isn't out yet. It's been a while since I really liked a fiction book. 

And have any of you purchased President George Bush's "Portraits of Courage?" It's beautiful, and the stories poignant. These are courageous men and women who fought for our country -- for my family and yours. Reading it fills my heart with gratitude and love. 

I'm finding joy in: Sunshine! Life just seems to sparkle more when the sun is shining. My daddy always sang to my mother, "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy 
when skies are gray..." 

Favorite Quote:  When I think about my ideal free day, it usually involves going into London and sitting in a nice coffeehouse with cake and coffee, but I would probably still have my notebook in my pocket. Jonathan Stroud   

Pamela's Daybook: March 1st

This week:  Sunday was Writers Group meeting for our church. I had two other members speak about blogging. It was so interesting to hear additional perspectives for what we do. We didn't have time for the free-writes, but distributed the exercise to the group to complete this week. A free-write is writing on a topic for five minutes without stopping. I used "Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring" as the topic. 

Thankful for: Empty containers. We are striving to downsize. Each emptied container is one step closer to our goals. My practice -- for years -- was to use colored containers because I thought it looked neater than seeing the "stuff" in them. I gradually changed to clear boxes because it's easier to see what's in them. I just use colored for seasons (red-Christmas, orange-Thanksgiving, etc.).

Praying for:  Carson -- a 3-year-old with cancer, currently in Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. I have an address if you'd like to send him a card.

At my writing desk: "Writing is the painting of the voice" (Voltaire). My paint brush has been busy!

I'm reading: I'm reading fiction! "Healing Ruby" by Jennifer Westall. Also "66 Ways God Loves You: Experience God's Love for You in Every Book of the Bible" and a writing book. I've also sent some samples to my Kindle. I've found I save money by reading a sample to see if it's something I want to read.

I'm finding joy in: Strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. While eating them this morning I thought about the Fruit of the Spirit. Trying to make each one evident in my life: "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day" (Max Lucado).

Favorite Quote: Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow. Helen Keller