Getting Focused

 I never imagined my Creative Life would be so FULL!

When I was a Preschool Director/Teacher, my day was very organized.

I had deadlines, hours of operation, and then planning and preparing time...as well as conferences, reporting to the church administration, and on and on.

I also managed to be a wife and mom and whenever I had time...artist and blogger.  I also taught Sunday School, was a Wildlife Rehabilitator, took art classes, served on various community boards, and was a daughter to ailing parents...not all at once...but in addition to the aforementioned.

And now...

I have pretty much dedicated myself to my family first and then my creative world on our farm...a life I could only dream about for many years.

But...

I seriously need to add structure to my day.  I have tried to do that in a half-hearted way in the past, but am finding I am very easily distracted by any new idea that pops into my mind...which happens frequently!

I have always been a multi-tasker, but too many balls have been added to my juggling circle.

 My journal/scrapbook has literally replaced my blog.

I need to find a way to do BOTH!

Joe suggested a time schedule...

My prayer journal is also very important to me...again...I need to schedule a time for that.  In addition, I am far behind on my Faithful Friends project.  Yikes!

I know these are grand problems to have and I thank God for this time in my life.  I want to honor this life season and some structure will help me do this.

In the past, I volunteered in different areas, but now believe my place is keeping the home hearth warm and and being available to my entire family...for example, returning a text or call to someone who just experienced a joyful moment or a difficult couple of hours and then there are Brooke's teaching projects that need to be cut out and classroom activities which require an extra hand.  And as Abe gets older, I want to be available in any capacity where I might be needed.

Now...I am going to make a master daily plan for my weekdays...with room for flexibility!

~Wish me luck~

Maryellen's Living and Sleeping Space

 I have been busy working on Maryellen's Homestead.

The first area is pretty much finished.

 Maryellen is one lucky little doll!

 Ginny is sitting on Maryellen's sofa bed which is used for overnights with friends.

Maryellen also has a daybed which is her primary bed.  Scooter has a bed as well!

Now to work on the kitchen, craft room, and school room!

~Fun~

Field Notes

 I have been so inspired by John Muir and Mindy Lacefield's class...

I love the quiet time with Mother Nature.

The Missing Link

 Today I told Joe I needed his wise counsel.

 I shared with my dear husband the great restlessness I have been experiencing lately.  I explained something was missing in my daily life and I just couldn't put my finger on it...

 Joe was quiet for a bit and then told me he believed the Magic of Hittyville was missing.

As usual, Joe was right.

The restlessness is gone...

~Thank you, brilliant counselor~

Continuity

Today, I spent some time outdoors and was overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia as the smell and "feeling" of the early fall morning surged through my being.

And then...

It occurred to me Nature offers us a continuity of sensory experiences throughout our entire life.  People and places may come and go, but the changing of the seasons and all that we associate with it remains the same.

I thanked God for the gift of Nature and the comfort and stability it provides.

Yesterday and today became one and for that, I am grateful.

Susan Branch's New Book

I LOVED this book!  I actually stayed up all night to read it...

Pure Love

Pope Francis is my spiritual mentor...and I am not Catholic.

My heart connected to this messenger of God's Love in a way I never expected during his visit to America.

If only...

John Muir and Abe

 I have fallen under the spell of John Muir.

And then...

 Noah sent me this awesome picture of Abe taking a walk in the Metroparks today.

Look what they found along the trail!

~Thank you, Noah~

Happy Birthday Brooke!

 My daughter just celebrated her 35th birthday and this one was extra special...

I believe Scott had much to do with that.

 Noah and I joined forces to make sure Brooke had just the perfect birthday cake.

 Brooke wanted to celebrate her day with an Edison pizza party...

 and Abe!

Brooke really did have the BEST of birthdays...

~My heart has never been happier~

Abe's Football Adventure

 The entire Miller/Carlson clan was ready to make their way to New York to visit with the Shafer Family and attend a Syracuse University football game.

Abe was all settled in and excited to watch Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood on his little dvd player.

 Joe and I rented a brand new mini-van for the journey and are SO glad we did!  We needed a bigger space to accomodate the Abester.

Scott and Brooke decided they really couldn't miss the first Friday of their teaching year, so started their journey right after school and arrived in New York later Friday evening.

At my sister's house...

 Missy brought out some of Wolf's childhood toys for Abe to play with and he was in train/car heaven!

So was Joe...

 Noah and Amy were thrilled to have some down time.  They both work in urban education and deal with intense issues on a daily basis.

Saturday morning, before the game, Missy organized a photo session...

 Oma and her VERY beloved Abe...

Abe and his buddy, Grandpa Joe.

 

My handsome husband and me...

 The Carlson Family...

 Auntie Brooke and her cherished nephew...

 Brooke and Scott...

 Missy...my youngest sister...

 Missy and her amazing daughter, Elsa...

 The younger generation of women...and Abe.

 The girls and Abe...

 The boys...I LOVE this picture!

On Syracuse University's campus before the game...

 Listening to the marching band...

 Scott and Brooke touching Ernie Davis' foot, as do all football players before a game!  Davis was the first African-American athlete awarded the Heisman Trophy.

 Love that Elsa!

On the football field at the Carrier Dome...

 Scott is a HUGE football fan and was like a kid in a candy store!

 Former Syracuse football Hall of Famer, Floyd Little, and his new friend, Abe.

 Some sideline fun...

 We all got to sit in the Athletic Director's Box and look what was waiting for us!

 We also had a fantastic waitress who took care of us the entire game.

NICE!!!

 Marching bands always remind me of Mom...

Abe watched the game and cheered as loud as anyone.

We were all surprised by his attentiveness the ENTIRE game!

Abe is special in so many ways...

 

Brooke was especially thrilled to meet the legendary Syracuse basketball coach, Jim Boeheim!  Scott was too, although he is a loyal Duke fan...

After the spectacular 30-17 win over Wake Forest...

 Our family attended Scott's press conference and then Scott introduced himself to Abe, who immediately fell in love with Pappy!

At the Shafer house after the win...

 Scott, Wolf, Missy, and Elsa...a very happy family indeed!

 Wolf and his housemates from Ithaca College also watched the game and after dinner traveled to Buffalo for a Bill's game on Sunday.

The boys were just wonderful!

 The Shafer and Miller/Carlson Family in full force...

~Sacred Time~

Sunday at the Ensley Athletic Center...

 This center is home to the football staff's offices and a complete training facility for the players...as well as a "museum" of sorts.

Abe assuming the football pose along with Grandpa Joe...

 

A little punching bag time...

And then...

 It was time for the Ohio Family to head home.  This picture captures our weekend...It was all about football and family!

A huge heartfelt thank you to the entire Shafer Family, but especially to Missy, my very loved sister.

~It was the BEST of weekends~