Finding joy in the everyday

Dear blog readers,  There will no blog today (Monday) as on Sunday (when I was writing this) it was simply too gorgeous outdoors to be sitting at my computer.  Being indoors seems such a waste . . . so I am off to sit in the sun and absorb my vitamin D and read a book + drink a mug of Jasmine tea and eat a ham sandwich (on Spelt bread).  If the weather is perfect where you, please do the same.  The dusting can wait, the bits on the floor will still be there to vacuum and the dishes aren't going anywhere. There is very little that can't spare a few moments so you too can sit outside and listen to the birds and soak up Gods wonderful weather. Spending a few minutes or hours outside in the warmth and sunshine is good for your health and will make you happy .    H appy W eek to you all. Love Jo xxx P.S. just looking at these flowers makes me feel joyful :) I pray that I have passed on some of that joy and happiness to you, wherever you and whatever you...

  Mother and Child Reading by Frederick Warren Freer T o my grown-up son Author unknown M y hands were busy through the day; I didn't have much time to play The little games you asked me to- I didn't have much time for you. I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook; But when you'd bring your picture book And ask me please to share your fun,  I'd say: " A little later, son " I 'd tuck you in all safe at night, And hear your prayers, turn out the light, Then tip-toe softly to the door. . . I wish I'd stayed a minute more. F or life is short, the years rush past . . . A little boy grows up so fast. No longer is he at your side, His precious secrets to confide. The picture books are put away; There are no longer games to hear- That's all belongs to yesteryear. M y hands, once busy, now are still. The days are long and hard to fill. I wish I could go back and do The little things you asked me to. From " Stories for the heart " ...

Thought I would share 2 DVDs I have watched recently that I have really enjoyed. The Victorian Kitchen examines life in the kitchen 100 years ago.  What was it like for the cook working in a large country house in Britain?  Tough to say the least - no fancy machines to do the work, no fast foods or cans to grab . . . a fire to keep hot and constant demand for fancy from the family.  It really makes our lives look very easy in comparison.  This was a great series (made in 1996) and full of fascinating information - I found the way stock was made so interesting and glad it doesn't take me three days!! Also interesting was looking at how food was keep cold, the making of ice-cream and the role of the kitchen garden. This would make a good resource for homeschooling - eg life before the refrigerator, storing food over winter.  Made by the BBC.  I gave this one 4 stars - wish it had provided more information on the recipes.  DH quite enjoyed watching ...

The lovers Artist: John Atkinson Grimshaw (1836-1893) Born: Leeds, United Kingdom Part of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood - Painter of the Moonlight According to the Tate Museum: "Grimshaw was famous for his night scenes, in particular for his views of the docks at Liverpool, Glasgow and Hull. Here he concentrates on the golden glow cast from the shop fronts through the fog, and reflected on the wet cobbles. The omnibus receding from the viewer down a perfectly straight street is a characteristic and effective device, which Grimshaw repeated many times in such works. Grimshaw was entirely self-taught, and had begun life as a railway clerk. He was much influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites, whose precisely detailed style he initially copied in his landscapes. He gradually moved towards a more ethereal evocation of light and atmosphere somewhat reminiscent of Whistler." Grimshaw was born in Leeds in 1836. His father was a policeman and both parents were strict Baptis...

What is wrong with this quote? “ If women are to participate fully in corporate life, Australia must embrace the nanny culture ." This was said recently by Carolyn Hewson, an Australian company director.  She goes on to say '' We do not have a nanny culture in this country, and it severely hampers us ” .  So what is she really saying: women are being hampered by their children who are getting the way of their ambitious plans to rise up the corporate ladder. Solution - outsource the care of your child to a full-time nanny. It doesn't matter that you may never see your child, but at least you can hold a senior position in a company.  Someone else will care for your children, cook for them, be there when they get home from school, entertain them during the school holidays and comfort them when they are sick — but at least you will hold a senior position in corporate Australia. Karen Miles (author of The Real Baby Book You Need at 3am) says " Society tel...

 I read an article in the Sydney Morning Herald last week ( link ) called "Believers are nicer".  Briefly, the article was based on research undertaken by Robert Putnam, professor of public policy at Harvard University, in which he found that  " religious people make better citizens and neighbours " . . . " On every measurable scale, religious Americans are more generous, more altruistic and more involved in civic life than their secular counterparts. "  According to the article: Putnam and his team interviewed 3000 people twice over two years, asking a range of questions about people's religious lives as well as their civic involvement, social relationships, political beliefs, economic situation and demographic profile. I am not writing about whether religious people are nicer or not, that isn't the purpose of this blog story.  My comments centre around the 403 comments people have left in regards to this news article.  A certain type of per...

How often do you visit your local supermarket and as you are leaving are handed a lovely bunch of flowers - free.  Not very often. And as I can't physically share them with you - please enjoy this "virtual" bouquet of flowers. Nothing fancy, but they are pretty never-the-less. Flowers in my house are always in danger of being eaten by one not so small fluffy creature.  As a result any flowers I have need to be in the kitchen in case they are knocked over by "accident".  Words were spoken after this photo was taken. ~oOo~ And whilst on the subject of flowers, I passed these beautiful ones on a walk with DH last weekend. I think they are cherry blossom?  The blossom this year is very good, perhaps all the rain and cold weather has been the secret. This was taken during our walk last weekend. No walks this weekend, it is icy cold and windy - nothing like last weekend when it was warm and sunny. Its always uplifting to see people caring for their neighbourhood a...