Welcome November!

Since my September 1st post, life has been a whirlwind. My sister helped her partner drive their belongings to their new home in Oregon. She left him and their kitty there, and flew back to finish out her job and clear the apartment. She spent the last couple weeks in our home. Then before out flying to start her new life in Oregon, we went through a lot of her stuff that didn't make the trip, she helped me organize my front room and I decided what to keep and what should now go, we held a big yard sale which did really well, then we filled boxes of leftover items to be donated. It was fun having her here. We had a lot of late night talks, a lot of laughter, and a few tears. It was a special time. I plan to visit them next spring or summer, God willing.

I've continued doing my morning journal writing for the Grow Me A Story class. It's called Sowing Seeds. I just put down whatever comes to mind. It's a great exercise to clear the mind and to jot down creative ideas. I'm posting daily on Instagram as part of a 90 Days of Autumn Awareness activity. It's been challenging and fun! I'm working on setting some weekly writing goals, which will include posting more often on this blog. Until then...

Welcome September!

I am ready for September. This has been a busy and very hot summer, in fact the heat wave is continuing into this new month for at least the next week. I'll have to keep dreaming of those cooler days. I'm excited about changes that are coming up. My sister's move to Oregon. My continuing classes with Grow Me A Story. Getting out into the community more after very little of that in the past 3 years. It's late, so I must cut this short but wanted to get something posted on this first day of September. Life holds a lot of promise right now. I look forward to seeing what the coming weeks will bring!

Sunflowers - Free Image from Pixabay

Favorite Memory Prompt

I haven't been using the June writing prompts but decided to try another one today. Life has just been so busy, including reconnecting with a little sister I hadn't seen in over 30 years. It was amazing! I may share more about it at some future date, but what I will say today is I am beyond happy and feel so blessed!

Now to the prompt. These are written with a 5 minute timer and unedited. The point is to push myself to write a little bit each day when possible. I'm doing the June 8th one today. 

8. Describe a favorite memory of a summer evening. 

I'm in our yard, mid 1960's. It's dusk and grandma is sitting in one of the lawn chairs. Grandpa points out the moonflowers. They are opening up! It's a magical sight to see the yellow blooms slowly unfolding into full bloom as the warm evening gets darker. As I look past them, across the gravel drive and the grapevines growing over the metal double loop fence, I can see the neighbors white house and big red barn in the distance. To the west the mountains look blue in the darkening sky. The fresh summer smells drift in on the warm breeze. Our old calico mama cat is tracking one of the giant moths that are attracted to the moonflowers. My sister and I watch it all with delight.

© 15JUN2022 ajjahner

Burning Leaves...

Vintage Autumn Print

November is filled with so many memories. One of my fondest is raking up piles of oak leaves. My sister and I would have fun jumping in the leaves, while grandpa continued to rake under the birch, the crab apple, and the willows, then he would take them, one wheelbarrow load at a time, and roll them out to the burn barrels. I still love the smell of burning leaves during autumn. That aroma is much more rare where I live now, as my little town has grown so large. The fields have been replaced with houses and shopping centers, and there are restrictions on burning in city limits. I may have to toss a couple leaves on the barbecue, and see if the smell still evokes the same feelings.

© 11NOV2014 ajj

Day 30 - Beginnings, My Lil Sis

All dressed up for church

Today is my little sis's birthday! I remember the day she was born.  We were at church, and someone had to leave to drive my mom to the hospital.  I stayed at church with my grandparents.  After the service was over, we drove to the hospital.  Only adults were allowed to go up to see a new baby, so I waited downstairs with a friend or relative.  That was the beginning of my life with my sis.

I sat here last night, letting my mind drift over the years.  We have lived through so many things together.  I'm not going to list them here, but there have been joys and there have been sorrows.  We have laughed, cried, fought, loved, rejoiced, grieved, survived... we have shared our lives.  I can't imagine what life would have been without her.  I don't even want to!  I do want to wish her a very Happy Birthday!

Vagabond Lane Premiere

I have been sick again this week, so my posting is not getting done on a regular basis.  I did come on today to tell you about an opportunity if you live in the Boise, Idaho area.

My sister has been involved in the making of a local film called Vagabond Lane.  I can't tell you much about the film other than what you will read in the reviews.  It is PG rated, and I'm told has a Christian theme behind the fantasy.  Here's the event information: 

Vagabond Lane premieres tomorrow at the Egyptian Theatre, with showings at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM.  Tickets are a bargain at $6.00 per person.  It is an all Idaho cast and crew!   

Read the interview by KTVB's Maggie Omara by clicking HERE:  

The Boise Weekly Review is Here:

I hope if you live in the area, you'll be able to come and support this local film.  

Before signing out I just have to say, we had the most amazing, sunny day!  A definite sign of Springtime!  It was just what was needed to raise my spirits.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend. 

Giveaways and A Night Out

Donna, of Brynwood Needleworks is hosting two Giveaways!  The first is a Valentine's Giveaway and the second is The Brynwood Needleworks 200th Follower Giveaway.  Donna has put together an amazing assortment of items for each of the giveaways.  To sign up go HERE and look for the two separate posts.

Stephanie of Rose Petals and Rust is hosting "A Sweet Giveaway" and this lovely necklace is the prize.  It is a soldered charm necklace with vintage lace and a forget me not inside.  To enter this giveaway, go HERE.

I try to post links to all the giveaways I know about.  There are so many generous and talented people in the land of blogging. 

Sometime, hopefully in the very near future, I will be hosting one of my own.



Now on to other things.  I had the most amazing time last evening.  For the second day in a row, I was feeling well enough to get out of the house.  My cousin Laurie treated Lana (my lil sis) and I to dinner out.  It was so nice to go out to a restaurant.  The meal was delicious, but the best part was the visiting.  We always find so many things to talk and laugh about.  I was glad the restaurant wasn't busy, so we didn't feel rushed.  Gathering together with people you love is like a mini vacation.  It lifted my spirits and reminded me how important it is to keep connections with family and friends.

Happy Birthday Little Sis!

I want to wish my little sis a Very Happy Birthday!  I can't believe we're both in our 50's.  Where did the days go?  It seems only yesterday that we were little girls playing Barbies, Checkers, and pretending to be members of the Starship Enterprise! 

We fought, as sisters will do,

but what I remember is that we loved each other...

defended each other... and we still do.

I hope this is a year of wishes and dreams

coming true for you!

I pray for your home to be filled

with happiness, peace, and love.

May God not only bless you,

but may He light the path before you...

so that each step of your journey

is a step toward the best life holds for you.

Love you so much!

Have a Happy Birthday!

 

Sunday Scribblings - Tattoo

The Sunday Scribblings prompt is Tattoo. I don't have any tattoos, unless you count the many physical markings that have been added by age and nature. It's not that I haven't thought about it, but I have so many "needle pokes" for medical reasons that I have lost the desire for any extras.

Some favorite tattoos I have seen...

My cousin Laurie had her name tattooed in shorthand on her ankle. Very small, understated and pretty. Someone will always know who she is... well, if they read shorthand!

My Lil Sis, Lana, has several... Orion's Belt on her shoulder, her name in Elvish (I think) on her lower leg or foot, a Native American symbol with feathers on her abdomen... I think that's all. Each tattoo carries a special meaning for her. Her Native American heritage, her Scottish and Irish roots, and other very personal meanings.

A friend has a Chinese symbol meaning faith. Very pretty and inspiring.

I've thought a lot about what I would have done if I ever change my mind. My choices have changed dramatically since I was a young teen. Then it was a heart or a butterfly. Later on a Native American symbol... something from the Cherokee Nation. A Celtic knot or a four leaf clover. These days I am uncertain. Maybe it's because I am in a transition place in my Spirit. I am changing... hopefully growing in a positive direction. So for now, the tattoo is not on my life list. If that changes, I'll be sure and let you know.

Be sure to click on: Sunday Scribblings to see what other writers have shared. If you want to read my older posts for Sunday Scribblings click on: My Sunday Scribblings

I haven't participated much recently, but the link will show you all the posts I did complete.

It's My Lil Sis's Birthday!

Today is my Lil Sis's birthday!

She's the dark haired beauty in the "Back Country" T-shirt.

The other lovely lady is her friend in Scotland.

Happy Birthday Sis!