Compassion

From Wikipedia: "The etymology of compassion is Latin, meaning, co-suffering. More involved than simple empathy, compassion commonly gives rise to an active desire to alleviate suffering." What I take out of this is that it's not just saying I feel bad for the poor, but it's the action that shows true compassion.

I think we all would say we have compassion for those less fortunate and would love to alleviate their suffering, but we feel rather like the one who challenged the little boy at the shore on why he was bothering to throw starfish into the water (one at a time, at that), with "you can't save them all, there are thousands on this beach . . . you can't possibly make a difference!" And as the boy throws another one in, he responds with, "I made a huge difference for that one!"

So I've been thinking. In a world where our little girls' beautiful dolls get accessorized with everything a living princess could dream of, there are boys and girls, with real beating hearts, who do not know a satisfied tummy, a pair of shoes or a bed to sleep on.

Maybe I need to take on more of the reverse kind of thinking of that  little boy. Rather than being stumped at the thought of not being able to help them all I can think of the one or two or three we can make a difference for. Maybe we can work toward evening out the score between the dolls and the boys and girls this Christmas. Just some honest thoughts.

Bedroom Makeover in Indonesia

We've been watching the home makeover from afar . . .
she moved into a bare looking room with a big smile 

because she knew what it would become.

I know, because she drew it all up for me before they left.

And we see again that, with her dad's capabilities,

anything becomes a possibility!

Waiting for the window bench cushion 

and books to fill the shelves.

Thank You for Coming Along with Me

It was six years ago today that I began my postings, 

describing the beauty of being in the fall season of life.

Some of you remember.

My H was leery about me posting for the world to read

and I told him no one would read it anyways . . .

which he has not failed to remind me of many times since.

So, on this day, I just want to say thank you!

Thank you for affirming my reasons to write.

Thank you to my H, who doesn't mind checking on me

and often encourages me despite his more private thinking.

Thank you to my kids,

who may secretly roll their eyes at their mom's attempts at fashion posts,

yet have somehow managed to keep from teasing.

Thank you to my precious grands,

who have inspired me so many times and for 

whom I will save many of these shared memories.

Thank you to those who have never commented here

but have encouraged me in person or by email.

Thank you to friends and family who know me so well

and whom I interact with on so many other levels . . .

yet still take the time to visit here.

 And last, but surely not least . . .

Thank you to all whom I have never met . . .
so many of you. . .

sharing life's dramas, holidays,
precious moments,

homemaking tips
and reflections on so many aspects of life.
It is a privilege to peek into each other's windows,
and especially so, because we can feel safe in doing so.
I can't help but think of
 'home on the ranch, where seldom is heard a discouraging word. '
May you all experience the same.
and may the Lord bless and keep you.

Memory Lane

Forty years ago we were three teenagers . . .

attending the same high school down on 41st in Vancouver.

It was our last year together under one roof.

I wonder if mom and dad were beginning to get the idea,

from the photos taken of just the three of us.

I look at this one taken about that time as well,
surprised my Dad let me wear that skirt . . .

and could that shirt be any more tucked in???

On  my left hand I'm wearing the promise ring from my H.

It had two hearts enfolding my August birthstone.

I passed it down to Julene (our August baby) on her 16th birthday 

who would have loved to pass it down to Tehya, also born in August . . . 

but sadly a thief broke into her jewelry box,
all sentimental value thrown aside for some quick cash.

But I'm digressing... 

I look at these photos and I am thankful for a brother and a sister

who I was able to grow up with and 

who still mean the world to me.

Kind of funny how we are standing in the same order here
and it's not age order.

Unbroken

On our bookshelf we have a new book we just finished reading. My H got it as a gift and read it first. When I read it and stopped to talk about it, he'd continually say, "Wait, it gets worse!" After a while, I knew it could not get worse, the terrifying saga only continued. Unbroken is a true story of one man's dashed dreams replaced by inconceivable physical and emotional pain as a prisoner of war and finding, at last, the only way to true forgiveness and healing.

In the end, to quote Laura Hillenbrand,
"The Pacific POWs who went home in 1945 were torn-down men. They had an intimate understanding of man's vast capacity to experience suffering, as well as his equally vast capacity, and hungry willingness, to inflict it."

However, we look at it, whether we are into history or not, the events in this story had me gain a new appreciation for our freedom and even the simplest things we can enjoy, realizing how we so easily complain about petty things. This story reveals how war can bring out the worst in people and that the price paid on either side will never justify the means. May we find a better way.

A few Thoughts on Wardrobe Tweaking

I went through my sock, pantyhose, tights drawer the other day to sort out and organize. Simply put, I was tired of hoping the dresser would not eat something as I closed the overstuffed drawer. I can't believe how nice it is to see the rolled tights / colors at one glance now. Everyone else has probably figured this out ages ago.

So, first off, we talk about leggings and tights. What is the difference? Depending on where you live, and context, you may interchange them but, just for understanding here, I'll refer to tights as thick to semi sheer pantyhose (with feet) that come in a variety of colors, and leggings as to being of thicker material, cropped below the knee or ankle, most often black.

So, where you get dressed, do you have a full length mirror?  We all know that it's probably a good idea to check things out as we get dressed or before we leave the house. So what do you look for?

One of the things I look at is, what is the the first thing that hits me about what I am wearing?



Do the legs stand out unnaturally?
Try to balance the look by coordinating with the top (a necklace, scarf or sweater) or match a sweater and a pair of tights to pick up a tone/color in the skirt.



Does the outfit look frumpy/not right with the hose and boots?
Try boots according to the length of the dress. If the dress or skirt is on the shorter side try leggings or tights with boots to the knee. If the dress or skirt is longer, try tights (can be on the sheer side for formal occasions) with low boots.

Another thing I look at in the mirror is to see what aspect I would like to camouflage.



This knit dress ended up getting too tight and awkward looking with tights. ( I wonder what happened?) I crunched it up with a belt and changed to jeans ( leggings work too)  to make it look like a comfy sweater. Bulges in general can be camouflaged with layering as well, The first layer can be a tight cami or loose blouse and the second layer a loose sweater. This adds interest and keeps attention away from those love handles.



For my age leggings do not necessarily replace pants. They are great for exercising or around the house but for going out I prefer to wear them with a sweater dress, or dress that is too short without them.

This season calls for a few essentials that make a difference in your wardrobe as a whole. Depending on your style, a classy coat and/or warm jacket that goes with everything, tights and/or leggings that work with your wardrobe and a comfortable pair of boots and/or booties that you just love, will round out the necessities for getting out. If you have these taken care of, other things will fall into place.