Midweek Daybook - The Valley Of Decision

 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision - Joel 3:14

Outside My Window - bright and warm-ish.My front yard is a reminder that dried leaves need to be blown and grass needs to be grown. There's a massive patch under our maple tree that refuses to yield to my green thumb (hahaha, I don't have one!)  It's quite the eye sore and may need professional help. 

I'm Wearing - an over-sized sweatshirt, blue moto leggings, and my trusty Birkenstock Mayari, alleviator of plantar fasciitis pain with a hint of being fashion-forward. It's mid-life "athleisure" at it's finest.

I'm Listening To - surprising quiet. There's  usually a cacophony of sound from children and toys and housekeeping tools. I will enjoy this moment while it lasts.

I'm Reading - nothing new. Digging into my Lent life pondering things, writing notes, soaking in mercy, anticipating hope, and napping in between.

I'm Looking Forward To - Spring Break! Despite the PTSD from a year of prolonged Spring Break, I'm welcoming this upcoming week. No major plans as we are still travel-limited but there's enough around here to explore and discover. Ohio is always an adventure and I'm thankful to live in such a scenic state with all its natural beauties.

I'm Pondering - the weight of decisions, especially the seemingly insignificant ones. The older I get, the more I feel entitled to a relief from small decisions. It's not  healthy to feel entitled about certain things but all the same, some small decisions are tiresome and it might be my path to heaven. I feel aggrieved (and yes, selfish somehow) with these little things. What to do with leftovers, who's going to clean what, what load of laundry to wash, who's going to fold, red or white, and countless other mindless things that my feeble soul trips over. I think I'm decision-fatigued, is all. Every waking moment of our days are decision-laced and some of them, even the smallest once, can seem like a boulder when it's really just a grain of sand. Pray for me.

I'm Praying - for those who suffer from post-covid effects. Also the St. Joseph Novena starts today. I look forward to that feast day every year.

What's Cooking - pot roast. I need to grocery shop!

Mom Treat - the weekend! Hopefully I don't have to make decisions then hahaha. Oh, and the new Spring Collection line from my beloved home business. There's no official public release date but my stylist-exclusive preview bundle is supposed to arrive on Friday. I already have favorites.

Life In A Snap -

the thaw

Ohio is an outdoorsy person's paradise

a throwback photo from last year when we were hunting down toilet paper before we went to the park

Daybook - Spring Hopes

Outside My Window - the sun deceives. There's a nip in the air despite the glare. I don't pin my hopes of Spring on these sunny days until at least May! 😀

I'm wearing - my other uniform, wool blend slacks and French terry hoodie. It is because of this blog entry that I get out of frumpy clothes.

I'm Listening To - my two boys bantering over who gets to do what as far as tidying the kitchen.

I'm Reading - the Bible (In A Year), day 61! All the mind-numbing numbering in Numbers was something I dreaded but Fr. Mike has a way of putting it all in perspective.

I'm Looking Forward To - the day after a new set launch in my side gig. So much happens between these launches and it's especially busy when it is at the beginning of the month. Between filing taxes, editing graphics for launch, party prep, mothering, homeschooling, housekeeping, etc...it's been a busy last few days. So tomorrow, I will take an "easy" day. 

I'm Pondering - Jesus resting. I marvel at this human side of God. I've always wondered what it's like not to have the sensation of being tired. What would I do if I never got tired?!  In hindsight, that may not be such a good thing. So we rest and there is nothing better, I think, than resting with Jesus. We can be tired together.

I'm Praying - for silent intentions, in your heart and mine, that's only known to God.

What's Cooking - tonight we are doing a quick steak dinner. Today's a good day not to have an elaborate dinner plan. 

Mom Treat - last week a week of treats. I had two coffee dates, a breakfast date, and a Holy Hour date. with dear friends. This week, I'm not sure what treat will happen. I didn't make plans, maybe it's sacrifice week instead. It's Lent after all!

Life In A Snap - an afternoon outdoors after what felt like a long Winter. 

Daybook - This Side Of Eden

Outside My Window - the usual Winter clouds but warmer than the last few weeks. The melting snow makes for a slippery step, the slurry of melt and mud erasing the beauty we beheld for so long. 

I'm Wearing - the usual uniform of sweatshirt dress and fleece leggings. I need my comfort clothes that takes me from home to public without looking frumpy. The older I get, the more my vanity shines.

I'm Listening To - praise playlist. Mondays need a healthy dose of Jesus to start my week right

I'm Reading - the Lenten Companion by Ascension Press. One of my friends bought it for our mom group. Not gonna lie, it is a challenging devotional. There's no happy-clappy feelings here, at least not for me. It's all about digging in, facing and asking hard questions. I've cried and cried some more. But through the tears is God's mercy and providence as I see all He has done for me. This is exactly the devotional I need this year. 

I'm Looking Forward To - all the Lent events. Adoration, Holy Hours, Stations of the Cross...all of it. Whereas the world offer fleeting joys and temporary outrages, the church offers consolation and redemption. 

I'm Pondering - see what I'm Reading above.

I'm Praying - the St. Michael novena for the young people in my life. They need that angelic patronage more than ever.

What's Cooking - NOTHING! We cooked a big batch of food last night. In part, for my oldest to bring back to uni. He was home for a visit. I can't believe he is almost finished his first year of college. He was happy to eat home-cooked meals and requested some faves which we were more than happy to oblige. 

Mom Treat - coffee dates this week. I'm so thankful for these small opportunities to not only get out of the house but have adult conversations and catching up with friends. 

Life In A Snap - 

once a year, at the beginning of Lent, I get my This Side Of Eden fix to remind me of the many retreats I spent at this Benedictine Abbey in Canada. Set on a hill overlooking the Fraser Valley, this place has seen me through so many moments of joy and despair. It's comforting not just to see the abbey but the many familiar faces in this documentary. I miss it but I'm always thankful for the memories and the work the Lord has done in my life through those retreats.

snow days are baking days

sun and snow in the Winter is a blessing

a Valentine's day feast courtesy of a caterer-friend

Daybook - Snowbound

Outside My Window - a lot of snow and more on the way. I haven't seen the dormant grass on my yard in awhile. The weatherman predicted up to 8 inches of snow. I wouldn't mind another snow day.

I'm Wearing - gray velvet fleece leggings, hooded tunic, cabin socks, gaiter doubling as headband. Another Ohio winter uniform on this cold holiday Monday.

I'm Listening To - the laundry spin cycle. Which means my house is unusually silent for having all five kids at home and a husband who is off from work. Maybe I should check in and see what quiet mischief they are all working on hahaha

I'm Reading - and finished Hallie Lord's new book. I've decided to support some of my favorite gals even if their story does not always resonate with me. And Hallie is one of those people. We have a few things in common but something about her mix of joy, candor, and melancholy is something I appreciate. If nothing else, it opens me up to something new and my prayer life is all the more enriched by it. 

I'm Looking Forward To - LENT. That's all there is to say about that.

I'm Pondering - how almost ironic that leading up to the feast of St. Valentine's, I have gotten prayer requests for floundering marriages and relationships. It always breaks my heart a little when marriages are hurting. I think as Christians we all share in the devastation of a broken sacrament. 

I'm Praying - for all marriages, floundering or flourishing.

What's Cooking - a Filipino style stew with bone marrow and veggies and all the good things to warm cold bodies. Planning the usual Mardi Gras feast for tomorrow so lots of baking and bacon!

Mom Treat - a Winter hike. It's good for both body and soul.

Life In A Snap - 

I think he's tired of playing in the snow

the unusual moments of sitting in the backseat with a cute kid

recess

Daybook - I Called, You Answered

Once I said in my anguish, "I am cutoff from your sight", yet you heard the sound of my pleading when I cried out to you - Psalm 31-23

Outside My Window - snowpocalypse 2.0 after an icy, snowy, slushy weekend.  The snow just started swirling again right before I had to pick up my middle child from school. The roads were a bit dicey this morning but I survived the drive.

I'm Wearing - the best $25 I ever spent on clothes with a hooded sweatshirt dress, fleece-lined on the inside and blanket like on the outside. I'm of the mind that there is no bad weather, just bad gear. My snow gear needs to stand up to Ohio weather. For the rest of my ensemble, fleece-lined leggings, dangling earrings, and my tiara-like headband.

I'm Listening To - chatter between my husband and kids

I'm Reading - nothing of note other than the usual devotionals. I'm perusing my bookshelves to plan Lenten reading.

I'm Looking Forward To - virtual school days this week for my boy. He is the only one who is on campus everyday but these next few days they are all-virtual. I'm a homeschool mom at heart so when my kids are all home my heart is happy.

I'm Pondering - see above Scripture passage. It's from today's Mass readings and I was so struck by how true this is in my life. It's a reminder for me that once I'm done with the pity party, the Lord is still there waiting for me to snap out of it. I promise, my thoughts were more deep and eloquent than that lol.

What's Cooking - my daughter has a slow roast in the crockpot and she also baked a chocolate cake. Life is good for this mama on this Monday.

Homeschool Is Cool - seven wonders of the ancient world and such and some Lenten planning happening. 

Mom Treat - one of the things I've splurged on is pre-made salads. I don't know about you but I usually have no appetite for foods I make. I love salads and I love it even more now that the grocery store makes it for me, saving me time, giving me variety, and making me eat something healthy.

Life In Snapshots -

the calm before the winter storm

yummy treat

senior night at our nephew's hockey game

Daybook - A Few Of My Favorite Things

Outside My Window - back to the usual Winter Monday, cold and cloudy. The freezing rain last night made for an "exciting" drive this morning. More wintry weather on the way. As much as I would like to complain about the weather, there's something comforting about days like these. Hiding under warm blankets and books and podcasts and dreams that only a day at home can bring.

I'm Wearing - ocean blue moto leggings, black tunic length hoodie, birkenstocks, silver and rose gold earrings

I'm Listening To - my boys quizzing each other on their spelling words and laughing at the intentional misspellings and mispronunciations

I'm Reading - I've had so many books thrown my way this week. All good, devotionals and meditation books. That's what my current state of mind and spirit needs right now.

I'm Looking Forward To - reading and praying through abovementioned books with my bro moms. Our kids call themselves the bro squad so we are naturally called bro moms. We're doing a St. Joseph consecration and Lent prep together. It will probably be mostly on Zoom or Marco Polo. At the height of pandemic last year, Marco Polo saved our sanities.  How do you stay in touch with your friends?

I'm Pondering - I'm all pondered out and it's only Monday. Today is ora et labora day. I try not to overthink the ora part too much. The Lord moves where He wishes and my heart is open. It's a good day to just listen.

I'm Praying - for the usual suspects hahaha. A few added intentions from prayer requests received last week. 

What's Cooking - probably leftovers because we have enough that need to be consumed. I haven't made the much needed grocery trip so add "meal planning" to my chores today.

Homeschool Is Cool - fractions and polygons and the ensuing laughter at our inability to draw anything past pentagon. All crooked lines and miscounted segments. We are math failures today.

Mom Treat - I've been binging on Asian (martial arts) movies and I have yet to find something that does not end in tragedy so I need a different treat! Maybe I should revisit old Jet Li or Jackie Chan movies.

A Few Of My Favorite Things In Photos - if you have known me for awhile you know my history of posting seasonal favorites. I've let that go by the wayside but today is a good day for a comeback. So, here we go: 

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Primer - I've worn different primers courtesy of my Ipsy subscription. This one is currently my number one favorite. I've had a Marc Jacobs on my wish list for awhile but I just erased it after using this one. The formula is light with the correct amount of tint, it's non-drying and perfect when I'm on the go and need just a hint of luminous coverage. It works really well with my favorite Pur foundation.

Ijoy Logo - Good budget bluetooth headphones, and its rose gold! One of my kids asked for this on their birthday and after borrowing it, I knew I need one for me. It's comfortable to both head and ears, good sound quality, long-lasting charge. I've been enjoying listening to music and podcasts while I'm doing chores.

OGX Teatree Mint Shampoo - Winter is hard not just on my skin but on my scalp. My daughter is an OGX brand fan and wanted to try a new scent. This shampoo is soooo good, it's non-drying, does not weight the hair down and that tingly mint feeling on the scalp is everything! My scalp is no longer itchy and dry. I have yet to try the matching conditioner but my daughter approves so I assume it is good.

Etsy Disc Necklace - if you are looking for an affordable present for yourself or somebody else, I highly recommend these customizable initial necklaces. I bought one with my husband's and my initials and I couldn't be happier with the quality. Delivery was also lightning fast. The Etsy shop is here - https://www.etsy.com/shop/QQ47

 

Ohio Stamped Bracelet - Also from Etsy, I first saw this worn by a  Color Street stylist and I knew I had to get one. Ohio's been my home now for over 20 years so I have to represent! Etsy store here - https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarettaCoastCo

 

Daybook - The Trespassing Friend

 "Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:23-24

Outside My Window - what is this bright orb that illumines this day?! I can't remember the last time I saw the sun but here it is. It melted the light dusting of snow on the ground and highlights the fact that windows need to be washed and dust bunnies need banishing. 

I'm Wearing - a bright pink/orange fleece pullover, sherbet-like almost, that is blinding to the eyes but excellent for summoning a good mood. If I had known the sun would show up I would have worn something less retina-burning. But my brain is happy. Wool pants and birkenstocks, and the most beautiful glass-like nail art ever created with dry nail polish. I told you I'm in a happy mood.

I'm Listening To - central heating. My boys are outside slaying whatever imaginary foes lurk in the backyard. I haven't heard any screaming or fighting so I will assume all is bliss.

I'm Reading - still working on the Victoria Arlen book I mentioned at last week's daybook. 

I'm Pondering - anger (see above Scripture quote). I cannot tell you how many angry posts I have read on social media just this last week. It saddens me to see that people are prepared to lose bonds of friendship over politics. I cannot imagine telling someone in the face that we can no longer be friends because of who they voted for. Do we really have the courage to tell people to their faces that they are no longer our friend because of their political affiliation?  Can we go knock on their door, look them in the eye and tell them in person instead of spewing our indignance on our keyboards and screens? I don't know. It is all too much. I reserve real anger for evil and I can honestly say I do not know anyone who is evil enough to say we can no longer be friends. After all, I would be lying if I carry this hatred in my heart yet plead for the Father everyday to forgive my trespasses if I cannot forgive another for the perceived trespasses they have inflicted on me, political or otherwise.

I'm Praying - for forgiveness. Because we all need it. For my friend and her family who lost her husband to covid. It's not my loss to write about so I won't write any more only to ask that if you are the praying kind please pray for my friend Tiffany and her five children.

The Week Ahead - laundry and purging clothes and toys that no longer serve us. I find no emotional connection to things and toys that are past their prime so it's easier to purge with a sense of detachment. 

What's Cooking - a slow roast in the oven. I always enjoy the kind of cooking that involves little prep and attention but with a promise of great flavor. Asian cooking tends to be very labor intensive so I save those for days that I'm not running around. Maybe this weekend.

Homeschool Is Cool - back to the usual grind but I have to look back at old notes for some fun artsy and also science-y things to do. Winter is the right time to do these exciting things.

Mom Treat - Holy Hour Adoration date with mom friends. If that is not the ultimate mom treat, I don't know what is.

Life Snaps - how is it that I haven't taken a lot of photos? Here's the lone one worth posting here

Daybook - A Day Late

Outside My Window - Oh hey, it's another Winter day that's gloomy and cloudy and cold as heck! 

I'm Wearing - a black thermal tunic and fleece-lined leggings in a crazy print that I absolutely love. One of these days my chronological age will catch up with my brain age. For now, crazy print it is to keep me feeling alive and youthful.

I'm Listening To - my boys discussing swords and hammers. Boy stuff in a mostly boy household. The swish of a dishwasher that my husband just loaded and ran. 

I'm Reading - I'm about to crack open a new book I picked up after the author spoke at Color Street's kickoff conference. The book is Locked In: The Will To Survive and the Resolve To Live by Victoria Arlen. I was really moved by her story having been locked in a body in a seemingly vegetative state but a mind that is fully aware. I may have shed a few tears at a dry nail polish conference! Here's another link that details some of her life story -https://aleteia.org/2018/09/18/while-seemingly-locked-in-a-vegetative-state-espns-victoria-arlen-relied-on-prayer-to-survive

I'm Pondering - all that's happened around me shortly after the New Year. The tragedy of a friend losing her husband suddenly to covid, the events and unrest at the capital, more people around me getting sick with the virus, pleas for prayers from friends who are suffering distress for one reason or another. I don't think it's coincidence that we are reading through the Book of Job at Bible In A Year. A book that did not have a tidy, happy ending, answering all the mysterious ways of God. As emotionally and mentally exhausting our world has become and feeling it even more as I read through the emotionally and mentally exhausting book of Job, I'm also finding myself getting deeper into the meaning of "surrender". A surrender to God's plan, a more courageous resolve to cooperate with His work in my life, and an intense desire to live as the saints lived. 

I'm Praying - "Lord, make me a saint!" For now, that's the only prayer that matters in my life.

The Week Ahead - putting away ALL Christmas decoration. Our live Christmas tree and outdoor decorations were were taken down last week but we still have the fake one up. Lots of tidying, organizing, and purging in the next few days as we move a child to college campus. 

What's Cooking - ribs for dinner at the request of moving child. 

Homeschool Is Cool -paring down our topic for composition. One child is an eager writer, the other not so much. I've always had a mix of reluctant and eager students in this household, it's nothing new so I should probably get used to it.

Mom Treat - I have to think about this for the week. It's been rough with unexpected car repairs, and other real life things that's dampening an already sour mood. Maybe if I can scoot over to Holy Hour, it could be my treat for the week.

Life Snaps - 

covid-19 testing before campus arrival

despite the heartbreaking loss to Alabama my nails were on point

one last disc golf family match before dropping off this dude to be an adult

Daybook - New Year, New Tears

Outside My Window - it's a Monday in Winter, so it goes to follow that it's cloudy and cold. Will next week's daybook be sunny? A girl can dream. I don't mind it so much if I feel well but on a day like today when I'm a bit under the weather and can't go for a walk it is not helpful.

I'm Wearing - wool blend pants, black cardigan and a hole-y shirt under. Didn't realize the holes until I took off my cardigan so the remedy was just put it back on lol. I love my Loft tees, hole-y or not. A grey knit cap because it's cold in Ohio.

I'm Listening To - the steady hum of our old desktop computer. It's probably on its last leg but with all our laptops, phones, and tablets I don't foresee replacing it.

I'm Reading - the Bible In A Year. So technically speaking it's a podcast but I do read along with the chapters for the day. It's packed and informative and I'm learning new things and re-learning things that I've forgotten. 

I'm Pondering - that passage on Genesis 3:21, The LORD God made for the man and his wife garments of skin, with which he clothed them. Not gonna lie, I ugly cried A LOT on this chapter having recognized myself in some of the more intricate drama of this chapter. The Father's love replacing the fig leaves with animal skin (an animal, of whom Adam and Eve was originally stewards of, was sacrificed) before banishing them from the garden. There's just so many layers in this deep chapter that pierced my heart with the gravity not just of sin but of God's love. To ponder both, in my case, was to shed so many tears.

What's Cooking - spaghetti for dinner because it's National Spaghetti Day!

The Week Ahead - preparing to move our oldest in to college campus after a semester of virtual studies. Will I cry over that too? Probably!

Homeschool Is Cool - we bought the boys new story books as Christmas gifts so we are excited to crack those open. We didn't go back to school today as I haven't been feeling well. We should be good to go tomorrow.

Mom Treat - a dark roast Tim Horton's coffee. Because it's Monday and Mondays need a strong jolt of caffeine.

Prayers - I feel like covid is closing in on us with so many we personally know who have tested positive, most symptomatic. So we are praying for the end of this pandemic, friends who have asked for intercessory prayers, and of course, to a better year ahead.

Life Snaps- 

coffee 

more coffee lol

chatting with the fam in Canada and Asia on New Year's Eve

out and about on a beautiful December day

my confused fashion sense at home, let's call this Winter Tropical fusion

this won't be a daybook if I don't post my mani from the previous week

A 2020 Reflection

Happy New Year, friends. It’s me again, the second child. 

I hope that you found small joys and true rest and peace in the abundance of downtime that 2020 brought. I hope that this coming year will be one of joy and peace and relief. I am so, so excited for all that this year is already offering me, but more on that another time. Right now, I want to share some of the things I am learning. I had a lot of time to think and reflect during this past year, and I came to so many good realizations and I have grown so much. I am still growing, which is good. There is an abundance of goodness in learning and growth and it is so insanely rewarding to see change in oneself. Anyways, here we go. I tried to fit in as much as I could remember at the time, but I have absolutely no doubt that there is so much more that I haven’t included. 

I am learning the value of rest. That it is okay to stop and relax. That I don’t need to be busy and working at every moment. The world isn’t going to end if I take some time to sleep or lay down and do nothing for a little while. 

I am learning that not everything can be planned, not every conversation can be scripted. Heavy thought isn't required in every single situation. That there is goodness in spontaneity, and unplanned events tend to bring some of best memories.

I am teaching myself to slow down and breathe. To step back and look at things from a distance so I can see my work in it's entirety instead on focusing on every imperfect detail, because I will never achieve perfection. It’s like looking at a painting. With every step back, it looks prettier and prettier and it comes together nicely But when you look at it up close, you notice all of the imperfections. 

I am learning the importance of language. To not use extremes like “I have to” and “I need to,” but instead, words like “it would be good to” and “it would be helpful to.” How our language and tone helps convey emotions and feelings in a clearer sense.

I am learning that life isn’t black and white, that there are an infinite amount of options and outcomes for every situation. Like how there are an infinite amount of points between any other two points on a line (that lesson always stuck out to me in math class, and now I understand why). 

I am learning that not everything is always as it seems. Multiple perspectives should be heard, if not all, and they should be heard with an open mind and heart. They should not be shut down. There is always multiple sides to a story, and if someone is hurting, then their hurt is valid and they are just as worthy of comfort and love no matter their stance versus another’s. We are all made in the image and likeness of Christ and we are all human. Jesus holds a special place for each and every one of us and will never stop longing for us and loving us unconditionally. He calls us to do the same, no exceptions. 

I am learning not to reflect so much and concern myself with past mistakes. That it is okay to make mistakes. I try to tell myself that I did what I thought was best or what I could do at the time, and as long as I tried and it was my best then it is okay. If I am aware of my mistakes, that means I am capable of growing past them and changing if I haven’t already, and that is something to celebrate.

I am learning to let people love me and help me and care for me. That I can’t go through life alone. I was made aware of my tendency to not let people in, and I've reflected on that a lot recently because I know it's true. But I am growing from that. I am learning. My friend reminded me a few months ago that we are made for community, we aren’t meant to be alone. We are made to love and for love. I'm learning what it is to be a part of a community.

I am learning to surrender my chronic overthinking and planning to Jesus. To place all of my worries in His hands and to let Him take control. Complete surrender is a scary thing, especially for someone who is a bit of a control freak and likes to push people away in favor of independence. But I am trying and reminding myself that it takes time and practice and that ultimate joy and peace comes in following the will of the Father. I am trying to remind myself that God’s timing is perfect and He has a plan through all of the uncertainty, so my worries and plans aren’t necessary and the best I can do is have faith and trust. here’s a note to self I made in a recent journal entry: don’t avoid prayer/adoration/Jesus. you will never feel better by doing so. you will only find relief in Him

I am learning to see Jesus in everything. That He can work through anyone and anything. That He reveals Himself and His love in so many ways. That He is present in everything. In cotton candy sunsets, in warm breezes. In good moments and in bad. In my late night ponderings the other night I was thinking about how Jesus is goodness. He is incapable of error, and even though we may suffer, He is the good in suffering. The small moments of relief and rest, the strength to go on, and lessons and growth that come from suffering. He is there every step of the way. Even when we struggle to see the good in our suffering, it is there. He is there. 

2020 was not the year any of us had in mind, but it was a year of growth and lessons and I am thankful for so many of my experiences this year. I hope you all have something good to remember when you look back on this year, that there were blessings in the storms. And if you are struggling to find something good, it is good that you are still here. Surviving this year is an accomplishment in itself and you should be celebrating. I am praying for you all <3

in honor of Mama Mary's feast day being January 1st, here's a photo from when I visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in January

so so many pictures of sunsets and clouds this year but these clouds were unreal and i wish i could have captured them in their full glory

ps. here’s a link to my worship playlist on Spotify, I just felt called to share it. It’s still very much incomplete, but it’s one of those things that will be ever growing as Jesus shares more of Himself with me and more music is released and I discover more. anyways, enjoy :)))) 

p.p.s. if you listen to it and wanna share anything or wanna share any lessons you’ve learned this year or a good memory or literally anything it all, i would love to hear it. you know where to find me! (and if you don't, you can comment here. or reach out to my mama if you know her personally & she will relay any messages to me hehe) 

Daybook - Pondering The Out Of Tune Singer

Outside My Window - all vestiges of a White Christmas are puddled and messy as the temps have risen since our county went into Level 1 snow emergency on Christmas Eve. But what a beautiful eve it was despite the somewhat perilous trek to Midnight Mass. All I have are memories on my camera and in my heart and mind.

I'm Listening To - a teen-ager's phone playing American Pie. Our musical taste have heavily influenced our kid's playlists. Every so often I get updated on what's hip by exchanging lists with them, keeps me young and unnecessarily hip for my age. I must admit enjoying Taylor Swift's album with a Bon Iver cameo. Can't go wrong with Bon Iver. 

I'm Reading - purposely avoiding any political things. I'm still working my way through the re-read of Joy To The World (Scott Hahn) but mostly light reading to inspire my creative juices for the upcoming year.

I'm Wearing - linen lounge pants, a dri-fit top, and my Stella & Tide Bravely necklace. This was a present for myself to celebrate an incredible year with Color Street. When I first signed up with them I knew I wanted Saint Zelie Martin to be my business patron. Mother of saints and business owner, how could I not want to emulate that? Anyhow when I saw the Bravely necklace while shopping for my daughter (she's a Stella fan) I knew I had to get it. I love the beautiful sentiment behind the piece which is a quote from Saint Zelie - "The good Lord does not do things by halves; He always gives what we need. Let us, then, carry on bravely"

I'm Pondering - the introspection of Advent had me going into the Christmas season aware of my failings and weaknesses in all aspects of my life. I was feeling pretty low on the way to Mass trying to sort out everything in prayer. As Mass got underway, a very enthusiastic singer a couple of pews away had me chuckling out of my morose mood. I wasn't internally laughing because of the admittedly not very good singing. To preface this, I'm a bit spoiled having grown up in a culture that is historically musical. Our parish also happens to have one of the best choirs in the diocese. Whether it be music or life, there's certain part of me that seeks all these perfections to feed that emotional (also selfish) part of me. So when the imperfect singing commenced behind me, there was that instant realization that my perceived failings really deserve the mercy of the imperfect. Because in the imperfection I knew more than ever that I needed help, I needed God. The laughter I was trying to contain wasn't because the singing was bad but at the realization that I don't deserve the perfect singing. I deserved this out-of-tune yet wholehearted baritone as an analogy to my out-of-tune life. And there's the joy, through the imperfect, God seeks me in love, out of my self-pity and into the joy of the life in tune with His. I have never been more thankful and joyful for the less than perfect pitch. So today, sing your joy!

I'm Looking Forward To - wearing a sparkly outfit on New Year's Eve, at home. Because why the heck not?!

Mom Treat - in photo

Prayers - continuing prayers for friends. A better 2021.

Snapshots -