Helping 2 Charities in 1

If you have been around my blog over the last couple of weeks you will know that I was planning on donating my hair.  I made an art journal page based on that, I showed you how to prepare a photo for trying out different hair styles, showed you how to use the best website for that and then showed you a few that I wanted to choose from.

Well, the deed is done!  My hair is gone!

Before and after photos.  I am on the left.

WHY?  Because it was time.  It only took me 2 years to grow my hair from shoulder length to where it is in that top picture and it was just time for me to do this.  My friend in the pictures decided to join me.

WHO?  We donated our hair to a UK charity called The Little Princess Trust, here is a video about what they do:

We were also sponsored to do so for another charity that is dear to our hearts. Calla was established to confront and disrupt human trafficking in all its forms. Their specific purpose is to combat internal trafficking of children and young people for sexual exploitation.

Calla aims to

• Raise awareness of the existence of internal human trafficking by working with all forms of the media at local and national level
• Access and host affordable specific training for all working on the front line
• Support victims and their families, to see a restoration of dignity and self worth

One of their tag lines is Information, Support and training for CHANGE, and if you spend any time talking to the Calla team about their aims, the topic of it being TIME FOR CHANGE will come up.

Since we were both making a big change to our hair and both feeling that it was TIME FOR CHANGE, we felt that Calla was an obvious choice to receive the funds raised in sponsorship for cutting our hair this much.

WAS IT A SHOCK?  I'll let another photo speak for itself on that one.

HAVE I GOT USED TO IT?  Yes, absolutely, this is not the first time I have had hair this short and I am more than OK with it.  Everything related to my hair is so much quicker now, washing, drying, brushing, everything just takes seconds!  Well, except the drying, that takes a bit longer, but still nothing compared to what it was taking before.

WILL I GROW IT BACK?  Probably, yes, although maybe not straight away.  I might take a few months to enjoy the short hair.

WILL I DO IT AGAIN?  A number of people have asked me that already and it was only 2 days ago that I did this.  I don't know.  I am certainly capable of growing my hair to a similar length again.  Since it is shorter now than when I started growing it before it would probably take me about 2 1/2 years to get it to the same length again.  So, it's not an impossibility at all.  I doubt I would make such a big deal of it if I were to do it again, don't want people getting too used to the idea,  "Oh she's cutting her again and wants more sponsor money off us."  In short, I honestly don't know but I certainly haven't ruled it out.

HOW MUCH DID WE RAISE?  We raised a total of over £100 with funds still coming in, for Calla.

You can check out the sites I link up to over in my sidebar. Before you go, why not check out my recipes index page, or my craft projects index page, I am sure you will find something there to interest you.

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Wordless Wednesday

If you want to see other Wordless Wednesday photos, go check them out here.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Tuesday 18th May...

Outside my window...
it is dry but overcast and a little cool. The weather is supposed to significantly warm up as we head towards the end of the week. Thankfully youngest's exam on Friday is in the morning so the exam room should not have time to get too warm.

I am thinking...
about some other blog posts I need to get written and my plans for date night this week.

I am thankful for...
a husband who has taken the responsibility for date night on his shoulders without complaint for so long, but now it is time to even the balance and reduce the load he carries for that.

From the learning rooms...
Well, I was hoping to learn to make lined curtains this week, BUT it looks as if the fabric I bought on Ebay will not arrive in time.

From the kitchen...
Tuesdays we have to have a dinner which can be ON THE TABLE within 5 minutes of walking in the door, because hubby and I have to be straight back out again fairly soon after, for small group. So last week, this week and probably for a few weeks into the future we are having baked potatoes with cheese and cold meats. I can put the potatoes in the oven on timer earlier in the day, leave the sliced cheese and meats on a plate in the fridge ready to go and put relish etc out on the table.
I don't know why I didn't think of this solution before last week.

I am wearing...
brown trousers, red jersey top and thick sweater (until it warms up later anyway).

I am creating...
red paper lanterns for date night on Tuesday (I'm doing date night at home and going with a Chinese theme.)

I am going...
to the theatre tomorrow night to see a local college do their production of West Side Story. My eldest is deputy stage manager and so has been run off his feet for weeks! today and tomorrow should be slightly easier days as last night was the first performance.
I'm looking forward to the show, especially as my sister, my dad and his girlfriend are all coming too.

I am remembering.... some of the fantastically helpful staff I met on my 4 day snow delayed journey from England to Atlanta.

I am reading...
"The Complete Home Decorating Book" and "Multi Sensory Parable for Small Groups".

I am hoping...
that eldest son does not have to stay our as late as he expecting tomorrow night to get things packed up at the theatre. They have to have everything out of there after the show tomorrow night and last week it took them 3 journeys between college and the theatre to get it all in. With a 20 minute journey each way, plus loading time, you can imagine it's going to be a long night just based on that alone.

I am praying....
that my eldest really gets a glimpse of his own worth and potential and sees how much people do care for him.

I am hearing...
passing traffic, and other noises from outside.

Around the house...
There is plenty to do this week, although not having to do those curtains yet has freed up some valuable time.

One of my favourite things...
is to see my children understanding what captures their passion and chasing after it.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
No youth cafe this week, so that i can get to the theatre on time tomorrow evening. Friday I want to take my journal, bible and a packed lunch and head down to a park on the river Severn, if the weather stays nice.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

That is the pack of dried chillies that youngest son was delighted to have me buy for him, at the Chinese Supermarket on Saturday! Did I ever tell you that he is a bit of a foodie? I put the ruler in so you could see how big the pack is.

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Tuesday 11th May ......

Outside my window...
The sun is shining but there is quite a breeze that brings the temperature down if I open the door. Shame because it really is a beautiful day.

I am thinking...
about how tired I am and what I can do to remedy that.

I am thankful for...
An evening off small group tonight. Yes I know it's important and we need to meet together to encourage each other and so on but I am so tired that I am truly grateful that we get a week off this week because of some group members being away.

From the learning rooms...
Learning a new assembly talk for this morning. Thank You God For Pain - a talk about how you might not think that is a good thing to pray but leprosy sufferers get their injuries because they can't feel pain and so get injuries that the rest of us would pull ourselves out of.

From the kitchen...
Lots of different breads lately. The batch of dough that is currently in the fridge is 5/6 white flour and 1/6 a wholemeal flour with seeds in it. Might also make a fresh batch of challah dough, which reminds me I promised to type that recipe up for a friend and never did, ooops!

I am wearing...
Blue jeans, a black and white top, a rainbow necklace and a lovely thick hooded sweater.

I am going...
to school in a short while to do this assembly then finish my chores when I get home.

I am remembering....
That I promised myself I would do more walking this week.

I am reading...
New Sunday's Cool planning book. We finished 13 sessions on prayer and now are starting 13 weeks on "winners" in the faith.

I am hoping...
that we get some of the local young people visiting youth cafe this week when i am there tomorrow. It can be a bit boring on your own.

I am praying....
for cementing of all the new connections I have made recently and for further connections to be made.

I am hearing...
the tv on in the other room and my youngest knocking the front door to be let in after going for a walk.

Around the house...
Tuesday means living room, hallway and stairs and downstairs bathroom. it is a bit more than I would like on a day when I have an assembly to talk at as well, BUT it does mean I get a day off chores tomorrow, so let's GET ON WITH IT!

One of my favourite things...
is to dance in worship. But I have fallen arches and I like to dance barefoot, in fact, I really cannot dance in my big clumpy shoes and so a wonderful session of worship where I have freedom to express myself in dance often means aching feet and legs later in the day.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
hmmmmm . . . I don't have an awful lot planned for the rest of the week. As I said, no small group tonight, but I do have to take youngest to his Spanish class after school and go visit a friend while he is there. Tomorrow is youth cafe from 3pm till 7pm, although I probably won't stay until the end. Date night is supposed to be Thursdays but I don't have anything planned for that this week and am too tired to come up with anything, so unless hubby has plans we probably won't do anything.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...



SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Thursday 22nd April....

Outside my window... the sun is shining, there is a beautiful blue sky and I have laundry on the line, drying in the breeze. Sadly the breeze means it's still a little chilly for having the door open, because in the breeze but out of the sun is not a good mix. Whereas actually OUT there, in the sun it is plenty warm enough.

I am thinking... that it is interesting to see who "likes" the things that I write on facebook. I am often surprised.

I am thankful for...

• the beautiful weather
• hubby, I and youngest son being well again after getting nasty stomach upset over the weekend
• new opportunities to be involved in new areas
• blankets for wrapping round me when it is a bit chilly
• friends

From the learning rooms... hmmmm, Well, last week I learnt a new pattern for making tote bags. But other than that I'm learning how to get back on the healthy eating wagon after being off it for so long.

From the kitchen... there has been no bread making for a while, but there will be some today. I will use the last of the current batch of dough to make pitta breads. Then I need to whip up a new batch of dough.

I am wearing... brown trousers, walking shoes (I have bad fallen arches and wide feet and these give the best everyday support), and a purple jersey top.

I am creating... as I said I made some tote bags last week. I used IKEA fabric and I think they look great. I'm really pleased with them. I think I'm going to adjust the bag size a bit from the original pattern so that I can get exactly 2 bags with no waste from 1 metre of the IKEA fabric, then I might make a few more when I have some pennies saved up to buy the fabric.

I am going... to a mini conference this weekend. Joy in the Harvest with Stefan Driess and John Scotland. It's listed as a time of refreshing and prophecy and Holy Spirit joy and will be an awesome time of worship and fun with people I love and don't get to see very often.
It does mean I have to take both a packed lunch and a packed evening meal for Saturday as it is too far to come home for dinner and I cannot afford to eat out at the moment.
hmmmmmm, any ideas?

I am remembering.... a previous time at that church when there was an eclipse of the moon and standing outside in the dark, after the meeting watching it in the distance over the Welsh hills.

I am reading... a booklet about running prayer rooms or "spiritual spaces" in schools! Not going to happen in the very near future but as I work on building relationships with schools it MIGHT be something for the future.

I am hoping... for the good weather to continue so that I can get a lot of laundry done and dried on the line outside, today and tomorrow.

I am praying.... for friends who are anticipating a house move because of an exciting new job, for a friend who recently had a kidney transplant and is recuperating in hospital, for God to show me clearly the way forward with the schools work.

I am hearing... the ticking of the clock on the wall behind me and the clicking of the keyboard and the occasional car or other vehicle travelling down our road.

Around the house... today is master bedroom cleaning and laundry day and I believe another load has just finished and needs to be put out onto the line.

One of my favourite things... is to be able to find delicious recipes that are quick and easy but don't cost me a lot in calories or fat. Ho hum, not always easy.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Well, there is the conference this weekend. And then I have a meeting next week with one of the teachers at my son's school about getting involved there on a volunteer basis, should be fun!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

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the Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Monday 29th March...

Outside my window... it is raining. It has been raining all day and it is now 6:30pm and still raining.

I am thinking... about some ideas I came up with this morning about things I need to do that scare me and take me out of comfort zone, but are SO God.

I am thankful for... the new kidney my friend Becky got yesterday.

From the learning rooms... I am still learning new things to do with the bread dough from the Artisan bread in 5 minutes a day book. Last week I made their brioche dough and made cinnamon swirl brioches as well as freshly fried doughnuts.

From the kitchen... today I used the basic white dough from the Artisan bread to make a pesto cheese loaf, YUM! I rolled the dough out, spread some pesto across it, sprinkled it with grated parmesan, then rolled it up and tucked the ends underneath to make a loaf shape and continued as normal.

I am wearing... jeans and a beaded brown top. With my walking shoes.

I am creating... on Friday I made two pieces of jewellery as gifts for friends. One had her birthday a couple of weeks ago but her party was on Saturday and the other had her birthday on Sunday.

I am going... to a friends house tomorrow afternoon while my son goes to his Spanish class. I go every week. It's good to just sit and chill and chat with no pressure.

I am remembering.... how uncomfortable I am doing stuff in secondary schools but I went and told God I wanted OUT of my comfort zones. Well, if we stay in our comfort zones how will we ever know it truly was HIM doing the thing and not us doing it in our own strength? I want to do BIG things for God, and I want to KNOW that it was him doing them through me, not me trying to earn and achieve his favour by my own efforts, because that is pointless! It's ALL Grace!

I am reading... My bible and various cookbooks! I did get myself a copy of an awesome book that I read while I was in America but I haven't restarted it yet.
The cookbooks are the Artisan Bread one and a Hairy Bikers cookbook - the Mums Know Best one.

I am hoping... that the weather improves later this week so I can get my new tubs filled with compost and ready for planting.

I am praying.... for my friend Becky who had a kidney transplant yesterday that her new kidney would WAKE UP and start doing what Kidneys are meant to do!
Also for another friend whose daughter lost a baby last week after fighting hard to stay pregnant and thinking they had won.

I am hearing... not a lot, which is unusual for a house with two teenagers and an adult male in the evening.

Around the house... I did half of my Tuesday chores today in addition to my Monday chores and will try and do all the Wednesday chores tomorrow in addition to the rest of the Tuesday chores. This frees up Wednesday as a day with no major chores.

One of my favourite things... at the moment is bread. bread, bread, bread, bread, bread, bread, bread, bread, BREAD!

A few plans for the rest of the week... small group at our house tomorrow evening, coffee with friends on Wednesday, Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford Upon Avon on Saturday. YES, I am going to the regions biggest tourist hot spot on their busiest weekend of the Spring season. WHY? Because when I booked the tickets I truly had not noticed it was Easter Saturday that day!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, the evening of Wednesday 24th March 2010 ...

Outside my window...it is pretty much completely dark. Our clocks haven't changed yet, that comes this weekend, so this time next week it will be not quite so dark.

I am thinking... about friendships and what things test those friendships and how people can be their true selves, together, when those true selves clash.

I am thankful for...so many things.

• encouragement from staff in the schools I visit for my job.
• The other job I went for and didn't get, they didn't reject me, they simply decided they could not afford to fill the post after all.
• encouragement from friends when we were sharing what we felt God was speaking to each other last night.
• extra time to get a form sorted for a residential my son wants to go on in the summer.
  

From the learning rooms... hmmmmm. Well, I already knew about Artisan bread in 5 minutes a day, because I have the book, BUT this week I learnt how to make their enriched Brioche dough. I also learnt that the enriched doughs will only keep in the fridge for 5 days, not 14, because of the raw eggs in the dough.

From the kitchen... today I used the Brioche dough and some cinnamon sugar I had leftover from another recipe to make cinnamon brioche whirl.

I am wearing... a brand new top that I bought today. Quite bright compared to other stuff in my wardrobe, it's is a big pattern of orange, red, brown and purple.

I am creating... hmmm, I had promised myself that now that I have put aside Fridays as no chore days in the house, I would start doing more creative stuff on that day. It hasn't materialised yet and I'm guessing that what I will be creating this Friday is order out of the chaos that is the kids cupboard at church! I couldn't find half of the stuff I needed the other day.

I am going... to stay home tomorrow and allow a friend to come play on my treadmill! And show her about blogs and stuff like that, cuz she asked.

I am remembering.... the sound of the voices I heard when I was in America. My friend posted a link to the recording of her husband preaching last Sunday and it was so weird to hear his voice again.

I am reading... my bible, and not a lot else at the moment. I am going to be starting a bible in 90 days plan soon. sounds like a lot but it's only 12 pages a day they reckon, and I read far more than that in web pages each day so it IS possible.

I am hoping... that my eldest son gets a part time job soon, not for my sake, but because he needs the confidence boost. He is an awesome young man with so much to offer and he needs someone to prove it to him. Your mothers words only hold so much weight when you're 18 because you know she is biased.

I am praying.... for a friend, and her husband who are leading a team of young people on a mission trip this week. For strengthening of relationship amongst a group of friends, healing where that is needed, honesty and above all love to prevail.

I am hearing... my son playing on Guitar hero in the next room.

Around the house... I need to go sort some clean laundry that is on my bed waiting to be put away. And reboot the laundry too.

One of my favourite things... right now is the gorgeous cinnamon swirl brioche that i made today and a t-shirt I am thinking about making for an upcoming conference.

A few plans for the rest of the week... I think I've mentioned most of them. Oh, there's a big birthday party for a friend on Saturday evening to go to and a baptism at church on Sunday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, Monday 15th February...

Outside my window...it is cloudy but dry.

I am thinking...about all the things I need to get done today that I seem to have absolutely no motivation to get done! I swear, even though it's the kids who are on mid term break week from school, I seem to want to join them in doing nothing.

I am thankful for... truth being spoken at church yesterday with a reminder that we are to lift up and encourage and if we are doing the opposite we need to consider our motivation and remind ourself that the enemy is the one who seeks to kill, steal and destroy.

From the learning rooms...This week I learnt how to crochet a ruffle scarf. I had no idea it would be so easy. However, I also learnt that when I crochet for too long I get a sore neck. This might scupper my plans to crochet on the plane when I go to America.

From the kitchen... Lots of new to us recipes this past week. We worked entirely from the Jamie Oliver Ministry of Food book. This coming week we are working entirely from the Nigella Express book, including Nutella Pancakes on Tuesday and a ginger Wine Trifle later in the week.

I am wearing... jeans and an orange and brown jersey top. With my walking boots. I have to wear proper shoes all the time because I have a bad fallen arch on my right foot and need to wear arch supports. Wish I could afford custom ones, but for the moment it's over the counter ones and I find my foot slips in and out of my shoe if I wear them with ordinary shoes, because it makes my heel sit too high in the shoe. I have a couple of pairs of shoes coming from a shoe catalogue this week that might work better, but if not, they go back!

I am creating... lists, or at least I will need to later today. Lists for what I need to get done before I go to America in 10 days time.

I am going... to a hotel on Friday with my hubby to celebrate our anniversary.

I am hoping... that we work out a solution for me to take photos while I am away without having to take our big main camera.
The camera in my phone has not proved to be particularly good, and we do have a 2nd camera that is smaller, but eldest son told me yesterday it wasn't working. I need to check that with hubby and see what we can do about it.

I am praying.... for truth to be believed, for lies to be exposed and for God to be glorified.

I am hearing... my 18 year old whining because I asked him to do a chore for me.

Around the house... it's Kitchen and dining room day today. Need to work out what we will do about replacing the dining room chair that got broken over the weekend. Hmmmm.

One of my favourite things... is to think about my trip to America and refuse to think about the delays that happened to my friends who just went to Kansas for the week. 2 hours into their flight across the Atlantic they plane came back to the UK to eject a passenger who was drunk. Nothing like that will be happening on my trip, I have declared it.

A few plans for the rest of the week... trip down to local living history museum to pick up some gifties for daughters of friends I will be staying with in America. Night away with hubby for our anniversary and probably start packing.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, Monday 8th February ...

Outside my window... I don't want to talk about the weather for outside my window today. Because outside my window covers everything that isn't inside these 4 walls and I know that outside my window there are people who are hurting and confused and scared and lost and lonely. And I know that some of those are people I know, and know well.
And my heart cry to God is that he meet them where they are at! That they see, that they are not alone in where they are and what they are feeling, that they truly SEE and UNDERSTAND and FEEL that HE is right there with them. That HE has not left them to face these situations and confusions alone.
I pray for healing and restoration. For hope to rise again. A hope based in truth.

I am thinking... that I need to reach out, outside of my cosy, comfortable existence, that I need to stretch and grow and reach out!

I am thankful for...

• Friends
• Worship and wonderful worship teams and leaders
• Stories
• Truth
• Grace
• Mercy
  

From the learning rooms... I am learning that sometimes it takes faith to simply put one foot in front of the other.

From the kitchen... Last week there was a fish pie that resulted in me getting a fish bone stuck in my throat. BOY that was scary! Thanks to the internet, I was able to look up what to do and see if there was an alternative to going to the hospital.
BREAD, dry bread, swallowed with as little chewing as possible, finally shifted it. It is hard to fight against the instinct to chew that bread and get it swallowed, but if you can do that, it kind of catches against the fish bone and drags it out of where it is stuck.

I am wearing... jeans, teal green t-shirts, walking shoes and a sweater.

I am going... to be doing a school assembly tomorrow morning, at one of my regular schools. Looking forward to it, it should be fun!

I am reading... not a lot recently, although I hope to chagne that in the near future. Want to get back to the re read of Fresh Brewed Life and finish that again. Then start on some of the mountain of unread books.

I am hoping... that through the difficulties, through the heartache, through the pain and distress, that GOD will be glorified! It's going to be a tough week for some of the people we know and love as they process stuff.

I am praying....

• that God will be glorified.
  
• that I will know how to personally reach out to the people involved.
• that we as a couple will know how to reach out generally.
• that Truth will reign.
• That LIGHT will shine in the darkness.
  

I am hearing... the whir of the washer/dryer as it spins. Will be time to fetch the clothes out of it soon.

Around the house... I am expecting a plumber to arrive shortly to replace our cracked toilet bowl. it is probably going to mean extra jobs for us when he is finished because of the way the room is right now, but we'll have to deal with that.

One of my favourite things... is to remember that I am loved and I am chosen, and I am here in this place at this time for a purpose, even if I sometimes wonder what that purpose is.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Small Group on Tuesday, this weeks hands on stuff involves a tool kit! Then Date night on Thursday, maybe we'll just go for coffee/hot chocolate this week.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, Monday 1st February

Outside my window... there is snow and ice and everything is a bit dull.

I am thinking... about how long it took me to get to where I was going this morning. Thank Goodness I left the house early enough.

I am thankful for...

• This nasty cold I have had seems to be on its way out!
• My voice held up for the school assembly I did this morning.
• The head teacher seemed impressed with the assembly and is keen to book more.
• hubby got to work safely in this nasty weather.
• that I made it to church yesterday despite my nasty cold, I would have missed out on some important words if I had not gone.
• that eldest was able to be here with youngest while I went out. (Yes, youngest now has the cold I had)
  

From the learning rooms... Not a lot of learning going on for me. I have spent most of the last week on the sofa. I suppose I did learn that daytime tv on Saturdays is RUBBISH!
Youngest is supposed to have a mock practical for his food tech GCSE tomorrow. I am waiting for his teacher to ring me back so that we can sort out what we do since he is too ill to come into school.

From the kitchen... I haven't been doing a lot of cooking but am feeling a bit better now. Tonight will be sausages, mashed potatoes and steamed veg. More interesting fayre coming later in the week.

I am wearing... my "school assembly uniform", smart black trousers and reasonably smart top. I do have my big thick sweater on as well though. Walking boots on my feet to give me grip when I go outside in the snow.

I am creating... a messy house again, with having been too ill to keep up with my chores, but at least it had been kept tidy before this hit and I will be starting to get back into my routines today.

I am going... to do another assembly tomorrow morning but other than that do not HAVE TO GO anywhere this week. Well, it is parents evening at youngest's school on Thursday but he is supposed to come with me and I doubt he will be well enough.

I am remembering.... some of the interesting things god appears to ahve been speaking to us lately and wondering if I am ready for what it could mean.

I am reading... not a lot. I do however want to start reading a Stewart Keiller book that I picked up at church yesterday.

I am hoping... that my youngest son gets over this cold much more quickly than I have.

I am praying.... for my son to get better soon, for the schools i do assemblies at and for god to be at the centre of the details of my upcoming trip.

I am hearing... the tv in the other room, with two teens at home that is going to be all day, especially with one of them ill.

Around the house... kitchen and dining room chores today. Won't get it all done but hope to do at least a bit of it.

One of my favourite things... this last week has been curling up on the sofa with a blanket.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Like I said, there are not many places I have to go this week, I intend to stay home, get properly better and maybe make some plans for Valentines day and our wedding anniversary the week after that.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

Read More

The Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, Monday ...

Outside my window... It's cloudy but dry. the world is waking up and going about their days.

I am thinking... about what I will do for exercise after my 12 day gym membership is up and I won't be able to use the pool any more.

I am thankful for...

• a fantastic birthday week
• a great day on my birthday, good food and fantastic friends to share it with
• new bed linen
• family
• church fellowship
  
• online friends
• food in the freezer
  

From the learning rooms... hmmmmm, not sure I can think of anything this week.

From the kitchen... It's a busy week ahead of us so meals will be fairly basic and easy. I do want to make a batch of chicken soup in the middle of the week.

I am wearing... brown trousers and an orange and brown top. With my walking boots on my feet, since my favourite trainers got ripped last week.

I am creating... well, I hope to be creating some more blog posts and possibly some scrapbook pages as well as some crochet flowers.

I am going... to the gym every day until Thursday to use the pool. I treated myself to a 12 day membership offer and Thursday will be my last day. I've really been enjoying swimming again, and wish I could afford a gym membership to allow me to continue to do so.

I am remembering.... some of the things that were said while we were at friends on Saturday. Some of them to be taken with a pinch of salt and just laid aside and some to treasure and think and wonder upon.
There is something quite surreal about someone praying for you and speaking into your life while at the same time the girls of the house are doing French Plaits in your hair.

I am reading... (Or SHOULD be reading, but haven't gone near it all week) Fresh Brewed Life.

I am hoping... that when the gym membership ends on Thursday I "fall into" whatever exercise I choose to replace it easily and without stress.

I am praying.... for friends who have lost family members this week, that God would comfort them and that time off would be available for people to travel to the funerals.

I am hearing... the sound of my boys getting ready for their days. Well, the eldest is probably still in bed as he doesn't have to go in today, so the noise is probably just the youngest. And the traffic outside as people travel to work and school.

Around the house... I am really getting into the swing of a routine around here with the chores. Have the weekly things more or less set up now and am working on a room per week to get the deeper stuff and decluttering done. I don't have to do it all on the first go, because every room will come around again, so there is no need to stress and try and do everything.

One of my favourite things... is my new pink carry on suitcase for my trip to America. One of the friends I am visiting has said that it is too cute and will not be allowed to make the return journey with me. That's cool. As long as it's new home replaces it, GRIN!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Swim, swim, swim, swim, 1 school assembly on Tuesday, small group post Christmas meal on Tuesday evening, Visiting speaker at church next Sunday.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

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Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, Monday 18th January 2010

Outside my window... there is plenty of frost on the ground, and a chill in the air. I hope hubby was OK getting up to the car this morning and that youngest was OK on his way to school. By the time I have to head out it MIGHT have warmed up a little bit, don't want to slip on the ice.

I am thinking... about my job and how to get more schools in our area to take the assemblies (talks) that I offer.

I am thankful for... good friends and fun interactions over the last week.

From the learning rooms... hmmmmmmm, I was going to say I'm not learning anything new, but I just remembered I WILL BE. I signed up last night for one of Shimelle's classes and hopefully that will get put through today so that I can start going through it.

From the kitchen... Yesterday we had a Lamb Rhogan Josh made with a Jamie Olive Spice Mix. Yummy, thank you hubby for putting that together.

I am wearing... Black trousers and a burgundy jersey top with false shirt collar and cuffs. It's my school assembly "outfit".

I am creating... Well, once Shimelle's class gets put through today I will probably be doing some scrapbooking at some point this week. I also have a scarf on my knitting loom at the moment and want to get some crochet flowers made up this week too.

I am going... to go to the gym today, hopefully. I treated myself to a 12 day pass for just £12 for Christmas. It has to be used by the end of the month, so i need to get up there today and start it. I will probably only go for a swim each day and use the spa pool and sauna maybe. But it will be so nice to be able to go for a swim.

I am remembering.... that I cannot do everything nor do I need to. Simplify and focus on what really matters.

I am reading... Fresh Brewed Life. Enjoying it and trying to not rush through it but take my time and let things sink in.

I am hoping... that I can find the back door of a particular charity shop this week. I have at least 10 bags of stuff to take to them and do not want to walk from the car park with all that. You can drive up to their back door and ring the bell, but that means finding it and that isn't easy apparently.

I am praying....

• To know God more
• To know my husband
• To know what god wants me to do in terms of my job and to see success in that.
  

I am hearing... the noises of youngest getting ready for his day. Eldest does not need to be up yet, he doesn't have lessons on a Monday at the moment. He does have a meeting later today but not until this afternoon.

Around the house... Things are looking a lot better lately. I have started working harder on the chores and so far seem to be able to stick with it. Still don't have the energy to do everything I would want to do, but we're getting there, we're really getting there.

One of my favourite things... is to think about my upcoming trip to America and the friends i will get to see, as well as the ones who can't make it this time. Guess I'll have to go back again in the future then.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• Church small group at our house
• Grocery delivery
• Date night
• Open evening at local 6th form college for eldest to help at and youngest to attend.
• Going to friends for dinner on my birthday on Saturday IF the weather co-operates. They are in the middle of nowhere in Wales and it could be interesting if the forecast snow has appeared by then.
  
  

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

Read More

Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, Monday 11th January 2010 ...

Outside my window... There is still snow on the ground, and since yesterday was a little warmer and last night a little colder, some of that melted and refroze as ice. Looks a bit slippy out there.

I am thinking... about the lovely walk I took with hubby yesterday in a snowy local nature trail area. We had the whole place to ourselves, it was fantastic.

I am thankful for...

• The fantastic news that a friend's father does not have what the doctors thought he had and although still serious, his condition is not expected to be fatal.
• Safe journey to and from wherever they have been going for all my family in the snow this last week
• Central heating, warm jumpers (sweaters), and hot drinks.

From the learning rooms... I spent a good stretch of time on Saturday learning what works for us and what doesn't when it comes to organising and planning.

From the kitchen... today I will be trying a new recipe to us. From one of the recipe magazines it is a baked risotto with chorizo, cherry tomatoes and courgettes (zucchini).

I am wearing... black trousers, a beaded t-shirt and a big fluffy jumper (sweater).

I am creating... Well, after finally finishing the Christmas journal I haven't done a lot of creating this week. I do want to get back to that and am thinking about some easy to make gifts.

I am going... to the hospital on Wednesday. Nothing wrong, just regular clinic appointment for my Sleep Apnoea and CPAP machine check.

I am remembering.... How wonderfully my husband blessed me over the weekend by cooking dinner.

I am reading... Fresh Brewed Life.

I am hoping... that the roads (particularly the side roads) are better on Tuesday for visiting a friend in the afternoon and going to a meal with our small group in the evening as well as going to the hospital on Wednesday.

I am praying....

• To Know God MORE
• To know my husband
• To know what God wants me to do and to see success in that.
  

I am hearing... Someone making something in the kitchen.

Around the house... I am being much more organised these days. I can't remember the last time things looked this nice, and believe me it's still not up to the standard a lot of people would want.

One of my favourite things... our walk yesterday was listening to the stream that was flowing into the river Severn.

A few plans for the rest of the week... We get V+ on Thursday. That is our cable supplier's equivalent to TIVO. Hubby has booked the day off work so he can be here if they have any problems. We usually have date night on Thursday evenings, and eating out is a luxury. Lunchtimes are cheaper at most places and so, as long as the V+ installation is finished on time, we are going to head out to eat for lunch instead.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

Read More

Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, Monday 4th January 2010

Outside my window... there is still a smattering of snow on the ground, but really ONLY a smattering, like just a millimetre or so!

I am thinking... that I have an awful lot to do today and tomorrow but that the latter part of the week may be a bit slower.

I am thankful for... many awesome writers who have been inspiring me this week. Particularly Anne Voskamp.

From the learning rooms... I am learning what it is like to actually finish a Christmas Journal. Wooohoo, at my 4th year of trying. There are still today and 2 more days to go, but I WILL do this.

From the kitchen... Treated myself to a couple of cook books over Christmas and will be using recipes from a couple of those this week. Including a couple of soup recipes from the Cook Yourself Thin book.

I am wearing... blue jeans, a black top, a thick jumper (sweater for my American friends), socks and my boots.

I am creating... Well, as i said there are just 3 more pages to do on the Christmas scrapbook journal. When that is done I am thinking about starting a scrapbook journal to track my healthy eating etc. Probably not daily but at least a couple of pages a week. I am also making a scarf on my knitting loom.

I am going... out to the supermarket shortly to pick up just one or two things as our main grocery delivery comes tomorrow morning.

I am remembering.... all the fun conversations we had at my dad's party on Saturday, whilst looking at old pictures.

I am reading... My Bible (started a different read the bible in one year challenge this year, it gives you 25 days of readings for each month so that if you fall one or two days behind you don't have to play catch up!)
Also reading lots of organising and home making web sites. trying to put together a routine that works for us.

I am hoping... that I manage to get the rooms that I want to work on done today but also get my paperwork for work finished as well!

I am praying.... for various online friends as well as the father of a friend from church whose father has just been diagnosed with cancer.

I am hearing... the last quiet morning for a while. Husband is back at work today and has left for the day, and neither boys is back at school or college until tomorrow, so are both still asleep.

Around the house...

• Hall, stairs, area
• Living room
• Kitchen
• Shower room (downstairs loo)
• because friends are coming round on Tuesday for church small group.

One of my favourite things... to do is sit with a friend once a week while my son is at Spanish class near her home.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• Church small group
• groceries being delivered
• lots of paperwork and planning for work
• date night
  

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

Read More

The Simple Woman's Daybook

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FOR TODAY, Monday 28th December (happy 13th birthday Hannah)...

Outside my window... a bit dark and wet. We didn't get much snow the week running up to Christmas, even though other parts of the country were literally snowed in, with over a foot of the stuff. BUT the forecast is for more snow starting tomorrow, so who knows, this time we might get some.

I am thinking... about my "theme" for 2010 and what that will mean, how it will work out.

I am thankful for...

• a wonderful church family
• a fantastic husband who loves me very much
• 2 teen sons who are growing into young men any parent would be proud of
• thank yous for the hand made Christmas gifts I gave this year. It seems the scrapbook calendars went down really well.
• Organising website and websites with online to do list programmes that allow me to access my list no matter where I am

From the learning rooms... It's Christmas, I'm not really learning a lot, other than the fact that I don't keep to a routine well with the whole family around. I get frustrated when they get in the way, and I can't seem to get comfortable in any kind of quiet alone time with me and God when they are around, sigh.

From the kitchen... Well, we had the full works roast turkey on Friday. Saturday was a mashed potato topped turkey pie (I made extra mash for Christmas day on purpose so there was one less job to do). And yesterday we had turkey curry. We also had one round of turkey sandwiches for lunch AND my youngest made delicious turkey samosas. NOW they want to eat the gingerbread house!

I am wearing... black velour trousers, a blue/green top, and trainers on my feet. I have to put my shoes on as soon as I am up because I have fallen arches and walking barefoot (which used to be my norm as much as possible) causes me problems.

I am creating... Well, I did finish the scrapbook calendars for gifts, but I am still participating in Shimelle's Journal Your Christmas project. This is my 4th year and the first time I have managed to be this consistent with it. I truly intend to finish it this year! It continues right up to 12th night.

I am going... to stay home today as it is a public holiday over here. We might head out for a walk at some point, but any shopping trips etc will wait until later in the week.

I am remembering.... the sketch a friend and I did for our church Christmas special. I was archangel Raphael, she was a minor angel. It made me laugh, but it also made me think. I think I often get more out of these sketches than the audience does.

I am reading... Guideposts for the Spirit, Christmas stories of faith.

I am hoping... that a friend from church goes into labour naturally today if she hasn't already. Tomorrow is the day the hospital "intervene" as she was due a few days before Christmas day.

I am praying....

• for various members of our church who are not well at the moment
• for friends who are snowed in at home and likely to start getting cabin fever soon
• for friends dealing with desperate situations this week
• for insight into what my "theme" for next year means, practically.
  

I am hearing... hubby pottering about in the other room, but both boys are still fast asleep.

Around the house... there is just a lot of picking up to do. No major CLEANING, just tidying. But it still needs to be done.

One of my favourite things... this past week has been reading quietly in the living room with just the twinkling lights for company.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

• Sort out a laptop shelf for my treadmill
• Get some pictures hung on the wall in the dining room
• Stop and do some serious journaling abut the last year and how I feel about it
• Maybe even blog some of that
• PARTY at my dad's house on Saturday
  

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

SO, if you want to read more daybook entries or you would like to take part yourself. Click on the image at the top of this post and check it all out.

Read More