To every season.... turn, turn, turn.

I hope you are having a nice Tuesday!  Here it is sunny and going into the low 60's.  But, I know some parts of the country are getting snow, and some have some frigid temperatures.  My condolences!  ha!!   Shall we start the Hodgepodge?


1. Can you believe it's the end of January? What was the best day of January 2017 for you, and why?

One best day?  Let me think about the month.  I took down the Christmas decorations.   My brother and wife visited.  Some friends from NJ also came by for a a little time at our riva place.  Some of the normal things started back up again after the holiday break.   We have had a pretty mild January.  So, I have been able to do some yard work, and have had times where I can even sit out back on the deck.
So, I can't pinpoint just one day.  Every day has been okay...oh, except that one day when we got a new president.  That was a bad day in my book.  But, I treated myself on that day to a movie (La La Land - and loved it!!) and bought two new dresses.  I had to make myself feel better.  


2. What sounds make up the background noise in your life?

I enjoy the sound of silence!  i really do!  But, when I don't want that I ask Alexa (we just added her to the house - and she is VERY handy!!) to play some country music hits, or all Tim McGraw music, or whatever I am in the mood for...and she accommodates!   I listen to music when I am cleaning. 

I can't listen to music when I read though... can you?   My brain can't handle both.  


3. I read on the Power of Positivity website a list of ten things to drop from your life right now. They are-

anger outbursts, people who put you down, regret, negative self talk, being a people pleaser, the notion you need to be perfect, the past (but keep the lessons learned!), gossip and judgment, comparing yourself to others, and the word hate (focus on what you love instead)

Which thing on the list do you most need to drop? Are you trying or will you try?

Oh wow!  All great things to drop!   All my life I have worked on many of those issues.  I think now, today, this year, I need to focus on gossip and judgement.   It comes too easy to talk about others, and to think we understand where they are coming from, and then think that they should behave differently - or believe differently.   I really need to work on stopping myself from making judgements.    Dang - it's a hard thing to do!!


4. What is sacred to you?

Just to be sure, I looked up the definition of the word sacred.  It means:  connected with God or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration (respect and awe.)

For me,  Sunday morning worship is a sacred time.  Setting the time aside each week, and meeting with others who also respect and are in awe of God, to worship Him, to sing His praises, and to listen to His word.  

Also, being outdoors, and enjoying nature - is sacred. It's God's creation - and it often leaves me in awe. My surroundings of nature is beautiful, and leaves me feeling blessed.  I love moments of stillness in nature. 



5. January is National Oatmeal month. Are you a fan, and if so how do you like it?

I can't remember the last time I ate oatmeal.  I don't dislike the taste, and now there are many ways to add even more flavor to it.  But, I just don't think about making it for breakfast.  I'm into my routine in the morning: a cup of my Cafe Francais coffee... and then a PB sandwich. 


6. What feelings does twilight stir up in you?

Twilight, that time when daylight is fading, and it's not yet night.... is a nice time to take a minute or two, to change gears, and slow down.  I am usually happy to see twilight come.  But, I am much more happy when it happens at 9:00pm-ish...not 4:30pm-ish!  ha!  I love long days of sunlight.  Summertime evenings are the best!


7. Something you're looking forward to next month?

February is not my favorite month for sure. It's still winter - even here in the south.   The weather can be unpredictable.  Like I said in the question above, the days are still short.   By March in these parts we see signs of spring.  Although, this year has been different and I have had jonquils already blooming, and the azalea buds are showing a touch of color.  

Football is over in February.   TV viewing is not great.  So, the month is a waiting time for me.   I try to think positive and use it for reading more books, etc.    Yes, I know Valentine's Day is in February.  But, it's not that big of a deal for me.  I am fortunate to feel love all year long.  I don't need to do a special dinner out on the 14th... or get a gift.  In fact, please don't!  Really.


8. Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm thinking back on that last question.  I used to live in northern New Jersey where February was dark, cold, often snowy.  Dirty... and dead looking.   Roads and cars were dirty with soot from putting down gravel, etc. for traction.  The trees up there all lost their leaves.  Empty branches against a grey sky.  It was very depressing to me.  And it lasted through March... and sometimes halfway into April.  

I still don't like winter months, but I am thankful to live where I do now because it's not nearly as harsh here. It's manageable.  It's enough of a season-change for me.  Spring comes and it absolutely beautiful!    So cheers to the passing of time!