SWDB First Postpartum

The Simple Woman's Daybook

I find that I miss this format for writing. These days, I don't quite get through an entire post, though. So this covers a few days!

For Today...April 14 - 19, 2009

Outside my Window...bright green haze against dark bark as the trees start to leaf out. Pollen raining down from the pin oak tree like a fine yellow drizzle.

Towards a daily rhythm...nursing, feeding, burping, changing, napping, snuggling...repeat

I am thinking...about different styles of leave-taking behavior.

I am thankful for...friends who will meet me for lunch so we can eat and talk and laugh and share. I am thankful for a baby who goes to sleep when she's ready to and for a husband who gets up in the middle of the night as necessary.

From the kitchen...ready-made falafel (chickpea and parsley balls), nutella on wheat bread, whole wheat capellini with cheese. Of course, there's always cheese!

I am wearing...white Tshirt with an art hurricane design from 12 years ago, grey pregnancy pants, socks, comfy yellow clogs. Half daytime wear and half nighttime wear! At other times: black fleece pants, leather house slippers.

I am reading... The #1 Ladies Detective Agency! by __. First book in the series. I want more! Also part of a sci fi trilogy by Julie Czerneda.

I am creating...a personal image out of colorful ovenbake clay. Image isn't the right word. It's like a personal icon or totem representing something important in one's life. This is currently an image that I created as part of a mandala design a few years ago representing selfless love. It's taken from elements of a character in a novel that impacted me. Now I'm experimenting with creating a version in 3-D, starting with preparing different components of the image. This is rather slow going as many other projects in my life are these days, but I keep at it. It'll be interesting, no doubt!

I am hoping...for a nap! More sleep! More time!

I am hearing...the baby fussing, breathing and sucking on her fist. The cats turning around or snoring. And now it's all quiet as we all go... to... sleep...

I am going to breathe deeply...and put the computer to sleep too!

Around the house...piles of used baby clothes being sorted into the laundry basket for washing and then into drawers and boxes for storage.

Bringing beauty to my home...noticing grace in small things.

One of my favorite things...soft soft baby hands with delicate fingers and a dimple on each knuckle.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...getting in more walking, making pizza for dinner.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


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SWDB - Into the Holiday Season

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...December 21st, 2008

Outside my Window...blue skies and sunshine, barking dogs, and holly berries.

Towards a daily rhythm...changing bed sheets, doing laundry, baking cookies, washing dishes.

I am thinking...that I have to wrap and deliver the gifts for my church's Share Your Christmas program. Among other things, I am giving a clock radio, a set of sheets, a couple of men's dress shirts for men and women in a transitional program, and at least two bags of non-perishable food items for homeless who have not yet started the transition back to life in a building. These are all practical requests and highly appreciated by the recipients. There were many more things on the list that I wanted to give, was tempted to take on, but I can't do them all! I am just happy that the bulk of our giving focuses first on the truly needy.

I am thankful for...the fact that we are not badly impacted by the economic crisis. We do feel the effects, yes, and we do have to be more careful with our spending these days, and even cut back on some things, but it doesn't feel dire. It could be much, much worse, and I am very thankful that we "live small" and can weather the stressors without serious pain.

From the kitchen...cookies baked and cookies decorated and cookies yet to come. Also some leftover stirfry and pasta in a delicious roasted-red-pepper sauce that I hope to recreate. Now to think of what to make for tonight's potluck...

I am wearing...fuzzy velour pants and a sweatshirt.

I am reading...A most excellent novel by Geoff Ryman: The King's Last Song. As The Independent says: portrays two different Cambodias, separated by 800 years, yet hauntingly interconnected. The story involves a precocious young relative of an ancient king, writings on gold, and modern characters, both natives and archeologists, who are trying to create a whole life not bound by the bloody past, and somehow succeeding but not. The characters draw you in!

Also reading The Baby Name Bible by Paula Redmond Satran and Linda Rosenkrantz, an invaluable resource for us parents-to-be overwhelmed with choices.

I am creating...a plan for the next week.

I am hoping...that waiting to celebrate the larger family Christmas until mid-January does not rob the occasion of its fun. I am also hoping that the chocolate truffles that I so carefully accumulate for stocking presents survive the wait! Urrr, I don't know about that...

I am hearing...the furnace running, my husband walking through the house and rattling tools around, and A Charlie Brown Christmas album playing.

I am going to breathe deeply...and do my leg stretches. After waking up screaming with terrible leg cramps (trying to turn over), let's not have a repeat of that.

Around the house...piles of books and decorations and tins of cookies.

Bring beauty to my home...stringing some of my favorite glass ornaments along the mantle.


One of my favorite things...getting together with my niece and sister to decorate cookies at Christmas time. It doesn't have to be all afternoon or be done perfectly to be a good time.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...bake gingerbread cookies, give cookies to neighbors, finish gift shopping, make more rice & lentils (good solid food amidst the sugar!), work in the garden, work on clearing the little room, start boxing up the corner of the kitchen that DH wants to renovate, take items to Goodwill, keep myself well fed and hydrated.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

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SWDB 121408 - Finding Relaxation Amidst the Busyness

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...December 14th, 2008

Outside my Window...a winter garden, drywall dust, a flat of pansies, and the first winter Camellias blooming.

Towards a daily rhythm...keeping up with dishes as I cook and bake and cook and bake...

I am thinking...that's worth dropping some things from the schedule so that I can enjoy the remaining items. I still managed to do two of my three today, and added a quick batch of backing, so I feel good. Relaxed is good. It's also good to hang loose when other crazy things are going on around me.

I am thankful for...being generally healthy and not (thus far) catching any of the cold and illnesses going around. I've been very blessed this way!! I'm also thankful I got to see one of my traveling friends today. She's not scheduled to be back in the area before May, so this was really nice.

From the kitchen...the first batch of pizelles of the season, and a big pot of lentil and vegetable stew.

I am wearing...a purple-blue turtleneck and brown yoga pants and festive blue-purple and white earrings.

I am reading...Wind Readers, which I started earlier but hadn't finished.

I am creating...more space/order and more clutter/chaos, simultaneously! It gets worse before it gets better.

I am hoping...to enjoy good soup and fellowship tonight.

I am hearing...Ella Fitzgerald singing A Swinging Christmas and Mr. Sweetie drilling into drywall.

I am going to breathe deeply...and ignore the pounding/sawing/drilling I hear from the other room. Not my project to worry about.

Around the house...the tree is up but not the lights.

Bring beauty to my home...colored lights and antique glass bulbs. Flower bulbs for the garden.

One of my favorite things...Christmas choral music. I was listening to the Vienna Boys Choir earlier and basking in the melodies and harmonies.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...dig in the garden (find the iris and move them!), make more cookies, address more cards, shop for presents, draw a diagram for the general (future) garden layout, and return library books.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

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Starting Off December - SWDB

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...December 2nd, 2008

Outside my Window...crinkled dried leaves, some of them nondescript brown, some of them (on the maple) dark red.

Towards a daily rhythm...making lists and checking off tasks. Tracking down those little details and clearing space for new projects. Working ahead on my preferred elements of Christmas.

I am thinking...about whether to take on a new student for the next few months. It would be enjoyable and reasonably lucrative, but possibly intense (every weekday). I don't think I have the energy and attention to manage 5 days a week with everything else going on.

I am thankful for...friends, friends and more friends. Friends who pass on cribs and give out smiles, and give me the benefit of their wisdom and experience. Friends who cook food for me or meet me for lunch. Friends who plan parties so that we can eat, sing, and make merry in the company of community.

From the kitchen...a big plate of broccoli and yellow squash with a little cheese. Also, some tuna noodle casserole - pure comfort food.

I am wearing...a purple "Planetary Peace" T-shirt and my brown yoga pants. Also my favorite black fleece pullover. And loose-fitting socks.

I am reading...three books at once: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver (I love, love, love this book!), The Passion Dream Book by Whitney Otto (a cross-era mix of fact/fiction, story/history by the same author who wrote How to Make an American Quilt), and Special Topics in Calamity Physics, a novel by Marisha Pessl (on loan from my niece after she raved about it for a year). My cup runneth over! Also, I'm enjoying reading three strong writings by authors who happen to be women.

I am creating...another list of nutritional goals for the next couple months. I know I could do better. More protein, more veggies, and all that.

I am hoping...that my next 3-hour glycol test shows that my blood sugar is doing fine, thank you.

I am hearing...some wonderful tunes by FloorPlay, and a few French carols in my head.

I am going to breathe deeply...and try to not flinch when my daughter kicks me hard in a soft spot. She's exploring all the corners and trying to push out the walls, too. I'm also trying to find more patience for my perpetually needy cats.

Around the house...I've been digging into random corners and finding more things to either re-file in the basement or give away completely. Just today, I've found stuff in the bedroom, office, kitchen and living room to clear out.

Bring beauty to my home...I bought some pansies and violas (mini pansies) for the winter garden. In this area, pansies don't do well in the summer but they over-winter beautifully. This year, I have mostly purple and cream, deep purple, and orange. I also found some wonderful sherbert-colored ones mixing purple-blues and peach colors. I enjoy mixing warm and cool colors and I'm looking forward to having more color, period, in the garden.

One of my favorite things...planning to buy tickets for the annual Christmas choral concert coming up. Beautiful choral music makes it Christmas for me.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...mix up some batches of cookie dough, cut back old garden brush and make headway on the cards.

Here is some picture thoughts I am sharing with you...




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Rainy Days and Quilts - SWDB

The Simple Woman's Daybook
for NaBloPoMo

For Today...Friday, November 14th

Outside my Window...it's a gray, gray afternoon. Rain is coming down.

Towards a daily rhythm...putting through more laundry, sweeping the floor, clearing space, putting things away.

I am thinking...How cool it is to see my husband's gradual transformation as father-to-be. For months, the anticipation has been mostly abstract. These days, he's really struck by my belly (it makes it that more real for both of us), and interested in learning more about everything. I haven't wanted to push him to learn more - I'm usually the one who reads up on child and pregnancy-related things, feels the kicks, buys baby clothes, etc - but with periodic nudges, he's started reading birthing stories and taking classes with me, and becoming much more engaged in both the informational and the emotional side of things. He also goes about with a goofy smile on his face, and when I ask him what's going on, he says, "I'm just happy." I'll tell you what I am happy about too. When he says "our daughter."
How different than a few years ago, when the sadness of being childless hung over us.

I am thankful for...times to snuggle and not be so busy.

From the kitchen...catfish awaits!

I am wearing...a cat on my lap! And fuzzy striped socks. And a dance dress that fits a little more snugly than it did.

I am reading...I just finished Six-Pound Walleye, another great crime mystery by Elizabeth Gunn. Unlike the last one I read (set in the summer heat of Tucson), this is set in the winter cold of Minnesota. This story is a fairly slim book, but thoroughly engrossing. A speedy reader like myself can get through it in a day if no other responsibilities intrude. I am definitely looking for more of her novels. Maybe I'll save them for Jan-Feb when I am in the endless waiting phase. :)

I also just started reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. I've heard good things about this book (she and her family spend a year trying to eat/grow local food), and really admire her as an author, but had not made the effort to track it down. My mother gave it to me as a late birthday present, and now that I have it in my hands, I'm tasting BK's prose and looking forward to savoring he whole thing.

I also recently read a short but interesting interview with Gene Nichol, constitutional law professor at UNC and the new director of that university's Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity. He says things with a clarity and seemingly unusual common sense. I'm looking forward to hearing more from him.

I am creating...another dance program! Based on older programs, but I can't help tweaking it for my current purposes.

I am hoping...to make enough headway on the big quilt that I will be nearly finished by February! After a four-week hiatus from meeting with my mother, it's time to get back to work and knock out some more squares. I am also hoping to sort and pack away some of the fabric clogging up the little room.

I am hearing...a steady rain falling, water dripping and gurgling through the gutters, car tires hissing by on the wet streets, and Natalie Merchant's TigerLily.

I am going to breathe deeply...and not be distracted by old situations from the past.

Around the house...a coffee table adrift with images for my students. A cat overspilling his box.

Bring beauty to my home...thinking of paint colors. Stick with the lavender of the main bedroom or go towards that leafy green I've been wanting?

One of my favorite things...old quilts and their inspirations.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...another program, another dance, getting cabinet specs together, getting my head together.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


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Another Day, Another NaBloPoMoDayBook

The Simple Woman's Daybook
for NaBloPoMo

For Today...Wednesday, November 12th

Outside my Window...it's chillier than it looks. North Carolina has copious and frequent sunshine, but the presence thereof has little bearing on the actual temperature.

Towards a daily rhythm...taking out the trash and recycling.

I am thinking...of whether I can get away with eating ice cream tonight.

I am thankful for...healthcare professionals who care enough to explain things with patience and compassion. And a trip cancelled, giving us a little more breathing room in the schedule.

From the kitchen...green veggies! With a little sprinkle of cheese on top. Yum for vegetables!



I am wearing...maternity jeans and a stretchy lime green top with black fleece and clear-color earrings.

I am reading...I just finally finished In the Company of Others by Julie E. Czerneda. Great read! I've got my eye on a couple of mysteries next. I'm also reading various child-care things and my usual list of blogs. NaBloPoMo gives me regular doses of my favorites!

I am creating...more handouts for my students.

I am hoping...to acquire a few more pieces of necessary furniture without spending an arm and a leg. I am hoping to make headway on clearing the little room so that it can be buffed and painted. I am hoping that I have enough energy to dance tomorrow!

I am hearing...my windchimes gently donging.



I am going to breathe deeply...and drink more water.

Around the house...my semi-annual polishing of silver. My favorites are a set of dessert forks and a set of demi-tasse spoons used for eating ice cream. Even though they get a lot of use, they still need some polish now and then.

Bring beauty to my home...A painting by my young niece. Blues and purple and greens and other colors.

One of my favorite things...A surprise package from my sister. In addition to some commemorative Obama stickers, she sent fuzzy socks, truffles, and both a painting and scribble-collection from my niece. Yea! Surprise packages are so much fun!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...finishing a dance program, quilting with my Mom, catching up on both decluttering and resting, writing back to my sister and various other friends, buying things like cat food and trash cans.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


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Daily Rhythms and Other Challenges (SWDB)

The Simple Woman's Daybook for NaBloPoMo

For Today...Friday, November 7th

Outside my Window...drifts of willow oak leaves and maples turning yellow and orange. Late sunlight hitting the tops of the trees.

Towards a daily rhythm...I find it hard to keep up with the piles on my desk. I try to put away things as I finish using them and junk the stuff I don't use. It's easy to put away things that have a definite home - it's quick and satisfying - but there are too many things that do not have a home! I am trying to remedy that. I am really tired of piles. Part of the problem is that I still have too many things from past lives, bulky stuff from past careers taking up space. However, I keep at it.

I am thinking...that I have so many projects clamoring for my attention that I don't even time to read much these days.

I am thankful for...a car with good gas mileage! Even if it's not quite as great as the old Honda.

From the kitchen...I'm saving seeds from the heirloom sweet peppers for another season. These are not commercial seeds, although sometimes you can buy them. The friend who promotes biodiversity (who I inherited them from originally) says, "Give them away! Give them to everybody!" So I save the seeds and keep planting!



I am wearing...brown yoga pants with a wide waistband and a stretchy aqua top that shows off the belly. And sneakers and earrings.

I am reading...Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg with Peter Rosegg. We'll start childbirth classes in the next couple of weeks, but we are getting a head start by reviewing this reference (which I've owned for years). It was published in 1984 and has a semi-preachy-dogmatic tone, but it still contains lots of good information about the labor process and relaxation tools. Trained observation and relaxation, yu-huh!

I am creating...yet another dance program. It's one of those seat-of-the-pants programs. I have ideas, now to make decisions by tomorrow morning.

I am hoping...that our long traveling odyssey this weekend won't kill me too badly. 2.75 hours, plus 3.5 hours, plus 5+ hours plus a 10-15 minute rest break for every hour plus meals = yikes! On the upside, it won't be all at once.

I am hearing...The Elftones (fiddle and guitar) playing a lively reel.

I am going to breathe deeply...and try to not worry about weird little things bugging me that are probably nothing.

Around the house...putting away or throwing out the remaining Halloween candy. I put favorite candy in a couple of small tins where they are out of sight but stored for future snacking. The rest, I ditch with no guilt!

Bring beauty to my home...a big square feather pillow with inter-nested squares of soft taupes, browns, creams, blues and greens. It'll go great either in the bedroom or with the new living room chair we anticipate buying soon.

One of my favorite things...frozen Mexican palletas (pops) in refreshing and unique flavor combinations. This week's favorite: cherry/red currant. Yummm! SO good! I could rave about this at length! (I would happily eat this every day, but we already tried that last year and it was hard on both waistline and budget.)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...laundry, dishes, travel, play, work, read, practice, an IKEA stop, meeting friends for dinner before the dance, and yet another lesson plan.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


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The Day After, I can hardly think.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...Wednesday, November 4th

Outside my Window...leaves littering the grass.

Towards a daily rhythm...sweeping the floor, sweeping the floor, clearing dust and piles of cat hair. Ah.

I am thinking...of what we might do about our kitchen renovation plans now that we can't afford our contractor.

I am thankful for...Wow, where to start? To see so many people come together to make a new story, a fresh direction, fresh hope. Also, I'm thankful for music, fellowship and the softening of hard feelings. We can renew relationships, Yes We Can.

From the kitchen...Cooked up a little garlic and spinach scrambled egg omelet with cheese shavings for myself and starving DH.

I am wearing...maternity jeans that are slowly popping a seam (nothing vital!), and a tan Tshirt. And funky earrings.

I am reading...In the Company of Others by Julie E. Czerneda, on loan from a friend. I think she'll successfully get us hooked in this new-to-us sci-fi author, because this story is goood!

I am creating...new meals for future times.

I am hoping...for more patience, and that the new administration has energy left over after crisises to do some good work. I am hoping I'll make it to an area home-studio tour next year because I'm missing it this year.

I am hearing...one of my cats whining at me, and a little Celtic waltz music.

I am going to breathe deeply...and refocus on my everyday life.

Around the house...One of the side-affects of a rainy Fall is that dried leaves get tracked into the house and end up in unexpected locations. They don't bother me too much - they are nearly impossible to keep up with - but the cats love to chew on them. Every couple of days, I make a sweep to retrieve the most egregious ones.

Bring beauty to my home...getting rid of extraneous stuff in the house that lets our really cherished things be more seen and appreciated.

One of my favorite things...clean fresh cotton bed sheets, especially new ones.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...lunch with one of my politico friends. I've scarcely seen her the last couple of months, so I look forward to hearing election stories. Also, I'm preparing to travel over to a calling gig this weekend, and finding materials from fast food restaurants to help my students learn how to order food. I have plans to make cozy meals this week. Cravings for certain reliable meals.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


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SWDB Meets NaBloPoMo

It's the first day of November, the first day of NaBloPoMo, and therefor the first post of 30! On with the show!


The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...Saturday, November 1st

Outside my Window...the last of the heirloom sweet peppers are slowly ripening.

Towards a daily rhythm...washing dishes on a regular basis. Funny how something so simple can be so satisfying. Cleaning, stacking, putting away in their correct spot, admiring the clean space, ready for the next project!

I am thinking...lots of philosophical thoughts that I will hopefully turn into NaBloPoMo posts!

I am thankful for...yet again, my husband, for giving me new perspectives on anything and everything. I am thankful my physical state is not yet too uncomfortable, and that everything appears good. I am thankful for Fall sunny skies.

From the kitchen...I recently made a real vegetable stir-fry, the first time I've found myself able to actually cook in months! I was ready for it, and excited about eating better food again. Or rather, better food that I had cooked, rather than bought.



I also made a huge double batch of chocolate-chip pumpkin muffins, which seemed to make considerably more than the recipe indicated. I found myself dragging out extra tins and pans to accommodate all of the batter. My excuse was a Halloween party for my students. Unfortunately, fewer than half the students showed up that night, so I had a lot left over, which we've been doing our best to eat and distribute. I froze a few and gave away a few, ate a lot! Mr. Sweetie has been eating them for breakfast. Now the supply is petering out, but that's good. After all, how many of these can we eat in one week? Wait, we don't really need to answer that!



I am wearing...Currently layers of Tshirt and a sweatshirt covered in lighthouses of the US, and thermal leggings. Planning to get dressed soon! Yesterday, I was wearing those wonderful brown yoga pants with a stretchy purple top, some of my favorite maternity wear.

I am reading...An impressive essay ("The Curtain Falls" seen in the Independent Weekly) by Hal Crowther, a progressive cultural/political/opinion writer in NC.

He *notices* things, and writes about them well. He often ties together seemingly disparate elements into a larger cultural narrative. He can turn outrage into art. This last one was one of his spectacular ones, musing over the rise and fall of John Edwards, and the Greek tragedy of it all, the typical, "hypocritical discrepancy between private and public morality," the role that hubris often plays in national politics, the personality-centered focus in American politics and where it's lead us. Needless to say, he writes about it better than I've inadequately summarized it here, and in his finely tuned writing style.

This article is not online (yet), but more of his writing can be found here:

I am creating...yet another dance program, this one for a large crowd of students from a small college, most of whom have never contra danced before. I enjoy finding the ways to get non-dancers up and having fun. The college age kids always have more energy than they know what to do with, so I can't let that faze me. I look for ways to channel that energy into actual dancing. I teach a lot more than usual between dances, and build skills from the ground up, giving them both structure and flexibility. I encourage them to try everything yet be okay with making mistakes as they learn, an important attitude on both sides!

I am hoping...that I won't get sick with a cold after all. *crossing fingers*

I am hearing...the gentle hum of the furnace trying to keep up with the chill air.

I am going to breathe deeply...and try to not worry too much about the election. Especially since I don't have the energy to volunteer much this year.

Around the house...I've been scanning some old photographs from my college days. It's so funny to see these again and marvel at how *young* we were. Even funnier to see people's reactions when I post them on Flickr. Yeah, that was *half* my life ago! Things might have changed just a little.

Bring beauty to my home...stopping to admire the purple salvia that I put in the front garden this Summer. Beautiful color in the sunlight.

One of my favorite things...washing up mixing and prep bowls and utensils as I use them, taking those 3-5 minutes between tasks to keep ahead of the game.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Getting ready for the next calling gig after this one, preparing myself for the onslaught/culmination of the political season, finishing up some library books, revamping renovation plans, finding things to write about for the *rest* of the NaBloPoMo month!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


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SWDB 102708

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...October 27, 2008

Outside my Window...crisp air and lots of oak leaves.

Towards a daily rhythm...I've decided to participate in this year's NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month) yet again: one post per day during the month of November. I'll be inevitably out of town during part of it, but I enjoy the daily challenge.

I am thinking...Now that I've nailed down my thoughts and preferences on all the local races, I need to go vote. Because I can.

I am thankful for...my overall good health.

From the kitchen...Can you say muffins? Yes, you can! M-u-f-f-i-n-s! Yes! Okay, I'm off to make muffins.

I am wearing...comfy patagonia yoga pants and a stretchy aqua shirt. Brr, I need a sweatshirt, too.

I am reading...the first of several new library books.

Labor Day: Shared Experiences in the Delivery Room (Thirty-five personal accounts of courage, humor, sweat, and the ultimate of joy, unquote.) Edited by Ann-Marie Giglio.

Reading the Wind, a new sci-fi book by Brenda Cooper. I've barely started it, but it promises to be very, very good.

I am also reading in some of my old pregnancy books about what's going on and labor-strategies.

I am creating...another dance program. I pull out some ideas for individual dances, look at old programs (so as to copy or avoid duplicating), think about the skill level of the crowd, arrange in some kind of sequence allowing for breaks and the swell and ebb of energy, add and subtract to make a good flow for the evening, decide on alternates, evaluate again. Rehearse, get psyched!

I am hoping...That my parents and in-laws had many fun conversations and managed to avoid politics during their visit entirely.

I am hearing...the furnace blowing, and Milagro Saints on the CD player

I am going to breathe deeply...and try to maintain some patience for volunteers and poll workers who call. I am experiencing a little campaign fatigue and am getting tired of being asked every/every other day if I can be counted on to support my candidate, if I have voted yet, if I can volunteer again, if, if, if. I am all for the GOTV effort, but it's getting a little much.

Around the house...washing all the new-old baby clothes and piling them according to size. I love all the thrift-store finds! Before washing, the cats have to snuggle up to them in the basket so they are properly broken in.

Bring beauty to my home...images of light and neat details.

One of my favorite things...finding useful things in thrift stores. Seeing beautiful old things salvaged and put to use.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...A dance program, a costume, a lesson plan, a party, a lunch, baking, sewing, writing, another dance program, another appointment, another round of dishes/raking/cleaning.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...



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SWDB 102108

A Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...October 21, 2008

Outside my Window...planes, trains and automobiles. And sunshine on slowly turning leaves.

Towards a daily rhythm...feeling strong kicks. She's getting creative. Left, right, high, low, both sides at once, now! It's weird when she dances on my cervix, yo.

I am thinking...of too many things.

I am thankful for...a warm house. but not too warm. I enjoy the crisp bite in the air as Autumn turns our way.

From the kitchen...making great headway in clearing stuff off of flat surfaces.

I am wearing...stretchy black leggings, stretchy purple top. And some blue-and white-beaded dangles.

I am reading...a wonderful book a friend just sent me called Mothers Who Think: Tales of Real-life Parenthood. This collection of essays is edited by Camille Peri and Kate Moses of Salon.com with a foreword by Anne Lamott. I've been dipping into it here and there, and I have not yet failed to find something that makes me laugh, moves me, or gives me lots to think about.

I am also reading a book I've temporarily ran off with from a friend's house. I Know Just What You Mean: The Power of Friendship in Women's Lives by Ellen Goodman and Patricia O'Brien. Most excellent! I'm not reading it straight through, mostly skipping around at this point. I would like to finish it to the point that I can return it. Another fun, moving and thought-provoking book. There seems to be a theme going this week, huh? Women and their lives.

I am creating...plans for pesto, plans for early Christmas cookies (if my kitchen is to be torn apart during that prime season), plans for a Halloween party for my students. I like making plans.

I am hoping...I can make all these plans without driving myself crazy. The perfectionist has all kinds of wonderful ideas, and wants to make everything sooo complicated. As if I can't do something without it being The Most Wonderful manifestation ever. I am hoping to keep my focus on the core goals: fun, friendship, good food, learning, calm spaces and festive gatherings, people feeling good about what they are doing.

I am hearing...the faint squeak of a cat's snore.

I am going to breathe deeply...and take 15 minutes to declutter ("boogie") my desk of paper clutter.

Around the house...a bowl full of basil leaves and late tomatoes and sweet peppers. They are almost too cheerful to eat.

Bring beauty to my home...see above. :)

One of my favorite things...lists of things to do. Since I try to use the FlyLady way of working in 15 minute increments, I often draw a series of boxes for each task, the number depending on how much time I think I should or can do that. So even if I work on something for a mere 15 minutes, I still get to check something off.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Making (educational) invitations for the Halloween party, finding canned pumpkin to make pumpkin-chocolate-chip-muffins, and taking a few piles of goods to the thrift store. I still have to confirm that I am coming to the dance I am calling this weekend. I need to think about putting away and/or protecting all of the things in the kitchen and house during kitchen renovations. I expect the plaster dust to be astoundingly pervasive, so I'm planning to take proactive/protective measures.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


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SWDB 101808

A Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... October 18, 2008

Outside my Window...It's been sunny, then gray, and cloudy.

Towards a daily rhythm...getting enough sleep. Getting enough water.

I am thinking...of how to respond to a friend who declares that women shouldn't have children after the age of 38 (because of the risk of Down's).

I am thankful for...my husband, my husband, my husband! And a number of thoughtful and cheerful friends. :) Also, the group of women who are happy to pass on baby-related advice as needed, and other friends who trust me with their sensitive and possibly painful stories.

From the kitchen...My mother recently made me a huge batch of "black-eyed pea potpourri" which includes lots of vegetables. I have not been able to restrain myself from eating this at least a couple times a day because it is so good, very nourishing. In addition to the black-eyed peas, it features tomatoes, celery and carrots and various herbs.

I am wearing...The most comfy jeans (with a wide waistband, natch), a rose-purple-y turtleneck (large, natch), and a long, plum-colored sweater-jacket I bought years ago at an outdoor market in Italy. And my vintage-style gold dangly earrings. Somewhat mismatched but cozy!

I am reading...The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff, a story peopled by Willie Upton, returning to her "perfect" small-town in hidden disgrace, trying to find the mystery of her own father (her hippie-turned-religious mother tells her it's someone locally related, not the one-of-three in her SF free-love days as previously told), delving through generations of ambitions and madness, framed by local characters who know her past but not her future, and a mysterious and compelling "monster" pulled out of Lake Glimmerglass. Whew! Is that all one sentence? It's a mystery of a story. Oh yes, and a free-spirit friend who's dying on the other side of the country. A search for self that's both both archeological and picturesque.

ALSO, just finished reading Cool In Tucson, a murder mystery by Elizabeth Gunn, alternating viewpoints between the man who committed the murder, the lead investigator tracking down the case (who happens to be a woman), and a few other people of import to the story. The plot is wonderfully entangled, but plausibly so, with the myriad motives and obligations of family, departmental, and business relationships adding rich complexity. The tension as the investigators close in on the information they need to understand the situation is like watching the pieces come together from multiple directions on a jig-saw puzzle. Wow! Such a great read that I finished it in one day! I'll have to find more of her work.

I am creating...space, and more space.

I am hoping...that all my weird belly feelings are nothing more than slow digestion and insufficient hydration.

I am hearing...birds calling. A blue jay has been lecturing all the others in the front yard for hours.

I am going to breathe deeply...and get a little more space under my ribs.

Around the house...I'm gathering clothing and other items to take to the thrift store. I'm looking forward to clearing more space.

Bring beauty to my home...earrings hanging in rows, like little jewels.

One of my favorite things...chili-chocolate and quirky compositions with color and light and unusual combinations/perspectives.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Bring in the rest of the garden produce before temperatures prematurely dip near freezing this week. Write lesson plans and programs. Possibly repaint the cabinet if I can work in time and space. Make a prioritized list of those house jobs. Decide where to meet my friend for lunch!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


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SWDB 101108

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...Saturday, October 11, 2008

Outside my Window...the oak tree is starting to drop leaves, and some of the leaves are turning orange and yellow.

Towards a daily rhythm...another load of laundry moving through the system.

I am thinking...of the economy + energy prices and how that will affect everyone in the next year and for years. I know a lot of people who depend on traveling and construction for their livelihood... which then affects the people around them. As one small example, if we have a band traveling from the next state to play for a dance, the gas prices will eat into what little profit they make. Communities are under pressure to raise entrance prices, and then some dancers are becoming more reluctant to travel longer distances to pay more to dance... This is just one small part of one story of the hundreds that are going on in the world. I think everything will be squeezed. Maybe we will be forced to relearn frugality and to invest in our local economies. That would not be a bad thing.

I am thankful for...living small and mostly debt-free.

From the kitchen...I am eating the very last wedding truffle. Rose-flavoured dark chocolate with an edible glittery pink sheen. Yum.

I am wearing...a comfortable T-shirt and cozy green velour pants. Oh, and house slippers. It's a lazy Saturday morning.

I am reading...Hell and Earth, a fantasy novel by Elizabeth Bear. Think of Queen Elizabeth of the Promethean (Iron) Age and Queen Mab of the Faerie world, both whose power is under threat from various factions and machinations. They are somehow linked, and only Will Shakespeare and Christopher "Kit Marley" Marlowe (who can walk in both words) are in a position to help. I'm enjoying Kit Marlowe as both personality and literary character. He's somehow made a deal with the devil and gained/lost advantages, trying to reconcile himself with choices he was forced to make. There's the whole historical/political undercurrent as well which I don't understand so much. It's an interestingly woven story.

I am creating...a plan to get all of our house projects done. Just talked to another friend/acquaintence who does small house and yard projects. I like the idea of having multiple people take on different parts of the total, as long as they can manage to not get in each others way.

I am hoping...to make headway on house and yard tasks this weekend.

I am hearing...Bela Fleck's Tales From the Acoustic Planet (acoustic banjo jazz) and my sweetie typing on projects, writing to various people about an electric car conversion. Also one of our cats making funny and pitiful mews.

I am going to breathe deeply...and remind myself to spend more time OFF the computer today. Starting after this post!

Around the house...I'm moving things around incrementally. I'm maneuvering a large storage box out of the closet in which to store my pre-maternity clothing for later.

Bring beauty to my home...Not sure. Honestly, making the bed every morning brings a clear, calm space to at least one place in the house.

One of my favorite things...dancing to wonderful music. Feeling in the flow of music-people-dance. I felt good last night and danced a lot when my energy was up. The band had some appealing new material that drove the dancers wild with happiness. I was happy for them that they had that success, and happy that I could give them enthusiastic feedback. Also, I was particularly grooving on their sound - like old time string band with a jazz groove, heightened by a drone/buzz in the upright bass and a mysteriously exquisite horn-like fiddle tone.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...I'm trying to look ahead to 1. Work on dance programs for the next six weeks and 2. Prepare to open baby registers at a few stores. I'm making an infant clothing chart to keep track of what is needed clothing-wise, or else the plethora of 0-3, 6-9, 12 month clothing in various styles will confuse me to no end! 3. Plus my usual ongoing ambitions.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Supplemental sugared fruit for the wedding cake last weekend.


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The Simple Woman's Daybook 100208

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

Outside my Window...holly berries turning russet on their way to red. Also, a wonderful, large, garden spider has taken up residence on our porch! Fortunately the web is both out of the way of the usual foot traffic and in a good location to catch many mosquitoes and moths plaguing us.

Towards a daily rhythm...Woke up, fell out of bed, dragged a comb across my head... I am coming back to my daily maintenance routines.

I am thinking...of friends who are getting married this weekend, and who we might see while we are at the weekend-long event. That will be a happy and relaxed occasion. I am also thinking of my friend who lost her baby a couple weeks ago... a couple days before her due date. That's some sadness lurking around the edges. I also need to call my mother and wish her a happy birthday.

I am thankful for...the warmth and connectedness with my husband. Recent dreams tapped into the emotional drama of weather and life chaos, and heightened my appreciation for his presence. I enjoyed seeing him in the middle of the day for our OB appointment. I'm also thankful that I have the appetite to eat a variety of foods these days. I am thankful I can feel the baby move, even if it is a little disconcerting to feel those unfamiliar sensations.

From the kitchen...Frozen waffles are my new favorite thing to eat. While I'm in the freezer, I also love fresh, natural ice cream tasting of vanilla and cream. But I did have some wonderful "Gypsy Soup" with tomatoes, chickpeas, zucchini and peppers.

In the garden... The lantana is starting to slow down from its annual conquest of the front garden. The rosemary and lavender are happy in this cooler weather - even a few blooms. The mint grew so wild and lavishly that it dried up and died off... leaving room for new growth to start pushing forward already.

The tomatoes are still growing, but I have fallen behind in keeping up with them! I have more than I know what to do with, both of the plum tomatoes and the heirloom golden ones. Also on the vegetable front, the sweet heirloom pimento peppers are finally starting to turn red! I was worried that the season would turn cold before they matured. The basil is still chugging along.


I am wearing...yet another maternity outfit with a stretchy loose leggings and a tailored over-top. I am also wearing some of my sleek leather shoes--my feet are not (yet) too swollen to enjoy them.

I am reading...Philip Roth's American Pastoral and enjoying it surprisingly well. Some of this descriptions and phrasings leave me gaping with admiration and laughing with delight. The story started slowly, but then with a few twists, it suddenly has much more meaning and weight than I had anticipated.
Earlier, I read Mind the Gap, a modern fantasy about the alternate life under London.

I am creating...more space in the house and more space for the things that matter in my life. Tonight is movie and popcorn night!

I am hoping...I can keep moving forward on all my plans. I am hoping that the childbirth instructor we want to work with emails me back! I am hoping that we can keep finances on an even keel with all the sorts of life changes and big projects going on. I am hoping that our country gets back on track.

I am hearing...the soft snoring of my cats napping in the office, and my fingers tapping on the keyboard.

I am going to breathe deeply...and try to let go of my frustration with less-experienced people who I'm not positioned to advise.

Around the house...Slowly decluttering and putting things away from last weekend's messy camping. I've been working away on the oily floor and on the pile of dishes. I'm pleased to be making progress.

Bring beauty to my home...I'm working on this new bed quilt at least once a week.

One of my favorite things... I love how the seasons shift. Fall is coming on and leaves start falling, the light starts shifting, the air dries out and becomes crisper, the sky becomes bluer. I'm savoring the cool bite of evenings recently. Then coming inside feels actually cozy rather than a respite from the earlier heat.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...recharging all of my rechargeable batteries to be ready for all kinds of wedding fun. Yay! Wedding fun! I'd also like to start making batches of pesto to freeze and eat fresh. I usually have until mid-November before I have to worry about a freeze.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


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The Simple Woman's Daybook 092508

The Simple Woman's Daybook, a daily journal, aka a feature of The Simple Woman blog.

I ran across this very excellent idea from the blogger, High Desert Home, last month, and have been wanting to try it out for a while. Happy Thursday!



For Today...Thursday, September 25th, 2008

Outside my Window...cloudy skies and stirring, strong breezes.

Towards a daily rhythm...doing some light yoga to keep myself limber and strong and just plain *awake*!

I am thinking...about lesson plan ideas for my students.

I am thankful for...a warm house and sleeping cats and chatty emails from friends.

From the kitchen...orange juice and melted cheese on multi-grain bread sounds good to me.

I am wearing...comfy grey maternity leggings and a dark, three-quarters length maternity top with a blue and lavender pinstripe. Chicer than some of my non-maternity wear!

I am reading...Brazelton's Touchpoints - Milestones in Your Child's Emotional and Behavioral Development and finishing When the Tide Rises, sci-fi from David Drake.

I am creating...yet more squares for a colorful bed quilt, and a lesson plan for next week.

I am hoping...that I can go for my Masters in a few years. And that the tent is not hopelessly ruined by being stored damp (after the last rainy dance weekend).

I am hearing...the far-off sounds of interstate traffic and the closer sounds of a tree rubbing against the gutter, little grey birds scolding each other, and my wind chimes dancing in the breeze.

I am going to breathe deeply...and appreciate the life growing inside me. Hi, baby!

Around the house...the kitchen is a mess.

Bring beauty to my home...by sweeping the wood floors. Ahhh.

One of my favorite things...creating something with my hands, shaping a lesson plan.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...I need to air out the tent and pack for a dance weekend, most likely in the rain! I need to write up a list of questions to ask the OB at my next appointment. I need to call around to local handymen for help with the new kitchen.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


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