I finished the first draft of my story about a month ago. Since then I have taken a break from writing, pretty much of any sort. It has given me time to work on other projects, like sewing and homeschooling, but when I sat down to write something last week, I realized how much I missed it. So I am going to post a newsy little update, just to get back in the swing of things.
Music of the Month: Slugs and Bugs and Michael Card:
The boys and I listened to Slugs and Bugs before bedtime a lot this month. The boys regularly walk around singing things like, "I just wanna help..." and "Dizzy, loopety loo" or more recently, "Spooky things like Jello." But we have also referenced, "We all mess up, its sad but true... so tell it to Jesus because he loves you."
I have rediscovered Michael Card listening to bedtime songs. His music and poetry speak have fed a hungry soul and refreshed a weary spirit.
I have made Betty Crocker's version many times, but this time I tried Southern Living's version. SO GOOD. The major difference was in the BC version, you coat the chicken in flour then bake it in butter in a casserole dish, but in the SL version, you dip it in butter than cornflakes, then bake in on a cookie sheet.
And speaking of cookie sheets, I made chocolate chip cookies which are so good. I sometimes think that if everyone stopped everything and had freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and a cup of milk every day, the world would be a better place.
Event of the Month: Vacation to Ocean City, Maryland
Before either boy was in school, we took a vacation to a beach in September. Since we didn't have to worry about missing school this year, we did it again, this time to Ocean City, MD, just in time for Eamon's 9th birthday. On the way home, we stopped by an airplane museum and saw some old planes. It was a lovely break from normal routines and I think we all needed the time to play in the ocean, be together, and be away from our usually pressures. We also learned that we like museums better than shops, the ocean better than the boardwalk, and houses better than hotels.
Other notes:
- I tried sewing face masks, but failed. They are supposed to be so simple... but I couldn't get my machine to cooperate with me. I tried sewing moccasins from fabric, by hand; another simple pattern, right? No. They still aren't done and I had to mess with the pattern two or three times before I got one that worked and looked good. But then I pulled out a pattern I measured months ago, cut it out of old sheets, sewed it together, and got a lovely little dress that will make a good base for future patterns. I guess it is good to know your strengths and weaknesses.
- Before vacation, I was in a good groove of washing dishes regularly. Since we have gotten back, I have only needed to wash the dishes once a week... but they are getting out of hand again. Why is it that habits take so long to form, but so little time to break?
- This past weekend we took two walks. Saturday to the D&L trail, Sunday to Tuscarora Park. They were very different hikes, but they were both lovely. I really can't say which I liked better. The Trail was nice for the two waterfalls and the yellow leaves and the river. The state park was more walking through the woods, looking for wildlife, and exploring. I loved the rhododendron tunnels and the fir tree silence. I realized that walks are most refreshing when there is a place to be still and quiet on them.
- We have been able to go back to church in person. It has been good to be in a worship service again. It magnifies the changes that the world has been through, but it also points out how adaptable humanity is. Life is never ideal, but it can still be good.
- I was playing chase with my sister's little girl, who is learning to walk. When she thought she was going to be caught, she turned around and ran into my arms rather than away from me. I thought there is a parable in that running into the arms of a pursuer. The simple trust in my love for her challenged my love for God. When I feel him chasing me, do I run away, hide, or turn back and run into his loving arms?
