simplicity

Annoyed at the “Heavy” Comforter & then it Turned into My Joyful Pause Moment.

g in comforter 12Cleaning the house isn’t my favorite thing to do. Well, maybe I should say this differently. I don’t mind cleaning, but often times there are other things I’d rather be doing. I think most of us can relate to this.

On the positive side of it though, my house is only 1,000 square feet, so it’s really not all that time consuming. But I could feel myself rushing it today, wanting to get it over and done with. Gidget was hot on my heels as she normally is when I clean. She’s so used to being able to sleep in her little bed at my feet when I am in my writing cottage working, so on cleaning day she does not quite know what to do with herself.

I was busy scurrying around in the bedroom, taking off the bedding so I could get it in the washer and then hang it on the line. The comforter being a king size I have to take to the local laundromat, which was in the plan for today.

My attitude wasn’t the best as I continued to “hurry” and get everything done so I could get on with what makes me happy. As I went to pick up the comforter it felt heavy and I couldn’t lift it into the wicker basket.

I tugged some more, wondering what the heck it might be stuck on. And then I saw the sweetest little face peeking out at me. I didn’t even realize Gidget was no longer behind me, but had quietly burrowed into the comforter for a quick “cat” nap.

“Awe, you little stinker,” I said. “You are just too dang cute!”

I knelt down by her and held her little face in my hands and then pet her soft body. “” I know. You are right. Mama needs to slow down and not be in a hurry.”

The comforter could wait to go to the laundromat a bit longer. It was time to take a “joyful pause” moment and remember the important things and moments in life.

And I’m happy to say the bedding is all clean, back on the bed, house is sparkling clean, Gidget is napping next to me, and an impromptu dinner on our deck with my dear friend, Victoria will be in order for this evening. Life is good.

My Joyful Pause Moments Weekly Recap.

g on bike e 1200This brought me a ton of joy! First time on bike for the season… and test to see if Little G liked the basket… she did! she did!

book review 1200A beautiful book review that had me in joyful tears. I was deeply touched. You can read review here.

honeysuckle 1200The honeysuckle plant I planted last fall right outside my writing cottage is beginning to take off!

IMG_2052 1200Enjoying my new Himalayan salt candle holder from my mom (purifies the air) and the stones I made in a stone making class recently. Great reminders for me.

20140531_133513 1200Afternoon nap with my Gidgie girl.

20140601_125024 1200Enjoying a fruit smoothie on the front stoop of my house.

Keeping the Home Fires Burning. Gidget on the Job Front and Center.

2014-01-03 11.50.12We are in for some nasty, frigid weather starting Sunday. Coldest its been in quite a few years around here. Windchills to reach 40 below. 

I always feel so sorry for Kylie having to run outside and do her thing morning and night. Gidget, on the other hand, having IVDD, has an advantage with me expressing her little bladder right over the toilet.  See?  IVDD does have its advantages.

The woodstove John installed on November 21st is going to get a full blown workout these next few days.  Miss G is right on top of things as you can see.

Each time John has left the house today and returns, he brings in a few more logs we have stacked in half our garage so that we can keep a good stock pile inside to combat the cold.

So, I’m sure some wonder, why we wouldn’t just turn on the furnace? Well there is a wonderful ritual that John and I are enjoying with our woodstove.

As I set my 2014 heart intentions for the year (I don’t like the word goals– too formal and stiff), one of my heart intentions is to keep living as simply as we can. We see the woodstove as part of that equation.

We hope it will help lower our heat bill by not running our furnace. A way in which we can live more self-sufficiently is how we have approached this.

There is also something of the experience of picking up and loading 4 cords of wood, which our friend, Cassy, helped John with earlier this fall. Both hard workers, it was also a fun outing of bonding and talking time for them both.

Also, not to mention the ambiance of the winds howling outside, nestled in front of the warm woodstove, reading a good book, Lil’ G nestled in my lap, and Kylie snoring on the sofa….and great conversation with the love of my life.

It’s in the experience of all of this that evokes feelings of a simple, happy life.  Sure, we could get up and move the lever over a few notches on the thermostat.  But what fun would that be?

So, ok, maybe not for everyone. But our woodstove has become an important part of our family and we love her dearly.

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