The library’s open again! 🙂
It’s still quite restricted, though – only ten people in at a time, and it’s just to drop off and pick up. We stocked up before isolation, so had a few bags to take back the other day. I picked up a few new ones while I was there, but I’ve got my new books from the other day as well.
My library basket by the bed, complete with teddy to guard it ❤
It’s a good time to get some new books to read, but it would be easier to put the ones you want on hold. You can do it online or via the app, if you have a library card. You can look through the shelves, but there’s not a lot there at the moment, both because people took up to fifty items out before the closures, and because books that have been returned go through a quarantine period. If you put your books on hold you’ll be notified when they’re available, so you can just go in and pick them up.
Sweet Bean just went in today to pick up his DVD. I’m glad he loves the library as much as I do 🙂 Saying that, this is what he picked up…
A cold change seems to have materialised overnight, and the overcast sky continues. I woke up late this morning, which was nice in that I got a sleep in, but also meant that I didn’t get my day going till late…
I had a list of things I wanted to do today, but it’s been hard to get motivated. You know when you just feel flat, and nothing really matters? That – plus my toes are still slightly frozen. I find that when my feet and hands are cold, it takes forever to warm up.
I wasted the morning feeling guilty about not being able to find the motivation to Do Something, although I have done the washing. Yay! I’m fortunate to not have a schedule that needs to be completed, although having appointments to be fulfilled means I have to get out there and do stuff. Feeling flat means brain power is slower, and everything is much harder. I eventually decided to give, so I am now in fluffy socks and dressing gown, thawing nicely with a hot chocolate. This post may be the extent of my creative endeavours today!
Had a look around the pots in the garden – there are seedlings still living. Life can’t be too bad if there are things growing!
Anyone who’s seen a TV series called “Monk” may have given a passing thought to how Adrian Monk might handle a pandemic.
Now you can find out!
The actual Monk mini episode starts at 1:40…
There’s seems to be an opportunity to support essential workers through a link if you go to YouTube, although it might be restricted to the US (doesn’t work for me).
If you have a favourite actor or singer, it might be worth googling them to see if they’ve released any content recently – a lot of people are. Or just binge watch the shows you love!
I ordered from two separate places, and it turned out that they were both due today. One of the parcels came this morning, the other had to be picked up from the post office this afternoon (card in the mailbox). I’m not sure why the second one wasn’t delivered, since they were both supposed to be delivered by Australia Post, and we were definitely at home…
Here’s my first parcel, from an online second hand bookstore run by Save The Children Fund. I just clicked on it to have a look, noticed it was free delivery for orders over $30, then started to see books I’d been wanting to get for a while…
Also some that just looked good…
My other delivery was a book I first saw on my birthday outing this year, and I’ve been thinking about getting it since.
It’s lyrics and artwork by Joni Mitchell from the 70s – I’m looking forward to delving into it 🙂
Isolation has been a great chance to write and create, but it’s hard to get the impetus to actually do it! Waiting for inspiration to strike before doing anything generally means…nothing gets done. I’ve taken to trailing around with an assortment of books, so the paper’s there to write whenever I can. It’s so much easier to get stuff done when you don’t have to go searching for materials!
My frame of reference these days is much smaller than it has been in the past. Most days the patch of outdoors I see is the back garden and the sky above the back fence. It could feel claustrophobic, but usually there’s a comforting consistency.
I’ve travelled in my past life, and seen beautiful views and magnificent natural weather patterns – from storms to snow to crashing seas. One day, I will again.
I believe there is a Creator, and that He is ever present and always listening, ready to answer our prayers. It can be much easier to see His presence in the wildness of the storms, but I also see the quiet whispers in my own little patch of sky.
“God’s splendor is a tale that is told; his testament is written in the stars. Space itself speaks his story every day through the marvels of the heavens. His truth is on tour in the starry vault of the sky, showing his skill in creation’s craftsmanship. 2 Each day gushes out its message to the next, night with night whispering its knowledge to all.” Psalm 19:1-2 (Passion translation)
Here’s a taste of my personal skies over the last week or so…
While restrictions are lifting a bit further this weekend we’re still pretty much in lockdown. Days are slower, and it can be hard to remember what day it actually is!
There are still lines and social distancing rules in place when shopping, so that’s another chunk of waiting time to ponder the surroundings…or perhaps the deeper questions of the universe, if you’re so inclined.
I wasn’t feeling especially philosophical while waiting for my coffee at Rafter and Rose, so I took the opportunity to take photos 🙂 I hadn’t ordered ahead (order by Wednesday to pick up on Friday) so just got whatever was there, which this time meant the last iced brioche doughnut!
Isn’t it pretty?
What else did I see?
Eclectic decor, with the big lightbulbs shining over it all…
If you’re in need of pumpkins, they’ve got you covered.
And Bunnies!
Ubiquitous and diverse…
(Just a representation 🙂 )
I left with a suggestion to ponder, while savouring my coffee and doughnut…
There’s a thing going round on Facebook asking Mums about their firstborns – the “ones that made them a mother”. I get what it’s saying, and I know having my first was a huge leap into trying to figure out the motherhood thing… I also know I didn’t stop learning with my second!
Here are my babies! Aren’t they gorgeous?
It’s quite a few years now after this photo was taken – they’re a lot taller (with more hair). They went through a rough patch a few years ago when they seemed to fight all the time but now they get on just as well as in this photo – just with much less cuddling!
I can only speak for my own family, but I suspect it’s a similar story for most. My boys have quite a lot in common – they react to some things in the same way – but in other ways they are quite different. A lot of my mothering journey has consisted of learning who they are individually and what they need from me. Mothers’ Day is a day when I get a glimpse of how they’re watching and listening to me. They both ask me what I want for days such as today; I generally tell them that I’m happy with whatever they choose, as long as they’ve thought about who I am. This can cause some angst for them, but I’ve never been disappointed ❤
Here’s their choices 😀
And yes, I know it’s not about the presents but my love language is gifts and that gives me a glimpse of what they’re thinking. I love their choices! The best gift for me, though, is that I can tell they’ve thought about me ❤
All these years on, I’ve loved my journey in getting to know these beautiful boys.
Looking forward to all the years ahead!
So, the isolation period is still ongoing, with a quick side trip to pick up groceries from time to time (although I don’t usually go on those). We’re doing fine – we’re used to being at home together, anyway!
I got to thinking about gratitude, and what I have to be thankful for. There’s been times in my life that were hard, and it was easy to complain. I’ve had to learn over the years that thankfulness is often a matter of choice – of choosing to capture the moments of grace, to see the good things in the ones you love, and to remember the everyday privileges of living in a developed country where basic needs are provided without much thought or worry. Life is an opportunity to find the good, and pass it on!
Today I’m taking it easy, sorting out some stuff, finishing some things. I’m a bit achy – somehow I managed to pull something in my back/shoulderblade last night, apparently just by picking up a cup of tea… I never knew I was so talented! After an application of heat and a good night’s sleep it’s not too bad, but I’m moving slowly.
So, what is there to be thankful for?
The rain right now – it’s so beautiful. Bit chilly, but peaceful.
Lots and lots of books! And the ability to read them. I’ve had a good education, which has helped in my life in more ways than I can think of.
Having the leisure at this time to read/blog/chill out on YouTube.
The use of the internet, which helps me to stay connected with the world.
Friends to stay connected with!
Our little garden which, though tiny and ragged, is visited by beautiful wildlife – butterflies, dragonflies, bees and the occasional inquisitive cat.
My beautiful family, who are the best people for me to be spending isolation with. I rarely see Biggest Boy (he’s in his room, mostly) but when he emerges he pats me on the head affectionately and has a chat. And Sweet Bean always opens the back door for me when I’m taking the washing basket out, because he’s sweet and kind! My Babe goes out of his way to get nice things while shopping, and always makes sure we’re doing well.
All in all, they’re the Best Ever ❤ !
A connection and relationship with God, which has always helped me through difficult times, especially when there was no other help near.
Here’s a clip of a song doing the rounds, which I’ve been seeing on people’s feeds, but have only just got around to watching. It’s a whole list of UK churches getting together (virtually) to sing a blessing.
I was unprepared for the wave of homesickness that washed over me as I listened. The words are a version of a blessing from the earliest books of the Bible, and which I’ve heard many times in my life.
I’ve been to a couple of these churches, and gone to the concerts of a couple of the individuals in the clip. This virus has separated us in a lot of ways, but I think it’s also helped us see how close we can be, and how much we are connected.
Be blessed.
It’s a new day!
Today can be also be known as “Star Wars day” (May the fourth be with you!), and it’s also Labour Day here.
In honour of both (or at least a depiction of how not to be a boss…), here’s Kylo Ren as an undercover boss.
a bit of creativity, a bit of eco consciousness, a bit of inspiration.... hopefully not a lot of pompousness and blathering :D
i'm not entirely sure what's going on here... let's travel along and see...
