Welcome, AUTUMN!!!

It is officially the first day of Autumn....however, you sure wouldn't know it by looking around my house!!!

Remember how the Porch looked by this date last year???

On Janie's Porch - September, 2010

This year, the Porch still wears her Summer wreath (and a heavy coating of West Texas red dirt).  Eight "unpotted" mums from the nursery sit lined up along the edge of the steps, patiently waiting for me to get them transplanted into the planter box and ground. 
 
My welcoming scarecrow is simply a ghost in the storage shed out back, waiting to be sprung from behind the lawn tools.

Inside the house, it's not much better.  Not one pumpkin sits on display yet.

In Janie's House, September, 2011

Despite the lack of Autumn decor, I am feeling a bit more in the Fall Mood.  The morning dawned cool and crisp here today.  A front from the north blew in during the night and the weather was well-beyond-fabulous. 

I'm inspired to get my rear in gear and get everything decked out this weekend (if work and other such responsibilities will just cooperate....).  After all, this is my most favorite time of the year!

I know this is true for many of you.  Something about those days of Indian Summer feels so idyllic and....perfect.  And the decorating, well....it's right up there with the Christmas decorating at our house. 

So, how far have you gotten this year?  Bet you're ahead of me!!!

Blessings,

Janie 

A Change in the Weather....

We have been having cooler temperatures here since Sunday.  The mornings dawn crisp and clear, downright chilly....and I love it!!!  I have been donning my fluffy pink robe to sit on the patio and have my coffee with the dogs as the sun comes up.

It puts me in the mood for a little of this.....

And a whole lotta that....

Maybe a cuppa Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks....

However, the cooler air dropping down from the north has brought extremely dry winds.  Here in the state of Texas, we are having a terrible problem with wildfires.  Already in a prolonged state of drought, conditions have reached a critical level.  There has been devastating loss of life and property in our Lone Star State. 

Please keep the folks and animals affected by the wildfires in your prayers! 

Warm hugs on these chilly mornings, y'all....

Jane

Let Me Let Go.....

I am sure you have all heard that quote -

"Let go and let God...."

Sounds like such a simple plan.  But, if you are a control freak/Type A kind of person.....well, it's not such an easy thing to do. 

Each time I just about get to the point where I am "letting go" and getting a sample - a small taste - of the blessing that awaits me, "self" steps in and tries to get back in the driver's seat.  What is up with that?!?!? 

When I just surrender and trust, I can feel the peace wash over me.  And yet I struggle to charge back in and grab the wheel.  Why?!?!?

I am frustrated with "self" right now.  "Self" gets to feeling all powerful and strong and forgets to be humble and obedient.  And, as is usually the case, she is getting taught a lesson. 

I quite underestimated the amount of hard work, time and selflessness that it would take to get established in my new career.  While I have made some great strides and had some success, I have also had some eye-opening setbacks and - to put it bluntly - rejection.  "Self" does NOT like rejection.  Honestly, who does??? 

Some days it feels as if I have not made a bit of progress, nearly hopeless; others I feel like I've climbed to the mountain top.  On those days when I get discouraged, I am quick to throw myself a little pity party for one.  On those days when I have achieved the goal, I often forget to whom I should give the credit.  Perhaps this is why I keep getting knocked back down on my booty?  A bit of humble pie?  A lesson being taught as though to a willful child? 

So, for now, I keep taking it one day at a time - because it is a daily matter to surrender.  Knowing what to do and doing it are two very different things.  I haven't completely figured out yet if it's a surrender in my heart, my mind, or both.  I suspect at this point that it is a surrender of my whole being, complete and total.  And it is obviously a process, not a one-time/temporary deal. 

My prayer for tomorrow, and for the day after that, is to allow work to be done through me - not by me.  I know there are blessings out there with my name on them - I just need to push "self" out of the way because she's got this really bad habit of blocking them!

Blessings to you.

Janie

School Daze....

School days, school days....good ol' golden rule days....Reading and 'Riting and 'Rithmetic....talk to the tune of the hickory stick....

Already upon us, the first day of school for Trayden and Ansleigh is Monday!  Hard to believe that Trayden is entering second grade.  Ansleigh's birthday is September 12th, so she missed the cut-off for kindergarten and will be in a pre-k program at her daycare center.  But, they are both ready and Bonnie brought them by the house after Trayden's "Meet the Teacher" night out at Buffalo Gap Elementary.

I remember how exciting it was to be embarking on a new school year when I was a kid!  Probably my favorite part of the entire process was shopping for school supplies.  We would go to the store and select fresh packages of crayons, boxes of unsharpened pencils, large packages of manila and colored construction paper, fresh bottles of Elmer's glue.....ah, the smell alone was enough to send me into a realm!

Of course, equally important in the selection process was the traditional box into which all the smaller supplies were placed.  Heavy cardboard boxes just like the ones my Grandad got his cigars in!  And the loose leaf binders as we got into the upper elementary grades - oh, which one to select to best represent my personality for the entire year.....

We didn't carry backpacks when I was in elementary school.  Some kids had little satchels, but usually we just lugged home whichever books were needed in our arms at the end of the day.  We lived only a couple of blocks from school and always, always walked back and forth - sometimes even walking home for lunch!

Papa Ed picked up these backpacks for the grandkids at Academy, where he works.  Trayden's came with an insulated lunch kit - great idea.  Ansleigh loved the pink camo design of hers and it just fits her little personality. 

Then there was the huge decision about what to wear for the first day!  I would fuss and fret and finally decide, laying my clothes out the night before.  And, of course, the new shoes.  Penny loafers and saddle oxfords were always in fashion when I was a kid and that year's variation was sitting next to the dresser with a fresh white pair of anklets to don the next morning.  It wasn't until I was in about third or fourth grade that we were allowed to wear pants to school.  So, my mother usually sewed new little skirts and dresses for us.  Our wardrobes were then supplemented with some store-bought items - such a treat!  I always felt so rich with those new clothes for school hanging in my closet. 

 

 

First week of school, first grade - 1967

So, what was your favorite school supply????  Mine had to be the new box of crayons.....oh, the smell.  While the other kids were sniffing their glue, I was all about inhaling the scent of brand new Crayola crayons - all the way from the chunky 8-pack to the super-size 64's with the built-in sharpener! 

Remember to drive slowly and watch out for kids in the school zones this next week!  And let us never lose the joy of our inner child!

Janie

A Book a Day.....

Okay, well, maybe not a whole book a day.  I mean, after all, Life is busy!  But, I always feel the need to carve out a wee bit of time to open a book and transport myself through the written word.  Usually, it is at the end of the day, when I crawl into bed that I find the time to partake in this activity.  So, on my bedside table always sits my current read and my funky reading glasses.  What a way to unwind and finish the day!  (Thank goodness, Eddie enjoys reading before retiring just as much as I do.)

While pondering on the subject of Kindle vs. Nook, my mind went a-ramblin' over books....and what I enjoy reading.  Honestly, I could write a book on this very subject myself!  I enjoy such a wide array of reading material that I find it difficult to limit myself to "favorites".  But, here are some......

Lately, I have been heavily into mystery - particularly a series by Diane Mott Davidson.  They revolve around a caterer who has a knack for solving mysteries with (and without) the help of her detective husband.  The books are heavy on food and recipes.  The tantalizing descriptions of food make me ravenous while I am reading, though.  I find myself rummaging through the kitchen for snacks and nibbles while reading!

Having worked in the legal profession for many years, I also developed a fondness for legal thrillers.  Of course, John Grisham and Tim Green fit the bill perfectly.  However, I also discovered Lisa Scottoline and her series of legal thrillers with a cast of female legal eagles is a delight!  Full of humor and deftly placed sarcasm, her works are always a delight.

I admit to enjoying a great romance now and then.  I think most prefer to call this genre "women's fiction" now, but romance is romance.  Although I don't care too much for historical romances or "bodice rippers", I do enjoy a good tale of "Girl meets Mr. Right" from time to time.  Stef Ann Holm and Claire Cook are excellent examples of contemporary writers who don't get too sappy, but spin a nice yarn with touches of humor and wit.  For a little more "ernst" and complex story, try Kristin Hannah; her works are beautiful. And for a trip to Pawley's Island or the Outer Banks, Dorothea Benton Frank will transport you to another world with a tale of family and romance.

As for pure thrillers, I think Patricia Cornwell does a bone-chilling job.  While extremely graphic and sometimes bordering on the macabre, the Kay Scarpetta novels are tension-filled and full of twists and turns; somehow very fascinating in their detail.

A good biography, or autobiography, can make a very enlightening read.  Such as with Sarah Palin's first book, which shed a lot of light on the politics within politics.  And for a fun autobiography, check out Tori Spelling's books.  They are funny, revealing and insightful.  I never expected to like Tori the way I do!

For a lovely and inspiring story, I reread one of Jan Karon's Mitford books.  The entire series is priceless.  Such adorable and relateable characters and an awesome example of pure story-telling.  If you haven't tried them, read them all - in sequence.  You will laugh and you will cry.

And, finally, who can deny the prophetic prose of Frank Peretti?  His books on spiritual warfare read like any thriller and will leave you smelling the sulphur stench of demons' breath when you turn out the lights and watching for signs of angels guarding over you around every corner.  Truly thought provoking subject matter.

See what I mean about being able to write a book about books I like????  I could go on and on....

What about you?  What's on your bedside table right now?  Any favorites that you can read over and over again? 

Happy page turning on this hot Summer Sunday!

Janie 

Give Me Some Feedback....

So, I'm thinking about getting a Kindle.  Anyone have one and can give me some product feedback?

I have always been an avid reader!  I remember my first trips to the public library as a child for story time; the unique-somewhat-musty smell of the place and the weight of large picture books in my arms as I proudly walked through the heavy doors of the Children's Department with my mother.  I still do the library thing quite a bit.  I mean, that's a great deal - getting to read books for absolutely free!  But, there's that tricky little thing called a "due date" that seems to get in my way....

Generally, I pick up used paperbacks.  But, occasionally I spring for a new one, particularly if I am going to be traveling.   However, there's the issue of what to do with the paperback once you've read it - particularly if it wasn't what you would consider a "keeper".  These seem to pile up in a box until I've accumulated enough to carry to the hospital auxiliary for donation.  

With all the latest technology, it appears you can order just about any book and download it directly to your Kindle quickly and for less than the cost of the paperback.  This idea is very appealing to me!   I can just envision myself, curled up with a good "book" displayed on this lightweight, portable device.  They advertise that the screen can now be viewed easily in bright sunlight.  I can imagine adding to my library of good reads without taking up a single inch of space on a bookshelf. 

So, tell me.  Have you tried the Kindle yet?  Or perhaps one of the other devices, such as the Nook?  I would love to hear how you're liking - or not liking - this little modern-day gadget!  So, share away!

Headed off to curl up with a paperback...for now.  Sweet dreams to all!

Janie 

This Blasted Heat!!!

And the HEAT of Summer, 2011 just drags on and on.....

I am a warm weather person - let me be clear on that.  However, I have decided that I am not a HOT weather person!  Here it is, mid-July, and I can't remember the last day the temperature didn't go above 100 degrees here.  Maybe it was some time back in May......

Perhaps it is just because I hit the ripe old age of 50.  Perhaps my body is changing with age.  But, the heat is absolutely draining me this year!  By the time I go out on the back patio with my cup of coffee and watch the sunrise with the pups, it is in the mid-80's.  Noon brings us into the upper-90's.  And by the 5:00 rush towards home, we are sweltering well above 100.  It seems a reading of 107 or 108 isn't even raising eyebrows anymore.  I suppose we are just getting accustomed to this scorching dry heat.


I saw a funny post on Facebook this evening.  It was a photo of a portable marquee that read -

"Satan phoned.  He wants his weather back!" 

I say, let him have it!!!! 

I am ready for some cooler temps.  I am tired of living in a state of "constant dampness".  Because I do not perspire - I sweat!!!  Throw in a hot flash or two and I am a sopping mess. 

So, now as I prepare to retire for the evening and see that it has finally dropped to 90 degrees outside (note, it is after 11:00 pm!), I am going to attempt to employ some imagery techniques in an attempt to "chill" myself down.  

I'll let you know how that turns out......

Until next time -

Stay Cool!!!!

Jane