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I hope you find my writings interesting and inspirational. They are often filled with emotion because I write without many filters, and they are interwoven with my faith because I know no other way to live. May you find tidbits of information, a dash of humor, and much encouragement here. May this place be a sanctuary for your soul.
Having lived with chronic illnesses for many years, I have spent a great deal of time viewing the world from my living room window. Being homebound, I have created an important sanctuary for myself. On my sofa I have fluffy pillows and a warm wool comforter affectionately named, "Woolie" that keeps me warm in the fall and winter, or during Lyme and CFS crashes. In front of me is my coffee table that holds my writing materials, remotes, cordless phone, etc. There is a photo of our family, and a photo of our oldest son and his friends in their police uniforms, to remind me to pray for their safety. The lower shelf is overflowing with stacks of books, papers, my Bible, and articles I am reading at the moment. I have easy access to my TV, stereo, and cds, and I am only a short distance from the kitchen and bathroom. My recliner is close by with my laptop "Libby" right next to it. It is a good place to be.
There is a beautiful view into our backyard, where squirrels, rabbits, robins, cardinals, finches, morning doves, goldfinches, and sparrows gather. Quite often a deer or two will cut a path through our connecting yards for us to enjoy. Trees, flowers, and bushes brighten the landscape. I have watched this view change from season to season, and never tire of its beauty. Even though at times I get tired of living life mostly from my living room, how safe and cozy I feel in my sanctuary. I am blessed.
It is a chilly, damp day here in my corner of the world. This is the second day after our trip and I am crashing. It usually takes 2 days for me as I am a delayed reactor. Add to that a poor night's sleep and my sofa is calling me! I have done fairly well lately with added stress and a lot of activity, so that is good news, isn't it. I was lulled to sleep last night by the football crowd again...but it was Homecoming weekend, so right before I turned out the lights I was able to enjoy a short fireworks show overhead!
Our trip was nice in the fact that we were able to view a few trees turning color, and the rocky cliffs near the Mississippi River. I love that hilly area with its bluffs and rugged landscape. I think it must remind me of where I spent some of my childhood...in the Black Hills when we lived in Deadwood South Dakota. Maybe it goes back to my Irish ancestry. I tried to take a few pictures from the car..but since we were traveling at 55mph they are not the best!
Most people think of the Midwest as filled with only corn fields and farms, but there are areas that are hilly and rugged. Of course MN. has over 10,000 lakes too which are beautiful in their own right. This topic reminds me of one game show I watched where a teacher was asked a question about where the Ozarks were located...she answered Kansas!! Good grief! Kansas is as flat as a pancake!
A typical cornfield looks like this first picture.
When you get closer to the Mississippi the landscapes change.
Yesterday Joel and I were driving across town and I glanced over at a sign in someones front yard. I burst out laughing when I read what was on the sign....In big letters it said "Rent My Husband" with a phone number listed below. I am sure he must be a handyman..but a sign like that must get a lot of attention!
I am finishing up the book, "The Shack". This book is profound. It has so much to teach us, even as a book of fiction. It is a gift waiting to be opened, filled with lessons for all of us. It will stretch your imagination, shift your thinking, and deepen your beliefs. I highly recommend it.
Do you watch "Dancing With The Stars"? Can anyone tell me if this show is seen in other countries? I love this show! I know, I know, this is old news......Okay, and here is well kept secret I am sharing....I also enjoy watching "Project Runway"! I laugh at this one since I spend most of my days in outdated denim jumpers and long dresses, soft knit pants and tops, or flannel pants and sweatshirts! Oh, and lets not forget the comfy PJ's and robes that make me feel soooo good on a bad day! Project Runway, who would have thought! Somewhere inside me is a designer wanting to get out!
Until next time......
12 comments:
We have Strictly Come Dancing. The title is a mash up of the film title Strictly Ballroom and an old TV series that ran for years called Come Dancing.
It is horribly addictive and, for me, falls into the guilty pleasure category. i.e I am far too intellectual to watch such mainstream kitsch but will do if I'm on my own. Ice dancing is the same. I lurve it but can't admit I do.
I went to the US twice, both times to Minneapolis for work. I thought it was great. I loved the lakes and the wide open spaces. I didn't like the Mall of America though. I renamed it the Maw of America.
Hope your crash is short lived.
I read The Shack this past summer. It was a book that I couldn't put down and had to keep reminding myself that is was a work of fiction. It definately makes you sort stuff out in your own mind. Happy you got to see some of God's beauty on your trip judy
Hey Renee,
I'm glad that you are getting a bit more activity in to your life at the moment. It's great that you and Joel were able to take a little trip together. I would LOVE to travel around that part of the US. Someday maybe...
That's funny about that sign. Clever advertising!!
I am also guilty of watching Strictly Come Dancing. In fact it started last week over here. I don't watch project runway, but I am guilty of watching America's Next Top Model every week day, he hee...
Sound like your crash was worth it!!
: )
Thanks for sharing the photos of your trip. Looks wonderful! Hope your recovery is quick. {{{HUGS}}} Kara
Thanks for the info Jo...I always am interested in what others around our world are doing and watching, reading, etc. I have been to Mpls. often in years past..lived there and St.Paul...I have been to the Mall of America once and that was enough!
Hi Judy
Yes it is hard to remember that The Shack is fiction....In fact I went back and added that to my post in case some did not know.
Hi Treya
Entertainment ~ we need some light hearted things in our life! It was nice to go ~ even if it was a fast trip.
Hi Kara
Thanks!
Renee.
This first photo is awesome!
There is soooooo...much energy coming through the lens of the camera, I love it.
Yes we have "Dancing With The Stars" here. It has finished now for the year and ya I'm with you, I love this show. The current season had a blind contestant,the last evening of his participation was just so inspiring and emotional that both my husband and I were in tears, it was truly beautiful.
I hope your energy level picks up, so you can enjoy all the beauty on your trip.
In Love.
Rose
Thanks Rose
Fall is my favorite time of year...When we travel to that part of MN I love just sitting and enjoying the landscape. We did not have time to do so on this trip so I took pictures from the car.
Love the view near the Mississippi River this time of year. I'm on the other side of the state -- in far northwest Iowa. So our view is more the cornfield variety. (Beautiful in its own way, especially this time of year.)
We were back in your old stomping grounds last weekend. We rented a cabin south of Deadwood. Spent a lot of time in Nemo, fishing the trout streams.
I enjoy your blog.
thanks Jennifer....I have not been in NW Iowa but I am sure it looks like our neck of the woods too! Lots of corn and beans!!
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