Synonyms: simple, unadorned, spartan, spare, unfussy, stark, etc.
…
The stand guard,
In the yard.
Anything that dares to come in,
Will die for their sun.
No extra care needed,
They won’t get heated.
They just go about their day,
Maybe munching on hay.
You may not see them,
They are a true gem.
If you listen, you will hear,
That loud hee-ha in your ear.
The donkey is near!
…
I really wanted to write about an animal when I first read the word of the day. Minimalist. I didn’t really use the word, but it was my inspiration.
To me donkeys are so low maintenance. When we eventually get some land, we are getting a donkey. They take less work than a dog or geese. And geese are mean. But the donkey is a good alarm, but also they will trample animals that dare to trespass. So I want one.
I don’t know its name yet. But when we eventually get one I’ll know its name.
Haha!
My husband’s suggestion today for the word minimalist was, survival and death. Or his second suggestion was stupidity…I think he’s in a grumpy mood. He just had surgery and he is not recovering as fast as he wanted to. But I decided to not go with his idea. I wanted a more positive topic today.
Have a great Saturday!! Fall is here!! 🍁 Pumpkin foods are soon approaching.
My husband and I have already worked through many trials: depression of moving from family, postpartum depression, sadness of wonder about having another kid, financial stress, moving, downsizing, in-law stress, etc. we’ve dealt with it all in our first 9 years of marriage. And through lots of communication and hard work we are still together and strong. And we are happy.
He is venturing off into a career. He wants to be an airplane pilot. And I’m being his rock. I’ll hold the fort down while he does the hard grind. But we are happy. We talk through everything. I’ve gotten better to just speak my mind. I’m trying really hard to not let things fester. Just talk about it from the get go. But we are happy now, and we will only continue to grow.
I’ve not been to many airports. But the worst and the best have stood out.
The lesser airport has been Denver airport. For some reason whenever we would get a lay over at Denver, there would be some odd characters around. Odd characters that did not understand personal space or inside voices. Haha 😂 It’s not so much the airport, but the occasional characters. Like the woman who NEEDED! to show her hula hoop dance to anyone who came near her. Or the man who was crudely and passionately yelling at a pillar for about forty minutes. The prayer or dance or sharing circles that would start off quiet but eventually would become an unusual sight to behold. A man who stood against a window with his arms out and his hands gripping nothing; staring at you as you walked by, and occasionally would bark at people if they got too close.
Believe me. I wondered if any of these characters were staged, but this was before everything was recorded and put online. Like a woman who would fart, horrendous farts, and then look around glaring at people because she thought they were the cause of the smell. Her husband was the best part though. Every time she would fart, he would cover his face with his hand and begin to shake because he was hiding his laughter. Thankfully we were not sitting next to that couple.
On the other hand, my favorite airport is Cheyenne, WY airport. I don’t know if it’s different now, but that was the smallest airport I can remember. They had one security line. And the guard for it was asleep when we walked up. He did compliment my socks; he said, “they were rad!”
And the gate to wait at, was just around the corner, and it was one of those temporary office buildings. Only one gate. Haha!
I want to visit Cheyenne again. Even if just to go experience the airport again. That was about ten years ago; it’s probably different now.
I just finished another painting! And I actually have found a gallery that is willing to sell some of my smaller paintings. I’ll keep searching for a gallery that will accept larger scaled paintings.
So excited! I was talking with my husband about this, and he said I’ve been trying to get my paintings in a gallery for the last 10 years, but life kept happening. Being pregnant, moving, pregnant, moving, pregnant, moving, etc. Haha! Do you see a pattern?? But finally a dream of mine for the last twenty years, but truly ten years is finally being realized!
If you can’t tell I’m excited!
Have a great Friday!
1st day of my new painting.
Started another painting. Did the mapping out yesterday…I’ll post it when it is finished. I’m excited for this one too!
My now husband and I probably crossed paths throughout our lives. But never actually met.
We were both apart of the same swimming world. We actually went to several swim meets at the same time. We probably stood in the same space, because we swam the same events. So I would swim first, and he would be waiting his turn to swim. But never intersected. But to his defense, when I was behind the blocks I wasn’t focusing on anything but my race; and after the race I was dead. Haha!
Another, is his older sister was friends with one of my teammates. So he would often go over to her house. But I wasn’t friends with that teammate. She was four years older than me, and we didn’t get along well. But that teammate live a few blocks from my grandparents house.
My husband worked around the block from my mom’s house. So he drove by my mom’s house everyday. He actually had told me that he saw a strange girl painting a front window of a house. Me! He was also amazed at how much my mom’s front yard was changing, and wonder who the work was being done by. ME! Haha. But never met.
Then another was that, my now husband, grew up in a house up the street from my cousin. The year before meeting my husband, I would drive my brother out to that cousin’s home. I could see my husband’s childhood house from the driveway of my cousin’s home. It was that close! But never met.
So I went online to find someone. You had to be outgoing, back then. Meet someone in a social setting, and I preferred not social. Also I my friends, at the time, didn’t share the same values. The few times I spent time with them…I felt uncomfortable or conflicted with their behavior while being a Christian. My life consisted of family, art, work, church. So online was my only option.
I’ve written so many times about meeting my husband. I searched for him for a long time. My first date with him, was the last time I ever wanted to go on a first date. I was finished after that date. To get invested and to meet and be lied to, time and time again gets rid of the desire to meet someone.
But he wasn’t a lie. He looked just like his picture. Handsome. So handsome. Dressed the way I liked. He was the opposite of me. He was confident. Talkative. Enthusiastic about his life. I don’t know how to describe it, but I knew he was the one. Probably God telling me. On so many other dates, I got the feeling of “no, not this one.” But my husband I knew instantly. Actually after my first date with him, I told my mom he was the one. Nd turns out he called and told his buddy that he had met the one. ❤️
I didn’t think I had a type back then, but my husband is my only type. Like if someone was to ask me I would confidently say, “my husband!” A man who loves me unconditionally. A man who loves me even with all my faults. A man who is an amazing dad; you can see it in my kids faces that they love him. A man who is so very handsome, and still is. A man who loves God; and chooses the right path for us, so that we can have a better relationship with God. My husband is my type. Love him! ❤️
If your future self could send you one sentence, what do you hope it would say?
Be brave; be proud of who you are, and understand you don’t need other’s approval.
I know it’s a few sentences, but I wish I had knew this throughout my life.
Like in elementary school. When my first group of friends were the bullies of the school. I didn’t know that when I became their friends, because I was always swimming whenever there were social things to do.
But looking back now, I’m sure I knew subconsciously at the time. But I wasn’t confident enough in myself that I would find friends that would want me. I’m happy to say though that I stopped being their friends when they told me to bully someone else. Umm…no… I’m not one to make anyone an outsider; I like including everyone.
But I wish I had been braver to stand up and tell them they were wrong and that they should try and be better people. So first part: be brave.
In my teenage years, I was proud of who I was. I was a Christian trying to be strong in my faith, being around unbelievers. As a parent now, man that was rough. Trying to figure yourself out; and constantly being drowned by others trying to make you do wrong. It was tough. Really tough.
I wish I could have told myself to be strong. Be proud of who you are. Be proud to be a Christian. Be an example to those that might have needed one.
The other issue was that there was a girl who portrayed herself as a Christian. (And she might have been, but maybe was lost at the time) but her actions and lifestyle choices would suggest otherwise. And me wanting to be a proud Christian didn’t want to be put into the same category as her. Into the category of I’m using my faith to appear innocent and unattainable to guys, but date around. I didn’t want my faith to be tainted. But I wish I had been stronger. To stand tall and proud in my faith. No matter what. So second part: be proud.
My adult years. I wish I had known that I don’t need approval of others. Not always, but usually the people who need to anoint their approval on you, are not the people that you need in your life. That if you don’t do everything right and everything they say; that you will not be approved and you will probably be shunned.
I’ve had several people like this through my life. That I wish I could have told myself that you are great the way you are, and you don’t need their approval. I’ve recently come to grips with this, after my most recent encounter with someone. But now, my life is better! I don’t stress over acceptance. I don’t nitpick all my actions. I don’t be selective in my ideas. I am just me, and I’m assertive of who I am now. I’m pretty much at the point of, “this is me; if you don’t approve, then we will agree to disagree.” Life is only so long. I’m going to start filling my life with people who will help me thrive and grow. Especially in my faith. I want to surround myself with other Christians, and drench my kids in people who love the Lord. So that they grow up the way I hope they will.
That they will be brave. Be brave to do what is right, even if they are the only ones doing it.
Be proud. I want them to love the Lord. I want them to desire to know Him more. I hope they will be rich in God’s love. But also to be proud to be seen as a God fearing, loving person. That their actions show, even if they don’t speak.
And live knowing you don’t need and won’t get everyone’s approval. And that is perfectly fine. There really are only a few people in life you need to approve of you. God. As my kids keep telling me, they love Him most! My husband. I always want my husband’s approval. My mom. Yes, even if we don’t agree on some things I will still want my mom’s approval in my life. I ask her questions often, especially now as I’m diving into the Bible more. My kids. Not so much their approval, but I want them to respect me. That I can be a good role model for them. And maybe another is, if you’re lucky, your pastor. Some people can have a relationship with their pastor. Our church is probably too big. I’m just at least hoping to make some friends, who also love God.
I know being friends with non believers is good. It is good to be an example to them, to show that that everyone makes mistakes. Everyone struggles. Everyone sins. But the difference is we Christians get back up, ask for forgiveness, and try to live right again.
So after all that. I wish I could tell myself, Be brave! Be proud of who you are. And you don’t need other’s approval.
Even if I didn’t have this knowledge back then, I have kids now…
What’s a song lyric that has stuck with you forever?
“It is well with my soul,” -It Is Well With My Soul by Phillip Paul Bliss
“I’m done with the scrolling, Lord I’m looking up to you.” -Looking Up by Biblewithlife
“Stand by me, oh darlin darling!…STAND!…” -Stand By Me by Ben E King
“Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever!” -Victory In Jesus by Testament of Steel
“To the things I believe in; my faith, your love, our freedom.” -I Hold On by Dierks Bentley
“Jesus and my coffee, that’s all I need to start my day!” -Jesus and My Coffee By Solomon Ray
“Be brave, stand up for freedom, stand for truth. Don’t be afraid, you have a voice you can use,” Brave by Danny Gokey
“Crazy people, trust in Jesus!” -Crazy People by Casting Crowns
“Each time I find myself, flat in my face; I pick myself up, and get back in the race,” That’s Life by Frank Sinatra
“It’s not unusual to find out I’m in love with you. Whoa-whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh Whoa-whoa, oh-ohh Whoa-whoa, oh-oh-oh-oh, whoa Whoa-whoa, whoa-whoa.” -It’s Not Unusual by Tom Jones
“I know you don′t believe it, But I said it and I still mean it. When you heard what I told you, when you get worried I’ll be your soilder.” -Soilder by Gavin DeGraw
“Here’s my broken pieces, all my incompleteness. Take this shattered heart and make a work of art,” Stained Glass Window by Cochren & Co
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m doing this for my kids…DANCE MODE!” -Dance Mode by Bluey, Joff Bush
“There is power, in the name of Jesus!” There Is Power by Lincoln Brewster
“Gods not dead, he’s surely alive! He’s living on the inside, roaring like a lion.” God’s Not Dead by Newsboys
“She’s her daddy’s girl, her mamas world. She deserves respect, that’s what she’ll get, now anit it son.” -Cleaning This Gun by Rodney Atkins
I know there are more, but I think you get the jest of what means the most to me. Music is a big part of my life. And what I listen to matters to me. It needs to be a good message, but also a good message for my kids.
What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you wish you could experience again for the first time?
Book:
Masterpiece By Francine Rivers
This is one of my favorite books. And I just discovered it on my mom’s audible list. I remember the first time I heard this book, yes heard. I listened to this book with my mom while we drove up to my brother at his second year of college. I don’t know how long ago that was…for sure over fifteen years. But the drive was five hours up and five hours home. I finished the last five hours of the book once we got home. I don’t do well with cliffhangers. Parts of this book I still remember, but I’ve always wanted to read it again. So over fifteen years later, I’ll listen again.
Movie:
This one is hard. I don’t really know if I have a movie I would want to see again for the first time. All the movies I have seen in my life, I’ve enjoyed to an extent. Where I either watch the movies over and over again, or I only watch it once, and once is enough. Like mom had us watch a movie called, “The Silver Stallion”. It was terrible. She probably remembers. Haha! But I only remember the ending of the movie, and once was enough for me.
TV Show:
I’ve seen so many TV shows. So many! Probably more tv shows than movies in my lifetime. At least in my teenage to early twenty years. Now I just watch the shows that I’ve liked in the past, new shows always have new ideas they want to force on you. So I just stick to a few. A couple are: “Lie to Me” was a good show that I wish I could see brand new again. It got cancelled but I still occasionally watch it. “Veronica Mars” I remember liking it, but it’s been years since I watched it. I watched it with my older sister. But I’ve recently started watching “White Collar” again. I’ve seen the first few seasons a few times, I don’t remember later on. But it should be interesting to finish again. Again, it’s been over ten years since I last watched the show. I’ve been sticking to YouTube or short tv shows.
Here’s one. Maybe I would want to watch “Lost” again. For the first time with no knowledge of it. Because now you could sit down and start and finish the show. You wouldn’t have to wait until next seasons are coming out. It wasn’t my favorite show, and I don’t really remember most of it, but i might watch it again. Maybe. It was a show I watched with my older brother. How time does fly.
But something I would really like to experience for the first time again, is meeting my now husband for the first time. I would love to be an onlooker watching what went down. How I walked right by him, and didn’t recognize him. How he ordered me a hot chocolate. How he talked the entire time and I awkwardly listened. How he drove me home. How he gave me a side hug. BEST SIDE HUG!! (That hug told me he was the one). I wish I could watch it all again. Or maybe watch our first few dates. I really need to write our love story down. So our kids know what a true love story can look like.
If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?
So actually before I knew where my name came from, I thought about wanting my name to be changed.
I had thought about keeping the Emily but changing my middle to Elizabeth. Because I used to love Clifford.
Then for a bit I wanted my initials to be DW. I didn’t care what my name would be. But that show Arthur was my favorite, and I of course I gravitated towards the sister DW. I’m amazed my older brother still likes me after those years. Haha!
Then in elementary school I wanted to have the name Samantha so that I could match my friend’s name. We could be Samantha twins. Instead I’ve given my daughter this name. funny how things come full circle.
In high school I liked my name. But I wanted a new last name. I had even thought about changing my last name to my mom’s maiden name. But then at some point I decided to see my last name as my brothers’ name.
Then pretty much the rest of my teenage years I dreamed about finding my Mr. Right. And I actually looked up men last names and wondered what my name would be.
In my twenties, I met my husband. My only true name change. And I’m so happy I kept everything the same. My mom chose my name because she liked it. And I could never be anyone, but who I am.
Love you mama ❤️
Enjoy your Sunday!
Three days until my husband comes home!! The kiddos and I have been counting down the days.
The cover photo is of my newer daughter. She likes to have capes. Her siblings don’t know yet, but she is the boss. Haha!
Honestly when I read this my first thought was “oh! A bar that specializes in chocolate. So everything is chocolate inspired on tap.” Now that would be amazing!!
Like you could go in and order a chocolate sundae, with hot fudge and Oreo crumbles.
Or you could order wafer cookies and dip them in chocolate moose.
Or just get the creamy hot coco on tap.
Or…you get me…
Actually it’s a pretty good idea. It would make bank. Because when women need chocolate, they need chocolate!
I can even see it in my mind. I would make it be moody. I would paint it like a moody library. So you could go sit in a nook and eat your indulgence in secret. Because I don’t know about all women; but since I have kids, I eat my chocolate in secret. In a corner. Alone.
But all to say. Everything would be made with the best ingredients. Coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup. There are various allergies out there. I would use the good flour, unenriched. So that you could eat anything without the fear of puffing up or swelling. Because if a place like this became a thing, I would want to divulge in eating everything. EVERYTHING!! Haha!
But if this prompt meant an actual chocolate bar…
I guess I already make my favorite chocolate bar. It’s made with coconut sugar. It is all homemade. I use it for chocolate chips, pudding, etc. it’s more of a dark chocolate.
But I guess I would love to go to Europe and watch a chocolate master make milk chocolate. I’ve tried to look up different brands or recipes and the heating of the milk is a secret. I don’t want to use milk powder. I wouldn’t be able to eat it.
But I guess that’s my dream bar. Discovering how to make a milk chocolate bar from scratch.
But I like the Chocolate Bar idea more. Maybe call it Coco Bar. And….
I’m getting too invested in this idea.
Have a great Friday. Maybe have some chocolate…I know I will be.
I try to make up a few batches of chocolate. So I have it for whatever. I need to get more molds though…
I didn’t make this chocolate 100% correct. I didn’t have my blender to make powder sugar so I made it with normal coconut sugar. So it would be grainy. But I’m only going to use it for baking. Or melting.
Just incase some chocolate master sees this picture and is appalled at my chocolate. Haha!
emily2jane 