After a long nap I'm burning some midnight oil. I'm feeling a fraction of this "wind a-whooping" this early morning. The patio sliding glass door is open and a crispy cool breeze is cascading through the screen. What a tremendous difference from one week ago! Autumn is in the air, although it is not beyond summer to throw in a few more heated punches.
I woke up with a great deal of disappointment yesterday. I seem to be in a season of good-byes, letting go, and embracing change. There are repetitious issues that have become wearisome; concerns that are being ignored. Things have been breaking or malfunctioning. Doors have closed and doors have opened...
Rather than belabor the nitty-gritty, I've poured myself a cup of lemon ginger tea and I'm ready to enjoy a few bouquets. Disappointment is nothing but a gloomy cloud that temporarily slips between life and sunshine.
Today's Bouquets:
- On Saturday morning, I walked into a Von's supermarket just in time to see 3 Firefighters paying for their groceries. A moment of inspiration hit me– actually something I had wanted to do for a long time. So, I rushed my coarse and returned with a Von's gift card. Before I could figure out how to discreetly handle this blessing, the cashier asked if I needed assistance. Now, with the full attention of the checkout line, I explained my mission to a smiling reception. I was then directed to Customer Service to expedite the transaction. The Firefighters were surprised and grateful, and I left the store knowing that my day had just shifted into high gear.
- I headed off to Catch the Vision, the performing arts studio where I teach Voice and Drama. We were having an Open House to attract interest to the Music Department. The colorful decorations were cheerful and inviting. Our guests nibbled on refreshments while enjoying a wide range of performances from the studio's teachers and students. Sean Warnecke, the Music Director, wrapped up the event with several blues and gospel numbers, ending with contemporary worship. It was a perfect time!
- When dinnertime arrived, my hubby and 2 sons wanted Taco Bell. This did not resonate with me, so off I went to Miyako for Japanese takeout. I ordered crunch roll and a salmon salad. I was given a free mug of hot green tea while I waited. After receiving my order, I was surprised with a free green tea ice cream cone, which was history before I pulled into my driveway. Isn't "free" a wonderful word?
- My 7-year old son, Brock, begins 2nd grade at a new elementary school tomorrow! We received favor for an inter-district transfer! Brock is ecstatic that he doesn't have to wear a uniform and he has already prepared his first show-and-tell speech.
- Our coffeemaker bit the dust. So, my husband, Barry, and my daughter, Briana, are learning the art of French Press. Aaaah, life is good!
- Today, my family and I were preparing to enter Target for school shopping when my son found a $100 bill in the parking lot!
This is a vintage illustration from a children's book. I am not sure what this little bugger is admiring at the tip of the branch. Coming from a children's story it could be anything. Any ideas?
Contentment is not satisfaction. It is the grateful, faithful, fruitful use of what we have, little or much. It is to take the cup of Providence, and call upon the name of the Lord. What the cup contains is its contents. To get all that is in the cup is the act and art of contentment. Not to drink because one has but half a cup, or because one does not like its flavor, or because somebody else has silver to one's own glass, is to lose the contents; and that is the penalty, if not the meaning, of discontent. No one is discontented who employs and enjoys to the utmost what he has. It is high philosophy to say, we can have just what we like if we like what we have; but this much at least can be done, and this is contentment: to have the most and best in life by making the most and best of what we have.
