Catholic Fire

FOR TODAY...October 5th from Jean's Daybook Outside my window... dark, cool rainy night...a cold front is coming in. I am thinking... about stews, soups, and cold weather recipes to prepare. I am thankful for... the gifts for the Lord has given me to share with others, especially my writing. I am wearing... soft purple pants and a soft gray top, which are both warm and comfortable. I am creating ...a more organized and attractive kitchen. I'm also tackling the clutter around the house. I am remembering... what a nice time we had at the lake and at the wedding a couple of weeks ago. It was so good to be with family even though it was only for a weekend. I am also thinking about the wonderful party we attended at Gloria's and Mike's house the following weekend and what fun we had this past weekend at the farmer's market, the garage sales, and the craft show. I am going... to be very busy this week. I am reading... Angels and Demons by Peter Kr...

Outside My Window ... it's dark yet. It's very early in the morning. I am thinking ... I  need to get some rest - I've been up all night crying, reading, writing, and thinking (too much). I am thankful ... for a new week to start over and to hopefully relax and keep the appointments I missed last week due to Callie's illness and death as well as so many other things going on here that were out of the ordinary. From the kitchen ... I'll be preparing pork chops and Lima beans and either sweet potatoes or baked potatoes for supper. I am wearing ... pajamas. I am creating ... nothing at the moment. I am going ... to keep my appointment with the chiropractor this afternoon, as this stress has me in a flare. I am reading ... many things right now -- but mostly periodicals lately -- read OSV and The National Catholic Register this weekend. I am hoping ... for a relaxing week. I would like to get caught up on some household chores that I have neglected due...

If you would like to join in and see what the other women are doing today, please visit Peggy here . Outside my window... it's bright and sunny, very windy, and in the lower 40's, which is quite a contrast to the weather we had two days ago when the high was 78. I am thinking... of spending the rest of this week in prayer and spiritual reading while accomplishing a minimal amount of work until I'm feeling better. I am thankful for... my homemade chicken and brown rice soup, which is so soothing right now. From the kitchen... I can smell the pork cooking in the crock pot and the chicken soup I have just prepared on the stove. I am wearing... my warmest nightgown. I am creating... nothing at the moment. Later on in the week, I will be decorating for Easter with my collection of Easter baskets, eggs, and bunnies. I will put up the Easter wreath with the cross on it and create a cheerful atmosphere. I am going... to lay down and rest in a short while, as I have little energy ...

For Today...Outside my window... mostly clouds today and a little wind. It's a great day for getting my work done indoors. It's in the 60's now, but a cold front will be coming in soon. I am thinking... what great weather we had this past weekend...I hope it returns soon...like next weekend if not sooner. I love being outdoors! I am thankful for... the way the Lord has sustained us through these economically difficult times. From the kitchen... I had leftover chicken and a salad for lunch. The pork is in the crock pot for supper. I am wearing... a pink dress! I'm barefoot as usual. I am hoping... for lots of time to get the work done on my book this week that I need to do without worries about anything breaking down or other emergency situations. I am creating... more stories. I am hearing... the dryer run. I'm drying my dh's spring jacket. One of my favorite things... planting a vegetable garden. We planted sweet sugar snap peas and radishes this past weekend...

Visit Peggy's to see what the other women are doing and thinking today. For Today... Outside my window... bright sunshine, but very windy, in the lower 60's today. I am thinking... I wish I didn't have so much going on this week...lots of phone calls and appointments, as well as work on my book to do. However, I am so very thankful for all of it. I am thankful for... the debt that we owed that was forgiven us, as my dh is still without full-time employment. From the kitchen... I smell pork chops cooking in the crock pot. I am wearing... red today...red moleskin pants and a soft red matching top. I am reading... many books now, as I am doing research for my own book. I am hoping... to have an announcement to share with you all next week I am creating... a book. I am hearing... the hum of the computer... it's very quiet here now. Around the house... I got caught up on most of my housework this past weekend, but need to do some vacuuming. One of my favorite things... is le...

For Today...Outside my window...it's very sunny and bright...a beautiful, slightly wind day, in the lower 50's. I am thankful for... the love my husband and I share. I love him more each passing day. From the kitchen... I am preparing pork chops supreme, Lima beans, and sweet potatoes for supper tonight. I am wearing... my soft purple pants and a pink top. I am reading... many books right now, as I am doing research for my upcoming book. I am hoping... to receive many more inspirational stories for my new book. I am creating... a new design to cover the window of my front door -- a wreath with pink roses on a beautiful background pattern. I am hearing... the sound of the dryer, as I doing laundry now. Around the house... doing laundry, cooking, and a little cleaning. I've already managed to clean the kitchen and get that organized. One of my favorite things... receiving a long-stemmed rose from my sweetheart for Valentine's Day and eating tiramasu for dessert, which we ...

For Monday, February 9th Outside My Window ... it's dark out with a full moon tonight. It was sunny, windy, and in the 60's earlier today. I am thinking ... how happy I am that my book has been approved at the initial level. I am thankful for ... a productive weekend and the great weather we had in the 70's. From the kitchen ... spaghetti and garlic bread tonight, which were both extra tasty. I am wearing ... soft purple pants and a gray top. I am creating ... this post. I am going ... nowhere special this night -- except to bed later on. I am reading ... a variety of books right now. I am hoping ... that I will receive lots of great inspirational stories to publish in my book . I am hearing ...the hum of the dishwasher upstairs and the cat on my lap purring rather loudly. Around the house ... there's lots of laundry to do! One of my favorite things ... watching Hallmark movies (especially the romantic, sentimental ones.) and watching the old movies on TCM (like Cas...

Visit Peggy to read what the other women are thinking and doing today. FOR TODAY Monday, January 19, 2009 Outside my window... is a sunny blue sky. It's in the 30's now, but is supposed to get up in the 50's today. I am thinking...how happy I was that I went to bed earlier than usual last night and was actually able to get to sleep at that time, so I could have more time to get things done today. I am thankful for...the good weather and the extra sleep. From the kitchen...I can still smell the Hoppin' John and the corn bread from supper last night, which I am planning to heat up and serve again tonight. It was delicious! I am wearing...purple pants and a pink t-shirt. I am creating...this post. I am going...to Mass later tonight and to see the pro-life movie 22 weeks later this week. I am reading...many things right now. I am hoping... and praying that FOCA will not be passed. I'm also hoping that my dh will find employment soon. I am hearing...my dh talking with s...

Outside My Window ... it's dark. I have been writing and blogging most of the night and it's 4:21 a.m. -- a little past my usual bedtime. I am thinking ... how good it will feel to get into bed. I am thankful for ... this week's groceries and for God's caring for our needs despite the fact that my dh has been without employment for two months now (His job was cut.) and there is little money coming in. Massive layoffs in this area began shortly after "the Obamanator" was elected in November and continue. From the kitchen ... the scent of popcorn, which he made that I have been nibbling on. I am wearing ... my nightgown. I am creating ... this post. I am going ... to continue to fight FOCA with every ounce of strength and determination that I have. I am reading ... my devotionals and will start a new pro-life book tomorrow. I am hoping ... that Bill finds employment soon and that my book proposal is accepted so we will be able to afford to pay for our basic livi...

FOR TODAY, Monday, November 24, 2008 Visit Peggy's to discover what the other women are thinking and doing today. Outside my window... it's very sunny and bright. The leaves of the trees are dancing in the wind and it's in the upper 50's outside. I am thinking...that I am looking forward to Thanksgiving this Thursday. I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for...the hope that God gives me each day and for the grace to persevere in prayer. From the kitchen...we are having chili tonight, as it will be cooler by the time we eat supper, which will be following Mass and our walk. I am wearing...my soft purple pants and a pink t-shirt. I am creating...my Plurk social journal. I am also on Twitter and enjoy both social networks. I am going...to be busy this week cleaning and cooking. I am reading...my devotionals and Mother Teresa's Secret Fire by Joseph Langford. I am hoping...for my special intention to be answered soon. I am hearing...the whirr of...

Visit Peggy to learn what the other women are thinking and doing today. FOR TODAY -- November 17, 2008 Outside my window...there's a beautiful clear blue sky, a light breeze is blowing through the orange, red, and brown leafed trees, and it's cool today -- in the lower 50's. It was in the upper 20's last night. I am thinking...how much I like this time of the year. It's perfect for taking walks. I am thankful for...so many things and the people the Lord has placed in my life, but especially for my faith and the chance to work at something I love. From the kitchen...not much happening now, but I will be making lamb chops (which my dh picked up on sale the other day) with peas and sweet potatoes for supper. I am wearing...pajamas. As usual, I was up writing and reading most of the night. I am creating...and generating ideas in my head for all kinds of stories and articles I plan to write. I am going...to get a lot done today (hopefully). I am reading...Mother Teresa...

FOR TODAY November 10, 2008... Outside my window... it pitch black. It's been raining most of the day and is very cold and windy. I am thinking...how beautiful and peaceful it will be in heaven. I am thankful for... the peace and quiet here now. I'm also thankful for the opportunity to be able to attend Mass daily and to receive our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. I'm so thankful for the many graces I receive to cope with daily trials. From the kitchen... I can still smell the lamb chops, peas, and cauliflower from supper. I also smell the homemade minestrone soup, which my dh loves. Yesterday I baked a half dozen pumpkin cranberry muffins and they are gone now. I love the spicy scent of pumpkin and cranberries! I have two large spicy pumpkin candles that I bought for only $3 apiece this past month. I am wearing...purple pants and a purple t-shirt. I am creating... various writing projects. I am going... to try to catch up on all my reading. I am reading... many books, magazine...

Visit Peggy's to learn what the other women are doing and thinking today. For Today... Outside my Window...it's a chilly fall evening. The sky is clear and there are lots of stars in the sky. I am thinking... that I need a vacation or a long weekend where I can just rest, relax, and enjoy the change of seasons. From the kitchen...turkey casserole. I am wearing...a blue cotton blouse and jeans. I am reading...Mother Teresa's Secret Fire, which I just started. I am hoping...to have a less hectic week than last week. I am creating...nothing special other than my writing projects. I am hearing...the hum of the computer and the TV on low volume. Around the house...I removed all my summer clothes and put in fall clothes. One of my favorite things...is taking long walks outdoors in the fall, which Bill and I were able to do both yesterday and today. A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... square dance lessons, writing projects, housework, Juice Plus+ planning. Here is a picture th...

Visit Peggy's to find out what the other women are thinking and doing today. For Today... Outside my Window...it's rainy, dark, and quite chilly in contrast to the beautiful weekend we had. I am thinking...what a busy, but exciting weekend we had! I am thankful for...the special privilege to have attended the Right to Life of Kansas conference this past weekend-- a very generous soul offered us complimentary tickets. From the kitchen...lamb chops, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots in a light cheese sauce, and a baked potatoes. I am wearing... my nightgown and bathrobe, as I have been a little under the weather today. I am reading...Spero by Anthony Horvath, my devotionals, the Scriptures, and several books on the saints. I am hoping...to get all my major writing projects done this week. I am creating...nothing special at the moment. Around the house...lots to do...laundry to fold and put away, vacuuming, dishes, etc. One of my favorite things...is to curl up with a good book ...

Visit Peggy to see what the other women are thinking and doing today. For Today... Outside my Window...it's dark outside, but the stars are shining. I am thinking...I can't wait until my yellow mums open... it won't be long now. I am thankful for...for the beautiful weather here and for the opportunity to see Fireproof this past weekend...will post my review later... I loved it! From the kitchen...blackberry pineapple pancakes. I am wearing...jeans, a print, cotton top, dangling purple earrings, and am barefoot. I am reading...Spero by Anthony Horvath. I am hoping...that things go better for my sister, who is going through a rough time now. I am creating...a better looking, more organized blog. I am hearing...my dh in the refrigerator, moving bottles around. Around the house...it's pretty quiet now...very early in the AM. One of my favorite things...is long road trips in the country this time of year. I love being outdoors, just enjoying the fall. A Few Plans For The R...

Visit Peggy's to learn what the other women are thinking and doing today. For Today... Outside my Window...it's still dark, as it's early mroning here... I pulled an all-nighter again, reading and writing. I am thinking...I am ready for bed. From the kitchen...I will be having some granola before I go to bed. I am wearing...my comfy blue jeans and a knit top... barefoot... as usual. I am reading...all the blogs, the Bible (Genesis now), several books for review, my devotionals. I am hoping...for a productive week. I am creating...new gadgets for my blog as well as space for a new piece of old furniture for the house that we will hopefully be getting soon. I am hearing...my dh load the dishwasher (PTL!) and the sprinkler system come on outside. Around the house...we'll discuss that another time. One of my favorite things...is walking outdoors in this gorgeous Indian Summer weather with my dh. A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Bible Study, scheduling appointments, r...

Visit Peggy's to learn what the other women are thinking and doing today. For Today... Outside my Window...it's bright and sunny and is a little cool (60's) today -- it feels like fall. I am thinking...of all that I need to do today and this week. I am thankful for...the paycheck I received last week (even if it was small). I was able to buy Bill a few new shirts (on sale) with it. From the kitchen...I can smell Bill's oatmeal. I will be fixing pork chops, potatoes, and stir fry veggies later. I am wearing...pajamas -- it's early morning here. I am reading...some great books I'll be reviewing soon. I am hoping...for more energy this week. I am creating...some new ideas for my businesses and my blog. I am hearing...the sound of the computer. It's very quiet here...Bill left for work and the cats are napping. Around the house...lots of work to do, but probably won't get much of it done today...too much to do with my other work. One of my favorite things......

A Simple Woman's Day Book For Today... Outside my Window...it's dark, as it is night here, but it's been very cloudy all day. It's been in the 60's -- which is exceptionally cool here for this time of year -- and has been looking like rain all day. I am thinking...about the upcoming blogs I want to post on...those I just read on Palin and Biden...about something I'm planning to do in October...about all the things I would like to do again once I return to a regular sleep schedule -- I have been a night owl again lately, which happens when I have lots of reading and writing to do. I am thankful for...the Holy Spirit's inspiration and encouragement in helping me today. I'm sure this must have been because it was the Blessed Mother's birthday. From the kitchen....I can still smell the hamburgers and green /yellow beans we had for supper. I usually fix more than that, but we wanted to get in our walk and return home before watching Bill O'Reilly inte...

Visit Peggy to see what the other women are thinking and doing today. For Today... Outside my Window...it's dark now....but it was a gorgeous sunny day today in the upper 80's with a mild breeze. I am thinking...how wonderful it is to have a day to spend with my dh just relaxing. (This is rare.) I am thankful for...the beautiful weather and for some time to relax. From the kitchen...we just finished supper...beef brats (hot off the backyard grill), kidney bean salad, and corn on the cob. We had taffy apples (caramel apples) for desert. I am wearing...denim shorts, a blue and white striped cotton blouse, and am barefoot. I am reading...the blogs and a couple of books to be reviewed. I am hoping...this week goes by fast. I am creating...nothing at the moment, but want to add some new items to my blog when I can make the time. I am hearing...the air conditioner running and the TV (very low) in the background. Around the house... it is quiet as the cats are napping and my dh is re...

Please visit Peggy to learn what the other women are thinking and feeling today. For Today... Outside my Window...it's very warm and humid...sunny skies... subtle signs of autumn approaching...the chrysanthemums are up and it won't be long until they're in bloom. A pumpkin plant in the backyard has blooms... I am thinking...that it would be nice to take a cruise to Mexico and lay on the beach and do nothing. Perhaps I can escape for a daydream or a brief nap later on today -- there's too much to do right now. I am thankful for...my husband Bill, who is so helpful to me at home and in my business. I am so thankful that the Lord provides for us in so many ways. From the kitchen...pork chops and stir fry from fresh veggies we purchased at the farmer's market. I am wearing...a light blue sleeveless dress and am barefoot while sitting here... sandals otherwise. I am reading...a new book to be reviewed soon. I am creating...a new invitation list for my Juice Plus+ wellnes...