Quotes from a wonderful book

I love this book. "Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective." I'm going to add some of my favorite quotes from the book. Everyone should read this. It is a quick read and one that you will want to go back to again and again. I'm highlighting mine. There is something in here for everyone. "Most people are just like you, disgusted with themselves for what they are and what they eat and what they drive. Most of us never stop to think that there are quite literally millions in this world who lack our blessings and opportunities, have no food to eat at all, and no hope of ever owning a car".

"When you focus on the things you need, you'll find those needs increasing. If you concentrate your thoughts on what you don't have, you will soon be concentrating on other things that you had forgotten you don't have - and feel worse! If you set your mind on loss, you are more likely to lose...But a grateful perspective brings happiness and abundance into a person's life."

I dedicate this quote to my true, best & wise friend L: But a true friend holds you to a higher standard. A true friend brings out the best in you. A best friend will tell you the truth...and wise friend will include a healthy dose of perspective." Thank you L.

reflections

It has been a little over a month since Scott and Catherine were married and off to Provo to start their new life together. This has presented an opportunity for Fred and I to do the same. We had a short review of where we have been and how we have been feeling. Next we shared where we want to be and how we want to feel. Let me say that we have laughed more, been more aware of being kind and respecting each other's needs and letting go of getting stuff done and living more in the moment. I am aware that more of the change has been from within myself. My focus has been all about me and my wants and desires and what I deserve. I don't know when things switched into this new line of thinking, but it is a welcome change. I look at Fred and reflect on his goodness and the discipline he shows in how he lives. He has never faltered as I have been all over the page on my emotional roller coaster the last few years. I am so grateful that he has stood beside me even though I didn't acknowledge his efforts. I have experienced for myself and KNOW that we cannot change others - only ourselves. Let's figure out what we need to change about ourselves so we can have the life that we desire!

Baby steps into projects

I somehow found myself in my new pink room or more affectionately known as "Gayle's Thinking Spot" by Fred and pulled out the fabric and pattern for the drapes I intend to make someday. Well I got kind of turned off for now with that project, but decided to cut apart the cover to my serger. So I did start that little project. We will see if I can sew it together and have it fit like the orginal cover. Shouldn't be too hard....right? This was harder than I expected. Pin, un pin, pin, un pin....finally got it fit together in some form, but the fabric gets hooked on the thread on my serger....now I know why the orginal cover was plastic. Oh Bother.

Sugar - specifically homemade chocolate chip cookies

I'm curious.....is it just me or if you pig out on sugar before bed do you wake up depressed in the morning? I do.

Renewal for Health and Well-Being workshop

My good friend Blanche and I attended "Renewal for Health and Well-Being" yesterday at Islandwood on Bainbridge Island. We both saw the adverstisement in the Kitsap Sun. It was advertised as "Take a little time out of your busy life to reconnect with yourself. This inspiring workshop will re-energize your life and restore your passion for your work. Learn what self-care tools can support and sustain your health. When you're actively focused on your well-being and your work, you can care for yourself and those around you with renewed dedication, empathy and compassion."

This event was sponsored by Harrison Hospital so it was geared toward their medical staff, but it was good for any one. We had a lovely day. It is a beautiful facility.

Labor Day Outing

On Labor Day Fred planned a day outing for us. We walked on the ferry to Seattle and then walked up to the Lite Rail and rode that to the Airport. Just for the scenery.....then we took the Lite Rail back to Westlake Center and ate at the food court. We are into sharing one meal now. So we split a BBQ sandwich and both got caesar side salads. From there we walked up to the Freeway Park to check it out. It is a park that is above Interstate 5. This is where we took this self portrait. I'm getting the hang of posing....chin up and shoulder down. Then we walked down to the waterfront and wanted an ice cream. I wanted to share a scoop, but Fred had his mind set on his own. I got a chocolate scoop, but it was below par. Unfortunately, rather than tossing it, I kept taking another bite somehow hoping the taste would improve. It didn't. We sat in the front of the ferry on the way home and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. It was a very nice day. I love Fred.

Farm Kitchen Saturday Breakfast

Today was a trip to Poulsbo for a Big Country Breakfast at the Farm Kitchen. After a hearty breakfast, we wandered around the fields to enjoy the flowers and scenery.

That's me - Peek a Boo from the corn field.

Lorraine pilfering flower seeds to grow in her garden at home. I totally supported her in this.

The address is on Pt. Gamble Road, but I was thinking Port Gamble so that's where I drove. We had to back track to get to the right location in Poulsbo. They serve a country breakfast the first Saturday of every month all year round. It was a fun experience. Very good food, but we did wait quite a while and it was very noisy in the eating area. You can sit inside or out in a party type tent. Check out their website http://www.farmkitchen.com/ They also offer cooking classes and other events. I want to go back and try the Rustic Breads in Ocotober.