Who needs a camera phone?

I went running this morning. 

 

I saw a goose sitting on top of a broken cottonwood stump, maybe 8-10 feet off the ground.  For once I wished I had a camera in my phone. 

 

Alas.

 

But, I have a box of crayons, and this will recall to my mind’s eye that beautiful image.  Indeed, if I had the camera phone, I would have been listening to music and not heard the goose and therefore not seen it.



this is me being ornery

…before

…after

rub here with dirt

From Wreck This Journal.  I wanted to journal about spring cleaning the front yard, and this page fit the situation perfectly.  Sunday I deadheaded flowers that I let go to seed, divided large clumps of flowers, cut back ornamental grasses, and vainly attempted to tame spreading Oregon grape holly.  I also raked leaves and swept up the little seeds from the maple tree – I like to throw the seeds up in the air and watch them spin back to earth.  Oh, and I did rub the pages in the dirt, just like my hands and my knees!

Seeds are started!

It’s a good day when the seeds for tomatoes and peppers are tucked into the starting medium.  Especially this year, with the first significant snowfall of the winter on the valley floor this morning.

If you don’t have enough time, stop watching tv.

I’m giving up tv for Lent…well, I am going to watch the Downton Abbey season finale Sunday night.  But after that…I went through the tivo season passes and Once Upon a Time is the only show I watch that Paul doesn’t.  Instead of watching tv, I hope to make a dent in my to-read queue on goodreads, do some sewing, archiving of family history, praying, etc…

the Holstee Manifesto starts out “This is your life. Do what you love and do it often.”  It also says, “If you don’t have enough time, stop watching tv.

At the end of Lent is the Resurrection of the One I follow.

What to give up for Lent

From The Christophers:

“Give up complaining—focus on gratitude.
“Give up pessimism—become an optimist.
“Give up harsh judgments—think kindly thoughts.
“Give up worry—trust Divine Providence.
“Give up discouragement—be full of hope.
“Give up bitterness—turn to forgiveness.
“Give up hatred—return good for evil.
“Give up anger—be more patient.
“Give up pettiness—become mature.
“Give up jealousy—pray for trust.
“Give up gossiping—control your tongue.
“Give up sin—turn to virtue.
“Give up giving up—hang in there!”

Engage

Each year I choose one word to change my life (read more on My One Word).  This year I was looking at where I wanted to invest my time, energy and resources.  I want to improve my relationship with God, with my family, with my community, and even myself.  The keyword that came to mind was “Engage.”  I commit to becoming involved in activities that grow my relationships.  I am going to take more responsibility for initiating interactions with my family and friends, knowing that I may not always be acknowledged in the way I would like.  But, Matthew Kelly says, “To love less is never the answer. The answer is always to love more.”