Journal of Delights - April 2021
creative ideas • worries • insights • reflections • thoughts• pep talks • things I’m excited about
JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6137
Thursday, April 1, 2021
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6136
Friday, April 2, 2021
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6135
Saturday, April 3, 2021
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6134
Sunday, April 4, 2021
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6133
Monday, April 5, 2021
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6132
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6131
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6130
Thursday, April 8, 2021
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6129
Friday, April 9, 2021
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6128
Saturday, April 10, 2021
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6127
Sunday, April 11, 2021
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6126
Monday, April 12, 2021
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6125
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6124
Wednesday, April 14, 2020
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6123
Thursday, April 15, 2020
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6122
Friday, April 16, 2020
JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6121
Saturday, April 17, 2020
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6120
Sunday, April 18, 2020
Organized drawers. I have been trying to purge, clean, and organize at least two drawers a day as part of my Spring Cleaning ritual. I’m making solid headway! Whenever I open a completed sock drawer, silverware drawer, junk drawer, etc., I get this rush of dopamine. I feel safer, more peaceful, healthier, and prettier. So weird. It is helping me diet and I’ve been sleeping better. Organization versus clutter has a marked effect on my well-being. Maybe I can clean my way to happiness! Ha. I wish. It’s also fun for me to tame chaos. One of my favorite activities ever.
Daisies. My first batch lasted almost a month gracing my kitchen windowsill and table. They are wilting fast and I probably have no more than three days left to enjoy them. I went to two stores so far hoping to score some more, but no such luck. I’ll keep trying for awhile but their brief stay is one of the things that makes me cherish them so. There’s a lesson there.
Carey. She is so easy for me to be with, to understand, to know. After a lifetime together, we have grown around each other and have a multitude of contexts to reference with every interaction. I think family is critical for this reason alone, not to mention the many others — but, because “family” are people on the planet who really know us and love us and whom we can trust. Hopefully, they feel the same about us.
JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6119
Monday, April 19, 2020
Planning Advancements. I think I finally came up with some great improvements to my planning yesterday. For quite awhile now, I have been annoyed by how much time it takes to create and maintain my calendar, create an event plan, update the menu plan, etc. I love planning, but this just seems like clerical waste. Rejoice! Yesterday brought me a breakthrough. I was able to move my calendar from Pages to Numbers, build a monthly calendar I can see in its entirety with context. I also combined the calendar and event plan - eliminating the need for two documents. And, finally, I decided I am only keeping a few metrics from the Start-up Protocol, Daily Practices, and Shut down Protocol. The rest will get erased as they are completed. Reusing the same template everyday greatly simplifies my monthy prep and daily dinking around with updates. More doing. Less clerking!
Dining Room dinners. We eat many meals in front of the television, so I am refteshed by the sprinkles of meals taken at alternate locations. Among restaurants and the numerous little eating spots in our yard, even the kitchen, nothing delights me like the formality of the dining room - linens, place settings, music, candles. It is a form of self-care for me. But more than that is the relaxed dining with great conversation. It is a delight every time.
Surprise secondary benefits. Mollie suggested Keith and I should start taking Melatonin. She said some peer-reviewed studies have shown some effectiveness at warding off Covid. We have been taking it for about 2-3 weeks now, and I am noticing an improved sleep quality. Quite a delightful bonus!
JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6118
Tuesday, April 20, 2020
Inspiring Kids To Write. There aren’t many things that delight me more than seeing the products of people’s imaginations - and none more than my grandchildren’s stories. I ordered two copies of a novel writing book in hopes that I can seduce Roland into writing a novel as writing partners. My novel would be about Ugly Bugly. His would be about whatever he decides. The books came today and I can’t wait to dig into this and see what we can achieve. I’m so excited about this.
Free Online Classes. Man, I just can’t get enough learning in my life. My friend Jean introduced me to Hillsdale College’s offerings. They look great, although admittedly very Anglo-Saxon Right. I am definitely interested in a few of these and need to prioritize before I get spread too thin. I wish I never had to sleep. There is so much I want to do. Time and energy are in inadequate, I fear. But I’m taking my best shot. Life is glorious!
Custard. I want to test every flavor at Culver’s. Yes. New resolution. To avoid fat, I will need to eat 1/3 of a one scoop dish and give the other 2/3 to Keith. I will make a photo album and do reviews of each flavor. Quite the excuse to eat custard - er - I mean - quite the legacy!
JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6117
Wednesday, April 21, 2020
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Thursday, April 22, 2020
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6115
Friday, April 23, 2020
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6114
Saturday, April 24, 2020
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6113
Sunday, April 25, 2020
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6112
Monday, April 26, 2020
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6111
Tuesday, April 27, 2020
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6110
Wednesday, April 28, 2020
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6109
Thursday, April 29, 2020
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6108
Friday, April 30, 2007
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JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6076
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Siblings. I have always felt a good deal of love for my brothers and sisters and their mates, but year after year, my admiration and devotion just grows more than I ever thought my heart could hold. We had a party at John and Jen’s for Memorial Day yesterday. It was our first time actually seeing each other in person since Christmas time. It was tender, tearful, and reminds me that I should be devoting even more time to these relationships. The same for Keith’s brothers.
Dish to Pass. I do like making food that delights people, but I am humble enough to know that is often outside my realm of capabilities. Consequently, I often rely on a dish from the deli or bakery. I think I should stop this and just work harder at making something. I learned during the pandemic that food is love and learned people appreciate even a mediocre outcome when it’s made with love. Be brave. Bake!
JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6075
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Artist Talks. The official Obama portraits of Barack and Michele are coming to the Chicago Art Institute this month. I signed up for a virtual artist’s talk with the curator and the artist and (wait for it) - Michele Obama. How cool is that to Zoom with the former first lady. How do I fall into these things? I am so lucky.
Red Geraniums. Earlier this Spring when John and Cecelia Stauber came to our home for a visit, they brought us a gift - dark, deep red geraniums. Just beautiful. But problematic. With our monthly exterior color flips to flow with what’s blooming, the gorgeous plant would not work. We needed to find a place of honor where it would be cherished. So yesterday, we finally agreed. The plant was delivered to Maggie’s husband Dan and will grace his beloved garden where I can visit it frequently. I am so pleased. Sometimes letting go is the best way to keep something, I think.
Haiku. I could write one everyday, I think. Maybe I will. It could be a new form of journal for me. My Haiku Journal. (hee hee) Yesterday, I got the English translation for the two that Ada wrote in Spanish, so now the 2021 contest is officially logged and archived.
Recognition. Roland blew his semester into the stratosphere. He got such good grades, did such good work, and online no less where it is very hard to stay motivated. He also wrote all his teachers to thank them. Such sweetness in that boy! Keith and I gave him a Thank You card and $100 bill to recognize his outstanding accomplishment. It’s so fun to see him happy.
JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6074
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Menards. Keith and I had a delightful trip yesterday morning and milled around the garden department checking off the things on our list. There is always this lovely sense of anticipation of the creation on which we are about to embark. In this case, it was the death of crabgrass, living centerpieces on our outdoor bistro tables, and fresh new surfaces on the driveways at Greenwood and 240. The supply shopping is the best part if you ask me.
1-on-1 with Grandkids. There is always a very different dynamic when I am with just one grandchild. They talk so much more. I am able to give them my full and uninterrupted attention. They share things they otherwise wouldn’t about their opinions and thoughts. It feels to both of us like we are two grown-ups talking. Very special. I had the privilege of sharing 30 minutes with Presley on my car yesterday after school. I was her ride home after her requested stop at the Starbucks drive-through for a treat. I can’t resist.
The Mundane. I love the insignificant everyday tasks of life. Yesterday I decided I needed to dust the blinds in our bedroom. I love this. Dusting is meditative, and I have to relax myself to keep from rushing through it - holding an unhurried pace as I wipe each holy slat with the cleansing cloth. Me, a slat, a cloth. Life doesn’t get much simpler, and I think that’s worth appreciating.
JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE 6073
Friday, June 4, 2021
John Pierpont. I read about him yesterday and was so inspired I wrote a Mugwump Musings (MuMu) for the grandkids. I really think people’s character determines whether they are a successful person or not. Success has nothing to do with wealth or fame. We are all forgotten and our money doesn’t follow us into death. The only legacy we have is the goodness we leave behind.
Door County. Mollie and Dan are headed for a get-away weekend in Door County tomorrow. They were given a 2-bedroom suite at the hotel where they are staying and offered us accommodations if we’d like to go. Keith said he would take me if I wanted to go - but we didn’t have to impose on Mol and Dan. So, I will be planning a trip. I am all smiles. This will be great!
Pink Flowers. Our exterior decor for June is just exquisite. Pretty pink flowers everywhere. This scam of putting fake flowers in with the live greens has served us year after year, and allowed me to change the color scheme every month. But the pink looks so broght and lovely against the brown. It is so fresh and sweet looking. I just love it.
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Sunday, June 27, 2021Ladybugs. One of my favorite things I’ve created for the grandkids is the Ladybugs enterprise. I love that it was inspired by my dad so many years ago. I love that it’s about their writing. I love that it teaches poetry and has lots of contests and prizes. I love that the prizes always include a book. I love the Cookie Poems, the castle, the history, the ladybug world, the magazine, the poetry worksheets. I love the drawing of me as Miss Ladybug flying over the garden. Everything about this delights me and transports me to the wonder of my childhood. I know if can’t possibly be as delightful for anyone else. It doesn’t tickle their ancient past, connect them to their lost father, or revel in one of their favorite things - but it is for some of the people I love more than anyone else in the world, and it is born out of some of my deepest loves. I hope they feel that at some level. Feel my love. Yesterday, I spent most of the day on quarterly Ladybug tasks, creating the Miss Ladybug magazine, the new Writing Challenge, two new events, and doing all the maintenance tasks on the website. I smiled the whole time.
The News. My gratitude for journalists and the work they do is so deep, I can’t spot the bottom. I subscribe to more news than I should, as it is redundant on many fronts, so I recently trimmed it down. Yesterday’s big news was WHO’s recommendations that vaccinated people resume pre-vaccination protocols (masks, social distance, etc.). 50% of new cases in Israel of the emerging delta variant were pfizer vaccinated. I sometimes wish I had been a journalist. I’ve been thinking I might want to start interviewing people and writing inspirational articles. Seems like it would be so interesting. Maybe a podcast.
Banana Bread. My favorite way to use aged bananas. I add lots of walnuts. I baked yesterday and we had this warm sweetbread for lunch and supper’s dessert. What a great Saturday!
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Monday, June 28, 2021
Art Academy. I made this little website to help the kids have art classes during the period when they were being homeschooled during the pandemic. Now I want to do some special projects with them over the summer so I am trying to get this little gem cleaned up and updated. Yesterday, I got a good start on a worklist, cleaned up the art kits and related blog posts, and updated the text content for each section. I have more to do later this week. Things are so darn busy. I’m not quite sure how I’ll get it all done. I hope I surprise myself. Love seems to make everything work out somehow.
Shine Plans. This is what I call the plans I make to help the kids shine. It can be gifts, events, classes, projects, get-togethers, food gifts, or just love taps here and there. I completed my intentions for July and August with special time devoted to each of my six grandchildren. I have some superb ideas and am going a little more extravagant since it is our 50th anniversary block and they will be an important part of it.
Bamboo Learning. This is a great audio learning system I discovered. It runs with Alexa and includes visual content if you have Alexa Show (which we do). I played around with it to learn about the different offerings. I also sent Mollie the info so she can activate this learning skill for Lilly. I think I will activate it here as well. Looks really well designed. The teacher is an AI voice-activated Panda. This is special to me because my first stuff animal ever was BoBo the panda. My mother said I adored BoBo. I think it may have been the high-contrast colors, but I have had a soft spot in my heart for pandas as long as I can remember.
JOURNAL OF DELIGHTS | STAR DATE
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Trip Planning. I never really go on trips, I almost never do any trip planning. Since we are headed to Californa in September for Mollie and Dan’s wedding, I have all sorts of energy I can throw into organizing “Granny & Paw’s Excellent Adventure.” I have four tabs so far and a surprising amount of data. So much to do. I better get hustling. I feel like I have bit off more than I can chew with this prep, our 50th Anniversary Extravaganza, my Summer Shine Plans for the grandkids, the Mar-Pam project, and all the writing I hope to do. Gosh. I love it but need to protect some time for nothing. That is great advice for California too. Protect some time for nothing. Then I can accept the unexpected opportunities that are sure to arise in both summer and California.
Day Lilly Orange. I did a great Photo Shoot today to document the house in a glorious orange celebration of the day lilies. My hope is to make 12 posts featuring photos from each of the 12 decors we do each year. The orange is by far the most spectacular. I got some great photos but will likely redo the ones I took of the tables. I think this will be fun for the kids to look back upon and help them remember visits to our house when they were small. Later this week, I will get that post done and send a link to Cecelia Stauber who was so excited by the lilies.
Love gestures. Keith invited me to a drive in his 55 Chevy today. I love the smell of the interior and the sound of the engine. I love the chrome and just about everything about it - but most of all, the driver. When we got home, I surprised Keith with homemade root beer floats. Talk about your taste of summer! Perfect! Keith potted an ivy for the drinkin’ table. I put together a Wedding Weight Loss Chart to help us trim down for the upcoming nuptials. He watered the plants while I made supper. I made a congratulations card for my cousin Arnie and his partner Perry for their “Commitment” ceremony while Keith worked on his computer. Keith watched a Bruce Willis movie while I went through over 100 finalists in the International Portrait Photographer of the Year competition for 2021. Some unforgettable images. I love it when we converge and diverge like that. Taking care of each other’s lives. Taking care of each other.
Cure for HIV - I did the first draft of a storyboard for a video presentation that Mar-Pam will use for the next round of funding (with a few other purposes also). I found some great photos and wrote some compelling text. Good work for the first pass. We meet with two marketing professionals on Thursday. I love helping with this.