Heart and Soul A+

Some things just speak to your heart, encapsulating what fills your soul up. Today’s post does that on many levels.

I knew when I was given this gift that it would eventually become a blog post. I just needed the right story to accompany the message. Today I saw and recorded living proof of the words below.

Darn Tough Again

It has seemed like a bit of a stretch. For the past 15 or so months I’ve had a

Magnets

The attraction seems to be far more intense than one would anticipate. In fact it reminded me of how strong magnets will pull across a space to touch.

The strange thing is I’m talking about a

The Last Time

Let’s hope that history doesn’t always repeat itself. The last time I had myself organized early I ended up losing my

Count Down Update

I’m not very into new apps and I dislike when I update my phone and it adds on some app I’m not likely to use.

BUT today I downloaded this free app so I could be on top of the time frame as everyone keeps asking me how much time left.

I have some old school items to take care of though as well. I’ve received my snail mail package of info that needs to be reviewed and submitted. It needs 3 months so that’s up next!

Still a little more home work as we should review health coverage options. Who knew retiring was so much work!😉

Bernie

Accountability

I have to call my own accountability into question. I just did a quick blog review and confirmed my suspicions. I have totally forgotten about the third quarter report card. If I was making excuses it would be that August and September were jam packed full to the brim.

I’m now well over a month late. It hardly seems worth while to do a full report when in 10 weeks it’s year end. What??? 10 weeks, only 9 before Christmas!!! Isn’t it crazy how quickly a year can go by?

So in a nutshell (which is a challenge for someone who likes words as much as I do) here is my self care report card number 3.

I am still bothered occasionally with insomnia; I’ve never figured out why but I am now taking a combo of natural stuff to try and get into a bed sleep habit.

I’ve gotten into better nutritional choices and have made a decent dent on some weight loss. Obviously I have more to lose but this feels so much better. I’m not going to lie; it’s not easy.

Most other items I’ve held my own on; dental hygiene, work life balance, hugging and rejuvenation items.

I’ve been sadly lacking in stretching and any fitness at all. The work injury turned into something bigger and then it went a little crazy for a while. I’ve been cleared to resume and am slowly working my way back into my regular routine. Very slowly, especially if Little A is walking with me!

Creative time hasn’t been a huge item but did manage a few wedding projects and some baby gifts. Absolutely love the time I carve out to spend in my attic. I did get creative with our outside planters so they have some colours and textures for the fall and winter.

I think, perhaps maybe, that I’m seeing the bigger picture. That might be my pre retirement brain talking but I’m trying not to stress the small stuff so much. Still working with the litmus paper of “will it matter next week or next year”.

Encore Careers

The countdown is getting serious and I have to keep my attention from wandering. I want to go out strong from my

Something from Nothing, Year 2

There has finally been a bit of a break in the unseasonably cold snowy fall weather. The combines are going full force late into the evening and we completed a significant portion of our fall yard work on the weekend. Construction season ended too early but now we have time to focus on a few other items.

So armed with a chainsaw and a clipper we started gathering materials so I could decorate the planters that remain outside. It’s so nice to have some colours and textures in them during the non growing season.

I think my favourite view of it is the one below; partly because it’s through clean windows! It’s a long day to do the 128 window panes and 16 door panels but it’s so worth it. We are so blessed with our house space and our rural life that the work is just fair trade for that.

I love the flower pots and the cost was nil this year as the few hardscapes are from previous years. Even then the rule was that I won’t spend more than $25 for any item so it’s mostly salvage from various spots. I’m so pleased with the results of my something from nothing this year.

I have plans to add a cross and poppies in November and then dress it with lites and outside flowers for the Christmas season in December. I think it will look better than it does sometimes in the summer when I’m struggling to get the plants to grow.

Bernie