My Grama's Soul

Even though it is the Holiday Season, I have not been deterred from purging and getting a little more organized. It is always such a treat to unearth small books with a great message. This particular book was found many years ago and while once again looking at it made me realize that each of us is drawn to a particular kind of writer or writing.  Personally...I want to be entertained when I read.  Character development and description is just as important as the story line. The quirkier ...... the better.  Oh, I read the occasional non-ficton ... but fiction is the real clincher for me.  Hopefully there will be a moral when done, but it is not a necessity in my case. With this recent move I have been able to give five big boxes of books to our local library. Holding  a book  in my hands is still a must for me. Even though I use my I-Pad often when we travel....there is still such a thrill discovering an old book that has obvi...

Still busy packing and getting ready for our move on July 24th....we are excited and busy. Stay well dear friends. Jo Photo:  Kim Klassen

Have not been here for quite sometime.  We have so much going on that blogging seems to have fallen to the bottom of the pile.  Just a quick update: We have sold our current home. We have purchased another home that is considerably smaller. Currently we are going through things and selling or giving away what we know will not be necessary in our new wonderful little spot. Although Brad and I are certainly not what I consider "old" I really wanted to do this while we were both still healthy and able to manage this huge task. Which brings me to the purpose of this post.......   As I spend my days packing and sorting  I am able to reflect on many things in life....and one of them is the concept of "hard work".   I have always believed that ALL WORK is dignified...whether one is the Janitor or the boss...each has its place and is necessary in order for the Universe to stay as it should be.  I will admit that "physical" lab...

I have been very fortunate and have done many, many wonderful things during my lifetime.  Yet, I find, there are still a few things I yearn to do.  One of these was to take an OUTDOOR SHOWER.  My current home is certainly not plumbed for such a thing..so this summer I went looking online. Found this at World Market.  So I knew it would work for me and I could even take it to our new home when we move. It hooks up to the outside hose bib...and since the water temperature in AZ is ALWAYS HOT coming out of the faucet here in the summer...at least at my house it is...I knew it was my solution. We have used it all summer long before and after getting out of the pool....and I have been able to sneak out late at night and take a little rinse off under the stars. (O:(O:(O: The is something so uninhibited about being able to shower outdoors surrounded by nature (BTW I do live in the city).   I have a table with my coffee cu...

"Wealth consists not in having great possessions~~ but in having few wants." Epictetus Right now as I'm going through our home and purging things ...... it has occurred to me that we spend most of our younger years acquiring things and a good part of our older years trying to rid ourselves of all the "stuff" we have managed to accumulate. I don't know if it is keeping up appearances or just the human desire to have "more".  I had a very dear friend once say to me that "it is good for the soul NOT TO GET EVERYTHING one wants".  At this stage I would more than agree with her...because as you collect and collect...there will come a day when you will have to give away and give away. In fact, when you really think about it..  "LIFE" IS A LOT LIKE THIS.  In your younger years you are vibrant and healthy and as you get older...more and more of your body betrays you....you cannot hold onto your looks ...

I'm sure that most of you think my title for this post is crazy....what you say....how can cleaning be spiritual?? TAKE WASHING DISHES....Thomas Moore says "the ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest."  I like washing dishes....I have a dishwasher...but sometimes the act of running hot soapy water and the actual washing of a dish and holding it in my hand while I dry..encourages reflection and reverie.  I might admire the dish...remember where I bought it...remember where it was used to nourish those I love...realize how pretty the flower pattern is on the dish..or if it is one passed down to me think of the person who gave it to me..this simple act can nourish one's soul. doing dishes, dusting, sweeping the floor can all be viewed as spiritual.....remember THIS IS MONK's WORK...... just so everyone knows...I cleaned house today....and I am DETERMINED this year to make this simple a...