Saturday, December 1, 2012

Mary's Words

  I felt a sense of relief when I turned the calendar to December.  My dad was in the hospital for the last few days of November because he caught the flu at his birthday party.  He's 84.  He's thirty years older than me.  He's safe at home with my mom now.  My sister is there and my brothers live in town, so we have calm and "every day ordinary" back and I like that.  

Most of the time I am fairly laid back.  At least I think I am.  I do have bouts of rattled nerves when my family has health issues or if I feel like I can't quite do everything I think I should do. 
There is a little girl at school whose mother has cancer.  Her parents are also divorced.  She chews her fingernails, wears her hair in a ponytail, comes back to my desk during reading time and asks for something (a pencil, a pass to the drinking fountain, a band aid) and she DOES NOT HURRY.  The other day she was arranging the textbook rack, making sure all the books faced the same way and I realized that she is very content to go at her own pace. When she tells me things, she always talks slow. I've never quite been capable of pulling that off.  I feel hurried most of the time.  
I would like to calm down and take things slower, but of course I want to do this all at once.  Sigh.  
 Even though it is too early to buy a green garland, I did.  It will dry too fast and become a fire hazard, but it's so beautiful and it smells like the forest.  The forest smells like calm.

 Bill and I had wiener winks for supper.  Isn't that a funny thing to call pigs in a blanket?  Well, that's funny, too! We also dined on cream of tomato soup.  Quietly.
 Today I did a little shopping.  I needed some jeans and a light sweater or two.  I wanted to visit a big crafty store and I had to buy the complicated wiener wink ingredients (kidding).  I won't have time to shop for days and days because it is a busy school and after-school week.  The weekend brings a trip and we'll get back just in time to get ready for school for the next week.  I'm sure you've heard it said that Jesus was always moving and never rushed.  I know He doesn't like to see us spending this holy time buzzing around in a frenzied hurry.
 So, I'd like to take my time and knit without deadlines (I'm a slow knitter) and make a little bunting for the Christmas tree.

 I'd like to send off a few Christmas cards (do you see cute CB's school picture? LOVE!)
 Trimming the tree may not happen for a while.  We'll just go with the lights.  I like the fuzzy light. I was fiddling with knobs and dials on my camera.


For this Pause in Advent I leave you with the Magnificat:

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me-
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
Luke 1:46-55


Bill has a bad cold, so he's upstairs snoring.  I'm going to drink a mug of hot chocolate and give myself permission to move slowly.  I might leaf through a Christmas book or two, light a few candles, and rest.
Thank you very much for visiting me. 

Please visit the other participants over at Floss's blog.  You'll like all the interesting perspectives.  Take a listen to our sweet granddaughter CB singing in church today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=A7ZKEcg9bN8

48 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

take a deep breath for yourself now and then...

i liked this line: the forest smells like calm.

Leslie said...

I love your snowflake garland. So pretty! And I came home tonight with a pine swag I bought from a Boy Scout. I hope Bill gets better soon, and your Dad has a complete recovery. Blessings!

sandy said...

I too like the idea that the forest smells like calm. Even my pine scented candles bring on the feeling of serenity. There was even a calm about your post: dining quietly, calming scents, and considering knitting slowly, and drinking a mug of hot chocolate. Sounds like Bliss to ME!

ann said...

I like the garland. I resisted buying some because it will dry out. I want it to last forever. I am still a few days away from any decorating. Grading, you know. This week will be the last week of the semester, then finals. Then getting reading for Christmas. I wish I could move slowly. Hope your dad gains his strength back.

Elderberry-Rob said...

It's great to have decorations right now - why not! I will bring some of the woods in - we have pine trees out there and holly and ivy. The little girl at school I think wants to be near YOU, maybe although you are all busy in your own head, other people find you calming? I find your posts instantly calming and balancing and always have a little jump of 'oh good' when I find a new one. Betty x

Anonymous said...

Hello Dear Pom Pom, I'm going to follow Your lead and try to move more slowly and appreciate the little things in this fast world We live in.No frenzied Christmas shopping :)
Love CB's picture and do hope Bill and Your Dad get well soon . Have a peaceful week friendxxxx

Between Me and You said...

My Mother has her flu jab each year and so far it's worked. The elderly,infirm and pregnant ladies get it for free over here. Don't know whether you have the same there.
Your yarn looks interesting, as do the circulars and crochet hook - show and tell when you've finished perhaps?
I know what you mean about the rushing stuff - I thought you were meant to have more time when you got older and the kids had left home....ha ha!
Have a good and unrushed week.

Pom Pom said...

Thank you, TexWis! I am going to try. When I have my planning time at school, I can shut the door and slow down a bit. There are always papers to grade and sort, copies to make, BUT if I make it a priority to look out the window . . .

Pom Pom said...

Hi Leslie! I bought that snowflake garland at the grocery store years ago (that's where I shop most of the time! lol!)
Thank you for your good wishes for my daddy. He's so sharp and bright, just feeble.

Pom Pom said...

Heaven sent bliss. Yes. Sandy, you are so right about the scent of pine. I think we are all forest people. I've always loved the woods. I'm so glad that we are pausing together.

Pom Pom said...

Thank you for that, Ann. We are daily praying for strength for my dad (and mom!)
You'll get by that grading soon, but I know how hard it is. I do not have to grade research papers, but I pray that they are interesting and easy to mark for you.
You are right about the garlands. They dry up even though I spray them! I've noticed that they are gone as Christmas approaches. I wish they'd keep cutting and tying until January. I love having a nice smelling piece of the forest in our house! You may have to take a pause right in your office at the university. Hot chocolate and Christmas music?

Pom Pom said...

Clip some woods for me, Betty! Thank you for your calm words. You are always so encouraging. I think you are right about the little quiet girl. I will reach out to her more, give her more smiles and attention. She really is a kind little soul.

Pom Pom said...

Thank you, dear Julie! Bill is feeling better this morning. Sleep always helps colds. My dad is going to receive some additional therapy that should be soothing and encouraging to him. Thank you for commenting about CB. She is a treasure. We are driving up to hear her sing at church this morning. Oh, I love my little first grandchild. She is so smart and thoughtful. I love your heart, how you do things. I have a feeling that many many people are blessed by my toadstool sister. (BIG HUG!)

Pom Pom said...

Hi Nana Go Go! It's always so nice to see you! Yes, we have flu jabs here, too. This was a stomach bug that family members have been passing around. No fun! I did not get my flu jab because I always worry about the reaction to it. If I get the flu, it's my own fault. I think I have built up quite an immunity because I am around so many students each day and I'm a compulsive hand washer to boot!
Yes, there are so many things to do around our kidless houses, aren't there?
I like that black and white novelty yarn, too. I'm making a cowl. I'll let you know when it is finished. Are you on Ravelry? Happy Advent, friend!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad your Dad is getting better. My Dad is 30 years older than me too. I love all your Christmas preparations, and I love how you describe the forest smell as "calm". You're so right. Big hugs, xxx

Pom Pom said...

I know you love your daddy very much, just as I love mine, Tina. Big hugs back to you!

Attic Clutter said...

oh I'm glad ''I slowed down'' and took the time to read most of your message..you are an angel for seeing the needs of this little girl.. poor thing...
well love the decor you have up ...beautiful ..
hugs..p

Kezzie said...

So true! We need to slow down. Jesus doesn't want us harassed indeed! I love the Magnificat, ever since I was a choir girl at 5 years old, singing for Evensong!

Kezzie said...

....and thanks for your kind comment on my Advent blog! God bless you too! :-)

Nancy McCarroll said...

The little girl who is in you class, so fortunate to have YOU as her teacher. Am sure you give her special thought, and I will pray for her.

You are so kind to respond to your commenter, and with such thoughtfulness.

Happy Advent.

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Hello Pom Pom, I'm wishing you rivers of peace and calm this Advent Season. Your post blessed me, thank you.

Gumbo Lily said...

I'm glad to hear that your dad is on the mend and in his everyday life again. Just when we think the "ordinary and everyday" is so dull, something happens to help us remember ordinary is a "good thing."

I hope you enjoy the busy & full days as well as the quiet & humble days of the season. I'm lighting the candles and turning on the lights this gray afternoon too.

Love from me to you.

Thomasina Tittlemouse said...

What a lovely and thoughtful post. And a lovely invitation to slow down in what can be such a frenetic time of year. Thank you! May your Advent be full of peaceful slow moments with blessings hidden in each one. E x

Pom Pom said...

Hi Jody! I do like the candle light on the darker days. We've had so much sunshine. It's weird! I won't complain though.
You're so right when you say there are quiet humble days to go with the jazzy ones. We're having family Advent tonight and I can't find the wreath.

Pom Pom said...

Hi TT! Thank you for coming by! Thank you for your lovely Advent wishes. I'm thinking slow meals, too. Soup and dipping beans. Slow drinks like hot cider and Russian tea sound wonderful and relaxing.

Pom Pom said...

Thank you, Sara. I'm so thankful for praying friends.

Pom Pom said...

I was just looking in my Christmas boxes and so much of the stuff we've had for one hundred years is looking quiet bedraggled. I think I'm forced into simplicity which I was going for anyway! Now if I can just find the Advent wreath.

Pom Pom said...

Hi Kezzie! Oh, that's so fun to think about, a five year old girl singing for Evensong. I really like that! Thank you for pausing with me!

Pom Pom said...

Smile. Thank you, new friend!

Pom Pom said...

Thank you, Nancy. There are so many students (120) and I do try to seek out the quiet ones. That's why I need to try to be quiet, too.
Thank you for your always kind words.

M.K. said...

Goodness, Pom -- my Pause for Advent post sounds so much like yours! We are thinking alike :) I hope you find many moments of peace and unhurried joy, dear Pom.

Pom Pom said...

I thought the same thing, MK! We DO think a lot alike!
We can remind each other of our quest for quiet and no-rush days.

Farm Girl said...

I am so sorry your Dad has been sick.I am glad he is home now. I bet you were jittery. I was in sixth grade when my Mom died of cancer. I am so glad that that little girl has you for a teacher. She doesn't know now but she will remember you the rest of her life. Every thing happens for a purpose and I am thankful for you.
Every thing looks just lovely and I hope you get lots of knitting done to calm your nerves.
I love the Magnificent. I am glad you wrote it out.
Have a good week Pom Pom fly slow. :)

Pom Pom said...

I will remember your sixth grade precious self when I see PR tomorrow.
I love the Magnificat, too. When I think of how young Mary was and how much she loved her God, I'm amazed.

Lisa Richards said...

The weiner winks look delish! Thanks for sharing your Christmasy preparations. I agree we shouldn't rush so much. I'm hoping to have some time to do some laid back Christmasy things after school is done for the semester. Your little student sounds like she appreciates the oasis that is your classroom and she's savoring the peaceful atmosphere. Bless her heart.
Thanks for sharing your joy and The Magnificat!

Catherine said...

Your weiner winks made me laugh & laugh...sorry ; ) I'm sure they were tasty! We don't really do garlands of greenery here, mostly a pine tree, real or otherwise & then that trimmed but I love the idea of greenery garlands..even ivy would be nice..thanks for the idea. I have been pondering the too much to do debarkle? of late & was really pleased that when Rob bought down the Christmas boxes (I just wanted the nativity set) that I found myself unpacking just the simple God things & put the rest back. It feels just about right now & no stress isn't that good. Much love to you & your family Pom x0x0x0x

Pom Pom said...

Hi sweet GK! I think wiener winks are funny, too!
Yes, I go through all the Christmas stuff and choose just a few things. There is no need to clutter up every corner with knick knacks. Candles, greens, lights, and poinsettias are my favorites.

Pom Pom said...

I'm ready for you to be done with school so you can enjoy a nice long break, Lisa! Thank you for your always kind and attentive words. You are my good friend.

Floss said...

I'm really glad your father is on the mend. That is a great Advent present for you all! I love your photos and your thoughts, too. Always moving and never hurried. I will reflect on that. Thanks so much for joining in, and also for your lovely comments, too.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Amen on scripture..the little girl's story just stops my heart, and I too want to slow down, but I think more than that is I need to have a heart of thankfulness, and stop complaining. When I see what others are going through it truly makes me see how small my struggles are

Thanks for sharing...and all the pictures are great...enjoy having some slowing down time

Unknown said...

Thank you PomPom. I love the idea of wanting to slow down quickly - I've got some half formed thoughts on this in my mind, partly due to something I've discovered myself doing recently - I need to give myself time to think them through.

CB's singing was gorgeous - for some reason it bought a tear to my eye. I will rejoice, this is the day.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Pom, it seems to me the little girl is wise beyond her years. She's controlling the only thing she, or any of us, ultimately, can control: herself. She goes slowly, at a pace she enjoys for her own reasons.
She's living a lesson we could all learn.

Pom Pom said...

Hi Floss! Thank YOU for leading us in A Pause in Advent and for sharing your wise thoughts and words!

Pom Pom said...

Thank you, Janette! It's not easy to slow down sometimes. Today, for example, was a very full day, but extra joyful!
I like reading your Christmas posts!

Pom Pom said...

Hi Carolyn! Thank you for listening to CB sing. I also love the words to her song. Let us REJOICE! I'm glad we're pausing together!

Pom Pom said...

VERY well said, Sandra! I had the opportunity to REALLY listen to her today. She really is a little treasure with HUGE grace supplied to her. I can see it.

Susan B said...

Dear Pom Pom, I'm so thankful to read that your father is doing better. It is so hard (and scary)when our parents end up going to the hospital and experience health problems. CB is precious, and her singing was delightful. Thank you for sharing the video! I would love to feel calm too, though so often I don't. I think that is why I read blogs on simplicity and minimalism...they help me to feel calm. Not to hurry...I would love that too...I do have a problem with talking fast. It is something to consider and ponder. Have a calm day today, my friend. :)

Pom Pom said...

Hi Susan B! thank you for watching and listening to CB sing! I like blogs for the same reasons (simplicity/minimalism).

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