Here & Now (Being Present)

          Being Present

                          - Sandra Abell

                      (from an email a friend sent me)
 

                      - image borrowed from here.


 
I have lots of things going in my life, and at times they become a jumble and I have trouble sorting them out in my mind. The result is that I often end up feeling overwhelmed and not knowing which to tackle first. When this happens I realize that I’m so into my head and out of my body that I’m not at all in touch with the "now".

 

So, this month I’m reflecting on what I call “being present”. "Being present" means that I focus on what I’m doing/feeling right now. Not on what I did yesterday or will do tomorrow, but right now. Amazingly, when I do this for at least 10 minutes, it clears my brain, relaxes my body and I’m once again able to concentrate.

 

There is something very calming and peaceful about being "in the now". Stopping everything and becoming aware of what my body is doing. Is my breathing deep or shallow, where are my muscles tense, am I warm or cold, etc.?

 

When I am "present" I also notice what’s happening outside my body. The way the blossoms blowing off the trees look like snowflakes, how the sun feels as it warms my face, the texture of soft, squishy grass under my feet.

 

Many years ago when my children were toddlers they taught me the beauty of "being present". Small children are always in the present. They don’t worry about what they have done or will do. They live in the moment.

 

If you’ve ever walked with a toddler you know that everything is fascinating. They see the beautiful leaf, the caterpillar crossing the sidewalk, and the lovely rocks in the driveway. Taking a walk with my small children was an adventure. They taught me to slow down and take time to notice the present, instead of focusing on moving ahead to our destination. For them, the process was the destination.

 

Now, when I feel overwhelmed and scattered I remind myself to stop, and just “be present”. It makes all the difference.

 ---------------------------------
 

 

 "Thoughtful planning and preparation are key to a rewarding future, but we do not live in the future—we live in the present.

It is day by day that we work out our plans for the future; it is day by day that we achieve our goals. It is one day at a time that we raise and nurture our families. It is one day at a time that we overcome imperfections. We endure in faith to the end one day at a time. It is the accumulation of many days well-lived that adds up to a full life and a saintly person." 

Complete article by D. Todd Christofferson HERE will give more info about:

Look to God for What Is Needed Each Day
Looking to God Daily for Our Needs Nurtures Faith
 Trust in the Lord—Solutions May Come over Time
Work through Large Problems in Small, Daily Bites
God’s “Daily Bread” Is Needed in Reaching Our Potential
Seek the Lord’s Help in Serving Others
Daily Choices Have Eternal Consequences
Jesus Christ Is the Bread of Life

 

Tablescapes

Table settings are a favorite thing of mine.  I don't set a pretty table for every meal, but I do love to set a pretty table for special meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.   Of course weddings and parties of any sort are a delightful reason to decorate a table to create a beautiful tablescape.

 

Look at this lovely table for two from Stone Gable

 

 

Throughout my blog one can find many beautiful tablescapes that others have created, and that have inspired me in some way.  There are many different looks, and each has something special to offer.

Many times it's what's on the table that makes the look, so check into post labels like these: 

 

Centerpieces

Dining

Glasses

Place Cards

Plates

Table Cloths

Table Stuff

Tiers

Trays

Vases

 

There are other great elements that can help make a beautiful and appealing tablescape. 

Those things might include

 

Chairs

Lighting

 

 

A different sort of tablescape would be

 

Serving Displays

 

and don't forget the tablescape looks that can be found in

 

Party Occasion-ally

Weddings Galore-y

and even Picnics

 

 

I have collected a few other tablescapes in my Pinterest Board -

Most of the things you see in my Pinterest boards are not included here in My Stuff Room blog.

Feel free to take a look -
Tablescapes, Centerpieces, Other Misc. Table Components
 

That board includes things new

and things used

Individual items

 

 

 

 

and a collection of items that help create the overall look

They can be indoor or outdoor.

 

 

 

I love a beautiful tablescape indoors or outdoors. 

For more outdoor tablescapes check out my

Picnics & Outdoor Dining Board

 

There are a few more ideas for buffets on my
Buffet and Dessert Displays Board
 

There is beauty all around!  It's out there waiting to be found!

or maybe it's inside waiting to escape ...

 

 

Bed and Breakfast

This hide-away bed behind cupboard doors in the dining room could really be found in any room in the house.

I wonder if there is a bed in the upper cupboards too?
A new style of bunk beds!

 

 

 This is a page saved from Better Homes and Garden September 2009 magazine.

Tablecloth Trio

I love the tablecloth layers here.
 

(I saved this from a magazine somewhere, sometime, but I don't know which one.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happiness Is ...

a way of travel



image found  here

Autumn Colors Wedding

School has started and that means Autumn/Fall is not far behind.

I haven't been too excited for Summer to end. 
I do not like the heat of the Summer, but I was loving the Summer colors. 

This Vintage Farm Wedding from Rustic Wedding Chic is lessening my anxiety a bit because of the lovely combination of Autumn colors. 

 

 

In this collection of photos, my favorite is the hanging lanterns on the porch. The color and textures of Autumn begin to appear.   The canning jars are plain and simple, yet quite effective in this setting.

 

 

I love the yellow chest in this collection, and the spreader filled with squash.  It shares a homey and simple life style that is relaxing and fulfilling. (I'm kinda confused at why I think that it's a relaxing life style, when gardening is one of the hardest things for me to do right now.  It's not so simple and relaxing, but the look of it is.  And, I suppose if I didn't have anything else to do it wouldn't be so hard to get out there.)

 

 

I think the grooms clothing colors are a favorite (check out their site for a full view - it's a great look).

The soft and warm colors in these photos are very relaxing and inviting - from the plant life to the soft cozy pillows and blankets to "cuddle up" in, to the apple juice (or at least that's what I'm wanting it to be, or maybe an orange juice would be nice).  I love the water trough and the wood crates. 

 

 

The table settings are lovely.

 

 

And the area overall is lovely.

 

 

I think I can handle fall coming now.

 

It's coming - like it or not!  So I'm trying to like it.

I still hope it comes slowly.

--
 

I saw this today on Pinterest and thought I'd add it here since it is a sweet Autumn / Fall look too.  I love the Falling In Love bunting idea.

Favorite ... Matters

The first of each month I post about one of my favorite things.  Usually these things seem small and simple, but they are each something that

 makes a task more simple and do-able, or something that makes life more beautiful and enjoyable, or otherwise makes me or those around me happy. 

(see Favorite Things in the Labels list in the right column.)

 

Every Sunday I post about things that matter most in life.  These things are spiritual things, because it is spiritual things that matter most.

(see What Matters Most Galore-y in the Labels list in the right column.)

 

Today those two - Favorite Things and What Matters Most - fall upon the same day this month - so ...

 

Today I choose the scriptures as one of my favorite things - for certainly they are ...,

and they are one of those things that matter most.

 

 

 

The first thing I do in the morning (after waking up anytime from 5:00 to 6:00am) is come to my stuff room, with a glass of cold water, and turn on my computer. The computer is turned on at that point only to see what time it is. I then read the scriptures - at least one chapter each morning. I don't do anything on the computer, or anywhere else, until after I have read at least one chapter.

 

I love doing this, because it puts my mind on things of most importance - the teachings of Jesus Christ.  

 

To some it seems strange that reading the scriptures would make a difference in a day, but those who have put it to test know that it makes a big difference in a day.  When I make reading the scriptures a daily habit it makes my daily life feel more worthwhile.  I find a peace, comfort, and happiness that I can get in no other way.  Coupled with prayer makes it twice as beautiful.  Peace comes from our loving Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and when we follow Them and come unto Them we will find beautiful peace. They will send it!

 

From The Bible intro pages:

"But among all our joys there was no one that more filled our hearts, than the blessed continuance of the preaching of God's sacred Word among us: which is that inestimable treasure, which excelleth all the riches of the earth: because the fruit thereof extendeth itself, not only to the time spent in this transitory world, but directeth and disposeth men unto that eternal happiness which is above in heaven."

 

 

FYI - my scriptures include:

- King James version of The Bible

- The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Christ

- Pearl of Great Price

- Doctrine and Covenants

 

The chapter of scripture I read each morning is from The Book of Mormon, but I cross reference and study the other scriptures when I come upon a scripture or topic I want to study in more depth.

 

The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Christ "puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come."

 

 " all who will come unto him and obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel may be saved."

 

"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true.  Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost."

(intro pages)

 

The scriptures (especially The Book of Mormon) make me happy!

 

 

Great Looks for the Great Outdoors

More looks from my paper file system ...
These looks are for the yard ... the great outdoors!


Here is a great path in the yard,

From Better Homes and Garden March 2010 magazine

 

 

 

Brick patio and lovely yard - there are many lovely things to look at here.
from Better Homes and Garden June 2010 magazine

 

Another great yard area - this one has a cute little house beside it's dining area, and the cute house has some cool flower boxes, and ..., just keep looking at this area, onto the second page too, to see all the great looks this has to offer. 
from Better Homes and Garden September 2009 magazine

 

 

 

 

Now for an apple tree fence line - awesome!

They "planted the trees on a trellis system [they] designed..., joined them like they were holding hands..., and pruned and trained them using a method called espalier, to grow horizontally as a fence shape, called a cordon."

from Better Homes and Gardens September 2009 magazine

 

 

 

I can see why I saved these looks - awesome huh! 

Celebrate September!

While cleaning my files I found a folder full of fun and silly reasons to make your day a special day ... things to celebrate ... every day ... any day. I remember having some fun with these years ago, using some of these ideas for a while before forgetting about them. I've found a few more and thought they'd be a fun addition to the blog. Some of these are quite ridiculous, but several are great for family fun, for preschool fun, for party fun, or just for fun!

Happy Celebrating!

September

 

 

Birthstone is Sapphire(meaning Clear Thinking)

Flower of the month is Forget-me-not, Morning Glory, Aster

 

- Nat'l Chicken Month

- Better Breakfast Month

- Classical Music Month

- Fall Hat Month

- Nat'l Courtesy Month

- Nat'l Piano Month

- Nat'l Preparedness Month

- Harvest Month

- Apple Month

- Whole Grains Month

 

- 1st week is Nat'l Waffle Week

 

- 1st Monday is Labor Day 

- 1st Sunday after Labor Day is Nat'l Grandparents Day

 

 

1 

- Nat'l Hummingbird Day 

- Mary Had A Little Lamb Day (published in 1830)

 

2

 

3

- Skycraper Day 

 

4

- Eat an Extra Dessert Day

- Quaker Oats Day (trademark issued in 1877)

-National Macadamia Nut Day

 

5

- Cheese Pizza Day

 

6

- Fight Procrastination Day 

- Read a Book Day

 

7

- Raggedy Ann's Birthday (1915) 

 

8

- Nat'l Date Nut Bread Day

 

9

- Teddy Bear Day

 

10

- Sewing Machine Day

- Nat'l Swap Ideas Day

 

11

- Make Your Bed Day 

 

12

- Nat'l Chocolate Milkshake Day

 

13

- Positive Thinking Day

- Fortune Cookie Day

- Nat'l Peanut Day

 

14

- Nat'l Cream Filled Donut Day

 

15

- Make a Hat Day

 

16

- Nat'l Play Doh Day

- Collect Rocks Day

 

17

- Nat'l Apple Dumpling Day

- Citizenship Day

 

18

- Nat'l Cheeseburger Day

 

19

- International Talk Like a Pirate Day 

- Mickey Mouse's Birthday (1928)

- Nat'l Butterscotch Pudding Day

 

20

- Nat'l Punch Day

 

21

- Miniature Golf Day

 

22

- Elephant Appreciation Day

 

23

- Checkers Day

 

24

 

25

 

26

- Johnny Appleseed Day

 

27

- Nat'l Good Neighbor Day

 

28

 

29

- Confucius Day

 

30

- Chewing Gum Day

 

A Tonka Truck and Some Spray Paint

I Love Tonka Trucks!

 

 

 

Our boys pushed these big trucks around during a lot of their play time when they were younger. They don't look so great anymore, but I can't get rid of them.

 

Maybe someday I'll figure out a great place for them, but for now they wait patiently.
 

I wanted to give our granddaughter a dump truck this year, and really wanted a pink Tonka truck for her, but Tonka doesn't make a pink one.


Years ago they made this pink Tonka truck that now rests above the window in our office, having once belonged to someone in our family when he was a young child many, many years ago.  This is definitely Vintage!  ;)

 

 

I think this is a cool truck, but I wanted a big pink dump truck.
So ...,

 

I repurposed a yellow truck -

this


 

became this

 

 

pink, with a bit of purple!

 

Now hers won't get confused with her brothers.

 

The trickiest part was deciding where and how to paint it. It's pretty tricky to get around all those tight places.

 

My mind thought I could paint the bottom of the bucket purple and the inside pink.  Then I looked at the truck.

I couldn't find a good start and finish point for the two colors to meet up.

 

So ...,

 

I did the next best ..., easiest thing!

 

Spray paint worked fast and easy and this truck is ready for our little sweetie to push it around. 

 

Maybe we'll find jewels, food, or a doll getting a ride in it someday. 

Maybe my granddaughter will even get a ride in it!

 

It can happen!

It has many times before with gramma's dump truck.

Now, just as a side note - I googled pink Tonka dump trucks and found a bit of info - somebody out their might paint one for you.  


And another side note - I just saw this and had to come back and post about it  here, since this is about dump trucks -

image found on amazon

I saw this in the window of the John Deere equipment store in a nearby town (Quincy) and decided that's what I want for Christmas! (The truck I saw in the window looked less plastic than this one, and really cool.)

I didn't go into the store, but I did tell Santa when he came out of the store.  Ya, but I don't think I'm gonna get it. 
 
And it has nothing to do with whether I've been bad or good!

 

Tis the Season!

Tis the Season!

 

No - not the Christmas season - I'm really not ready for that to be here.

 

Tis the season for garden produce ... 

 

These lovely lemon cucumbers and tomatoes came from our garden, and the summer squash came from our son's garden. 

 

 

Tis also the season for yummy orchard produce ...,

and for preserving that yummy orchard produce (like these juicy peaches). (Pears are up next!)

 

Ummm Good!

 

I love to hear the lids pop as they begin to cool down after removing them from the hot water bath.

It is a joyous sound ...,

 

Tis the season 

for popping corn lids.

 

Those pops are a sound of accomplishment ...,

it reminds us of the deliciousness available in the several months to come.

 

Those pops bring a smile to my heart and soul.

 

Ah, the simple pleasures in life!

 

 

My Mainbath - part 4 - In Progress

What have I been doing?

I first posted about redoing our main bath on July 15th (Part 1 - Before)
I shared this lovely photo on Part 1



My second post was only a few days later on July 18th (Part 2 - Color),
and then
my To Do list for my bathroom was posted on July 22nd (Part 3 - To Do).

Posting those three posts so closely together might have led one to believe that I was on a roll and going to complete this task in a matter of days. 

Instead, it's over a month later and I'm sure viewers are thinking I have forgotten what I was doing.  
I assure you I have not.  I walk past that room many times daily and see my "slower goer" status staring back at me. (I'll spare you the list of things that I have been doing instead of working in the bathroom.  I will admit however, that I spent a few days just looking at the paint color we put on the walls and wondering if I really liked it.  It took me some time to make a decision on that.)

I have been working on it when I can, and you'll see in this post that I have accomplished a few things (remember that post 3 had just three things crossed off, and today you'll see a few more crossed off, unfortunately you'll also see a few things added).

Just to prove my progress, I have included a couple unfinished or "in progress" photos.  

 

 

TO DO:

 

- stronger ceiling fan,
- paint cover

- remove wallpaper, (see this post)

- clean and repair ceiling

- paint ceiling,

(I'm liking the ceiling color - it's Valspar Spring Parade/Glossy) I do still need to work on the area above the shower.  I thought we would tile it so I left it, and then changed my mind to just repairing and repainting it. (purchased orange peel spray)

- paint walls,

(We used Valspar Playful Petal in a Gloss on most of the walls, but didn't care for the high gloss look, so the second coat was the same color in a Satin gloss, and we liked it much better. It looks less pink. Two accent walls were painted with Valspar Purple Hills, in a Gloss finish - it's a pretty color!) 

These photos don't really show the true color (it's hard to capture on camera), but there are three colors in the photos = ceiling (Spring Parade), main walls (Playful Petal), and darker accent walls (Purple Hills).

 



- paint baseboard and window frame,


- paint sink cupboard white(ish),

(in progress, using Valspar Hotel St. Francis Clay Angel, Satin gloss finish)

- finish wax cupboard,
- put handles on drawers and doors of cabinet,
 

- paint the mirror changed to remove and replace mirror,

(purchased, waiting for sink to be completed first)

 

- remove old sink, replace sink and replace faucet,

(each purchased)

 

- replace back splash changed to replace countertop,

(purchased)

 

- tall stand beside sink  (if using stand from entrance, paint the outside a deep purple color and the inside a lighter color, and consider replacing wire in the cabinet doors with some glass, possibly pieces from frames.)

 

- remove cupboard at shower wall and set a cupboard/shelving unit there to store towels and misc,

 

- place a small unit under the window,

- change ceiling light,

(tried one and it wasn't what we wanted, so returned it and purchased another)

 

- change light over mirror,

 

- remove towel rack,
 

- purchase something like a quilt stand rack for the towels,

 

- put trim on floor in front of tub to help hold flooring in place,
 

- new floor mats,
 

- new shower and tub curtains,

 

- new window covering,

 

- replace electrical switches and outlets (and covers) with white,

 

Found these great looking covers at Lowes

FYI - The color of this wall is Playful Petal, and is the same wall as the light fixture shown above. This photo shows it a bit more true to actual paint color.

 

 

 

- accessorize!

 

 

That's what I have been doing! Well, some of what I have been doing.
And to be more truthful, hubby did the electrical work, after I did the shopping.
I do however, get to claim all of the paint work.  That is why it is taking so long. ;) 





 

It is a work still In Progress!





I have set no deadline, but hope to have it done soon. 

Let's see what this week brings. 

 

 

Cost of High Living

 (From The Costco Connection July 2013)

--


"What some people mistake for the high cost of living is really the cost of high living."
- Doug Larson


---


 "... avoid the philosophy that yesterday’s luxuries have become today’s necessities. They aren’t necessities unless we make them so. Many enter into long-term debt only to find that changes occur: people become ill or incapacitated, companies fail or downsize, jobs are lost, natural disasters befall us. For many reasons, payments on large amounts of debt can no longer be made. Our debt becomes as a Damocles sword hanging over our heads and threatening to destroy us.

I urge you to live within your means. One cannot spend more than one earns and remain solvent. I promise you that you will then be happier than you would be if you were constantly worrying about how to make the next payment on nonessential debt."

- Thomas S. Monson, complete message HERE

dyed paper doilies

I have spray painted paper doilies, but never dyed them.  For a variety of colors this might be the way to go.

 

Charlotte's Fancy is no longer posting on her site, but she previously shared where she found the doilies and how she dyed them.

 

 

Pretty things!

 

Glutten-Free Baking

 

I just found this place - The Art of Gluten-Free Baking - and thought I'd share the find.

 

There seem to be some great recipes and info about gluten-free baking, including this

Ingredient Substitutions, which looks like it could be very useful.

 

 

I am not personally a gluten-free person, nor is anyone in my household, so this site isn't something necessary for me, but it was intriguing and I thought it was worthy of note just incase I do need something some day.

 

 

 

 

Where is your key to happiness?

 



Keep your happy key in your own pocket!

 



image from here



Lunch Boxes

Fun Stuff - Just something I had in my paper files -

 Wouldn't it be fun to serve a picnic or party lunch to guests in these old style lunch boxes?  Just think of the great assortment that could be collected.   So Fun!

 

 

 

and now days we can even buy this lunch box - too easy huh!



image found on Amazon

Boxed lunches are a fun thing right now.  I have collected a few boxed lunch looks in my Picnics and Outdoor Dining Pinterest Board. 

(Someday maybe I'll change the board to Boxed Lunches, but for now, it remains with my Picnics and Outdoor Dining - even though boxed lunches can be used inside too.)