Nearly-Christmas Daybook

Omokoroa Beach

Outside my window.....

I'll choose not to dwell on today's rain, because the past few weeks have been astoundingly gorgeous. New Zealand is immersed in that beauty of early summer that just makes you proud to be a part of this world. I've been frequenting the beach whenever possible. Pretty sunsets at the moment, too!

I am thankful for.....

• Opportunities and Blessings: the opportunity of singing in my favourite musical; the opportunity of leading the Special Character of the school next year; the blessing of having a hard year's work recognized at prizegiving; the blessing of amazing parents; the blessing of hopes and dreams.

I am thinking about......

A good many things- although I've never doubted it, I'm realizing more and more that I'm the type of person that cannot stop thinking.
Which fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers I'd like to grow in my garden when I grow up and become a self-sufficient homesteader. The prospect of getting up early to milk cows seems somewhat unappealing... I'll give it some thought.
'2012'. I really don't think the world will end- for about that day or hour no-one knows (Mark 31)- but I've restitched my scapular and been to confession... just in case. :-)

Learning all the time.......

Making lists of words I find beautiful- examining the impact of connotations in our perception of how words sound.
Learning balance- massive effort for an idealist like yours truly. 

On my nightstand......

• The Anne of Green Gables series!!!! I LOVE these! I never got into them as a child, for some inconceivable reason. Picking them up as a teenager, I can appreciate their literary merit, their simple morality and the fascinating imagination of their lovely protagonist. I adore Anne. She reminds me so much of myself as a child- quirky, imaginative, wordy. Her very character and nature has rekindled something in me that I think I've lost over the years- awe. Our world is awesome- created by an Awesome God who wants for us to recognise the beauty of His creation. And that's what Anne does- every flower, every scene, is a moment of perfection in which her heart rejoices. 

I am creating.......

Posies of flowers from the garden to adorn the house. It's such a beautiful time of the year.

My idea of a great day- pretty flowers and a good book!

I am praying.....

That I will get better at praying. Bit of a spiritual dry spell at the moment, but I'm not too worried, because it's nearly Christmas, and then HE comes!!!!!!



For everyone experiencing grief and sorrow as a result of recent tragedies.

I am singing.......

The Lonely Goatherd- practising it obsessively, because of the massive vocal fitness and agility required. Unlike the film version of this song, the stage show song has none of the instrumentals in between verses, so is essentially sung through with few breathing spaces. Difficult, to say the least- and that's without choreography! Pray for me!

One of my favourite things.....

Spiced Plum Tea (tastes like Christmas!). Went to a vintage tea shop with two of my friends for tea and scones this morning, and had such a lovely time that we went back for lunch a few hours later! I loved my tea- it was so festive and delicious, and because it was a full pot per person, I had about six cups!

Wasn't my tea cup beautiful?

Plans for the rest of the week......

Finally resting after many weeks of jam-packed obligations and activities. Between work, rehearsals and various other day-long obligations, the time since exams finished feels more chaotic than school did!
Singing at Youth Mass on Sunday.
Oh! Christmas!! Yes, that's right!! Midnight mass, scones for breakfast, friends for dinner (to talk to, not to eat!). I love this season. 
Probably some more exercise (harrumph), because I need to get fit for the show. If anyone has spiritual advice to do with fitness, please share, because I have no motivation!

A Quote I'm sharing with you.....

"She was richer in dreams than in realities; for things seen pass away, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island

Isn't this so true? Maybe we will never know that God is there, because we can't see Him- but the richness of our love for Him and dreams for a life that is His creates a connection far more valuable than anything corporeal. Nothing we worry about will have any significance in eternity, except our Lord.

A picture thought.......

Kate Gilday, Christmas, aged 7

Many prayers that you all have a beautiful and blessed Christmas. May your days be merry and bright, and may the Lord bless you with joy and peace.

AMDG