They are almost always wonderful, but today they did something special for me. I ran some errands and was gone longer than I planned. So, they made the downstairs sparkling clean. I am a lucky gal. I think I'll take them to the pool tomorrow. :-)
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Oh how I love a good book!
Since I have read Jane Eyre before, I knew the basic story. But since I have not read it in close to 30 years, I had forgotten much of the details. I finished tonight. And with all the trial and turmoil, rejoiced in the happy ending. I think I remember why I loved Jane Eyre so much: I identified with her. First in her feeling of wanting foremost her own home and her own enjoyments and kindnesses. Secondly, with her constant battle within herself to do what is proper and do what is right. Last night, sometime before I went to bed at 2:30 because I could not stop reading, I came across this paragraph in chapter 28 I think. First an explanation.
After rejoicing for a month at her good favor, that her master Mr Rochester loves her and will marry her, it is discovered at the alter that there is an objection, and legally they cannot be married. I am not spoiling the plot! When she is begged by Mr R to be his mistress and live out their love anyway, Jane wrestles, for she knows her station, her opportunities, and her plainness. She battles her need against his and questions who would care for her.
"Still indomitable was the reply--"I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad--as I am now. Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be. If at my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth? They have a worth--so I have always believed; and if I cannot believe it now, it is because I am insane--quite insane: with my veins running fire, and my heart is beating faster than I can count its throbs. Preconceived opinions, foregone determinations, are all I have at this hour to stand by: there I plant my foot."
How I loved rereading the book! "I plant my foot!"
After rejoicing for a month at her good favor, that her master Mr Rochester loves her and will marry her, it is discovered at the alter that there is an objection, and legally they cannot be married. I am not spoiling the plot! When she is begged by Mr R to be his mistress and live out their love anyway, Jane wrestles, for she knows her station, her opportunities, and her plainness. She battles her need against his and questions who would care for her.
"Still indomitable was the reply--"I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will keep the law given by God; sanctioned by man. I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad--as I am now. Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be. If at my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth? They have a worth--so I have always believed; and if I cannot believe it now, it is because I am insane--quite insane: with my veins running fire, and my heart is beating faster than I can count its throbs. Preconceived opinions, foregone determinations, are all I have at this hour to stand by: there I plant my foot."
How I loved rereading the book! "I plant my foot!"
Saturday, June 11, 2011
I am happy to report--21 days! Woohoo!
On April 14, I took on a challenge. It was a 21 day challenge that took me almost 60 days to complete. The challenge was to go 21 days without complaining. I think I started over at least 10 times. On Thursday, I reached 21 days. When I crowed exultantly to my husband that night, he reminded me that just that morning, while doing my hair, I complained about the static in my hair.
I am sorry, but on day 21, I refused to start over. I went 21 days without complaining about circumstances, people, the weather, everything, except static. So, I vote I made it. Haha. I said I was going to buy myself a trophy, but those are just dust catchers, but some day soon, I'll see something I like, and that's gonna be my reward. Maybe I'll go buy a few books off Amazon for my Kindle.
It really did feel good not to complain. And I'm grateful I did it.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
I am thankful for what 12 year olds can teach me
The last couple of nights, I had 7- 12 year old girls camping out in the back yard at my house in a tent under the stars, giggling and whispering, eating smores, and having fun. Last night, we had a little challenge. One of the girls, whose family has been affected by the fires, had a nightmare about the fire.
We (the two leaders) were outside sleeping under the stars. I heard what was going on in the tent. First, attempts by the awake girls to awaken the sleeping girl having the nightmare. I could hear the one having the nightmare crying out in her sleep. They continued to try to wake her up, sit her up, snap her out of it. Finally, one of them came out to tell me. I told her to bring her out to me. These girls gathered 'round her, got her up and walking, and brought her outside for some "fresh air."
After soothing, reassuring, and hugs, I sent them back to bed and told them to think of happy things and sing some songs together. They started out with Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree and never got any farther because they were all giggling. They had been instructed earlier that when lights went out, their mouths were to be zipped, but considering the circumstances, I thought I'd let them get good and happy for sweet dreams.
After a few minutes, they suddenly got quiet. I tuned my ears again, and could clearly hear, that one of them was praying. For peace for her friend, for the fires that are burning, and for the fun they were having at camp. My heart was so touched and the tears streamed down my face, for the wonderful example of compassion, concern, and leadership these girls showed. 12 years old! I think the future is in good hands. And I am so grateful.
Yes, an hour later, I did finally rain on the parade and make the girls go to sleep. :-)
We (the two leaders) were outside sleeping under the stars. I heard what was going on in the tent. First, attempts by the awake girls to awaken the sleeping girl having the nightmare. I could hear the one having the nightmare crying out in her sleep. They continued to try to wake her up, sit her up, snap her out of it. Finally, one of them came out to tell me. I told her to bring her out to me. These girls gathered 'round her, got her up and walking, and brought her outside for some "fresh air."
After soothing, reassuring, and hugs, I sent them back to bed and told them to think of happy things and sing some songs together. They started out with Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree and never got any farther because they were all giggling. They had been instructed earlier that when lights went out, their mouths were to be zipped, but considering the circumstances, I thought I'd let them get good and happy for sweet dreams.
After a few minutes, they suddenly got quiet. I tuned my ears again, and could clearly hear, that one of them was praying. For peace for her friend, for the fires that are burning, and for the fun they were having at camp. My heart was so touched and the tears streamed down my face, for the wonderful example of compassion, concern, and leadership these girls showed. 12 years old! I think the future is in good hands. And I am so grateful.
Yes, an hour later, I did finally rain on the parade and make the girls go to sleep. :-)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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