the world's best B&B-journal #31 6/20/2010

Outlook  
Contemplative

On my mind

"We want to be ladies in very deed, not according to the term of the word as the world judges, but fit companions of God.” Eliza R. Snow, address to Lehi Ward Relief Society, Oct. 27, 1869, Lehi Ward, Alpine (Utah) Stake, in Relief Society, Minute Book, 1868–79, Church History Library, Salt Lake City, 26–27

Keeping a Home

Pantry Principle area 5--after the big winds, I need to replant quite a few flowers that actually blew out of the yard. So many beautiful specimens dried up and are dead. I was given mullein and comfrey plants and need to incorporate them into the garden as well.

Deliciousness

Jason and Kelsey are coming for dinner, Dairy-free Fettuccine Alfredo with homemade Italian Cottage Pasta, Zucchini, Snow Peas, and carrots, green salad, and berry bowls. We will be 5 with Spencer, Taylor, and me. I finished the cookbook; it was a lot of fun. Over the next few months, I'll photograph each plate of food. It's a great project that goes right along with focusing more on my essential and necessary priorities.

Toward Real Education

Slowly plugging along with my studies and loving every minute. I plan to read a few Mary Jane Butters books in the near future.

Toward Rhythm and Beauty

I realize after following the lessons in Kathryn's Finishing School that my priorities have gotten a bit out of whack. I've been neglecting essential and necessary things for too many nice things. Time to repent and retrench.

Bee News

The bees don't mine the wind as much as I do. Our swarm hive is now our strongest hive and needs a super very soon.

Biblo Fix

While discussing a life changing book with Taylor and Spencer last night, I think I'll pick it up again. The Mind and the Brain is based on some amazing clinical research on neuroplasticity. Basically, even seriously mentally ill people can change their behavior through choice.  If the author had know and included faith in Christ, his work could have been revolutionary. "It is not possible to make real change all by ourselves. Our own willpower and our own good intentions are not enough...we must have the help of our Savior..." Julie B. Beck, "Remembering, Repenting, and Changing," Liahona and Ensign, May 2007, 110–11

Appearance

light blue floral skirt, sky blue blouse, tan sandals...same curled hair but pulled back with a "silver" hair clip and minimalistic jewelry...I'm getting new glasses soon...can't wait. This is my absolute last pair of stylish glasses. Styles change quickly. I'm getting some like these.

Scripture Meditations

"...let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." 1 Peter 3:4 I think I've forgotten everything I learned from The Mind and the Brain, everything I learned about being charitable, and have started being a little too sensitive. Repentance is in order.

Praying For

This week our grandone of the week is the most ladylike Princess Gayle. She is a delightful, curious, intelligent, happy little thing. I pray for her health and safety, her ability to be guided by God, and her desire to be a kind sister and obedient daughter. I pray that her parents will be inspired to know the proper way to channel her precociousness. I pray that the world will be a safe place for her to grow up and  that children everywhere will be blessed with all the necessities of life.

What's Coming

We're planning a staycation. I've met people at the grocery store here from Asia, many parts of Europe, Canada, and South America, who have traveled here for the very purpose of seeing Zions, Cedar Breaks, Bryce Canyon, and the Cedar City Shakespeare Festival. We can do this, while staying at the world's best B&B--little ginger's guest house. The food is unsurpassed  if you like to eat lots of organic veggies, fruit, and homemade whole-grain products. The surroundings are comfortable, welcoming, and cool in summer.

Commitment to Loveliness

Continue making and sending Alphabet Path packets to the grands. As I make each sandpaper letter and fill page protectors with great art and stories, I think of the children and my love for them. We have a private blog that will be full of Grammy reading stories, downloads, and a music player for the Flower Fairy Alphabet Songs.

Simple Pleasure

The view of Zion's from my front room window.

Images From My Life 
This busy bee could not wait for this one to go into the garden before gathering pollen.  I'm revamping the Blue Garden. This happens to be Jacob's Ladder, Polemonium occidentale.