IF I believed in evolution, which I don't, it would be easier for me to accept that I evolved from bears rather than monkeys because every autumn I feel an uncontrollable urge to eat to bulk up for winter and then I want to hibernate until spring.
Can I say it right here? I HATE getting up before the sun! I HATE daylight savings time. It is unnatural, it is wrong, it is depressing.
I am a creature of LIGHT! I need the sunshine to fully wake up.
Okay, there I've said it.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Shopping in Our Little Corner of the World
Living here in rural Iowa certainly has its charm. I love the tiny town where I can walk anywhere: bank, Post Office, Library, hair salon, High School, shops, even the grocery store (if I need an item or two). But! The lack of stores sometimes gets to me.
The grocery store here is bigger than a convenience store, but has a smaller selection and higher prices than I find in larger towns 25-30 miles away. There is a drug store and a dollar store, both on the edge of town and a little too far to walk because of the time it takes. I like the idea of spending my dollars here to keep the economy going except: my dollars are few and my needs are great so I do most of my shopping in either Atlantic, 26 miles south, or Carroll, thirty miles north. The grocery store I prefer to shop at has a store in both towns; both towns have a Walmart; and both towns have a good thrift store.
One of the reasons I like the grocery store Fareway is because they are closed on Sunday. Years ago I heard a story about someone, who, when I looked it up turned out to be Bishop H. David Burton, who saw President Joseph Fielding Smith and his wife at a grocery store far from their home and he asked the President what they were doing so far south from home. The answer was that they preferred to patronize stores that honored the Sabbath Day by closing. That stuck with me and I've thought about that as I shop. I prefer to shop and support a business that honors the Sabbath Day too. Not that that is possible 100% for me, but I do my best within the limits of my budget.
In researching Fareway, I found this on their website: The idea of resting on Sunday is something in which our founder, Paul S. Beckwith, firmly believed—in part because of his religious beliefs, in part because of a story told to him by his father.
In our town, there is a consignment store that has prices close to a thrift store's, but the selection isn't as big, especially in my size, which by the way is slowly but surely getting smaller, one ounce at a time. I like the owner, though and support her efforts as much as I can. Besides clothing she has a few household items, antique and vintage, as well as new crafts and baubles.
There is an antique store, which I've not ventured into because I don't want to be tempted beyond my ability to resist. Next to it is The Present Company where I can buy greeting cards when needed (meaning when I don't have anything appropriate in my stash from other sources). Linda, the owner, is gracious and has given me boxes for mailing from her big stash. Up by the park is a little gift shop inside a beauty salon, where I've gotten a few charming handmade items.
Also on the edge of town is a furniture store, another place I don't venture as I'm trying to avoid the sin of coveting. They have some used furniture in a little place across from the park that I peek into as I'm passing on walks. That's about all I can tolerate. (Someday I'm going to have well coordinated and beautiful furniture!)
Not having access to lots of stores has certainly helped me stay on budget; but there are times when I'd love to just browse a big used book store; a fabric store; a kitchen store; a lingerie store.
The closest malls are about an hour and a half east or west of here. We only go when combining trips to the big cities of Council Bluffs/Omaha or Des Moines.
So there you have it. Shopping in Audubon. The town motto could be "We save you money by not having everything available!" We live by the old pioneer motto "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."
The grocery store here is bigger than a convenience store, but has a smaller selection and higher prices than I find in larger towns 25-30 miles away. There is a drug store and a dollar store, both on the edge of town and a little too far to walk because of the time it takes. I like the idea of spending my dollars here to keep the economy going except: my dollars are few and my needs are great so I do most of my shopping in either Atlantic, 26 miles south, or Carroll, thirty miles north. The grocery store I prefer to shop at has a store in both towns; both towns have a Walmart; and both towns have a good thrift store.
One of the reasons I like the grocery store Fareway is because they are closed on Sunday. Years ago I heard a story about someone, who, when I looked it up turned out to be Bishop H. David Burton, who saw President Joseph Fielding Smith and his wife at a grocery store far from their home and he asked the President what they were doing so far south from home. The answer was that they preferred to patronize stores that honored the Sabbath Day by closing. That stuck with me and I've thought about that as I shop. I prefer to shop and support a business that honors the Sabbath Day too. Not that that is possible 100% for me, but I do my best within the limits of my budget.
In researching Fareway, I found this on their website: The idea of resting on Sunday is something in which our founder, Paul S. Beckwith, firmly believed—in part because of his religious beliefs, in part because of a story told to him by his father.
Paul’s father was a pioneer who traveled to the new territory by wagon train. Some of the pioneers were in a great hurry so they drove on every day, leaving behind those who stopped for a day of rest and worship. Weeks passed, and as the settlers continued to move westward, the families who had taken Sunday off began to catch up with those who had pushed ahead—only to find broken-down wagons, lame animals and weary people. Paul’s father told him he decided right then and there that the Bible was right; neither man nor beast was made to work seven days a week.
In Atlantic there is a Salvation Army store and a privately run thrift store. I've shopped at both although I prefer the Salvation Army simply because it is better organized. The private store had clothing on the racks in a complete jumble: short and long sleeves, woven and knits, all the colors and sizes mixed up together. It made looking for something rather tedious and I don't have that kind of time. In Carroll the thrift store is run by the Catholics, I believe, and while not as nicely organized as Salvation Army, the prices are great and I've found wonderful things there. The ladies who volunteer there are really sweet and helpful too.In our town, there is a consignment store that has prices close to a thrift store's, but the selection isn't as big, especially in my size, which by the way is slowly but surely getting smaller, one ounce at a time. I like the owner, though and support her efforts as much as I can. Besides clothing she has a few household items, antique and vintage, as well as new crafts and baubles.
There is an antique store, which I've not ventured into because I don't want to be tempted beyond my ability to resist. Next to it is The Present Company where I can buy greeting cards when needed (meaning when I don't have anything appropriate in my stash from other sources). Linda, the owner, is gracious and has given me boxes for mailing from her big stash. Up by the park is a little gift shop inside a beauty salon, where I've gotten a few charming handmade items.
Also on the edge of town is a furniture store, another place I don't venture as I'm trying to avoid the sin of coveting. They have some used furniture in a little place across from the park that I peek into as I'm passing on walks. That's about all I can tolerate. (Someday I'm going to have well coordinated and beautiful furniture!)
Not having access to lots of stores has certainly helped me stay on budget; but there are times when I'd love to just browse a big used book store; a fabric store; a kitchen store; a lingerie store.
The closest malls are about an hour and a half east or west of here. We only go when combining trips to the big cities of Council Bluffs/Omaha or Des Moines.
So there you have it. Shopping in Audubon. The town motto could be "We save you money by not having everything available!" We live by the old pioneer motto "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
You Better Watch Out . . .
Many years ago, in another life, I worked with a woman who loved Christmas; so much so that on the twenty-fifth of each month she would exclaim "Only (fill in the blank) more months until Christmas!" It was one of those things that wormed its way into my brain and from then on when I notice that it is the twenty-fifth of the month I think "Only two more months until Christmas!" And, actually, it makes me happy!
Christmas seems to be the culmination of the year's hopes and dreams. The high point of the year; certainly the biggest celebration of the year. Noble called last night to give me her flight information for her return at Christmas time. Now that is cause for celebration.
Also on my mind this morning is blessings. JET offered the prayer today after scripture reading and said "We thank thee for all our blessings." I guess Heavenly Father is patient and understanding; I've tried to model for our children enumerating some of those blessings. Perhaps JET will feel more inclined to do so as a missionary, when many taken for granted blessings are left behind. This week's letter from Elder PW mentioned his joy at having a washing machine in this new apartment. So for the record I will list some of my blessings. (in no particular order)
solid built house
hot and cold running water
appliances such as washer, dryer, stove, fridge, freezer, heater
electric lights that turn on instantly
food
clothes
comfortable, warm beds
computers, phone service
tons of books
husband who works hard without complaining
obedient children (rather than rebellious)
a living prophet
a loving Savior and Heavenly Father
the gift of the Holy Ghost
modern scripture to confirm and complement ancient scripture
a testimony of the truth
priesthood in my home
vehicle that runs
colors of the autumn leaves
tools to use to create (sewing machine, scissors, fabric, etc)
calendars and clocks
a paved walking trail
big trees
music cd's
parents
brothers and sisters
grandfathers who completed their life stories
May you be mindful of all your blessings today!
Christmas seems to be the culmination of the year's hopes and dreams. The high point of the year; certainly the biggest celebration of the year. Noble called last night to give me her flight information for her return at Christmas time. Now that is cause for celebration.
Also on my mind this morning is blessings. JET offered the prayer today after scripture reading and said "We thank thee for all our blessings." I guess Heavenly Father is patient and understanding; I've tried to model for our children enumerating some of those blessings. Perhaps JET will feel more inclined to do so as a missionary, when many taken for granted blessings are left behind. This week's letter from Elder PW mentioned his joy at having a washing machine in this new apartment. So for the record I will list some of my blessings. (in no particular order)
solid built house
hot and cold running water
appliances such as washer, dryer, stove, fridge, freezer, heater
electric lights that turn on instantly
food
clothes
comfortable, warm beds
computers, phone service
tons of books
husband who works hard without complaining
obedient children (rather than rebellious)
a living prophet
a loving Savior and Heavenly Father
the gift of the Holy Ghost
modern scripture to confirm and complement ancient scripture
a testimony of the truth
priesthood in my home
vehicle that runs
colors of the autumn leaves
tools to use to create (sewing machine, scissors, fabric, etc)
calendars and clocks
a paved walking trail
big trees
music cd's
parents
brothers and sisters
grandfathers who completed their life stories
May you be mindful of all your blessings today!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Clothing and Covenant Women
A post on another blog (Scriptorium Blogorium; see list at the right) inspired me to write this. She is concerned about being prideful and wearing costly apparel. It's an excellent blog and I enjoyed her post. Some years ago I studied all the scriptures have to say on the subject of modesty and women's clothing and such. After all the study I chose Doctrine and Covenants 42:40-41 as the principles to guide my choices.
And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart; let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands; and let all things be done in cleanliness before me.
Michaela, over at Scriptorium, asks some wonderful questions to discover our own pride. I'd like to focus on the part about clothing being plain. Of the five definitions for that word, the second is the one I believe to be the one meant here.
2 easy to perceive or understand; clear : the advantages were plain to see | it was plain that something was very wrong.• [ attrib. ] (of written or spoken usage) clearly expressed, without the use of technical or abstruse terms : written in plain English.• not using concealment or deception; frank : he recalled her plain speaking.
From our mode of dress it should be easy to perceive or understand that we are women of covenant. We dress modestly, not calling attention to our bodies, in ways that express our virtue (cleanliness).I watched students pour out of high schools in Provo and Midvale, Utah and wondered who were LDS church members and who weren't. I certainly couldn't tell by their dress or demeanor. They all looked and acted worldly to me. I wanted the members to stand out, I wanted it to be plain to me by the way they dressed and acted. It wasn't and I wondered what more we could do to encourage them to be different.
The part about clothing being the work of our own hands seems to indicate to me that when the fashion of the world is incompatible with our covenants that we need to make our own so we can be perceived by others to be followers of the Savior. If that makes us look different, so be it. That is where the pride part comes in. I remember being persecuted and made fun of in Junior High because I wore dresses to my knees with white cotton bobby socks. This was 1969-1972, the first time around for the mini-skirts and hot-pants. I hated going to school; I hated looking different; as soon as the rules changed to allow wearing slacks I got some and wore them every day so I wouldn't look so different; although I still never achieved my aim to look like everyone else. I never did fit in fashion wise. Now in my adult years I'm glad for that experience because I no longer care what others are wearing. I don't follow fads. I like to wear modest, classic styles that seem to always be "in", or at least not dated looking by the next season.
My mother told of working in the temple one day and seeing a bride change into her "wedding dress" for pictures and the dress was strapless! My mother was absolutely flabbergasted. The workers are not allowed to say anything or criticize the patrons so she had to stand by and just watch. But she wondered where this girl's mother was, or RS President, or Bishop's wife, or friend; someone who could have advised her on proper dress. Or maybe they did and this bride was determined to wear what she wanted, when she wanted and to heck with covenants. I don't know what she was thinking. But I do know that by what she was wearing it was plain she wasn't keeping the covenants she had just made.
I taught our daughter, Noble, modesty by having her wear an undershirt or camisole her whole life. I taught our sons the same, wearing an undershirt under their clothing. This helps them not only be modest, but to get used to the feel of wearing undergarments in preparation of temple covenants. When Noble was in Military Basic Training she felt naked without her undershirts and asked me to send them to her as soon as she was at her next duty station.
I sure don't believe in a "uniform" such as the Amish wear, although it is tempting sometimes to dispense with all the choices and just have a few things to wear; I do however believe in clothing that is modest and makes it plain that I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, a covenant woman.
And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart; let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands; and let all things be done in cleanliness before me.
Michaela, over at Scriptorium, asks some wonderful questions to discover our own pride. I'd like to focus on the part about clothing being plain. Of the five definitions for that word, the second is the one I believe to be the one meant here.
2 easy to perceive or understand; clear : the advantages were plain to see | it was plain that something was very wrong.• [ attrib. ] (of written or spoken usage) clearly expressed, without the use of technical or abstruse terms : written in plain English.• not using concealment or deception; frank : he recalled her plain speaking.
From our mode of dress it should be easy to perceive or understand that we are women of covenant. We dress modestly, not calling attention to our bodies, in ways that express our virtue (cleanliness).I watched students pour out of high schools in Provo and Midvale, Utah and wondered who were LDS church members and who weren't. I certainly couldn't tell by their dress or demeanor. They all looked and acted worldly to me. I wanted the members to stand out, I wanted it to be plain to me by the way they dressed and acted. It wasn't and I wondered what more we could do to encourage them to be different.
The part about clothing being the work of our own hands seems to indicate to me that when the fashion of the world is incompatible with our covenants that we need to make our own so we can be perceived by others to be followers of the Savior. If that makes us look different, so be it. That is where the pride part comes in. I remember being persecuted and made fun of in Junior High because I wore dresses to my knees with white cotton bobby socks. This was 1969-1972, the first time around for the mini-skirts and hot-pants. I hated going to school; I hated looking different; as soon as the rules changed to allow wearing slacks I got some and wore them every day so I wouldn't look so different; although I still never achieved my aim to look like everyone else. I never did fit in fashion wise. Now in my adult years I'm glad for that experience because I no longer care what others are wearing. I don't follow fads. I like to wear modest, classic styles that seem to always be "in", or at least not dated looking by the next season.
My mother told of working in the temple one day and seeing a bride change into her "wedding dress" for pictures and the dress was strapless! My mother was absolutely flabbergasted. The workers are not allowed to say anything or criticize the patrons so she had to stand by and just watch. But she wondered where this girl's mother was, or RS President, or Bishop's wife, or friend; someone who could have advised her on proper dress. Or maybe they did and this bride was determined to wear what she wanted, when she wanted and to heck with covenants. I don't know what she was thinking. But I do know that by what she was wearing it was plain she wasn't keeping the covenants she had just made.
I taught our daughter, Noble, modesty by having her wear an undershirt or camisole her whole life. I taught our sons the same, wearing an undershirt under their clothing. This helps them not only be modest, but to get used to the feel of wearing undergarments in preparation of temple covenants. When Noble was in Military Basic Training she felt naked without her undershirts and asked me to send them to her as soon as she was at her next duty station.
I sure don't believe in a "uniform" such as the Amish wear, although it is tempting sometimes to dispense with all the choices and just have a few things to wear; I do however believe in clothing that is modest and makes it plain that I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, a covenant woman.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Procrastination
I'm working on overcoming a life-long bad habit--procrastination. This week I decided that I had put off washing the windows for long enough (a whole year!) and would do it. Do you ever put off something that seems to be overwhelming and then when you buckle down and do it you wonder why? We have these wonderful tilt-in windows that are so easy to clean! It took just minutes, not hours. And the difference in my outlook, literally! The world is a better place with clean windows. Now I'm encouraged to tackle other seemingly onerous jobs.
This bad habit has been on my list of New Year's resolutions for the past couple of years; and while I make some progress each year it is difficult to overcome all at once. Small changes are easier than big changes.
By the way, I'm asking Santa for a digital camera this year so I can SHOW as well as TELL with this blog.
Go ahead, brighten your day, wash a window or two.
This bad habit has been on my list of New Year's resolutions for the past couple of years; and while I make some progress each year it is difficult to overcome all at once. Small changes are easier than big changes.
By the way, I'm asking Santa for a digital camera this year so I can SHOW as well as TELL with this blog.
Go ahead, brighten your day, wash a window or two.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)