On Love

A couple more favorite bits from Simple Truths. These from the chapter On Love. I could quote the whole chapter (actually, I could quote the whole book!) but that is just too much typing for me.

Love is more than the sum of the interests and attractions and commonalities that two people share. And just as life itself is a gift that comes and goes in its time, the coming of love must be taken as an unfathomable gift that cannot be questioned in its ways.

and

Remember this and keep it in your heart. You don't choose love. Love chooses you. All you can really do is accept it for all its mystery when it comes into your life. Feel the way it fills you to overflowing, then reach out and give it away. Give it back to the person who brought it to you. Give it to others who seem poor in spirit. Give it to the world around you in any way you can.

On Possessions

Getting this post in under the wire...

One of my current favorite books is Simple Truths by Kent Nerburn. I read it over and over again. There is nothing in the book that I don't already know, yet something about the way it is written continues to inspire me. Here is a favorite bit from the chapter On Possessions.

We must always remember that possessions have no inherent value. They become what we make them.

If they increase our capacity to give, they become something good. If they increase our focus on ourselves and become standards by which we measure other people, they become something bad.

When we seek a possession, we should ask ourselves if it will make us better people, more able to share, more willing to give, more capable of doing good in our daily lives. Possessions that increase our own sense of self-importance are empty in comparison to those that help us contribute something of value to the world.

After School Snack

Day 6 of NaBloPoMo, and I'm already struggling. Where in the world did I find the energy and time to blog everyday when I first started?!?

Thought I'd also share one of our favorite after-school snacks (although I don't usually make balls - just use as a spread)

Cheddar-Carrot Balls

Speaking of school, Kate was the star student for her class (something about being kind and respectful to other students) and got to be recognized on the school's Friday morning TV broadcast this morning.

November Blahs

This article made me smile.

Blah is how I feel lately as I struggle to find motivation to get out and run as the weather turns cold. In my very short running career, I've always been a fair weather runner and basically stop running every winter (hmm... maybe that is why I've never gotten any better...) This year HAS to be different since I've tentatively committed to running the Austin half marathon in February (one of my college roomies - Keahi for those in the know - says she'll do it with me! ). I will still slow down the number of runs I do this winter partly because I'll be adding in some winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing (I'm even doing a 5K snowshoe race in Nov!) and partly because I am going to be following some guidelines from the book Run Less Run Faster thanks to the recommendation of my friend Dimity.

A bit of a motivator was recently upgrading my winter exercise wardrobe to accommodate my plans to run all winter. Nothing like a new clothes to get you moving! One of my favorite places to shop for workout items is Lucy. They are running a 20% off special, and you can get the code/details here - Lucy 20%.

I ran my longest run EVER on Monday, and yesterday I got out and did the incline with a friend despite the packed ice/snow near the top. And today I have no excuse for the blahs as it is expected to be in the 70's!

Tipsy Stitchers

I hosted my crochet/knitting group last night. The group is sort of an evolution of what was once playgroup for the kids, but older kids and busy moms make it tough to coordinate playdates now. There is usually some stitching happening, but mostly it is just an excuse to drink wine while eating chocolate and other yummy snacks.

I did get a few rows done on a scarf that I am making for myself. It is my first creation for ME since I learned to crochet.

Origins Masks

I went to our local Origins store yesterday to get one of my favorite products - the charcoal mask. I ended up with their Mask Marvels set. Very excited to try the other masks. The stores have a promotion going on that if you spend $30, you get a free reusable tote. I often turn down free gifts, but the tote is nice. I'll definitely use it. If you want one, you have to hurry. The free tote giveaway ends today!

And speaking of skin care, I'm going for a fancy facial on Thursday. Very excited.

NaBloPoMo

Okay, so I am going to try to participate in NaBloPoMo. Tiffany over at Colorado Mama is inspiring me. There has been much I've wanted to blog about over the last few months, but I often can't find the initiative to get it done. Hoping this challenge will help. I am not promising many long or interesting posts. Probably a lot of random thoughts. But at least I'll be getting them down.

(and, yes, I'm counting this as my post for today!)

Costumes!!

Last night, after having a yummy and fall-themed meal of roasted butternut squash and sage with penne pasta and salad, we quickly got into our costumes for trick-or-treating. The kids and I were straight from the story of Little Red Riding Hood. Kate was Red, Jack the Big Bad Wolf, and I became the grandmother.

I had intended to make everyone's costumes, but convincing Kate to be Little Red Riding Hood took promising a sparkle skirt. I made her yarn wig using these wig directions (I crocheted a quick cap instead of using a pre-made beanie). I did make Jack's costume. Jack and I picked out some "wolf fur" at the fabric store together. I stitched a circle of fur onto the sweatshirt and a long tail to the sweat pants. I made the hat using these animal costume directions. Instead of figuring out all the sizing, I just traced Jack's head on the wrong side of the fur fabric.

Matt was a little horrified when he saw me dressed up as the grandmother. It gave him a sneak peak into what I might look like in 40 years. I admit that the flannel nightgown (from the thrift store) was mighty comfy, but I think I'll keep hiding my greys for now...