A Peculiar Treasure

While reading the other afternoon, I came upon a phrase
that I have been pondering since.  The author called
women a "peculiar treasure".

I looked up the word "peculiar" in the dictionary and
found the following:  individual, special and distinctive,
unique, rare, something dear and distinctively one's own.
Then I found this for "treasure":  that which is very much
valued, something of great worth.

That's exactly what each one of us are:  unique, valuable,
special, distinctive and of great worth.  We are daughter's
of a Heavenly Father who loves us and knows us
individually.  He never stops loving us and is always there
for us.  We are his "peculiar treasure".

Heavenly Father certainly did His very best when He
created each one of us.  Each of us has been given gifts
and talents unique to us.  As such, I believe we are to do
our "creative" best with our lives.  Perhaps we need to
make a careful and prayerful exploration of who we are
and the work we have been given to do here and then
"do it".  We must be careful not to compare ourselves
with others or become too "impressed" with ourselves
for I believe that is when we lose sight of who we are:
Women of infinite worth! 

As I peruse your blogs I am constantly reminded of the
"peculiar treasure" each of you are and how you
bless the lives of others as you share your talents, gifts,
thoughts and words of encouragement.

I hope each of us will always rememvber that not only
are we a "peculiar treasure" of our Heavenly Father,
but we are also a "peculiar treasure" to those we love
and care about.

You are special!  You are unique!  You are of infinite
worth!  Never, never forget that!

Nola

What Month Is It?

I think Mother Nature's clock is all messed up.  The calendar
says it is April, but outside it looks more like December or
January.

We've had thunder, rain, hail and snow.  Woke up to
 this this morning:

The heavy wet snow is wrecking havoc on the limbs of
my lilac bush.  Already lost one branch due to the last
snow storm we had.

By late afternoon the snow had fallen from the limbs
and they were standing up straight, but snow is still
falling. Because it has warmed up a little during the
day, the snow is not piling up like it was earlier.  There
was about 4-5 inches on my roof this morning.  The flakes
have been so big and feather-like drifting down from the
sky.  It has actually been quite a pretty storm.  Apparently
this is to continue for the next few days.

Just hope that when this passes Mother Nature will
get her calendar straightened out and that we won't be
jumping headlong into June and July's hot weather.

Staying in does have some advantages I guess.  Have
been able to do more stitching.  Finished another
Easter towel and worked on my Vignette stitchery.
Even got in a little reading today.

Hope the weather is good wherever you are.

Keep smiling,

Nola

Making Progress

We had heavy rain last night and I thought that it was to
continue throughout the day today.  But, I received a lovely
surprise:  sunshine and NO rain!  Apparently today is
going to be the best day of the week, so thought I'd
take advantage of it and get a little more yard work done.

Worked on the flower bed in front of the house raking all
the leaves off the plants that are blooming as well as those
that are beginning to poke their heads up through the soil.
Wonder sometimes if it is really advantageous to cover
the flower beds with the dried fall leaves in the winter
when they all have to be cleaned off in the spring.
Progress is being made and was able to get about 3/4 of
the flower bed done.  It's looking good!

Progress is slowly being made inside the house as well.
Have completed one Easter tea towel.

Finished block one of the "snow hearts" and started
block two.

Worked on Vignette stitchery which by the way is
taking a LONG time to stitch.  Either that or I'm
getting slower.  Do love how it is turning out, however.

Slowly, but surely, progress in being made both inside
and outside and I'm liking how things are turning out!

Keep smiling,

Nola

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY---Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Outside my window...It is an overcast day with temperatures

in the mid 50'sF.  There is a slight breeze which will

probably bring in the rain and snow we are supposed to

have for the rest of the week.

I am thinking...About my grandfather this morning as I

worked out in my flower beds trimming dead stems,

cleaning up old leaves and pulling a few weeds.

Grandpa loved his garden and kept it immaculate.

He loved spending time each day hoeing, weeding and

making sure everything was well tended.  There was

nary a weed to be found anywhere.

He seemed to have a natural green thumb--everything

prospered and produced well under his care.  As I

looked around my flower beds I couldn't help but 

wonder what he  would think of things if he were here.

There are a few weeds poking up, but they are quickly

disappearing as I move along.  Sprinkling Preen around

has made such a difference over the past few years in

the weeds showing up.

I think Grandpa would be pleased with my efforts to

keep up with and care for my little garden area.  He

taught us well by his example and work ethic.

I am thankful for...The new life that comes with

spring.  I love seeing the grass green up, blossoms

popping out on the trees, plants that lay dormant

through the winter beginning to poke up green shoots,

and feeling renewed my self.

A thought I am sharing..."Wouldn't it be nice if we

looked at people and jelly beans and liked them all?

And we didn't just choose the people that we thought

were pretty or smart, or ate just the red or black jelly

beans because they were our favorite flavors, but

realized that people and jelly beans come in a variety,

and we can enjoy something about each one and love

them for what they are."

From the kitchen...Thinking of making some "comfort"

food on this dismal day. Maybe some navy bean

soup and rolls.

I am wearing...My grubbies from the yard work.

I am creating...Several projects:  Appliqueing some

kitchen towels for Easter, working on "snow hearts",

Vignette mystery block stitchery.

I am going...To the library to pick up a book that is

on hold.

I am reading... When I get it:  Book three of the

series, "Sisters of the Heart" by Shelley Shepard

Gray.

I am hoping... To go shopping tomorrow for some

new spring shirts for work.  Like to take advantage

of the Senior's discounts.

I am hearing...The sound track to "Tangled".

Around the house...Vacuuming done, bathrooms

cleaned, bedroom dusted and straightened up---

all before I headed outside to work!!

One of my favorite things...Listening to General

Conference.  There is always something addressed

that seems to be just for me.  I feel so uplifted and 

motivated by the words that are spoken and the

counsel that is given.  

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Work (those days sure coming around quickly)

FHE here at my house Thursday

Stitching and sewing on projects 

Possibly a little more yard work depending on

the weather

Church on Sunday

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My grandfather.  This was taken on my

grandparents 50th wedding anniversary.

 Aah, a little sunshine is poking through the

clouds.  Always makes me happy!

Keep smiling,

Nola

 Daybook 

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my precious grandson, Ty, who is
turning ONE today.  Seems like just yesterday we were
all anxiously awaiting his arrival and now he's a year old.

Ty now joins the rest of the family as he receives his
first $1.00 bill in his card.  It's a tradition!

"Hey, I'll try some of this!

"Now, this is the way to celebrate!"

Ty does not like cake/cupcakes, but let him get anywhere
near ice cream and that is another story.  He absolutely
adores ice cream!  

Happy Birthday, Ty.

Love,
Grandma