A Sentiment

God knew what He was doing when He sent a gentle breeze and brought a lovely butterfly to set my heart at ease. The happiness of your friendship and the gentleness of your words have touched my life in special ways and now I feel assured. Thank you for your loyalty and for reading everyday. I only hope you find things to make a happy day.

Friday, February 21, 2014

A Rather Blustery Day

It's a rather blustery day...as Winnie the Pooh would say. Loved this little story. When my son John was a little guy...he loved Winnie the Pooh...and so did I. Of all the stories The Blustery Day was my favorite. The art work in the story is beautiful....soft water colors. the little creatures seem almost alive. Little touches like Winnie's blue scarf and little night shirt and night cap...make the story come alive. Christopher Robin's very sweet voice when he says, "Silly old bear" was so cute. A.A Milne was the creator and Ernest Howard Shepard the artist and book illustrator. He is known for his human-like animals for The Wind in the Willows and the Pooh stories among others. 
We have had wind all night. I had trouble sleeping because of the rattling of things on the house. When I finally got to sleep,the power went off for a while. Then mysterious things started happening in the computer room. The computers went off and then turned on. I kept hearing noises from them too. Probably my dreams were the cause of that. This morning, things aren't right with the computers. It seems that they have a mind of their own...and we both have a few problems.....mainly with Google Chrome. 
Right now....the wind is fierce and the sky blue as bluebells with puffy white clouds.Because I didn't sleep well....I'll just do the necessary things around here and maybe doze in the afternoon for a while.We usually go for a fish fry on Friday....maybe we'll get out even though it's a rather blustery day.
Balisha

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Very strange to be sitting in the rocking chair and hearing thunder...then seeing lightning, with the ground covered with deep snow. Birds are scarce today....Where do they go?
Balisha

Where is Your Favorite Place to Read?

This is a replica of the chair that John F Kennedy used. I bought one at the same place where he used to buy his. It's a comfortable chair...if we could find a place for it.. near good lighting...I know I would sit there to read.
Where is or was your favorite reading spot? Where do you go to be all alone with your book? Is it possible for you to hide away and read? What gives you comfort while you read? A cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or a soda? Maybe nothing comes between you and your book.
My favorite reading spots and habits have changed through the years.

When I was a little girl...my first favorite spot was on a brown horsehair arm chair, with my Dad reading to me. He read me stories every night before he left for work. He was an animated reader...many times changing voices of the characters as he read along. As I grew up and learned to read myself...I enjoyed reading in my bedroom. I had a cushioned window seat, in the dormer, where I could while away the hours with a good book.My mother would say, "Why do you lie there all cramped up...when you can read downstairs in a comfortable chair?" She didn't know how I loved the window seat in the privacy of my room.  Later on, when my family started, it was hard to read for myself.I was reading cookbooks and newspapers. I mostly read to the kids...me sitting in a chair or lying on their bed while they listened to me reading. When the years followed, and I was an empty nester...I read lying down...on the couch or in bed before going to sleep.I had a little book light that I could clip on the book and read without disturbing my husband. Now, I find that my favorite spot has changed...I read where the light is good. I can hardly read lying down anymore....so I have found a place to read that is near a window or on the couch near an Ott lamp.In the summer I read magazines on my porch. Too many distractions to read books, but glancing at magazines...just fine. I read on the computer and find that my eyes get tired so fast...reading isn't quite the pleasure that it used to be. Now, don't get me wrong...I still love a good book and most times have one that I am reading. I'm more selective...don't waste my time reading something that I don't love.....I find that out early on and make a trip back to the library to find another. I see people reading in the library. I always wonder why....do they find peace there with no one to disturb them, do they not have a comfortable place at home to read, or do they read there to get out of the house and be around people? I see mostly men reading the newspaper there...older men my age. Is this a way to get out of the house and have a change of view? I'm  glad that there are comfortable chairs for people to use at the library...what ever their reason is for being there... I have books stacked in several places...I've been in homes where there are no books...and I wonder about that. I wish that everyone could have the love of books that I do....and a comfortable spot for  reading.
Balisha

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

A Few of My Favorite Things

Snow line is where the shadow starts. Over three feet of snow.

What a beautiful day today....Sun shining, birds singing (well, a couple that is) people out walking....hard to believe this the the calm before the storm. So, instead of grousing about the weather coming...here are a few of my favorite things.

Sun coming in my garden window..
The smell of a casserole baking in the oven...
Playing online scrabble with my daughter...on her way to Belize..
The afternoon ahead... with time for fun..
Downton Abbey on the DVR..
The titmouse in the feeder..
Snow melting..
Joe's surprise for me...a piece of cake with cream cheese frosting..
Just read Susan Branch's post..
Comfy clothes..
New computer ordered...early birthday present from Joe..
Finished book and a new one started...
Knitting dish cloths..

Just a few things to look forward to this afternoon. I intend to fill the bird feeders before storm hits...thawed a pork roast for crock pot meal tomorrow, and I want to clean up around computer...so I'm ready for the new one.
Have a nice afternoon....Take care,
Balisha






Monday, February 17, 2014

The Swimsuit by Balisha

This is my friend Nancy's little great granddaughter, Aaliyah. She just got a new swim suit and was the inspiration for this poem.Little Aaliyah is just starting out... Don't you wonder what life has in store for her? Hope it's sweet.







The Swimsuit by Balisha

Looking out my window...  a surprise there for me...
More snow coming down...t'was an old sight to see.
Never mind the snow...I had a job to do..
No time to eat breakfast...Joe hadn't a clue.
A swimsuit was needed...I must buy one soon..
I went on the computer ... to buy one by noon.
I clicked away...Lands End then LL Bean's...
I wanted one.. to make me look very lean.
I found one...a floral..I started then to quiver.
Had to wait for days... till it was delivered.
I quickly took the box to the mirror... down the hall..
So pleased I didn't have to go to the mall.
Took off my clothes... looked in the mirror on the wall..
Didn't think I looked bad..so glad that I 'm tall.
My legs went in... my  fanny was left..          
Tried to pull it up...this all made me fret.
Things just weren't right...when did I change?
The size on the label was just in  my range.
When did I get that little bulge there?
Some wrinkles had dropped...I wasn't aware.
My torso was long because I am tall..
My body had changed was the answer.. that's all.
Why do we fight it and drive ourselves crazy..
It's a natural thing... even old minds get hazy.
Put it back in the box...and sent it away..
Had a smile on my face and wanted to say.
"This one didn't work, but I am ready for more"..
I'm determined to find one...I'm not keeping score.
Maybe a blue or a red or a pink...
When the postman delivers I'll give him a wink.
And run to the mirror that hangs on the wall..
And start it all over....hate going to the mall.

Balisha






Sunday, February 16, 2014

Sunlit Sunday

I always admired this print, when my mother in law was alive. She told me often that I could have it, because I was taking art lessons at that time. When she died...this was the thing that meant the most to me. I brought it home and it has graced my walls ever since.Now there is a little crack of sunlight shining on it in the window.

Joining Sunlit Sundays today...Here's the link...http://mylittlehomeandgarden.blogspot.com/

Balisha