Thanksgiving is coming up in a few days. I am so Thankful that Nie is recovering near her family in Utah and the Nielson children have been reunited with their father, Christian.
Read the most recent article here.
Find family members' blogs at cjane, Alice Kind, and Lizzy Writes.
See how the quilts I mentioned contributing to are coming along at Threads of Love.
Remarkable recovering. Remarkable people. Remarkable family and friends. Remarkable blog community.
Remarkably Grateful. Remarkably Thankful.
Please continue to keep the Nielson's and their family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as Stephanie and Christian soldier on through the recovery process.
Thank you!
Showing posts with label Threads of Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Threads of Love. Show all posts
Monday, November 24, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
WedNieNie'sDay - #3
This week I am grateful for:
1940's Furniture. With Grampy's passing this summer it came time for my father and his five siblings to clean out their parents' home. When asked to make up a list of items I might like to have it varied from animal shaped cups and cereal bowls with straws built in to the 1940's dining room set. I told my father I thought it important that he and his siblings have "first dibs" if you will and stressed that I was happy with my memories. I ended up with the dining room set. It is gorgeous in my 1920's house where it is bathed in the light of the stained glass window. The table is an oak "extension table" meaning that the extra leaf is stored under the table top. The legs of the chairs and the table are curved and the chairs have designed backs. The buffet has all kinds of drawers one of which is lined with velvet for silverware storage and it too has all kinds of curves and contours. The set also came with a corner cabinet which is with my parents for now because there is not one corner in our dining room that isn't a doorway or window. It makes me happy to look at the set and remember the past while dreaming of the future memories to be made sitting around it.
One view of the dining room (furniture is staging furniture, not ours)
Another view of the dining room (again, staging furniture, not ours)
Photography. My digital camera broke in January and I miss it terribly. It was under warranty and I sent it back, but have not received a check yet. This week I broke down and bought two throwaway 35mm cameras to photograph all the beauty of Autumn. What fun I had taking pictures of heart-shaped chrysanthemums, apple orchards, and the Topsfield Fair! How I wish I could share them with all of you... (sigh) I've really missed having photography as a creative outlet. Grateful for the reminder, for the act, and for the renewed motivation to bug the warranty people for a check so I can get back to doing something that brings me such joy.
Fall Fun. On Saturday afternoon my newly-arrived-home-from-Cali husband and I met our friends Tanya and Greg at Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow, MA for an afternoon of apple picking. We wandered the orchards admiring the cloud-free blue sky, breathing in the fresh air, and picking apples. We picked up cider and cider donuts and candy apples at the store. My favorite part of the orchard experience? Climbing the wooden ladders that looked like they were straight out of Anne of Green Gables. Remember when Anne brought the head of the school she was teaching at home for the summer and they picked apples? Just like that, but I wasn't wearing an apron over my dress.
On Monday Mr. B&B took me to the Topsfield Fair. We visited the animals, saw the fruit and vegetable exhibits and the flower exhibit, and walked around the carnival rides part of it. We ate sweet potato fries and drank fresh squeezed lemonade. Just glorious! It was nice to walk around holding hands and laughing and talking after so many days of him being away on business. Fairs are also always a great opportunity to get back in touch with the inner child. Yippee!
Patient Husband. Our Fall Fun was not without frustration. Frustration = Traffic. Going apple picking meant waiting in a one mile long line of traffic for one hour. Going to the fair meant waiting in a forty-five minute line of traffic once we got off the highway. Mr. B&B was driving, both times. He did not make a peep, not one complaint slipped from his lips. He just rolled down the windows, opened the sunroof, and talked baseball, basketball, politics, and recollected Fall memories of yore. Watching him and his chosen reactions is such a lesson for me and deepens my appreciation and love for him. Mr. B&B, as Carly Simon sings "Baby, baby, darlin', You're the Best" <3
Nobody Does It Better by Carly Simon on YouTube
Long Weekend. This long weekend was especially sweet because it coincided with my husband returning from his business trip. Having three days to acclimate to each other and sleep in and be spontaneous was luxurious. Grateful for that quality time for that length of time anytime but especially upon Mr. B&B's return.
Ingenuity. Since I am a student and am only nannying a few times a month, it is important to me to help save money where we can. One of the things I do is try to find creative uses for items we already have around the house OR identify a want one or both of us has and see how I can meet and satisfy that want using things we already have. My latest want is Fall and Halloween decorations for the house and front porch. I have old spice jars, cloth, felt, thread and construction paper. I am thinking black and orange paper chains with paper ghosts and/or paper spiders and/or paper pumpkins hanging from them by thread, a cloth and felt leaf wreath for the door, and perhaps paper flowers in spice jars on the three steps leading up to our front porch. Ingenuity, what a gift!
Gift of Giving. My internship at Teen Voices begins next week and I can not wait to give my time and attention to the young women I'll be working with. I sent fabric to Threads of Love for the Nielson's. I also interviewed at Perkins School for the Blind yesterday and will begin working with them once my Cori form passes. Every day I am able to give my time and attention and thoughts and prayers to people I love. In giving whatever I have to give I feel I also get so much back. I feel better physically and mentally, my outlook is brighter, my satisfaction in using my gifts is so great... I just think that giving is one of the greatest gifts, it is free, and we all have something to give.
Friendly Neighbors. When we moved in to our condo this past spring, Mr. B&B and I were not sure who would end up living in the condo above us. We imagined all kinds of scenarios, but we always wished and hoped for good, friendly, reasonable people who, at the very least, we could work with to care for the house, and, at the very best, would become dear friends. Angela and Lyle are certainly a wish come true. At least once a month we meet for a movie and/or a "condo association meeting" and we always have fun. We even swap yummy baked goods frequently. When it comes to the house, we hear each other out, take every opinion into consideration and come to a decision or compromise together. If you are reading #10 Residents, so glad you are our neighbors and are quickly becoming our friends!
Mr. Rogers "Won't You Be My Neighbor" on YouTube
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
1940's Furniture. With Grampy's passing this summer it came time for my father and his five siblings to clean out their parents' home. When asked to make up a list of items I might like to have it varied from animal shaped cups and cereal bowls with straws built in to the 1940's dining room set. I told my father I thought it important that he and his siblings have "first dibs" if you will and stressed that I was happy with my memories. I ended up with the dining room set. It is gorgeous in my 1920's house where it is bathed in the light of the stained glass window. The table is an oak "extension table" meaning that the extra leaf is stored under the table top. The legs of the chairs and the table are curved and the chairs have designed backs. The buffet has all kinds of drawers one of which is lined with velvet for silverware storage and it too has all kinds of curves and contours. The set also came with a corner cabinet which is with my parents for now because there is not one corner in our dining room that isn't a doorway or window. It makes me happy to look at the set and remember the past while dreaming of the future memories to be made sitting around it.
One view of the dining room (furniture is staging furniture, not ours)
Another view of the dining room (again, staging furniture, not ours)
Photography. My digital camera broke in January and I miss it terribly. It was under warranty and I sent it back, but have not received a check yet. This week I broke down and bought two throwaway 35mm cameras to photograph all the beauty of Autumn. What fun I had taking pictures of heart-shaped chrysanthemums, apple orchards, and the Topsfield Fair! How I wish I could share them with all of you... (sigh) I've really missed having photography as a creative outlet. Grateful for the reminder, for the act, and for the renewed motivation to bug the warranty people for a check so I can get back to doing something that brings me such joy.
Fall Fun. On Saturday afternoon my newly-arrived-home-from-Cali husband and I met our friends Tanya and Greg at Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow, MA for an afternoon of apple picking. We wandered the orchards admiring the cloud-free blue sky, breathing in the fresh air, and picking apples. We picked up cider and cider donuts and candy apples at the store. My favorite part of the orchard experience? Climbing the wooden ladders that looked like they were straight out of Anne of Green Gables. Remember when Anne brought the head of the school she was teaching at home for the summer and they picked apples? Just like that, but I wasn't wearing an apron over my dress.
On Monday Mr. B&B took me to the Topsfield Fair. We visited the animals, saw the fruit and vegetable exhibits and the flower exhibit, and walked around the carnival rides part of it. We ate sweet potato fries and drank fresh squeezed lemonade. Just glorious! It was nice to walk around holding hands and laughing and talking after so many days of him being away on business. Fairs are also always a great opportunity to get back in touch with the inner child. Yippee!
Patient Husband. Our Fall Fun was not without frustration. Frustration = Traffic. Going apple picking meant waiting in a one mile long line of traffic for one hour. Going to the fair meant waiting in a forty-five minute line of traffic once we got off the highway. Mr. B&B was driving, both times. He did not make a peep, not one complaint slipped from his lips. He just rolled down the windows, opened the sunroof, and talked baseball, basketball, politics, and recollected Fall memories of yore. Watching him and his chosen reactions is such a lesson for me and deepens my appreciation and love for him. Mr. B&B, as Carly Simon sings "Baby, baby, darlin', You're the Best" <3
Nobody Does It Better by Carly Simon on YouTube
Long Weekend. This long weekend was especially sweet because it coincided with my husband returning from his business trip. Having three days to acclimate to each other and sleep in and be spontaneous was luxurious. Grateful for that quality time for that length of time anytime but especially upon Mr. B&B's return.
Ingenuity. Since I am a student and am only nannying a few times a month, it is important to me to help save money where we can. One of the things I do is try to find creative uses for items we already have around the house OR identify a want one or both of us has and see how I can meet and satisfy that want using things we already have. My latest want is Fall and Halloween decorations for the house and front porch. I have old spice jars, cloth, felt, thread and construction paper. I am thinking black and orange paper chains with paper ghosts and/or paper spiders and/or paper pumpkins hanging from them by thread, a cloth and felt leaf wreath for the door, and perhaps paper flowers in spice jars on the three steps leading up to our front porch. Ingenuity, what a gift!
Gift of Giving. My internship at Teen Voices begins next week and I can not wait to give my time and attention to the young women I'll be working with. I sent fabric to Threads of Love for the Nielson's. I also interviewed at Perkins School for the Blind yesterday and will begin working with them once my Cori form passes. Every day I am able to give my time and attention and thoughts and prayers to people I love. In giving whatever I have to give I feel I also get so much back. I feel better physically and mentally, my outlook is brighter, my satisfaction in using my gifts is so great... I just think that giving is one of the greatest gifts, it is free, and we all have something to give.
Friendly Neighbors. When we moved in to our condo this past spring, Mr. B&B and I were not sure who would end up living in the condo above us. We imagined all kinds of scenarios, but we always wished and hoped for good, friendly, reasonable people who, at the very least, we could work with to care for the house, and, at the very best, would become dear friends. Angela and Lyle are certainly a wish come true. At least once a month we meet for a movie and/or a "condo association meeting" and we always have fun. We even swap yummy baked goods frequently. When it comes to the house, we hear each other out, take every opinion into consideration and come to a decision or compromise together. If you are reading #10 Residents, so glad you are our neighbors and are quickly becoming our friends!
Mr. Rogers "Won't You Be My Neighbor" on YouTube
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
WedNieNie'sDay - #1
When I was writing a Grateful post in the spirit of Nie every night it was easy to make a quick list. Now that my NieNie post comes once a week, the list would be far too long. So, the format needs to change. I am giving it a try this week (bolding the general followed by enumerations), but if you have any ideas as to how I might best format my WedNieNie'sDay posts, please make a comment and I'll take your ideas into consideration.
This week I am Grateful for:
Being Busy. This week has been a whirlwind of classes, homework, housework, nannying, and visiting with friends and family. Some view being busy as a burden, just an endless parade of places to be and things to do so one can cross those items off the "To Do" List. In one word, drudgery, I guess. I am learning to view being busy as something to be grateful for. In the past I have become crazed when busy because I was saying yes to just about everything and everyone, somehow finding a way to fit everyone in, meet the needs of everyone. Recently I have realized that in meeting the needs of others I was neglecting myself and that by taking on so much I was not able to fully enjoy, or give my all, to any of the activities or people I was spending time with. My "New Busy" is a good busy because it is more balanced and everything I am doing and everyone I am spending time with brings me joy and contributes to my personal growth, makes me a better person so that I can go out and further spread that joy and have more of myself to give.
Classes. Going to class is like an instant recharge for me. No matter how my day has gone or what is on my mind, when I get to class my energy is high and my brain is fully engaged. I get excited and I voice my ideas and talk with my hands (I am Italian) and I am continually pleasantly surprised by my capacity to learn and to expand. I am also fascinated by my professors and classmates and what they have to say. So, to be in a space where I can learn and grow with and thanks to fascinating people is a gift.
Homework. If my high school self could hear me now she would think I was a freak. "Grateful for homework?" I can almost hear her say as she wrinkles her nose in disbelief. Yes, high school self, I am grateful for homework. I love looking up math terms and realizing how much a part of EVERYTHING math really is. I love reading packets of poetry and then, of my own accord, looking up the poet's biographical information just because. I love staring at a blank page, emptying my mind, and watching my hand move rapidly across the paper as the words flow and a poem is born. Yes, high school self, I really am grateful for homework.
Housework. "HOUSEWORK?" I can hear the collective blogger world exclaim. Well, yes. Why? Well, because in a time of economic uncertainty I have a house to care for. As foreclosures abound and banks collapse and the governmental bodies struggle to agree on a solution, I have a house to care for.
Visiting Pre-School. There has been a change in my nannying schedule which means I will be taking one of my charges to and picking him up from pre-school starting this coming Monday. So, this past Friday I got to go visit pre-school to meet the teachers and learn the dropoff-pickup routine. Visiting pre-school brought back such wonderful memories of my days with Ms. Lois and ... I want to say Ms. Jan(?).
A Girls Night. On Friday I went out for dinner and a movie with my friends Tanya and Nicole. It was nice to slow down, have intelligent conversation mixed with a little teasing and goofing around, see a movie that the men in our lives would never agree to go see, and then go home to find the man I love waiting to greet me affectionately.
Grammy's 87th Birthday Party. Grammy has Alzheimer's disease, but she is still alive and aware and sometimes willing and able to speak. We have a very large family and everyone wanted a chance to sit with and talk to Grammy. I spent my few minutes holding her hand, telling her how beautiful she looked, letting her know how happy I was to be celebrating her on her birthday, and kissing her cheek which is still so soft and smooth. My father, her son, was sitting on her other side and she gazed lovingly at him the whole time we were sitting with her. I talked to her anyway believing that though she was not looking at me the words were sinking in somehow. I'm grateful for the moments I was able to share with her and hope that I will be blessed with a long life like her and surrounded by family no matter the state of my health as I age.
Sangria at the Sports Bar. I am a teetotaler when it comes to alcohol, but every once in awhile, once or twice a year, I have been known to allow myself one glass of Sangria. Sangria is citrus'y', fruit juice'y', and refreshing. I first had it at a Girl's Night my friend Jennie hosted. We squeezed the lemons and limes, sliced the fruit, poured in the wine and chilled it. She has since moved away and, sadly, we have lost touch, but when I sip Sangria once or twice a year I think of her. The sports bar my husband and his buddies go to is owned by a Portuguese man named Tony. I found this out on Sunday while we were sitting around the bar watching football. Portuguese Tony makes a mean Sangria. So good that maybe I will make it a point to visit again a year from now.
Catalogs arriving in the mail. When my husband and I bought our condo (bottom floor of a two-family turned condo) this past spring the catalogs came rolling in. I have spent the past few months calling the numbers on the backs of the catalogs to take us off the mailing lists. The environmentalist in me is soothed by the knowledge that she is doing her small part to save trees. I have a confession to make Environmentalist-Part-of-Me, the Dreamer-who-loves-the-little-things-in-life part of me can't seem to cancel the Anthropologie catalog or the Crate and Barrel catalog. The pictures are so pretty and the things in the pictures are so pretty and it is so nice to get mail that does not remind me that I am an adult with responsibilities and bills to pay. I love sitting down with my two catalogs and cutting out my favorite things, the things that make me most happy, that inspire me so I can put them in my Things That Make Me Happy binder or tack them to my inspiration board. Simple Pleasures.
CJane, Lizzy Writes, and AliceKind. NieNie's sister and Christian's sisters' blogs never fail to inspire me. Their courage, strength, faith, love, sense of family, and way they live their lives in general never fail to amaze me. Thank you, Ladies, for the example you set and for being so open with the blogging community about such personal events going on in your life and your feelings surrounding those events. I, a complete stranger, am more grateful to you than you will ever know.
Threads of Love. Candice found me through CJane and commented on my blog to let me know about this project she is doing for NieNie, Christian, and their children. A beautiful act of love. I am heading to my favorite fabric store when I go into Boston on Friday and sending a package to Candice over the weekend. Candice, thank you for further confirmation that there is so much good in people.
Fall. Foliage, cool air, warm sun, enormous moon, pumpkins, gourds, beets, parsnips, sweet potatoes, hayrides, apple picking, cozy sweaters, knee-high boots, scarves, apple cider are all part of Fall in New England. When seasons change I feel closer to, more in tune with the earth, more aware of and grateful for its bounty.
I could go on and on. I have so much to be grateful for.
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
This week I am Grateful for:
Being Busy. This week has been a whirlwind of classes, homework, housework, nannying, and visiting with friends and family. Some view being busy as a burden, just an endless parade of places to be and things to do so one can cross those items off the "To Do" List. In one word, drudgery, I guess. I am learning to view being busy as something to be grateful for. In the past I have become crazed when busy because I was saying yes to just about everything and everyone, somehow finding a way to fit everyone in, meet the needs of everyone. Recently I have realized that in meeting the needs of others I was neglecting myself and that by taking on so much I was not able to fully enjoy, or give my all, to any of the activities or people I was spending time with. My "New Busy" is a good busy because it is more balanced and everything I am doing and everyone I am spending time with brings me joy and contributes to my personal growth, makes me a better person so that I can go out and further spread that joy and have more of myself to give.
Classes. Going to class is like an instant recharge for me. No matter how my day has gone or what is on my mind, when I get to class my energy is high and my brain is fully engaged. I get excited and I voice my ideas and talk with my hands (I am Italian) and I am continually pleasantly surprised by my capacity to learn and to expand. I am also fascinated by my professors and classmates and what they have to say. So, to be in a space where I can learn and grow with and thanks to fascinating people is a gift.
Homework. If my high school self could hear me now she would think I was a freak. "Grateful for homework?" I can almost hear her say as she wrinkles her nose in disbelief. Yes, high school self, I am grateful for homework. I love looking up math terms and realizing how much a part of EVERYTHING math really is. I love reading packets of poetry and then, of my own accord, looking up the poet's biographical information just because. I love staring at a blank page, emptying my mind, and watching my hand move rapidly across the paper as the words flow and a poem is born. Yes, high school self, I really am grateful for homework.
Housework. "HOUSEWORK?" I can hear the collective blogger world exclaim. Well, yes. Why? Well, because in a time of economic uncertainty I have a house to care for. As foreclosures abound and banks collapse and the governmental bodies struggle to agree on a solution, I have a house to care for.
Visiting Pre-School. There has been a change in my nannying schedule which means I will be taking one of my charges to and picking him up from pre-school starting this coming Monday. So, this past Friday I got to go visit pre-school to meet the teachers and learn the dropoff-pickup routine. Visiting pre-school brought back such wonderful memories of my days with Ms. Lois and ... I want to say Ms. Jan(?).
A Girls Night. On Friday I went out for dinner and a movie with my friends Tanya and Nicole. It was nice to slow down, have intelligent conversation mixed with a little teasing and goofing around, see a movie that the men in our lives would never agree to go see, and then go home to find the man I love waiting to greet me affectionately.
Grammy's 87th Birthday Party. Grammy has Alzheimer's disease, but she is still alive and aware and sometimes willing and able to speak. We have a very large family and everyone wanted a chance to sit with and talk to Grammy. I spent my few minutes holding her hand, telling her how beautiful she looked, letting her know how happy I was to be celebrating her on her birthday, and kissing her cheek which is still so soft and smooth. My father, her son, was sitting on her other side and she gazed lovingly at him the whole time we were sitting with her. I talked to her anyway believing that though she was not looking at me the words were sinking in somehow. I'm grateful for the moments I was able to share with her and hope that I will be blessed with a long life like her and surrounded by family no matter the state of my health as I age.
Sangria at the Sports Bar. I am a teetotaler when it comes to alcohol, but every once in awhile, once or twice a year, I have been known to allow myself one glass of Sangria. Sangria is citrus'y', fruit juice'y', and refreshing. I first had it at a Girl's Night my friend Jennie hosted. We squeezed the lemons and limes, sliced the fruit, poured in the wine and chilled it. She has since moved away and, sadly, we have lost touch, but when I sip Sangria once or twice a year I think of her. The sports bar my husband and his buddies go to is owned by a Portuguese man named Tony. I found this out on Sunday while we were sitting around the bar watching football. Portuguese Tony makes a mean Sangria. So good that maybe I will make it a point to visit again a year from now.
Catalogs arriving in the mail. When my husband and I bought our condo (bottom floor of a two-family turned condo) this past spring the catalogs came rolling in. I have spent the past few months calling the numbers on the backs of the catalogs to take us off the mailing lists. The environmentalist in me is soothed by the knowledge that she is doing her small part to save trees. I have a confession to make Environmentalist-Part-of-Me, the Dreamer-who-loves-the-little-things-in-life part of me can't seem to cancel the Anthropologie catalog or the Crate and Barrel catalog. The pictures are so pretty and the things in the pictures are so pretty and it is so nice to get mail that does not remind me that I am an adult with responsibilities and bills to pay. I love sitting down with my two catalogs and cutting out my favorite things, the things that make me most happy, that inspire me so I can put them in my Things That Make Me Happy binder or tack them to my inspiration board. Simple Pleasures.
CJane, Lizzy Writes, and AliceKind. NieNie's sister and Christian's sisters' blogs never fail to inspire me. Their courage, strength, faith, love, sense of family, and way they live their lives in general never fail to amaze me. Thank you, Ladies, for the example you set and for being so open with the blogging community about such personal events going on in your life and your feelings surrounding those events. I, a complete stranger, am more grateful to you than you will ever know.
Threads of Love. Candice found me through CJane and commented on my blog to let me know about this project she is doing for NieNie, Christian, and their children. A beautiful act of love. I am heading to my favorite fabric store when I go into Boston on Friday and sending a package to Candice over the weekend. Candice, thank you for further confirmation that there is so much good in people.
Fall. Foliage, cool air, warm sun, enormous moon, pumpkins, gourds, beets, parsnips, sweet potatoes, hayrides, apple picking, cozy sweaters, knee-high boots, scarves, apple cider are all part of Fall in New England. When seasons change I feel closer to, more in tune with the earth, more aware of and grateful for its bounty.
I could go on and on. I have so much to be grateful for.
Prayers and positivity to Nie and Christian & family.
Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite <3
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