tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17918601088298068502024-03-18T15:57:34.690-04:00Simple and Serene Livingbecause life doesn't have to be complicatedSImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.comBlogger660125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-37603956114769620122023-08-11T08:00:00.001-04:002023-08-11T08:00:00.134-04:00MENTAL HEALTH BREAK<p> <span style="font-size: large;">I have come to realize that I need a mental health break. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Most of my adult life has been filled with stress and I know that I need to finally take some time for myself and try to find some serenity.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARXT3PQjVekz4YakEWbXkrqdzi7fuNbrQG5EwQegOxpzmD2_YJVhs1qWEEZ1dvDYsY6XIrlEjDdR_wVjIL3GX7zNqn054b_h-JkGNv4OSF9kTDWEE6qMBfwkWQTx80zj0byw1rnwIxrHP-UYM4w_YY2QhnZXGhedPYqWkCvb8XTOCDqweB4SHBw5U9VMM/s1280/vintage-4188774_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="serenity" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARXT3PQjVekz4YakEWbXkrqdzi7fuNbrQG5EwQegOxpzmD2_YJVhs1qWEEZ1dvDYsY6XIrlEjDdR_wVjIL3GX7zNqn054b_h-JkGNv4OSF9kTDWEE6qMBfwkWQTx80zj0byw1rnwIxrHP-UYM4w_YY2QhnZXGhedPYqWkCvb8XTOCDqweB4SHBw5U9VMM/w640-h426/vintage-4188774_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />When we are young it feels like life will go on forever, but as we get older we realize how quickly it has passed.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">With that in mind, I am going to take some time for myself.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I need to stop and smell the roses.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhC9XJIKH1EdbnQq8Ueot1H9r9FgL0P7rWd-wwXm7Pa_98ozh_u0d4gLGwKNnl0iUM5MbMKZLMqeogY1fDvhvgud0o15PDerIXL5wuFoCslSNh_PJWe9JSUVWQzsnbI3pUVG1ojmd790l_MQ8IiL4RI_Oi8SvCj0FauvAWYokTmk8TtGwmEZCkIS4yMWWe/s1280/roses-1566792_1280%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="metal basket of roses" border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhC9XJIKH1EdbnQq8Ueot1H9r9FgL0P7rWd-wwXm7Pa_98ozh_u0d4gLGwKNnl0iUM5MbMKZLMqeogY1fDvhvgud0o15PDerIXL5wuFoCslSNh_PJWe9JSUVWQzsnbI3pUVG1ojmd790l_MQ8IiL4RI_Oi8SvCj0FauvAWYokTmk8TtGwmEZCkIS4yMWWe/w640-h428/roses-1566792_1280%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Suddenly all of the things I thought were so important just don't seem that important any longer. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My Etsy shop has been put on an extended vacation and I am cutting down on my blog posts. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I want to look at the wonderful photos on Instagram without feeling like I need to compete.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I want to play Rummikub with new friends on Thursday night and just laugh. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I want to sit in my chair and spend hours reading great books. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Most of all I want to spend more time with my precious family.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I realize that I need to</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF4XQAC-at3s8AR4UYApOxGVLoZazcAzbMN_xfgP_JKXA9vTAQ3Ab_VnkE5cQuX9QfV3JVTBxCOQbA0oZ8U8BThnXioayIjtKFzi_kEan53K-KkDnBnn8fbWX_ND5xFadfwYR5cff_T5qlIN2k63Os6HWjXXnN2q2h3aeoJ7kkBTVUR_Gvu3U07RUMbnZ/s1280/be-2009201_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="just be" border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfF4XQAC-at3s8AR4UYApOxGVLoZazcAzbMN_xfgP_JKXA9vTAQ3Ab_VnkE5cQuX9QfV3JVTBxCOQbA0oZ8U8BThnXioayIjtKFzi_kEan53K-KkDnBnn8fbWX_ND5xFadfwYR5cff_T5qlIN2k63Os6HWjXXnN2q2h3aeoJ7kkBTVUR_Gvu3U07RUMbnZ/w640-h410/be-2009201_1280.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">You all are my precious friends and I appreciate your support so much.</span><p></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-27673585387497346932023-08-04T08:00:00.001-04:002023-08-04T08:00:00.147-04:00WOMEN ARE RETIRING POOR IN AMERICA<p><span style="font-size: large;">This is a repost of a post I wrote two years ago. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It has been updated to reflect any changes I have made in my life.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OXqE6woQbWTLTaHvYOaQuq4_iiawvIJacxfqGJRImcwUdlZczuMwBFhXkpmkUJfg-0Jk0sKvSEAL1EqeiLheHa4b2QBsyOsqMfqQ9VbVgF1ZAwUd0_2mzVb6hTaIvuqQvN4Y_-JNTG2GriENwLNZpCEe-4TARw5TiUM6C8wg44jLlpqLs6XF9rqtw23T/s1280/hand-g34ce8bcc5_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hands" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1184" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1OXqE6woQbWTLTaHvYOaQuq4_iiawvIJacxfqGJRImcwUdlZczuMwBFhXkpmkUJfg-0Jk0sKvSEAL1EqeiLheHa4b2QBsyOsqMfqQ9VbVgF1ZAwUd0_2mzVb6hTaIvuqQvN4Y_-JNTG2GriENwLNZpCEe-4TARw5TiUM6C8wg44jLlpqLs6XF9rqtw23T/w592-h640/hand-g34ce8bcc5_1280.jpg" width="592" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><h2><span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">My Story</span></h2><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you have read my blog for a while you know that I am a former counselor, but what you may not know is that I was a stay-at-home mom for much of my adult life. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Like many women, I chose to devote my time to raising my children. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was what I had always wanted to do and I don't regret a moment of that, but what I didn't know is what would happen to me when my husband became seriously mentally ill and how it would eventually affect me.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwUVIOLZo6i7yCRE7GwaeAmGKVFDpdoYQMK4UcPdTEH6mBaZGc6Y4xSEinvM7Q3rVomrkrCtAChBsh34aeMsgMpIRDIaRDbFTx5oLIX2v-P5A2D4HIxiQZg9YLjj2CzLVJyMxM1SByxaZlB0oQrQEfcR7puhc15dxQkFyuMripSp0Hw74wy8e-phwDD5c/s1200/unseen-studio-s9CC2SKySJM-unsplash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="woman studying" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwUVIOLZo6i7yCRE7GwaeAmGKVFDpdoYQMK4UcPdTEH6mBaZGc6Y4xSEinvM7Q3rVomrkrCtAChBsh34aeMsgMpIRDIaRDbFTx5oLIX2v-P5A2D4HIxiQZg9YLjj2CzLVJyMxM1SByxaZlB0oQrQEfcR7puhc15dxQkFyuMripSp0Hw74wy8e-phwDD5c/w640-h426/unseen-studio-s9CC2SKySJM-unsplash.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In my mid-forties, I went back to school completed my last two years of college, and did three years of graduate school in counseling psychology. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I worked for several years, but I found out it wasn't enough. When I reached the age of 62 I took social security because I had crippling knee pain. I had both of my knees replaced but found that ageism is alive and well and I was unemployable. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here is what I discovered about Social Security and why I was left living in poverty. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><h2><span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">How Social Security Is Determined</span></h2><div><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Social Security is based on your lifetime earnings. </span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Your actual earnings are adjusted or “indexed” to account for changes in average wages since the year the earnings were received. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Then Social Security calculates your average indexed monthly earnings during the 35 years in which you earned the most.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhprA2aHYJqyRbH4wMPG9DxZ11r5SJDmXem_aa7NvYrEtxatQ0g9fd8Xw9MVBBDaOA7MNAxC4U2FDHF9Hg571vhH-RHkXZppMObeGalUYGvJxvjBbfPGQDJmnnGFp4XEHI3fZMhkT53shRKSmkh4sJqfUktuCaRYpHQEXsc8k_CDEoL5YVOZEgHzpuiTiv/s1200/alexander-grey-rItGZ4vquWk-unsplash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="woman holding cash" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhprA2aHYJqyRbH4wMPG9DxZ11r5SJDmXem_aa7NvYrEtxatQ0g9fd8Xw9MVBBDaOA7MNAxC4U2FDHF9Hg571vhH-RHkXZppMObeGalUYGvJxvjBbfPGQDJmnnGFp4XEHI3fZMhkT53shRKSmkh4sJqfUktuCaRYpHQEXsc8k_CDEoL5YVOZEgHzpuiTiv/w640-h426/alexander-grey-rItGZ4vquWk-unsplash.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This is where the problem arises for women who spent much of their adult lives being caretakers for their children and then often of their elderly parents. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><h2 style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.25px;">Being Out Of The Workforce</span></span></h2><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;">Being a caregiver is not seen as work by our government. Stay-at-home caregivers are basically free labor. (The government loves that. Free labor means no Social Security.)</span></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;">For example, if a woman spends 25 years of her life working in her home, where she is unpaid, those years are indexed as zero income. They are then averaged with the ten years she worked outside the home. </span></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDdcvsdBkTeN2_ypcYvwXfMql97SxNWGspHZy642w7u8UjOQWdetQJ5a8cYwS2Y86yNyerfi6FCrvdIL3iZKVyaBi6Lri_bUzJaa6t7Z_PT27T5ArhhgmhVBqujHy6ZUZhcPsu8Br5r3rpOkBzpmO9kouM5fzyKSX8OR5a4zUSvm19YLOxb83badt_6Iq/s1789/austrian-national-library-t5qnrCVkUz8-unsplash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="woman washing window" border="0" data-original-height="1789" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDdcvsdBkTeN2_ypcYvwXfMql97SxNWGspHZy642w7u8UjOQWdetQJ5a8cYwS2Y86yNyerfi6FCrvdIL3iZKVyaBi6Lri_bUzJaa6t7Z_PT27T5ArhhgmhVBqujHy6ZUZhcPsu8Br5r3rpOkBzpmO9kouM5fzyKSX8OR5a4zUSvm19YLOxb83badt_6Iq/w430-h640/austrian-national-library-t5qnrCVkUz8-unsplash.png" width="430" /></a></div><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span style="font-size: large;">For women, like myself, who are no longer in a stable marriage, those years of taking care of a family leave them living in poverty. </span></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;">Women should not have to sit around like the grim reaper, waiting for ex-husbands to die in order to have enough money to survive.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><h2 style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.25px;">Social Security Raises</span></span></h2><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;">The big talk last year was about the big increase that is expected for Social Security in 2022. They estimated 6%. Here is what that means. For someone who is making $2500 a year in Social Security that raise means an extra $150. For a woman who makes $800 a year in Social Security that raise is $48.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;">Out of that raise, there is usually an increase in Medicare, and if you are fortunate enough to have gotten into senior subsidized housing (of which there is an extreme shortage and long waitlists) 30% of that raise will go to the government as an increase in your rent. </span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;">There are approximately 30 million women over the age of 60 in this country and approximately 17.3% of them are living in poverty. That means that over 5 million older women in this country are living in poverty.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAI_oVLA_D_vHBis7p6MghTLrJdyDb6ANklS7DT17S21j3asHXOg75HTBX5GZIeBlOya86FCS5hTJ1ggDM8lne7h_-R7HvSPNphkz7d0oaLA7iMdq7aCYlspC6TMx3JHx1xOKMxcL_ZN-BVN63m-GbSO5Hkzp-4prW0Aa-PM3nhVTienMhFngmS44lHiiP/s1800/nathan-dumlao-bRdRUUtbxO0-unsplash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fresh vegetables" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAI_oVLA_D_vHBis7p6MghTLrJdyDb6ANklS7DT17S21j3asHXOg75HTBX5GZIeBlOya86FCS5hTJ1ggDM8lne7h_-R7HvSPNphkz7d0oaLA7iMdq7aCYlspC6TMx3JHx1xOKMxcL_ZN-BVN63m-GbSO5Hkzp-4prW0Aa-PM3nhVTienMhFngmS44lHiiP/w426-h640/nathan-dumlao-bRdRUUtbxO0-unsplash.png" width="426" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span style="font-size: large;">These women have to make decisions on whether to eat or pay for their medications.</span></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;">As you can see it is not a small problem and it is one that needs to be addressed. We need Social Security reform.</span></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;">I try to do my part by making phone calls to government officials, but I am just one person.</span></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><h2 style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Continuing Story </span></span></h2><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.25px;">I am fortunate to have received a small inheritance from my mother which gives me a little cushion for emergencies, but every day is a worry.</span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"> </span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;">Will my twelve-year-old car with 134,000 miles on it break down? </span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;">It did break down this year and cost 3100 dollars to repair. </span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;">How long will that money last? My family is long-lived and I will need to stretch it out. </span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVbcc9ZoVvjR2FJFJFFrBMChkRdBRsXkEPg8FA-zS_9bFylCQGO1_VW-dyI54-V0ZAUt7lOhKgfmQkzN-Gs_1f8WE5kiWIzKOpNseAtBoG2MDSgP28yu7ffFrIB9NEOwUItqqdm-uwJrQbYJJlA2C1aZQH8SILKGCXfBzLtkLre8VAtKIu8DcLFGwU-0z/s1200/josh-appel-NeTPASr-bmQ-unsplash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="coins spilling out of a jar" border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVbcc9ZoVvjR2FJFJFFrBMChkRdBRsXkEPg8FA-zS_9bFylCQGO1_VW-dyI54-V0ZAUt7lOhKgfmQkzN-Gs_1f8WE5kiWIzKOpNseAtBoG2MDSgP28yu7ffFrIB9NEOwUItqqdm-uwJrQbYJJlA2C1aZQH8SILKGCXfBzLtkLre8VAtKIu8DcLFGwU-0z/w640-h480/josh-appel-NeTPASr-bmQ-unsplash.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the past, I have supplemented my income by selling online, but I have found I no longer have the energy to keep that up the way I was doing.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;">I am not alone. There are millions of us. If you know an older woman who is struggling I hope that you will reach out a helping hand to them. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;">As I seem to have more time on my hands these days I intend to start advocating for reform for women and Social Security. Not sure how much effect I will have, but I will keep you informed.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWDp-EE1eGJ07BfvAvpqZvqQoYHINJRDumkbIExsxfl0hkEZlVtLDKXrt1dJzl4HOV29wetywVmCOjQvCuVHumms7LYNXHetGTZ4GjRNSqnownw7eBi5BfbZYU_Y4AKGZHCy8yYej-RQZA0rrqNC1GFRQXBOlZOmfrOr5wj8XC2td07BPWY8vLYySdO2F/s1800/BeFunky-design%20(44).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="women retiring poor in america" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWDp-EE1eGJ07BfvAvpqZvqQoYHINJRDumkbIExsxfl0hkEZlVtLDKXrt1dJzl4HOV29wetywVmCOjQvCuVHumms7LYNXHetGTZ4GjRNSqnownw7eBi5BfbZYU_Y4AKGZHCy8yYej-RQZA0rrqNC1GFRQXBOlZOmfrOr5wj8XC2td07BPWY8vLYySdO2F/w426-h640/BeFunky-design%20(44).png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></div></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium; letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div></span></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: black; letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.25px;"><br /></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><p></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-9229789026588529392023-07-21T08:00:00.001-04:002023-07-21T08:00:00.141-04:00EARLY SUMMER SOUTHERN MORNING AND READING<p><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday morning I stepped outside and was transported back to early southern mornings when I was a child.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Suddenly I was ten years old again and could feel my grandparents' home around me.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wq8JY0jztqAINdEo-z_XjEZ6ZtFw9KoUlccq9FE5oMk0mDv8fQjUGyDHczLbPrRd0ipz7MfXYM14ZQXYqAI-Dhz0ODBQxdjGePlFSOP1-KH-3FpGwwDABfbQ-gISPhpZhksnrjEepS545FNsNq41aKPKJzWC8QJjjzf5BZ3nl1E5a3tg_SPcFPVP7ySa/s1200/summer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="summer in the country" border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1200" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wq8JY0jztqAINdEo-z_XjEZ6ZtFw9KoUlccq9FE5oMk0mDv8fQjUGyDHczLbPrRd0ipz7MfXYM14ZQXYqAI-Dhz0ODBQxdjGePlFSOP1-KH-3FpGwwDABfbQ-gISPhpZhksnrjEepS545FNsNq41aKPKJzWC8QJjjzf5BZ3nl1E5a3tg_SPcFPVP7ySa/w640-h416/summer.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was eighty degrees and already just a wee bit sultry.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The birds were singing and the cicadas were waking up.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I felt like nature was serenading me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">At the back of my mind, I could hear my grandmother's voice telling me to come inside where there were fresh pastries from the local bakery waiting for me. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Is it possible to carry the memory of that taste so many years later?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifX811BkA_GszEBDSBm-OMA8bwh4WSoP7PU_sxaewTzhHuKOlFD-1w6ZnRr9BErHiKtELgw6OlcnmnZyyf-dUHDj8K-7-xRWXFTL85On4Mc1xPfhH6UyFH6vwqXG9pfnoMnaUq9bwVGz6UFu1kPQJzdqjUep37YXDCbmKRw-Oyizqq_XlcYA-G1WnXvTk_/s1683/hummingbirds-gd59ecef7b_1920.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hummingbirds" border="0" data-original-height="1683" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifX811BkA_GszEBDSBm-OMA8bwh4WSoP7PU_sxaewTzhHuKOlFD-1w6ZnRr9BErHiKtELgw6OlcnmnZyyf-dUHDj8K-7-xRWXFTL85On4Mc1xPfhH6UyFH6vwqXG9pfnoMnaUq9bwVGz6UFu1kPQJzdqjUep37YXDCbmKRw-Oyizqq_XlcYA-G1WnXvTk_/w456-h640/hummingbirds-gd59ecef7b_1920.png" width="456" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A few weeks ago Tessa and I were snuggled on the couch where she was reading to me. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Don't you love how roles get reversed as children grow up?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When we heard a tapping and looked over at the window next to us we saw a rather large hummingbird watching us. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It persisted for the longest time, and oh how I could feel Katy's presence letting us know she was watching us from heaven. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Reading to Cary's children was always such a special time for her.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SoUcwD1qvfWbeKsyBfSES1kUVIqUB9ULj_bBgofQ7A6EXnhMCYbmO-HtpoBjyKwIWm5zzuE4WXSuiSPPbXJB4EUkvgyDOIJYri3WCI-67G_-lau5t2Sm6In8ZsjbNGJDKelT6NikSiozsPBvMsQskvEoRUNlxVSw-m-D0XX1-48y2cSCpMuPEgq0ooN4/s1728/book-g3f1b39beb_1920.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="reading and tea" border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SoUcwD1qvfWbeKsyBfSES1kUVIqUB9ULj_bBgofQ7A6EXnhMCYbmO-HtpoBjyKwIWm5zzuE4WXSuiSPPbXJB4EUkvgyDOIJYri3WCI-67G_-lau5t2Sm6In8ZsjbNGJDKelT6NikSiozsPBvMsQskvEoRUNlxVSw-m-D0XX1-48y2cSCpMuPEgq0ooN4/w444-h640/book-g3f1b39beb_1920.png" width="444" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of reading, I have been doing a lot of it lately.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Last week I read two books by Kristen Hannah: <a href="https://amzn.to/3K6fNKF" target="_blank">The Four Winds</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3YefGCJ" target="_blank">Firefly Lane</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I enjoyed them so much that I now have three more of her books in my to-be-read stack.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I also read <a href="https://amzn.to/43A4Yam" target="_blank">The Porcelain Moon</a> by critically acclaimed author Janie Chang.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloDEdIqkCig_8lWlb_PIcaEvkHZ6tWbzaWYYGEPGFZ_jMVZMCrHNFVDA7CGje-M75QDlOG-NweHJjo-wxO53A-nYL4jZXtwgeKsufnu45HqY4eNUtQ85vsstMwsd6O-Rdyt3EPIP68pTtwtHAm32gNJrQ2vaQJbtMX1pjuqYCdJdYO54hCH8o7pblzDoV/s2400/81kI+GuDVEL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Porcelain Moon" border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1580" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloDEdIqkCig_8lWlb_PIcaEvkHZ6tWbzaWYYGEPGFZ_jMVZMCrHNFVDA7CGje-M75QDlOG-NweHJjo-wxO53A-nYL4jZXtwgeKsufnu45HqY4eNUtQ85vsstMwsd6O-Rdyt3EPIP68pTtwtHAm32gNJrQ2vaQJbtMX1pjuqYCdJdYO54hCH8o7pblzDoV/w422-h640/81kI+GuDVEL.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/43A4Yam" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">France, 1918. In the final days of the First World War, a young Chinese woman, Pauline Deng, runs away from her uncle’s home in Paris to evade a marriage being arranged for her in Shanghai. To prevent the union, she needs the help of her cousin Theo, who is working as a translator for the Chinese Labour Corps in the French countryside. In the town of Noyelles-sur-Mer, Camille Roussel is planning her escape from an abusive marriage, and to end a love affair that can no longer continue. When Camille offers Pauline a room for her stay, the two women become friends. But it’s not long before Pauline uncovers a perilous secret that Camille has been hiding from her. As their dangerous situation escalates, the two women are forced to make a terrible decision that will bind them together for the rest of their lives.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Summer continues to roll on here in the sultry south and as the afternoons continue to be in the nineties I think I will make an effort to get out and enjoy the early mornings more often.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A good book and a rocking chair seem to be a pretty perfect combination.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If you are looking for some instant art for your home you might want to hop over to my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage?" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> to check out beautiful prints from the past.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>The post contains affiliate links.</i></span></span></div><p></p><p></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-19963733150655746362023-07-07T08:00:00.001-04:002023-07-07T08:00:00.135-04:00MY BEST SUMMER FINDS FROM AMAZON<p><span style="font-size: large;">Summer is here and I thought I would share some of my favorite summer Amazon finds.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was seriously sick of losing my phone when I don't have pockets. I found this crossbody phone sleeve, which I use at home and on the go. (no more looking around the house for a lost phone)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This pretty floral pattern was perfect for me, but there are other patterns and solids to choose from.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vhMUz723jrBhD4jjulWEeDfPAO6o0Tbz9e-191iV1wjKPksanQCb2VBKBI7_WoCiTn33Pa-pqlHqC6wKgqRj6QjQYLGy7ZIFg-dkn2JO9l8MJeFEgZDsjcWBdlqqqL_116jG0qQuErBfDoAefkCGMM8pbCBVYw10M_WCmyN16tnGGq-_6TfIjKE50wBW/s1200/717xdriKHOL._AC_SL1500_.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="crossbody phone sleeve" border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1200" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vhMUz723jrBhD4jjulWEeDfPAO6o0Tbz9e-191iV1wjKPksanQCb2VBKBI7_WoCiTn33Pa-pqlHqC6wKgqRj6QjQYLGy7ZIFg-dkn2JO9l8MJeFEgZDsjcWBdlqqqL_116jG0qQuErBfDoAefkCGMM8pbCBVYw10M_WCmyN16tnGGq-_6TfIjKE50wBW/w640-h500/717xdriKHOL._AC_SL1500_.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3JIx38D" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I shared these "perfect for summer" slip-on sneakers once before, but I am loving them so much that I thought they were worth another share.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am already picking out another color for fall.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina_PM-BuKoNg-Eekfgm8gqehbv4xp6v1FC2HE6vr0DLOfy5EVffjKRRWbBrq0EojtZTqqumuA9MBtVob4f8WlPogVS0gYvqRbPVPBmqdzk0yiYcYJH5P15uT5N2BMQViwSU1oWS6gFIWMYsxPtSWShAAttKVAp_doWyXmY6_4_BTPawMpHfcijtZhhGyP/s700/roxy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="roxy slip on sneakers" border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="700" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina_PM-BuKoNg-Eekfgm8gqehbv4xp6v1FC2HE6vr0DLOfy5EVffjKRRWbBrq0EojtZTqqumuA9MBtVob4f8WlPogVS0gYvqRbPVPBmqdzk0yiYcYJH5P15uT5N2BMQViwSU1oWS6gFIWMYsxPtSWShAAttKVAp_doWyXmY6_4_BTPawMpHfcijtZhhGyP/w640-h288/roxy.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/4499Rsk" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have been searching for a new tinted moisturizer forever but wasn't sure about matching my skintone.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then I found this and it checks all of the boxes.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Formulated as an all-in-one sunscreen and foundation that provides sheer color coverage, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and blends naturally to match every skin tone.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I could not be happier.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9Zw902iUGagaFLo4MC8ZYA9MKomZ3bSMI9qHO6xuJ9tySsgqjKe42cgHZyrHb3Mcw48uUN0EeGihFuX-LiJ1xQifsjdS3PJZoX8OzNi1IeS5R00HRouE0lENfxA1DQGvk5WQENSmJzm5iYar_pHikMf51gJnTSr3-7rMgzwyqNVadsPoaw6LmVJpf8oQ/s1200/61C8BmYPLBL._SL1500_.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Drmtology universal tinted moisturizer" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9Zw902iUGagaFLo4MC8ZYA9MKomZ3bSMI9qHO6xuJ9tySsgqjKe42cgHZyrHb3Mcw48uUN0EeGihFuX-LiJ1xQifsjdS3PJZoX8OzNi1IeS5R00HRouE0lENfxA1DQGvk5WQENSmJzm5iYar_pHikMf51gJnTSr3-7rMgzwyqNVadsPoaw6LmVJpf8oQ/w640-h640/61C8BmYPLBL._SL1500_.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3CXBDMq" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">My sensitive skin loves everything by CeraVe and now I have found this sunscreen. Yay me and yay you.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_19yh2D6YLbqZOkSPM-h7tJY1EhGcUbepUqwDgviQDOz7ro0cxJ5_ymBpPut5LmXkSttH_Ah5a_liExAOjqDwsS_k9CEiurwRssk15GcaQntO2ju3A89qn7XheJGmM0veBqOIVNei7s692ne1ikLdUDOr3U9STdZfdvRkbyCIMYrH2LnB63ZJi_1RKN3t/s1200/CeraVe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="CeraVe sunscreen" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_19yh2D6YLbqZOkSPM-h7tJY1EhGcUbepUqwDgviQDOz7ro0cxJ5_ymBpPut5LmXkSttH_Ah5a_liExAOjqDwsS_k9CEiurwRssk15GcaQntO2ju3A89qn7XheJGmM0veBqOIVNei7s692ne1ikLdUDOr3U9STdZfdvRkbyCIMYrH2LnB63ZJi_1RKN3t/w640-h640/CeraVe.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://amzn.to/44vQiKj" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Need a quick refresh of your hair when you don't have time for a regular shampoo?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I found the perfect solution.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOW1jQX80H1f5wgAVRKpURI5seh2xsp1oUEPymG8IB_G7LJXk95E8XBIjiaYULNX0MxZQSy9N0sYIzEwdGkWUDAFkfMXrWDURZY5MdKI8DL0Ax3DrUhT_jPw_mM_m4TDN2eNfgTv10cGdvlb6MwqsTOTAkzAJx8hC545EcQrUdw_m3IXppm5Vww7q09JU/s1200/olaplex.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="olaplex dry shampoo" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOW1jQX80H1f5wgAVRKpURI5seh2xsp1oUEPymG8IB_G7LJXk95E8XBIjiaYULNX0MxZQSy9N0sYIzEwdGkWUDAFkfMXrWDURZY5MdKI8DL0Ax3DrUhT_jPw_mM_m4TDN2eNfgTv10cGdvlb6MwqsTOTAkzAJx8hC545EcQrUdw_m3IXppm5Vww7q09JU/w640-h640/olaplex.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://amzn.to/43ejSmw" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let's face it. We are all aging and our hair is aging right along with us. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It can also mean our hair may be thinning.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not sure about you, but I never had a thick mane of hair to begin with.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So happy to find this line of anti-aging hair products.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYstKuSB89DEMd2ZzLr0K2zXZ8N9kXFDXsbscwp1vZt6T1P4DXp7ChpB-zvPaqLuxg2FxC4bmD4TMrZ3BTFL8RjBFkcyfVEw66UNQbv2XR0n0O2XPh69B8_c40Q1Kxxnz-9083BeBlf1-ODDvoyytWaBBvMxW1ev1N7MzczvXUvd9SxWxrGn9yphKC0dG/s2387/51rt1NdYcNL._SL1500_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="alterna anti aging mousse" border="0" data-original-height="2387" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYstKuSB89DEMd2ZzLr0K2zXZ8N9kXFDXsbscwp1vZt6T1P4DXp7ChpB-zvPaqLuxg2FxC4bmD4TMrZ3BTFL8RjBFkcyfVEw66UNQbv2XR0n0O2XPh69B8_c40Q1Kxxnz-9083BeBlf1-ODDvoyytWaBBvMxW1ev1N7MzczvXUvd9SxWxrGn9yphKC0dG/w322-h640/51rt1NdYcNL._SL1500_.png" width="322" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3JMhtJ7" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a></span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to stay hydrated. Not sure about where you are, but it is really hot in my neck of the woods.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTs5yM0jPfFwF5d5VEceX9B0FF9_DJC1y2mIVZQITUn59Q7os24bN3UTBcUsBIFuB2CF4lSmY2ACg7ezzKCcPgmNDIFjzX1YpwNJg0KXFiTCfAF3SI1vA1ild91MG5yafRQl233TNk7lN5WOd7r-nrRBCPkVtsGkiPJ0QudMmgntY6AAFMqLv_O0WUO_8/s1336/617m4ZgK4PL._AC_SL1500_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="iron flask water bottle" border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTs5yM0jPfFwF5d5VEceX9B0FF9_DJC1y2mIVZQITUn59Q7os24bN3UTBcUsBIFuB2CF4lSmY2ACg7ezzKCcPgmNDIFjzX1YpwNJg0KXFiTCfAF3SI1vA1ild91MG5yafRQl233TNk7lN5WOd7r-nrRBCPkVtsGkiPJ0QudMmgntY6AAFMqLv_O0WUO_8/w574-h640/617m4ZgK4PL._AC_SL1500_.png" width="574" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3CZd6q3" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a></span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have been thinking about a new hobby and photography keeps jumping to the front of my mind. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Summer is a great time to get out and take photos.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'<span style="font-family: inherit;">m kind of tired of relying on my phone and would love to have a camera. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">This popular camera has been added to my wish list. </span></span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHns8s_ox3M-qVedo6OpwNZ9X1vBAoqHAnVnbEPKRu1f0cEf2d7IRgmrZ5CbnhpQsQYNzmZmda75s14qCkwcATiedT1VNMADebmeKM-flExI_GbMTjItuE1GGDyLl9fFnzN2wjfj_URASAylc4L392dN8Anm5qR_aY8CPYKvjR0eBdRTAZddhlVyP7nyOx/s1200/61BKYlNqH6L._AC_SL1000_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="canon camera" border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1200" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHns8s_ox3M-qVedo6OpwNZ9X1vBAoqHAnVnbEPKRu1f0cEf2d7IRgmrZ5CbnhpQsQYNzmZmda75s14qCkwcATiedT1VNMADebmeKM-flExI_GbMTjItuE1GGDyLl9fFnzN2wjfj_URASAylc4L392dN8Anm5qR_aY8CPYKvjR0eBdRTAZddhlVyP7nyOx/w640-h566/61BKYlNqH6L._AC_SL1000_.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3JKktFD" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a></span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whew, all that shopping has worn me out.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pull up a rocking chair on the front porch, pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, and settle in for a good read.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">From the number-one bestselling author of </span><span class="a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic !important;">The Nightingale </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">and</span><span class="a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic !important;"> The Great Alone </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">comes a powerful American epic about love and heroism and hope, set during the Great Depression, a time when the country was in crisis and at war with itself, when millions were out of work and even the land seemed to have turned against them.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvouiLBd95Aux2WABgNbD9uRMAHtSJyvTh-1hXjOTHdJLpiKEqDOAgK6IZnc40GgY1sEfyDZJo3RuaAqZqKrB7bwZE1vig4J5nZWHSZXyLIEu1ZR61k3gMDk5Ia-a3VvKQ6iTs64rJ63brZNVccQ7ycr1iTCCBldpV4zZl1YN-O-uA1b-RoYH9wjngZNm/s1500/91TM7gPW0uL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Book: The Four Winds" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="978" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvouiLBd95Aux2WABgNbD9uRMAHtSJyvTh-1hXjOTHdJLpiKEqDOAgK6IZnc40GgY1sEfyDZJo3RuaAqZqKrB7bwZE1vig4J5nZWHSZXyLIEu1ZR61k3gMDk5Ia-a3VvKQ6iTs64rJ63brZNVccQ7ycr1iTCCBldpV4zZl1YN-O-uA1b-RoYH9wjngZNm/w418-h640/91TM7gPW0uL._SL1500_.jpg" width="418" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3PJWU3R" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have a great weekend.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>This post contains affiliate links.</i></span></div></span></div></div></span></span></div></span></div></div><p></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-52844361488048053692023-06-28T08:00:00.001-04:002023-06-28T08:00:00.139-04:00JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS<p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, it was just one of those days, just one of those crazy days.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was Monday and it was irritating and frustrating, to say the least.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx_mQJdYMgzTa19mKzg5jvMKCl88sJeCZ1vE0KJmpHTvvlnFH57GKNZV6Z8dRBJS3aoc-QYgP81oXLfpprInBiXaiT3gieyndc244toQiG7b609bwArdZ0GCabbAv0XoyQ6ppSRmnNxEApUmGuB0ljyVu-Vr_4YSJb7XeTisqBkpRE-h5JQl3LV6N0j6s/s1200/frustration.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="frustration" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx_mQJdYMgzTa19mKzg5jvMKCl88sJeCZ1vE0KJmpHTvvlnFH57GKNZV6Z8dRBJS3aoc-QYgP81oXLfpprInBiXaiT3gieyndc244toQiG7b609bwArdZ0GCabbAv0XoyQ6ppSRmnNxEApUmGuB0ljyVu-Vr_4YSJb7XeTisqBkpRE-h5JQl3LV6N0j6s/w640-h426/frustration.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">At 7:00 am my phone pinged with a text message.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My neurologist's office said my July appointment, which was made 6 months ago, was canceled due to a change in schedule. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If I wanted to reschedule I could call their number, and probably sit on hold for 30 minutes, to make a new appointment. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oGp7ZGfo9snYObOf6ofHflXwOHpojnd6EWVwBBg_uRzX7YQCyrN1fS-VjNgeG64_cyU820jclihTm8SztqKdAKC0VgmwMe6Gkus7qt94fdO6sNWz6MVD2_CO6saTS8sTO0sxjaqOZzO6-GgG233ZQbMMQAJZYKmk4-VfCvLm-yhC77s2ZYSyzwOQqHBI/s1200/quino-al-8gWEAAXJjtI-unsplash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vintage phone" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oGp7ZGfo9snYObOf6ofHflXwOHpojnd6EWVwBBg_uRzX7YQCyrN1fS-VjNgeG64_cyU820jclihTm8SztqKdAKC0VgmwMe6Gkus7qt94fdO6sNWz6MVD2_CO6saTS8sTO0sxjaqOZzO6-GgG233ZQbMMQAJZYKmk4-VfCvLm-yhC77s2ZYSyzwOQqHBI/w640-h426/quino-al-8gWEAAXJjtI-unsplash.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">I remember when they used to call you to apologize for the inconvenience and while you were on the phone they would schedule a new appointment for you. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Not letting that ruin my day I jumped (there was no actual jumping involved) in the shower and then put on my new cute <a href="https://www.simpleandsereneliving.com/2023/06/new-tees-and-skirt-in-bag.html" target="_blank">skirt in a bag</a> skirt.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I needed to open an estate bank account for Katy and now that I was finally appointed administrator for her probate I was able to do that.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I would have been able to do that, but the branch of her bank which is just around the corner from me was temporarily closed. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HGTiAHC9wiCTistsveGkExv817ddMOVxZdI11n2gf52GDD-QMpygukk67PEOVOEWplteqmL32DN_MGbT8VKCKfTn5--DMMsNIkC14TfYJYqINdN2FUyNs6bUevfPl1u1GcvsMIuvbbIPUXfLSlQ7CTaqbjT09-OgxA5L0zTAVqEX42zy76fDCooMpOl3/s1280/board-895398_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="closed sign" border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1280" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HGTiAHC9wiCTistsveGkExv817ddMOVxZdI11n2gf52GDD-QMpygukk67PEOVOEWplteqmL32DN_MGbT8VKCKfTn5--DMMsNIkC14TfYJYqINdN2FUyNs6bUevfPl1u1GcvsMIuvbbIPUXfLSlQ7CTaqbjT09-OgxA5L0zTAVqEX42zy76fDCooMpOl3/w640-h302/board-895398_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now what?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I decided to drive over to my bank and see what they could do. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After I explained what had happened they said they could do it. I just needed to get the release of funds from Katy's bank. Trying not to cry I just got back in my car and left.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I seriously felt like I needed a break from all of this so I decided to drive to the shopping center and do some window shopping. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-kqVgnQHBowoiZgE95Om7ch82S0W8J1vV5W5xcAF_akYXlwhAs499Qgx0jjWjAF5isD2vzpO8uiGafkbFpcNgU8avAH3O_fjBI4UA1YjCXvSoIux6ggQjzXCCnOoYHQ2hqxbzsJg2-Zo9oSq299ZOoBOf_hFLSDxQsVnpo9cQsTBaJsyWt-MXspVLE_d/s1280/signs-39691_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="road closed ahead" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-kqVgnQHBowoiZgE95Om7ch82S0W8J1vV5W5xcAF_akYXlwhAs499Qgx0jjWjAF5isD2vzpO8uiGafkbFpcNgU8avAH3O_fjBI4UA1YjCXvSoIux6ggQjzXCCnOoYHQ2hqxbzsJg2-Zo9oSq299ZOoBOf_hFLSDxQsVnpo9cQsTBaJsyWt-MXspVLE_d/w400-h400/signs-39691_1280.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Halfway there the road was closed with no warning and I had to turn around. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">At that point I had had enough and decided to go home.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh wait, there's a Target.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Target has ice cream. I love ice cream.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, something went right and besides I could get started again on Tuesday.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't even ask me about Tuesday.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I would love for you to check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p></p><p></p><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><div data-skm-boomerang-el-0="processed" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This post contains affiliate links</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-77060865622733403312023-06-23T08:00:00.001-04:002023-06-23T08:00:00.152-04:00HOME ACCIDENT<p><span style="font-size: large;">I am cautious about trying not to fall because of my osteoporosis, but a couple of weeks ago I found that although the most common, falls are not the only type of home accident.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrERVB82AqF4Vf3so4o9Nje9HIjC2c8n4GS1aG2x-8WMHq9c5KduZCZrLZtVd4H8p4VmAygHEcEtOoYAJtWqGG1Z3qf6Frd66Fvo3-h5-o2-A91dA8RbxdUFNodqfKvc2UK_gRU0HKQXIb-pV5MNvEdkqCBAyKWaODkmtPabqMmtkuiRT27RYmSYZSRxx/s1200/bandaids.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bandaids" border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1200" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrERVB82AqF4Vf3so4o9Nje9HIjC2c8n4GS1aG2x-8WMHq9c5KduZCZrLZtVd4H8p4VmAygHEcEtOoYAJtWqGG1Z3qf6Frd66Fvo3-h5-o2-A91dA8RbxdUFNodqfKvc2UK_gRU0HKQXIb-pV5MNvEdkqCBAyKWaODkmtPabqMmtkuiRT27RYmSYZSRxx/w640-h612/bandaids.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Two weeks ago I had a crazy accident.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was cleaning and dropped something on the other side of my toilet.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Instead of just leaning over to pick it up I sat down on the toilet seat lid and that is when the craziness was.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I didn't realize the seat was loose and when I leaned over it slipped, threw me off, and slammed my back ribcage into the toilet paper holder.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7j4fj9Twwb3Gui9RuOFspdonhT2e1_hs4O_8c_NmiG-s-3TFmoHatsAEijjCRw73oWQ_7LT6DS7SYe9rKfFpKIQ2eUQbjy-iOV_JjnGgkeJaJfhPSt5I3GcOLnuRpilSCKuYXDPf7tU8FF4M8DF9Uk0wKcYtWyVgQmnK92K0_xDVj388CUWULanJTMki/s1200/ouch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ouch" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7j4fj9Twwb3Gui9RuOFspdonhT2e1_hs4O_8c_NmiG-s-3TFmoHatsAEijjCRw73oWQ_7LT6DS7SYe9rKfFpKIQ2eUQbjy-iOV_JjnGgkeJaJfhPSt5I3GcOLnuRpilSCKuYXDPf7tU8FF4M8DF9Uk0wKcYtWyVgQmnK92K0_xDVj388CUWULanJTMki/w640-h320/ouch.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Needless to say, it was very painful and produced a large bruise, but over the next few days, it was feeling much better.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Five days later I was back to riding the stationary bike and feeling great.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">However, when I went to get up from my chair I heard a pop, the area that I had hit completely seized up, and I was unable to move. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When realized I was not going to be able to get up I called for an ambulance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Long story short no ribs were cracked or broken, but the ER doctor said it was a muscle or tendon injury and would take a while to heal.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfI-XpfyXg-Q7wmzUwti3rcsQSG4OMi89Qxf4cJRSn7VHkw3fy_9CwRLDycwZjJv-FjuMGFfxEcjc3Xd6OOndw6ZS5cypwcRRVvoklSIibGZylRDG0cm836JhgQjNj1Orujqf83GYwrzHT5QoxxVZWa0g4A25bJz4RIvky-HznXpkiHlzRkarD-6NHQa43/s900/back%20ache%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="backache" border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfI-XpfyXg-Q7wmzUwti3rcsQSG4OMi89Qxf4cJRSn7VHkw3fy_9CwRLDycwZjJv-FjuMGFfxEcjc3Xd6OOndw6ZS5cypwcRRVvoklSIibGZylRDG0cm836JhgQjNj1Orujqf83GYwrzHT5QoxxVZWa0g4A25bJz4RIvky-HznXpkiHlzRkarD-6NHQa43/w640-h360/back%20ache%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The best part was that I got to spend a couple of days at Cary's and be pampered.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Things are gradually getting back to normal but I am trying not to overdo it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A bit hard when you live by yourself. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For now, I am ignoring the fact that I need to vacuum. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I got out yesterday, dropped off a package at UPS, and did my grocery shopping. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Home is the most common place for an accident to happen. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.inspirahealthnetwork.org/news/8-ways-prevent-accidents-your-home-and-avoid-urgent-care" target="_blank">Here</a> are some ways to help prevent accidents at home.</span></p><p></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Prompt, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div data-skm-boomerang-el-0="processed" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I would love for you to check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-10627911896455265002023-06-13T08:00:00.001-04:002023-06-13T08:00:00.137-04:00NEW TEES AND SKIRT IN A BAG<p><span style="font-size: large;">I have been frantically searching for 3/4 sleeve tee shirts for over a month. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They seem to be quite hard to find and although I had found some, they were quickly sent back.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Too tight, too thin,.....Well, you get the picture.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was getting frustrated and tired from the whole search.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc-Dikeqk9LZDFfq3h-eIxrXJ8yhd2YRkvh-enje6VJTenxrw3PSJ6DY-KNhW9LaExOA8YvLripjUPNAfZjT9HMP3kR4mwf9b5RJI9b8XALBrGd0_5ux9TYOjgztLrc54flh3Q9DnPfChKUJ5qTut_3t63FSSfXCc8EXtXOiRP4ls8Iq9YrAcUEfBIQ/s1200/frustrated%20women.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="frustrated woman" border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1200" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc-Dikeqk9LZDFfq3h-eIxrXJ8yhd2YRkvh-enje6VJTenxrw3PSJ6DY-KNhW9LaExOA8YvLripjUPNAfZjT9HMP3kR4mwf9b5RJI9b8XALBrGd0_5ux9TYOjgztLrc54flh3Q9DnPfChKUJ5qTut_3t63FSSfXCc8EXtXOiRP4ls8Iq9YrAcUEfBIQ/w640-h504/frustrated%20women.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Macy's has 3/4 sleeve tee shirts that I love, but they sold out earlier this spring and I missed out on them.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Just when I was ready to throw in the towel I decided to give Macy's another look and low and behold they had new 3/4 tees.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I purchased three colors black, white, and blue and when they arrived they were perfect.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Since I purchased mine they have added a purple color.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k6l0vIkfmIVGJbRGC0-7t9hZ2M43GCrDftaS9sH5cIsut4C-cHtCd2MfeUatwgQM5U2o98wJR9qQ059DsvQjR7ON1FGTo_19YrF4oVHERV44mFALDS21ssbBKZdASIITi5--th4Qhke8MB0tOfR2GQSz9K7UVW6B6ZzY193jAWAqjM4CKTXbIo5BYQ/s1466/19721289_fpx.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Macy's 3/4 sleeve women tee" border="0" data-original-height="1466" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k6l0vIkfmIVGJbRGC0-7t9hZ2M43GCrDftaS9sH5cIsut4C-cHtCd2MfeUatwgQM5U2o98wJR9qQ059DsvQjR7ON1FGTo_19YrF4oVHERV44mFALDS21ssbBKZdASIITi5--th4Qhke8MB0tOfR2GQSz9K7UVW6B6ZzY193jAWAqjM4CKTXbIo5BYQ/w524-h640/19721289_fpx.webp" width="524" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+dYO_KIPKRTsHp1eo-spdHQ" target="_blank">Macy's</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love these tee shirts. They are 100% cotton, a perfect length, and hold up for a long time.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I noticed they also have some <a href="https://rstyle.me/+lP38p-0dIp_Cc7OciGiuAQ" target="_blank">new patterned shirts</a> in the same style.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">They are all a great price.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">In my pursuit of new summer clothes, I found a site called <a href="https://rstyle.me/+lbmNrqODfhif_ZwlNMLe1g" target="_blank">Natural Life</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever shopped there?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">They have beautiful colorful clothes, accessories, home goods, and more.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was intrigued by their skirt in a bag, and since I wanted to add boho maxi skirts to my wardrobe I ordered one.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhBAds91OdhYMFJZw4avO7x5vdgQJm4VVts0XsJle93PoSmbKgxwJ_t3EES1C2snbjVywgBCoi4Ari3we6gMOgHfKWo3C_tbZna_Pc7Xrsn11GjbtGXHO1iA7STUC86WeOae5oa-eFRyfSf12ttvvXjAZaZCetgkqmw2iYe_45ALQiRCeVfhl4mL6kg/s2840/484A4452.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="skirt in a bag Natural Life" border="0" data-original-height="2840" data-original-width="2130" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhBAds91OdhYMFJZw4avO7x5vdgQJm4VVts0XsJle93PoSmbKgxwJ_t3EES1C2snbjVywgBCoi4Ari3we6gMOgHfKWo3C_tbZna_Pc7Xrsn11GjbtGXHO1iA7STUC86WeOae5oa-eFRyfSf12ttvvXjAZaZCetgkqmw2iYe_45ALQiRCeVfhl4mL6kg/w480-h640/484A4452.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+f466amMwni__ZsXXiEKzsg" target="_blank">Natural Life</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(38, 38, 38, 0.75);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Skirt-In-A-Bag is the coolest concept! It features cotton that is not only super soft, but the skirt actually looks CUTER when it’s crinkly! The best kind of crinkle is when you twist it up and stick it in the cute printed bag that comes with it! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(38, 38, 38, 0.75);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(38, 38, 38, 0.75);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I think I am finished with filling out my summer wardrobe.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(38, 38, 38, 0.75);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(38, 38, 38, 0.75);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Now I think I have to focus on my <a href="https://www.simpleandsereneliving.com/2023/06/thats-life-i-guess.html" target="_blank">huge car repair bill</a>. UGH!!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(38, 38, 38, 0.75);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I would love for you to check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div><div data-skm-boomerang-el-0="processed" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This post contains affiliate links</span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-62949194932704693752023-06-09T08:00:00.001-04:002023-06-09T08:00:00.139-04:00THAT'S LIFE I GUESS<p><span style="font-size: large;">Remember when you would trade in your old car for a new one every two or three years?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Remember when they said don't repair your vehicle if it isn't worth it anymore?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Remember that new car smell?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJV7ujrfJwr15gZU1eyFdhlpHcEHHd5RQ66-21AyDmUksYxbRq-5YDLvx6wUR11f_N2ajOdQIPfHz_ujQ3EB0MsKRZp43VVQLUX49uyanGMWJEkxNwDdWkDiufrHrvvadksJcfT9UJwAdkk8AQU_3s3L-J2gjTBbieqGgVmiENvDFciVFMAZQxRk_rvw/s1200/old%20car.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="old junk car" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJV7ujrfJwr15gZU1eyFdhlpHcEHHd5RQ66-21AyDmUksYxbRq-5YDLvx6wUR11f_N2ajOdQIPfHz_ujQ3EB0MsKRZp43VVQLUX49uyanGMWJEkxNwDdWkDiufrHrvvadksJcfT9UJwAdkk8AQU_3s3L-J2gjTBbieqGgVmiENvDFciVFMAZQxRk_rvw/w640-h426/old%20car.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The only new car smell I will get is one of those things you hang from your rearview mirror.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Last week my check engine light came on.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was hoping for the best because the last time that happened it was because my gas cap was loose.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">No such luck this time.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg598eEVyc3kBCTBNo1QSLVoWPrX5j9xlpwWEBBTcl49ngWNmQwH9AqE1M0GRWGyUlWYzHnSG0wSeas8NUvhiDI6wSKiZmvwt08Wt1rmrLt6Y3vwrsIKe4bJfBHP7KTaboqzbHF1CxXk0uZ0jjh7X-1F_czEvfG9Y7JuxIhIHYhffFZESwFsv_y_cLMFg/s1200/952CheckEngineLight.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="check engine light" border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1200" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg598eEVyc3kBCTBNo1QSLVoWPrX5j9xlpwWEBBTcl49ngWNmQwH9AqE1M0GRWGyUlWYzHnSG0wSeas8NUvhiDI6wSKiZmvwt08Wt1rmrLt6Y3vwrsIKe4bJfBHP7KTaboqzbHF1CxXk0uZ0jjh7X-1F_czEvfG9Y7JuxIhIHYhffFZESwFsv_y_cLMFg/w640-h468/952CheckEngineLight.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">My rear catalytic converter was shot and the pipes that held it were rusted out and disintegrated when they removed them.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">On top of that, I had two bald tires and a bunch of other things I had neglected. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Do you know how much mechanics make?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I definitely chose the wrong career path.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I looked up the average new car price and it is $48,000. Are you kidding me?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyernfA6eAIEOjGGj5_tZX43REhXWzC7YHigx81ouwlKXJLGVVNVnNw2_j4Y2I2ayD9beb0quMW3jheDN-w92VTIgNSBrL2suDbjFK5bIkt7EcXObteO8kofTyyxSII_c5uZ4IajhCJGBNC3rTdJkAg4SQtmYyGiSXsZm4XKDI3ZqpzJSeXN8Ep4jYA/s1813/car.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="new car" border="0" data-original-height="1813" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyernfA6eAIEOjGGj5_tZX43REhXWzC7YHigx81ouwlKXJLGVVNVnNw2_j4Y2I2ayD9beb0quMW3jheDN-w92VTIgNSBrL2suDbjFK5bIkt7EcXObteO8kofTyyxSII_c5uZ4IajhCJGBNC3rTdJkAg4SQtmYyGiSXsZm4XKDI3ZqpzJSeXN8Ep4jYA/w424-h640/car.png" width="424" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I took a Lyft home while I awaited the bad news.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">My Lyft driver told me she is 60 years old and works five part-time jobs. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">She said young people are using ride shares instead of driving. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Ummm my 1.5-mile trip cost $12. NOPE!!!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When I got home I saw that I made $30 on Facebook Marketplace and when I got out my handy calculator I realized I only have to do that 103 more times</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">to recoup my losses.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I guess I will be driving my car until it takes its last gasp and that made me wonder.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Will people be driving their cars until they just won't go anymore and will they then be abandoned on the side of the road leaving us with a whole new litter problem?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Have a great day and don't forget to kick those tires and get your oil changed.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I would love for you to check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div data-skm-boomerang-el-0="processed" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This post contains affiliate links</span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p></div>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-51828486060074697952023-06-06T08:00:00.001-04:002023-06-06T08:00:00.129-04:00NEW BOOK AND NEW SHOES<p><span style="font-size: large;">Summer is an excellent time for reading. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Recently I shared some of the <a href="https://www.simpleandsereneliving.com/2023/05/good-books-and-muffins.html" rel="nofollow">books I have been reading </a> in my comfy <a href="https://www.simpleandsereneliving.com/2023/05/small-additions-to-my-living-room-chair.html" target="_blank">reading corner</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbJbC-X6XnsdaPjplF5FDl0wgYtGxonJR2znhFYLDtk2yXtncRIZAYlSzcdqrrVQA-SvYn5u0UDLFUmHfB-jia3TqxWnhZz_epeLoHhOlcK2_Sn4wJCJj7sIKSGPm2g8-d5bXzAsHEtrLnbj9K5CIWuLsdRfPTz0ue66VpdDBHxVh0Cf-XF4Q1nJ-lw/s1200/chair3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chair" border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1200" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbJbC-X6XnsdaPjplF5FDl0wgYtGxonJR2znhFYLDtk2yXtncRIZAYlSzcdqrrVQA-SvYn5u0UDLFUmHfB-jia3TqxWnhZz_epeLoHhOlcK2_Sn4wJCJj7sIKSGPm2g8-d5bXzAsHEtrLnbj9K5CIWuLsdRfPTz0ue66VpdDBHxVh0Cf-XF4Q1nJ-lw/w640-h630/chair3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to the <a href="https://amzn.to/3ISjuTG" target="_blank">over-the-arm organizer</a>, a place to set my tea and good lighting, everything I need is right at hand.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am currently reading The Whalebone Theatre, a novel by Joanna Quinn.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3wVLSLiWxLqI8WEcCY8IUVfIDI8aBGu783yhI-JB_Hjcs0iJYoiEnUplJ93M4QLiNYJ0z1fEnV3goZKc1XrpXitoO3T1vUL5byitP_o0vhrFRFqCTLpmfGZBFg9l38tO7bdJpYMFNyNzrP4J5uWoN0Y9Ay7dCt1NdM_3sTvZIeZv3inN1_3ZmHpfVw/s1788/91emRUWl2-L.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The whalebone theatre" border="0" data-original-height="1788" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3wVLSLiWxLqI8WEcCY8IUVfIDI8aBGu783yhI-JB_Hjcs0iJYoiEnUplJ93M4QLiNYJ0z1fEnV3goZKc1XrpXitoO3T1vUL5byitP_o0vhrFRFqCTLpmfGZBFg9l38tO7bdJpYMFNyNzrP4J5uWoN0Y9Ay7dCt1NdM_3sTvZIeZv3inN1_3ZmHpfVw/w430-h640/91emRUWl2-L.png" width="430" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/42qjVeT" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love finding new authors.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This wonderful book was recommended by a friend.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;">A transporting, irresistible debut novel that takes its heroine, Cristabel Seagrave, from a theatre made of whalebones to covert operations during World War II—a story of love, family, bravery, lost innocence, and self-transformation.</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span class="a-text-bold" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;">“Absolute aces...Quinn’s imagination and adventuresome spirit are a pleasure to behold.” —</span><span class="a-text-bold a-text-italic" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-style: italic !important;">The New York Times</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="a-text-bold a-text-italic" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-style: italic !important;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">"One blustery night in 1928, a whale washes up on the shores of the English Channel. By law, it belongs to the King, but twelve-year-old orphan Cristabel Seagrave has other plans. She and the rest of the household—her sister, Flossie; her brother, Digby, long-awaited heir to Chilcombe manor; Maudie Kitcat, kitchen maid; Taras, visiting artist—build a theatre from the beast’s skeletal rib cage. Within the Whalebone Theatre, Cristabel can escape her feckless stepparents and brisk governesses, and her imagination comes to life.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">As Cristabel grows into a headstrong young woman, World War II rears its head. She and Digby become British secret agents on separate missions in Nazi-occupied France—a more dangerous kind of playacting, it turns out, and one that threatens to tear the family apart."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">I am about halfway through the book and so far I can say there has never been a dull moment.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Last week I shared some of the <a href="https://www.simpleandsereneliving.com/2023/05/over-50-new-clothes-for-summer.html" target="_blank">new clothes</a> I have added to my wardrobe.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">I mentioned that I had some shoes on order, but what was I thinking?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Of course, they didn't fit and immediately had to be sent back.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">You may have missed shoe shopping with me, but you can catch up on it <a href="https://www.simpleandsereneliving.com/2023/02/shoe-shopping-with-laura.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">I really wanted some white slip-on sneakers for summer, and believe it or not my brain cells finally kicked in. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">What about those slip-on sneakers I have been wearing for the last seven years and throw in the washing machine every now and then.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">They actually fit my feet.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Maybe they have some in white. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkf2QVN0EBmMn-i2gbVeyg-SQGuzVxkQDXjeHuXqY1uiJHX5T4zIFDX6IDo5IA-k42oY3uA30H5DLs_AjKVC-D72JBTs-JijVX7JkokvQSzKWPdsLUw6RgF04wO5u6oXS35POya6E1oNyA0azOkL4chjagdahZ9n64r-jSVMWxvKAlO7wMPasPTDQXQ/s1200/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-06-05T124417.616.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="white Roxy slip on sneakers" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkf2QVN0EBmMn-i2gbVeyg-SQGuzVxkQDXjeHuXqY1uiJHX5T4zIFDX6IDo5IA-k42oY3uA30H5DLs_AjKVC-D72JBTs-JijVX7JkokvQSzKWPdsLUw6RgF04wO5u6oXS35POya6E1oNyA0azOkL4chjagdahZ9n64r-jSVMWxvKAlO7wMPasPTDQXQ/w640-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-06-05T124417.616.png" width="640" /></a></div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>As a matter of fact, they did so I promptly ordered a pair.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">They arrived and fit perfectly. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aAV0_PBv9jExJR8VhaTj73oIGvB8b6OqkmMNl0C9QlRM5QQiYjAgkNS2QRPShWLaH95vIiXtDYayhTnTMHN8fGx5GWYPRrxhRE6_6ivqjNf_gXDXovtI29SuA0E6ubhzxJdWlfSR-MqN_gMww9qysZnU0aVDJliUmIeINRBkGZg7ZdcC5FCZP8XvdA/s600/sneakers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Roxy white slip on sneakers" border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aAV0_PBv9jExJR8VhaTj73oIGvB8b6OqkmMNl0C9QlRM5QQiYjAgkNS2QRPShWLaH95vIiXtDYayhTnTMHN8fGx5GWYPRrxhRE6_6ivqjNf_gXDXovtI29SuA0E6ubhzxJdWlfSR-MqN_gMww9qysZnU0aVDJliUmIeINRBkGZg7ZdcC5FCZP8XvdA/w640-h290/sneakers.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/45KMial" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, the first day I wore them was when I went to hang out with Tessa while Cary had a medical procedure done. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">As always, when I walked in the front door Louis, their 350-pound dog (okay a bit of an exaggeration) did his best to knock me down on the ground because he was so happy to see me. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tessa somehow managed to hold him back, but he got his paw on my foot, in order to keep me from leaving, and said paw was not really clean. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">No problem. Once I extricated myself and gave hugs all around I just washed off the shoe. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned, I have ordered a few more things for my wardrobe and when they arrive I will share them with you.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This post contains affiliate links</span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-20573811504390752112023-05-30T08:00:00.001-04:002023-05-30T08:00:00.135-04:00OVER 50: NEW CLOTHES FOR SUMMER<p><span style="font-size: large;">I am not a big shopper but my seven-year-old, at least, tee shirts were really getting on my last nerve.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Seriously, there was a time in my younger life when I loved fashion, loved to shop, and even owned a clothing boutique. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Somehow life got in the way and fashion was relegated to a back seat.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Need new clothes, but where in the world would I start?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLyAEmjUTPLjg5x3FV_JrqeY1OSrCp6A6xcWpA1J_-l87krFRbrOTXZ8FSIplSfv5NoAdKIPrKojmMc0km-k21SB4G6GwJH416WvJH8Xo85vgh9S9S-jgjkMR1LwZuQ0cnTUEtbBjZRJF4kFrevXKAKSvCEN6oClwywgut4Yus7rYVGYQ-g437kJrKQ/s1200/old%20clothes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="need new clothes" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLyAEmjUTPLjg5x3FV_JrqeY1OSrCp6A6xcWpA1J_-l87krFRbrOTXZ8FSIplSfv5NoAdKIPrKojmMc0km-k21SB4G6GwJH416WvJH8Xo85vgh9S9S-jgjkMR1LwZuQ0cnTUEtbBjZRJF4kFrevXKAKSvCEN6oClwywgut4Yus7rYVGYQ-g437kJrKQ/w640-h640/old%20clothes.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This month has been good for me on Etsy (thank you shoppers) so I had a bit of extra cash to spend.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I started by buying a couple of shirts and pants on a significantly discounted site called <a href="https://rstyle.me/+9Vu5pL-oeNIsgrWSu3Ayuw" target="_blank">Temu</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In all honesty I was concerned about the quality, but they turned out great.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This cute plaid shirt is adding some color to my wardrobe.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCClKbFa4SFdQCCBMR2WjEvDlT7Z0iNAg834VQR7dUmyYmdk_8tLbtXoJwp6bFsY5hPJbIb8-7kU1-lqqF56nMtxYt1Nuld-0d4RlXoo5_hjDhHIR1pkPw2veIwpfL3Y0fJ9F216eLUevWrB_veYI5vVTm2CsDRyaabsdEwkwxtLethG5w2p-D6gjhgA/s1067/06b6e26388374ac61fb77b2b3ecc6194.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="long plaid shirt from Temu" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCClKbFa4SFdQCCBMR2WjEvDlT7Z0iNAg834VQR7dUmyYmdk_8tLbtXoJwp6bFsY5hPJbIb8-7kU1-lqqF56nMtxYt1Nuld-0d4RlXoo5_hjDhHIR1pkPw2veIwpfL3Y0fJ9F216eLUevWrB_veYI5vVTm2CsDRyaabsdEwkwxtLethG5w2p-D6gjhgA/w480-h640/06b6e26388374ac61fb77b2b3ecc6194.png" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+QKdsMDbQEgRKHa9oltOBNA" target="_blank">Temu</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This oversize blouse is so cute and comfortable.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1GMNUnXmVIDx2cXbz4qxhL1Z8qo_H_s5A29zI4_28fuw5fu1F5bX6OrYWjKO6vgd43vfcL4QxEtCILAM0XsUA5ZkadS4bVLO-y1TbUrIdU_PEJg5uI2TTbeKN_QxH2bmp_tp6yytkDlXjhHew84aIa-BXMhV4cmQ2btE6tSk-jXVmLPX2lUqZOXKgg/s1067/428a6f4e522ba883a023cb4ae0547221.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="temu oversize blue blouse" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1GMNUnXmVIDx2cXbz4qxhL1Z8qo_H_s5A29zI4_28fuw5fu1F5bX6OrYWjKO6vgd43vfcL4QxEtCILAM0XsUA5ZkadS4bVLO-y1TbUrIdU_PEJg5uI2TTbeKN_QxH2bmp_tp6yytkDlXjhHew84aIa-BXMhV4cmQ2btE6tSk-jXVmLPX2lUqZOXKgg/w480-h640/428a6f4e522ba883a023cb4ae0547221.png" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+PtonId4MllF1YcW6hOKSqg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Temu</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Love these stylish pants.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JjL6T9YxL_NlSGqit-hrZLYltPTY8MEnAwVd9OKZStSyZxRpQCFOHph7L0NaXcpyfEpK_-RRKTgOgl8Txu3vW-mAOkPCmcYO6nHihOCdjpaRYPKtAwDR2WL9qc-aTMsOrcv54iaDeRcDsodRtDrebJrRG47XA_dHqmO_Riud5ovwU5Bw9dUuVflsWg/s1067/291f146951d8b76155247c3668fd47b0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="slant bottom pants Temu" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JjL6T9YxL_NlSGqit-hrZLYltPTY8MEnAwVd9OKZStSyZxRpQCFOHph7L0NaXcpyfEpK_-RRKTgOgl8Txu3vW-mAOkPCmcYO6nHihOCdjpaRYPKtAwDR2WL9qc-aTMsOrcv54iaDeRcDsodRtDrebJrRG47XA_dHqmO_Riud5ovwU5Bw9dUuVflsWg/w480-h640/291f146951d8b76155247c3668fd47b0.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+bGIcO9BVj63TvAo7Hslh4A" target="_blank">Temu</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just a couple of notes about Temu. Be sure to look at their sizes. They tend to run small. Also, it takes a couple of weeks for them to arrive.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I am a bit tired of nothing but capri pants I decided I wanted to find some dresses and skirts so I began to shop around.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">After ordering and returning one dress because what was supposed to hit below the bust hit in the middle of the bust (not meant for large busted women) I decided to rethink my style.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I googled dresses and found some maxi shirt dresses. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">They looked perfect for what I wanted because they can be worn as dusters, as simple dresses on their own, or layered over pants. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking on Amazon I found this dress in many colors. I purchased the khaki and on Mother's Day I paired it with the pants from Temu and some jewelry I took out and dusted off from my cache. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have since also purchased it in white.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZNp-_Md2BaybsnFOJTVcWJdEzLKzqRmEcwfe6koFCXV6SmF1Vkm8AUX60XW5WAFHuPpTSSGodgqxzN8X27FTOxrtER8RhWFRz-1LbYg6YMKEImYNQtUInzgiLVclq9zU3C_BuOJlyOfVtwdv4__OT_vXVt84lgPVK5yhrwrJYRNUa1IOAC3083jBqw/s1249/shirt%20dress.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="long shirt dress Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZNp-_Md2BaybsnFOJTVcWJdEzLKzqRmEcwfe6koFCXV6SmF1Vkm8AUX60XW5WAFHuPpTSSGodgqxzN8X27FTOxrtER8RhWFRz-1LbYg6YMKEImYNQtUInzgiLVclq9zU3C_BuOJlyOfVtwdv4__OT_vXVt84lgPVK5yhrwrJYRNUa1IOAC3083jBqw/w308-h640/shirt%20dress.png" width="308" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3oyJfkL" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">My teenage granddaughter told me I looked sophisticated. High praise indeed.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Why did I not know about <a href="https://rstyle.me/+MhNgYMmcXKQklgWgXrIzAA" target="_blank">Quince</a>?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love linen and Quince has beautiful linen clothes and sheets for less and the quality is amazing.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">What did I buy?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Black European linen shirt dress that looks great with white pants.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjAKWvNSuKfMqvrYqA89hbXBKSYQpYuqi6PZqjlUGrcpyM1-Vfs-FFKCjrsrrraWQF2J08K74IHBtBoCWPjHCzhjhnBSO381x3L7tIGHmEyJvY0lOlDTgu52VBZiCxd5MPV4GkFMiEMFn42UHB4XV9aWDG07jMAmwELA580ooNUv4Z_CH_jyXTu5V7g/s1500/shirt%20dress%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Quince linen shirt dress" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjAKWvNSuKfMqvrYqA89hbXBKSYQpYuqi6PZqjlUGrcpyM1-Vfs-FFKCjrsrrraWQF2J08K74IHBtBoCWPjHCzhjhnBSO381x3L7tIGHmEyJvY0lOlDTgu52VBZiCxd5MPV4GkFMiEMFn42UHB4XV9aWDG07jMAmwELA580ooNUv4Z_CH_jyXTu5V7g/w512-h640/shirt%20dress%20(1).png" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+9OB1evvlvLfJdl7r3tcMzQ" target="_blank">Quince</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I also bought a great pinstripe linen shirt that unfortunately is sold out.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last week I went with Cary and the girls to shop for summer clothes for the girls.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mall shopping is pretty exhausting, but it was fun to see what they chose.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tessa, who is now ten was more interested in trying to convince her mom to buy her stuffies instead of clothes. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I currently have some other items, including shoes on order, and will share those with you later. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ46Vix2uutVPlgRWaYiqnyIl-9_BI63BlDzIHm3b_rwezryfUYThUvIjAdTtYpjDcCZ_NA7gAHkxC1QJeXa7B4CNm4_XBuLrNgN_WUS-ab-lFVVOBO9wsf-Y-UihKgaed-5ejHjkZLk-kENFKe30uhMytvDexv8vjCubmJYWYGcmiWLCs9MD_CeQGCQ/s1800/BeFunky-design%20(43).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Over 50: new clothes for summer" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ46Vix2uutVPlgRWaYiqnyIl-9_BI63BlDzIHm3b_rwezryfUYThUvIjAdTtYpjDcCZ_NA7gAHkxC1QJeXa7B4CNm4_XBuLrNgN_WUS-ab-lFVVOBO9wsf-Y-UihKgaed-5ejHjkZLk-kENFKe30uhMytvDexv8vjCubmJYWYGcmiWLCs9MD_CeQGCQ/w426-h640/BeFunky-design%20(43).png" width="426" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div><div><div><div><div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This post contains affiliate links</span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-55867183004898185322023-05-23T08:00:00.001-04:002023-05-23T08:00:00.142-04:00GOOD BOOKS AND MUFFINS<p><span style="font-size: large;">I have been so engrossed with reading lately that I have forgotten other things.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Those other things are writing my blog posts.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fvr9YKvrZ7IWgWfO49zLNKaltvmaXurqzub2iuVe2dOrC4Rb5R2Luu5rT3-OFd3-Ilwb0Hz--skSIumFMhvYUK1R8CsiDyC5ubFH5J8tz1CO0cmCbX7Ar4N0lXFTCfeRDPFaw6Fx44qgqtl4NY_f_-csPoF3Cw2avuSilIVYX3ykTU5mvzZjhu0HHg/s1200/muffins.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="muffins books and tea" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fvr9YKvrZ7IWgWfO49zLNKaltvmaXurqzub2iuVe2dOrC4Rb5R2Luu5rT3-OFd3-Ilwb0Hz--skSIumFMhvYUK1R8CsiDyC5ubFH5J8tz1CO0cmCbX7Ar4N0lXFTCfeRDPFaw6Fx44qgqtl4NY_f_-csPoF3Cw2avuSilIVYX3ykTU5mvzZjhu0HHg/w640-h480/muffins.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">No matter the time of year, I can't think of anything more enjoyable that settling down with a great book, a cup of tea or coffee, and some freshly baked muffins.</span><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good Reads</span></h2><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have been so engrossed in my latest read that I haven't done much else.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Fellowship Point is an outstanding novel. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aPeoYr5T-GfcNIM9Zobgqi6eqg0Mo4IlMBpfBMGQh8FjqWKKKxFXRKa69XizY0Gwd0qbO_TPqLAEa3BCgwi02CUQ1h7LX2HRy3bl2X1HF3RkKaW49FGmJ8wRqYKF59IHRHu6FYcYMe2p823PGqY6Z2jmGR2JfQifaUx-pp0pV6cCOMr9fHtgttxUrw/s2133/81DqvM3b0pL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fellowship Point" border="0" data-original-height="2133" data-original-width="1400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aPeoYr5T-GfcNIM9Zobgqi6eqg0Mo4IlMBpfBMGQh8FjqWKKKxFXRKa69XizY0Gwd0qbO_TPqLAEa3BCgwi02CUQ1h7LX2HRy3bl2X1HF3RkKaW49FGmJ8wRqYKF59IHRHu6FYcYMe2p823PGqY6Z2jmGR2JfQifaUx-pp0pV6cCOMr9fHtgttxUrw/w420-h640/81DqvM3b0pL.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/41Yz0nA" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Alice Elliott Dark is also the author of In The Gloaming.</span></p><div aria-expanded="true" class="a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content a-expander-content-expanded" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 20px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">“An ambitious and satisfying tale” (</span><span class="a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic !important;">The Washington Post</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">), </span><span class="a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic !important;">Fellowship Point</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> reads like a 19th-century epic, but it is entirely contemporary in its “reflections on aging, writing, stewardship, legacies, independence, and responsibility. At its heart, </span><span class="a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic !important;">Fellowship Point </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">is about caring for the places and people we love...This magnificent novel affirms that change and growth are possible at any age” (</span><span class="a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic !important;">The Christian Science Monitor</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">).</span></span></div><div aria-expanded="true" class="a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content a-expander-content-expanded" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 20px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">I believe that the two women in this story encompass every woman. </span></span></div><div aria-expanded="true" class="a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content a-expander-content-expanded" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 20px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Their differences along with their shared experiences weave their lives together.</span></span></div><div aria-expanded="true" class="a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content a-expander-content-expanded" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 20px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">I stayed up late this weekend and got up early because I couldn't put it down until my eyes were too gritty to see the pages. </span></span></div><div aria-expanded="true" class="a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content a-expander-content-expanded" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 20px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">I also was finally able to read two other books I had been waiting on.</span></span></div><div aria-expanded="true" class="a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content a-expander-content-expanded" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 20px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series is one of my favorites and I was skeptical about her newest book The White Lady featuring a new heroine.</span></span></div><div aria-expanded="true" class="a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content a-expander-content-expanded" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 20px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Would I like it? Would it be as good?</span></span></div><div aria-expanded="true" class="a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content a-expander-content-expanded" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 20px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I could have saved myself some handwringing. It was absolutely as good. </span></span></div><div aria-expanded="true" class="a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content a-expander-content-expanded" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 20px; position: relative;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_D4r7zSovEsXKtC0Be8XBr8RtsPEOvbNHYKLp01S6QtaYkUirlWFnDizECDSvu34FLJkZr7SS4rXkeokFbpd6tpokIaO43C-YHcleJnW_ecrB192Ueo3BX5t1Bqyvnp9Gmmg8_QvOPYem5FbVaBcaNYTmm4hKS9e7z5DX4PWOi4AQebbMnnNZToFBUw/s1812/91Ks0TdGwmL.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The White Lady" border="0" data-original-height="1812" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_D4r7zSovEsXKtC0Be8XBr8RtsPEOvbNHYKLp01S6QtaYkUirlWFnDizECDSvu34FLJkZr7SS4rXkeokFbpd6tpokIaO43C-YHcleJnW_ecrB192Ueo3BX5t1Bqyvnp9Gmmg8_QvOPYem5FbVaBcaNYTmm4hKS9e7z5DX4PWOi4AQebbMnnNZToFBUw/w424-h640/91Ks0TdGwmL.png" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3q7eVyk" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">The other book I finished last week was the latest book by Deborah Crombie.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I always enjoy her Duncan Kinkaid and Gemma James novels and this was no exception.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nothing better than a good British mystery.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJSGwmKs90w68hp-dXGg1MagRP4FtLAKCUGqXu5kuyapgrysihjNZfp8HnUkJcgJ7T2y4VWOjtCxkXL0YUZ466mSXza_DaqGOGJH4SCBDcYTne4kkQf5P-QkzhBukJX6mUA-dE2i98TTGMOJCaQt2j_YDxHAsI-MeB4ZTW9DNny7PGvrKDs9FHyBkwg/s1822/91GY0U7PrIL.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a killing of innocents" border="0" data-original-height="1822" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJSGwmKs90w68hp-dXGg1MagRP4FtLAKCUGqXu5kuyapgrysihjNZfp8HnUkJcgJ7T2y4VWOjtCxkXL0YUZ466mSXza_DaqGOGJH4SCBDcYTne4kkQf5P-QkzhBukJX6mUA-dE2i98TTGMOJCaQt2j_YDxHAsI-MeB4ZTW9DNny7PGvrKDs9FHyBkwg/w422-h640/91GY0U7PrIL.png" width="422" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3MRAKec" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></span></div><h2 style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Muffin Recipe</span></h2><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I recently found <a href="https://togetherasfamily.com/cinnamon-banana-bread-muffins/?swcfpc=1&_gl=1*t59q21*_ga*X1RCTTRRRkJKazYwdGdMUnE2UHlYYUpRb2ZaQUc2Z2tSaFN5X3g0dW0wUk1JMTdTa2pqYzNjRkVZNTBnMk9CRw..#recipe" target="_blank">this delicious recipe</a> for cinnamon banana bread muffins and decided to whip it up Sunday afternoon.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So glad I did because they are yummy.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5uuQNFrdPdC0u97vRe8tmJx6RkRWeEh02e4zSLHxKlez9r_T--oFenkpGnGURSlPR3mmWyTR-5ed7o5iGa_u-ijvevay8fpOuBebINwukk-Sk60pHH35EM06Rw5liM4F5ltBdOSsHRAh8Jr7xQqsYixtj6CSss1NaJhxjfXakMIcZQo1DDulj1Zwlw/s1239/muffins%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="muffins" border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5uuQNFrdPdC0u97vRe8tmJx6RkRWeEh02e4zSLHxKlez9r_T--oFenkpGnGURSlPR3mmWyTR-5ed7o5iGa_u-ijvevay8fpOuBebINwukk-Sk60pHH35EM06Rw5liM4F5ltBdOSsHRAh8Jr7xQqsYixtj6CSss1NaJhxjfXakMIcZQo1DDulj1Zwlw/w620-h640/muffins%20(1).png" width="620" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I followed the original recipe exactly except I substituted gluten-free flour.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="color: black; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div style="border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This post contains affiliate links</span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-77485080668990169812023-05-16T08:00:00.001-04:002023-05-16T08:00:00.148-04:00SPEAK TO YOURSELF WITH LOVE<p><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I find myself having a crisis of faith in myself.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I find myself berating myself for things I perceive that I have been doing wrong, and if I allow this negative talk to go on, I find confidence in myself spiraling downward. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHYYx-dC8Jfd7lbFgU4rlJZOMoozDaQZntDyoXWfmNA_5u4JcyXvVX0mJKNL_FrWNBcmdzsfs_ZIcmcu4yyCB62GKogqddrzUDLw4h-88u02tjzjbtmZ2DwKnjyWKRy8wWzdHZaU2QZirLY2vddUeU7sQvb6NJGxNwBnUxob9GoC7vud8-f_Wus5vLg/s1200/butterfly.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="butterfly on flowers" border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHYYx-dC8Jfd7lbFgU4rlJZOMoozDaQZntDyoXWfmNA_5u4JcyXvVX0mJKNL_FrWNBcmdzsfs_ZIcmcu4yyCB62GKogqddrzUDLw4h-88u02tjzjbtmZ2DwKnjyWKRy8wWzdHZaU2QZirLY2vddUeU7sQvb6NJGxNwBnUxob9GoC7vud8-f_Wus5vLg/w640-h426/butterfly.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">The negative speak we hear from others can affect our self-confidence, but when we internalize these words and then turn around and speak to ourselves with the same or even worse words, it can be devastating. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So how should we be speaking to ourselves?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiedtahLiLlOGVSVXbFq57Uk71U9dIYvzu0fZr9Dtm9qZTrvpxWXkh1J9ABpcy6T6Q4y06lW3TdNCFl2XB_698T_9fqY9FaUk7D8BlGWkoN9eRlNQpPnZX280Z81s3M8ZkuMPz731isCeEzBNBiNzTBewsCUFy1Rs942Zwyp8A6HpMnzNEvCsSktqssg/s1200/speak%20to%20yourself.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="speak to yourself with love" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiedtahLiLlOGVSVXbFq57Uk71U9dIYvzu0fZr9Dtm9qZTrvpxWXkh1J9ABpcy6T6Q4y06lW3TdNCFl2XB_698T_9fqY9FaUk7D8BlGWkoN9eRlNQpPnZX280Z81s3M8ZkuMPz731isCeEzBNBiNzTBewsCUFy1Rs942Zwyp8A6HpMnzNEvCsSktqssg/w640-h640/speak%20to%20yourself.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I was the hand-me-down child in my family and was spoken to in that manner into my adult life. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I allowed that to seep into my soul and it is how I learned to speak to myself. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It became my belief system, and the way I spoke to myself in the past became a self-fulfilling prophecy. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ev-nhcu9dSLx8ZPwRcY-J1w3OOvfkGcd9bemSH8Ww7VvjGfbiTmYTPanJOjLP4MCgMOG7vYwgJQuBsjLXkMtIXGKhUENuI7ZQ_jkYRY60_KJjSC8c_XvXQRoMd4ajQPgkupkYD-z5hPdruGSY04iDcm2aV7z4Ez_3F0OtvyUiCYogKRB39C55GkOZw/s1280/roses-1566792_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="roses in a metal basket" border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ev-nhcu9dSLx8ZPwRcY-J1w3OOvfkGcd9bemSH8Ww7VvjGfbiTmYTPanJOjLP4MCgMOG7vYwgJQuBsjLXkMtIXGKhUENuI7ZQ_jkYRY60_KJjSC8c_XvXQRoMd4ajQPgkupkYD-z5hPdruGSY04iDcm2aV7z4Ez_3F0OtvyUiCYogKRB39C55GkOZw/w640-h428/roses-1566792_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">There came a time in my life when I realized that I wouldn't speak to someone I love the way I had been speaking to myself, and shouldn't I love myself first?</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We all have failures and hopefully, we learn from those failures. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have vowed to brush myself off and to treat myself more gently. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have vowed to speak to myself the way I would speak to someone I love. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If I find myself speaking in less than a loving way I will give myself encouragement. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I will start fresh.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The wonderful thing is starting fresh is not finite. We can start over as many times as we need. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you will speak with love to yourself today and every day.</span></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-19823278714589619542023-05-12T08:00:00.001-04:002023-05-12T08:00:00.139-04:00OSTEOPOROSIS CARE<p><span style="font-size: large;">I</span> <span style="font-size: large;">went to the <a href="https://www.simpleandsereneliving.com/2023/05/its-doctor-kind-of-day.html" target="_blank">endocrinologist on Tuesday </a> for my annual osteoporosis checkup.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I will be getting my Reclast infusion scheduled and in November I will have a new DEXA scan done to see if the Reclast is helping. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The goal is hopefully to see that the osteoporosis hasn't progressed or is possibly a little better.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheegaFWBGNd7b8IyHm23issa0NV2eqkvJhMBTPxA8Ee4uWBYd_sOeTfd9BqOtHpeZn3vMKbSFG7BV4DRGV3JPHTfHCDdUoLLFUuRVg2AVAiKAhtQiwfxWB-6w4xWaKzfvgWBVmGRn71-HhSjA-rUameEg1hhSxjR8-6q9KWGhSY1OygqcsWULgncSLHg/s1200/shoes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="walking shoes" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheegaFWBGNd7b8IyHm23issa0NV2eqkvJhMBTPxA8Ee4uWBYd_sOeTfd9BqOtHpeZn3vMKbSFG7BV4DRGV3JPHTfHCDdUoLLFUuRVg2AVAiKAhtQiwfxWB-6w4xWaKzfvgWBVmGRn71-HhSjA-rUameEg1hhSxjR8-6q9KWGhSY1OygqcsWULgncSLHg/w640-h640/shoes.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Vitamins</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Between the pandemic and Katy's illness, I have really slacked off on my part of my osteoporosis care. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was honest with him about it and we talked about what I need to do going forward.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My vitamin D levels have been low in the past and so along with my regular calcium with Vitamin D (which I have also been a slacker on)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0vXyShRV5Wze4klLSAQaVennoFfwa0EnBVGK1YoHfS6yOFPA-pMEqsjQSr1Nak3WESE93iMuoruIkV_rWRCU4MnL2KNqP_Wk11uLm7yRdkFWR-VSMg6ASS9nEgKuEBJRso3JuN49h5bdnoCMSIpdW3Nv9oWBCgUwXaieZJ0__IOd2-BhmXm6Sf--ww/s2397/calcium.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vita fusion calcium" border="0" data-original-height="2397" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0vXyShRV5Wze4klLSAQaVennoFfwa0EnBVGK1YoHfS6yOFPA-pMEqsjQSr1Nak3WESE93iMuoruIkV_rWRCU4MnL2KNqP_Wk11uLm7yRdkFWR-VSMg6ASS9nEgKuEBJRso3JuN49h5bdnoCMSIpdW3Nv9oWBCgUwXaieZJ0__IOd2-BhmXm6Sf--ww/w320-h640/calcium.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3Bd6jYX" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I take extra vitamin D.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzbMSI70nnAJYJlrPBdOi3LGgKBC2inT4SBJI4hkysywOYvmsBcVJu-jGG6O-5EARnDjIkYAEsAf2GZulr6ool3TDuE0KSqhJmuyfoMlM0vos_QZpzRuFQGjYcq7in9-ChoBw0kRnBwUc_-5PKr79FIfhFj5PaSIaW0vgo5KrLiSBeT3W7Ar0gX_UAg/s1500/vitamin%20D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vita Fusion Vitamin D" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="746" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzbMSI70nnAJYJlrPBdOi3LGgKBC2inT4SBJI4hkysywOYvmsBcVJu-jGG6O-5EARnDjIkYAEsAf2GZulr6ool3TDuE0KSqhJmuyfoMlM0vos_QZpzRuFQGjYcq7in9-ChoBw0kRnBwUc_-5PKr79FIfhFj5PaSIaW0vgo5KrLiSBeT3W7Ar0gX_UAg/w318-h640/vitamin%20D.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/42Nw6TD" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm like a little kid when it comes to vitamins. They have to be chewable because otherwise, I hate the taste.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll be having a blood test before my infusion to check my Vitamin D level.</span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Exercise, Exercise, Exercise</span></h2><div><span style="font-size: large;">One of the most important things to do to fight osteoporosis is exercise.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I started riding the exercise bike a few weeks ago and I am doing two miles a day.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">While riding the bike is good for my heart and helps to build up my legs it is not weight bearing and so doesn't help osteoporosis. SIGH!!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwv3ZawLfd_tOKcFksbzpJELCINrZ3tX255JP4ej7Wvr8ZRMUoH5SM-Lsa9-lDY8oz7C8hMhmMg9YjTNKkZlNmRtAN-b-8cxwS2bgtydrL280WFYbe15IDp1GXp5b0Wn9GRUXkAR1Mj_mqSCRP8-ruiqKxG2LH_FcOTUX6sWC9zqi2Hcm_fSHwknykA/s1200/BeFunky-photo%20(53)%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ON walking shoes" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwv3ZawLfd_tOKcFksbzpJELCINrZ3tX255JP4ej7Wvr8ZRMUoH5SM-Lsa9-lDY8oz7C8hMhmMg9YjTNKkZlNmRtAN-b-8cxwS2bgtydrL280WFYbe15IDp1GXp5b0Wn9GRUXkAR1Mj_mqSCRP8-ruiqKxG2LH_FcOTUX6sWC9zqi2Hcm_fSHwknykA/w640-h640/BeFunky-photo%20(53)%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://rstyle.me/+dkNKwE6BPywShBVKfkXm4A" target="_blank"><br /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+dkNKwE6BPywShBVKfkXm4A" target="_blank">my super cute and fabulous pink walking shoes</a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>So on to the weight-bearing exercises. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday morning I started walking up and down my hall and managed to do one mile before boredom completely set in.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Thursday I drove to Decatur, went to the thrift store, and walked the indoor track at the Wellness Center. Less boring.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Next Tuesday I am going to start back in with Silver Sneakers Aerobics classes at LA Fitness.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Well, at least I now have something to fill my days. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there. May it be a sweet day for you. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7I-awt08p5aCbR8gTXqI95QKTBeIKSQVCGOIwf14xd4VpCZtpr6p3EQrBMckLFl4Zf5_M5CyOijN0wunuPV8IJd4UYCRBXMxoDtjVKTEk0aWo13KGTziJNQkH-Aw1oMl-SQ90XKrBMXe9W1DtH2vpcTUHmfcbFMZR9Jl2-TSoCvZP_rZw_tcu3OFUQ/s640/nick-fewings-eHHcSUpBe94-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="happy mother's day balloons" border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7I-awt08p5aCbR8gTXqI95QKTBeIKSQVCGOIwf14xd4VpCZtpr6p3EQrBMckLFl4Zf5_M5CyOijN0wunuPV8IJd4UYCRBXMxoDtjVKTEk0aWo13KGTziJNQkH-Aw1oMl-SQ90XKrBMXe9W1DtH2vpcTUHmfcbFMZR9Jl2-TSoCvZP_rZw_tcu3OFUQ/w640-h428/nick-fewings-eHHcSUpBe94-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This post contains affiliate links.</span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div></div></div></div></span></div></div>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-51098362225161690002023-05-09T08:00:00.001-04:002023-05-09T08:00:00.163-04:00IT'S A DOCTOR KIND OF DAY<p><span style="font-size: large;">I didn't exactly get my normal blog post written for today.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">While looking back at my calendar from last year I realized that I had my first Reclast infusion for osteoporosis last May.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I called to see about getting it scheduled for this month and was told I needed to see my endocrinologist first and he only had appointments open in September.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgjJDN0Jgi0rCy2bQQRg4jQKbZ6kQTRCjDAf_EHjdjCvGuL6vMO2vp87CiTlKD-8XMx8FQug8m2inDFLBhLTeL7BzaiAuSUBvyPKcoxMv2RMSNh0yycpzmAOTaRoTr28vVBzSFhmUc19RYdUlv0xvf4-mJD9etb30JtcFMtDl64LemLD7U85YjzTGRw/s1779/child-2166079_1920.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="child in doctor costume" border="0" data-original-height="1779" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgjJDN0Jgi0rCy2bQQRg4jQKbZ6kQTRCjDAf_EHjdjCvGuL6vMO2vp87CiTlKD-8XMx8FQug8m2inDFLBhLTeL7BzaiAuSUBvyPKcoxMv2RMSNh0yycpzmAOTaRoTr28vVBzSFhmUc19RYdUlv0xvf4-mJD9etb30JtcFMtDl64LemLD7U85YjzTGRw/w432-h640/child-2166079_1920.png" width="432" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Ummm!! Why didn't they tell me last year that I needed to do this and made a yearly appointment for me or told me I needed to schedule months in advance.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My Reclast infusions are supposed to be given twelve months apart. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Where are the grownups in the building?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately, someone canceled for this morning.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJJRTqlGVXq3KNbuirTXv7qNcTy9JN9k3vrD01Yts5Do1JkbXCOj-Wh4AvJVH04VIvUfkwvlT7FwosccMZYVnCVbPONxnclA6uBigOm_Lq6MdclHQIYd82KpuUyE4NhCOosn1nUL6GwgrJYFmLmCMmA0yIZTJVbsvvEpcWkppakn8ZQ_4lVa8yJIUvg/s1280/rose-flower-759980_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="towels and a rose" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJJRTqlGVXq3KNbuirTXv7qNcTy9JN9k3vrD01Yts5Do1JkbXCOj-Wh4AvJVH04VIvUfkwvlT7FwosccMZYVnCVbPONxnclA6uBigOm_Lq6MdclHQIYd82KpuUyE4NhCOosn1nUL6GwgrJYFmLmCMmA0yIZTJVbsvvEpcWkppakn8ZQ_4lVa8yJIUvg/w640-h426/rose-flower-759980_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">So I am off to the doctor. It is seven miles north of me and it isn't my favorite area to drive to, but I will be glad to get it over with.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The next obstacle is going to Emory Hospital for the infusion. It is the hospital where Katy passed away and I haven't even been able to drive past there. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One thing at a time.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Currently, screening for osteoporosis is recommended for women who are 65 years old or older and for women who are 50 to 64 and have certain risk factors, which include having a parent who has broken a hip.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Katy had severe osteoporosis and her spine and rib fractures contributed to her death. She was 41.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I hope that if you fall into a group that should be screened that you will do so. </span></span></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-18520780879537108982023-05-05T08:00:00.001-04:002023-05-05T08:00:00.144-04:00SMALL ADDITIONS TO MY LIVING ROOM CHAIR<p><span style="font-size: large;">On Tuesday I wrote about how I am working on my apartment to make it more comfy for me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I started by arduously finding a <a href="https://www.simpleandsereneliving.com/2023/05/relocating-record-player.html" target="_blank">new place for my record player</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are a lot of other things I need to do, but I thought I would share some small things I am doing or have done.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFFI2huf3bN63d5T-GZjB_z0x_vfG9w4WQGATCAqYSuZMoPEMy2G5Iwo1MLg7rR98PqRNqO8Y45W-qZq7Y1EZtDQt5DHCxGohQ9Xvi-W4V6whf1Whsn1VAYfYqyOz9pJTH1cNMhLi6DKfrXucyltgOq3YN8y5XFsbp-wJ4IJRCFHl9rFlGWONUDPAbw/s1311/chair.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chair" border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFFI2huf3bN63d5T-GZjB_z0x_vfG9w4WQGATCAqYSuZMoPEMy2G5Iwo1MLg7rR98PqRNqO8Y45W-qZq7Y1EZtDQt5DHCxGohQ9Xvi-W4V6whf1Whsn1VAYfYqyOz9pJTH1cNMhLi6DKfrXucyltgOq3YN8y5XFsbp-wJ4IJRCFHl9rFlGWONUDPAbw/w586-h640/chair.png" width="586" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is the chair where I spend a lot of my time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have had this chair and its ottoman for quite a while and I hope to replace it with a recliner. (That will be a large change)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There were definitely some changes that I needed to make for the chair to work better for me. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I know that the weather is warming up, but I get cold in the air conditioning so I like to have a nice throw. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-ZkjM-L4GOfFYZx_80tqfIKAYq8-F_cSjKPAC3NcP5bhiXy7gIpMcV93TqwOIQvPj1CWGSaMgaeUQKLlY5XEn9nuBLaVCcavre1KPKNatCCa4q-sklRehcHPcYyI45OCpfBuyu75Ks-kuvx2K3doOt4hWJBooLK5_7R5AkWynKUcWW8B78vF6eK79w/s1200/A1AzKaL8t7L._AC_SL1500_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="throw blanket artistic weavers" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-ZkjM-L4GOfFYZx_80tqfIKAYq8-F_cSjKPAC3NcP5bhiXy7gIpMcV93TqwOIQvPj1CWGSaMgaeUQKLlY5XEn9nuBLaVCcavre1KPKNatCCa4q-sklRehcHPcYyI45OCpfBuyu75Ks-kuvx2K3doOt4hWJBooLK5_7R5AkWynKUcWW8B78vF6eK79w/w640-h640/A1AzKaL8t7L._AC_SL1500_.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3LVzRR2" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The pillow is vintage needlepoint.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I found this pillow on Etsy and it is very similar to mine.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOxDwurWNniN60B5Vni_OmMr9Ankuuh6FiRLVjzKZp24cbAjHs2Xb4EZfy0HcYz8iuwrILmAApvO6_wdJfSU2JtuKdSYLiXFNJySnKKVlSKTPtucj-GEMZMQCh3K23JZ3XntaebdlW-jQQpWZfkbWVTTsoQ67NJWb7-u-WSs79VR2rEVfMMxbHPz-Qg/s1200/il_1140xN.4848933731_ol5u%20(2).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vintage floral needlepoint pillow" border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1200" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOxDwurWNniN60B5Vni_OmMr9Ankuuh6FiRLVjzKZp24cbAjHs2Xb4EZfy0HcYz8iuwrILmAApvO6_wdJfSU2JtuKdSYLiXFNJySnKKVlSKTPtucj-GEMZMQCh3K23JZ3XntaebdlW-jQQpWZfkbWVTTsoQ67NJWb7-u-WSs79VR2rEVfMMxbHPz-Qg/w640-h414/il_1140xN.4848933731_ol5u%20(2).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+qF6-2FtbFR_Y7LcBetEMWw" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Etsy</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Does anyone else have a problem with wandering remote controls and cell phones?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that I live alone, but it feels like I waste a lot of time looking for them.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">They slip down between the cushions and fall under the chair. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I decided I needed something to corral them and found this on Amazon.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXluXv9DDsqoG6kyyCtHLvqQfK48iXqnXfhvmI6zLTcj9ZVU_F5IEvK55nD2IWdkjUEuAu1427ZwSzrYV4wjs01hFEFB7YfEZW4VsWwm9WrKRK9sRSh8Ww5et_yrXkToxSzGzyWKHfzo3znh78VOxz1BoiGnTQqCMlLfRiNSKXGx8PJm_vwLxy4SqYA/s1200/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-05-04T142333.623.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="armrest organizer" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXluXv9DDsqoG6kyyCtHLvqQfK48iXqnXfhvmI6zLTcj9ZVU_F5IEvK55nD2IWdkjUEuAu1427ZwSzrYV4wjs01hFEFB7YfEZW4VsWwm9WrKRK9sRSh8Ww5et_yrXkToxSzGzyWKHfzo3znh78VOxz1BoiGnTQqCMlLfRiNSKXGx8PJm_vwLxy4SqYA/w640-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-05-04T142333.623.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/414XLOj" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can also use it for pens, an extra pair of reading glasses, and a notebook.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">My pretty notebooks come from Amazon too. I use a lot of these notebooks.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejFT0CAU7GXPF2BBzMmqr78S8o5i-iqsTLgxQX3kDRFASlaKE_YdkWmTwZh710E1NhUy_Xgon0or7pDHeqhWpjkqbOqcyj1U8PGxftX7Ft3_8ALW11lWHl4BzVnxU8LLnyvI7t_QURvKXYw34rr37I-MuMgfu6o-wqWCzZFJrwFRmRdfrVQDmqJoSbQ/s1460/81K+QRkN8ZL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="floral spiral notebook" border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="1105" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejFT0CAU7GXPF2BBzMmqr78S8o5i-iqsTLgxQX3kDRFASlaKE_YdkWmTwZh710E1NhUy_Xgon0or7pDHeqhWpjkqbOqcyj1U8PGxftX7Ft3_8ALW11lWHl4BzVnxU8LLnyvI7t_QURvKXYw34rr37I-MuMgfu6o-wqWCzZFJrwFRmRdfrVQDmqJoSbQ/w484-h640/81K+QRkN8ZL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/414g4U4" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now that I am nice and comfy this will definitely be my reading corner and I will start sharing what I am reading with you.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2n-qDB2SatlQplizQas7R0rWRSjSLC3qq9GFYw3HxZcpMiwH6o_C8slQ7m-IGEwyPR2Lq1AWPa9jZgJUL7FiwXzASP3novcZVCFxKq_9k0rKeViUXG2RHiOtHhIM5_OpPtQ4vAsHkKfmJxITKf4qkE906ZPoLH9v4lMngfzl-LpG4_m6HOLETBNS5TQ/s1600/BeFunky-photo%20(57).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="reading corner" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2n-qDB2SatlQplizQas7R0rWRSjSLC3qq9GFYw3HxZcpMiwH6o_C8slQ7m-IGEwyPR2Lq1AWPa9jZgJUL7FiwXzASP3novcZVCFxKq_9k0rKeViUXG2RHiOtHhIM5_OpPtQ4vAsHkKfmJxITKf4qkE906ZPoLH9v4lMngfzl-LpG4_m6HOLETBNS5TQ/w480-h640/BeFunky-photo%20(57).jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div><div><div><div><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This post contains affiliate links.</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div></div></div></div>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-47668239346302468242023-05-02T08:00:00.001-04:002023-05-02T08:00:00.142-04:00RELOCATING THE RECORD PLAYER<p><span style="font-size: large;">I have decided that since I may live the rest of my life in this small apartment I want to make it as comfortable as I can.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday I decided to get a start on that by finding a new place for my record player.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHceuT834honi_-nvOK23Yclrn5MVMCyf8xqX51m-TpZcSS5nzTTrO-ZzZWV-sqaaIgt4Gfk38W259ZgZ1NSarfWUzdGc3xUfyTlNwJnE1SAFTmaRbL6Z7lFa8eHuCgkRbkEc12oEPu06OUuB0i0gwoxxBate4g7xsaLvXLTOneMwjaS9YLTZiDoPLw/s1200/record%20player.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="record player and records" border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1200" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNHceuT834honi_-nvOK23Yclrn5MVMCyf8xqX51m-TpZcSS5nzTTrO-ZzZWV-sqaaIgt4Gfk38W259ZgZ1NSarfWUzdGc3xUfyTlNwJnE1SAFTmaRbL6Z7lFa8eHuCgkRbkEc12oEPu06OUuB0i0gwoxxBate4g7xsaLvXLTOneMwjaS9YLTZiDoPLw/w640-h600/record%20player.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I love listening to my old vinyl records and wrote about it <a href="https://www.simpleandsereneliving.com/2023/03/rockin-around-clock.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I actually have two record players, but the one I listen to the most is the one pictured above and it has been in a somewhat awkward corner of my dining area.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was difficult to sort through the records to choose what I wanted to listen to.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Finding the right spot proved to be more difficult than I thought it would be and I actually lugged that heavy record player into four places before I found the perfect one. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVS9bYj_GdbMGMQmpxG0PGRH9m1lCXkzRHkobsU85KvTW2A9FEy9OTfpdGNJrxh-8DlK2LiCKkjkABMTuP6JqHhcFheYso8TUDpBq81oASWDa2WtpAWQj6yh2kPUH-0Sk5y7twX1VQaunYS_EBaCjDeUGkc90-CHuRhG5lUTNnYb_ogogxay4rzbnIw/s1388/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-05-01T120552.989.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="record player" border="0" data-original-height="1388" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVS9bYj_GdbMGMQmpxG0PGRH9m1lCXkzRHkobsU85KvTW2A9FEy9OTfpdGNJrxh-8DlK2LiCKkjkABMTuP6JqHhcFheYso8TUDpBq81oASWDa2WtpAWQj6yh2kPUH-0Sk5y7twX1VQaunYS_EBaCjDeUGkc90-CHuRhG5lUTNnYb_ogogxay4rzbnIw/w554-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-05-01T120552.989.png" width="554" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I had to move out all of the records and set the record player aside in order to move it. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The table itself is very light so that was the easiest part.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I also had to move things out of the places that I thought I might want the record player to be.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Once I set the record player on the table on the first three places I realized they wouldn't work. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yikes, I can remember when I could move heavy furniture around. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMM9Bae0g2sMx__lccJMgA4eJJ-MdLMA1Zd7_Ay9Cnp9bEW_u4wg8t4LFVE8fY9iXPDjWyvPq9VvSvUDoGmPDbKb83en7WKK9K_tVxR08oZZpdyj8ZaDKhq5VP92gMC4e8LFeg0atjRqEiPbsSigFY-_E9G30wPZKHkRdOA2esuFAFoR0_zQzK0kJy3g/s1334/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-05-01T122008.861.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="record player in living room" border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMM9Bae0g2sMx__lccJMgA4eJJ-MdLMA1Zd7_Ay9Cnp9bEW_u4wg8t4LFVE8fY9iXPDjWyvPq9VvSvUDoGmPDbKb83en7WKK9K_tVxR08oZZpdyj8ZaDKhq5VP92gMC4e8LFeg0atjRqEiPbsSigFY-_E9G30wPZKHkRdOA2esuFAFoR0_zQzK0kJy3g/w576-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-05-01T122008.861.png" width="576" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Once I pushed the settee back about six inches I had the perfect place. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now it is close to my chair and I can sit on the settee to sort through the records. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am very happy with it.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xQhPSDX4MzhHTlQP0hFNiJonabI6KsqScRb_FPBPhh3wEBnjxElMT5-4-2hgMCt-JnOajRCzULmOT9pZXsRZz0S-uuPv3jCkIJrYQeHDI7LJc90gASWuLlkKnX3BiweHljw7vfzoqOm9ZCRtr7Vqhb1ATWDDHHgeDd5IXbMZsymtvL_zRNy_J1TZrA/s1600/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-05-01T122847.719.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="record player in living room" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xQhPSDX4MzhHTlQP0hFNiJonabI6KsqScRb_FPBPhh3wEBnjxElMT5-4-2hgMCt-JnOajRCzULmOT9pZXsRZz0S-uuPv3jCkIJrYQeHDI7LJc90gASWuLlkKnX3BiweHljw7vfzoqOm9ZCRtr7Vqhb1ATWDDHHgeDd5IXbMZsymtvL_zRNy_J1TZrA/w480-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-05-01T122847.719.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, moving the record player led to other things being relocated and I will share those later. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I think the problem with your comments not being sent to my email has been resolved and I can once again answer them. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3KbOOxP" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Record players on Amazon</span></a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3yWJHuV" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Oldies records on Amazon</span></a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>This post contains affiliate links.</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-19381341689652583072023-04-28T08:00:00.006-04:002023-04-28T08:00:00.143-04:00FINDING HOPE<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="text-align: center;">"The power of hope upon human exertion and happiness</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">is wonderful."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Abraham Lincoln</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope can be a difficult thing to find in trying times. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are living in a complicated world. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is a world where we are faced with personal as well as global uncertainties. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHHYco0izX5256gP7W0NUlj1oI1vhU4S-TpYCooBJ2Z7Gx-n9IybYbYqTKV8BhuBTIeMqV2oTAv3_hmt0zaOXJ31X_cZPqxW73vOt8jSYgK5oZTXa87nOmySSG__AGnV-Tzx_ES81762TNW6bh9qPA-pOVy5PzaPEWAVDi-GxiHmwZnlxg6fyST4_Nw/s1200/flowers-19830_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="flowers and butterfly" border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHHYco0izX5256gP7W0NUlj1oI1vhU4S-TpYCooBJ2Z7Gx-n9IybYbYqTKV8BhuBTIeMqV2oTAv3_hmt0zaOXJ31X_cZPqxW73vOt8jSYgK5oZTXa87nOmySSG__AGnV-Tzx_ES81762TNW6bh9qPA-pOVy5PzaPEWAVDi-GxiHmwZnlxg6fyST4_Nw/w640-h426/flowers-19830_1280.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">There are many days, especially over this past year when I have had to dig very deep to find hope, but I know that hope is my source of strength.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope sustains me when I feel that things around me are falling apart. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meditation and prayer give me the strength to wrap myself in a cloak of hope, to awake to the power of hope that is within me always. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFVqAMJjBuVcssHx20TlOgMliW507jEj2nAks-SVaWbxtdPTY6dCSjTe3nwzdbCuZu7Y9HY5udV_778ksy7SBOEqmgCNhk3TdCOaSLGV1-8qEJcc68mPqQESD1s41IJz83HcFcFgmn-jN-3SGNQour8q-3UdK-EntbUh6IXCOjdm5PmhB1w897Wi2TA/s1280/flower-887443_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dandelion growing through crack" border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="1280" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFVqAMJjBuVcssHx20TlOgMliW507jEj2nAks-SVaWbxtdPTY6dCSjTe3nwzdbCuZu7Y9HY5udV_778ksy7SBOEqmgCNhk3TdCOaSLGV1-8qEJcc68mPqQESD1s41IJz83HcFcFgmn-jN-3SGNQour8q-3UdK-EntbUh6IXCOjdm5PmhB1w897Wi2TA/w640-h498/flower-887443_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Hope is being able to see that there is light</span></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">despite all of the darkness."</span></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Desmond Tutu</span></div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div><span style="font-size: large;">Even those who are suffering the most unimaginable pain and suffering can find hope. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It seems to arise from the depths of the darkness and bring them back into the light. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Even on the days that I struggle the most, I remind myself of the struggles of others.</span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGMVfBs-UT1ctQK03jtKrTdaLzMV9iXuYTAlLImDfcdM57LKfwa3JB55O07aWWN7Z7IvVNNzbWDPfvDeZj_6psgpuSXURg5zZIVCPQSNSuwPSmuuAA6ODThrA4HnZauVu-dS3K7nXli3ChaZqJfnxwJw43zNuSDeaUoxqbH8wxIpmUtCbLoPkzD2DQg/s1280/aspen-2578702_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wildflowers and woods" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGMVfBs-UT1ctQK03jtKrTdaLzMV9iXuYTAlLImDfcdM57LKfwa3JB55O07aWWN7Z7IvVNNzbWDPfvDeZj_6psgpuSXURg5zZIVCPQSNSuwPSmuuAA6ODThrA4HnZauVu-dS3K7nXli3ChaZqJfnxwJw43zNuSDeaUoxqbH8wxIpmUtCbLoPkzD2DQg/w640-h426/aspen-2578702_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span>The future may look frightening, but hope is like the beautiful wildflowers that grow along the edge of dark woods. </div></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The beauty will sustain us through the darkness. The beauty will still be there when we emerge on the other side.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">On a side note, Blogger has decided to not forward your comments to me and so I have missed some. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Until it gets straightened out I will answer them here. </span></div></div></span></div></span></div>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-61206041429663244072023-04-25T08:00:00.001-04:002023-04-25T08:00:00.141-04:00WOMEN, SOCIAL SECURITY , AND BUDGETING<p><span style="font-size: large;">I have written on this topic before, but it is something that I once again want to revisit.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday I was working on my budget, which is as tight as it can possibly get.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba3NJCs5citEX7cQGdWy8uSqARc_ILLUgxV33CJbDPznAdqlE_8apJgCNfeM8Ac8RCzDX3lEMCiedzJrOMQKje907Mpin49rcokzkN2W6PC9gO1ovJ0W6-XsrIeYtuOvAvwoZtuSrFsIdga8HyWnXAb1h1BGjiwHAU8OlmPhoQfD8hINh9cXqeiJg9A/s1200/piggy-bank-968302_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="savings jar" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba3NJCs5citEX7cQGdWy8uSqARc_ILLUgxV33CJbDPznAdqlE_8apJgCNfeM8Ac8RCzDX3lEMCiedzJrOMQKje907Mpin49rcokzkN2W6PC9gO1ovJ0W6-XsrIeYtuOvAvwoZtuSrFsIdga8HyWnXAb1h1BGjiwHAU8OlmPhoQfD8hINh9cXqeiJg9A/w640-h426/piggy-bank-968302_1280.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Like many other senior women, I live on a fairly fixed income. Other than my social security my only other income comes from what I sell online and from ad revenue from this blog.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Neither of those sources has ever brought in a lot of extra income, but it has been enough to sustain me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now I am finding that those are pretty much drying up and seem to be costing me as much in fees as I am bringing in.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyofSohRCHJzoPsEZihJSwSJkxzzZ7yDm6eXpdzwtjxZ_6aob59nGXUlNexIKTGXRNg_fs4MyOTmuRQrC-7V3c0Wsk7lX57_OGHk2Mg9mewJw8l27zqxAzrRbbKzH9x7cj7BYv_kDqmSUgjdbQXAzmcZoj-oz1LuYc08e9JHETZeN01NknErIOFkykzw/s1280/coins-1015125_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="budgeting balancing act" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyofSohRCHJzoPsEZihJSwSJkxzzZ7yDm6eXpdzwtjxZ_6aob59nGXUlNexIKTGXRNg_fs4MyOTmuRQrC-7V3c0Wsk7lX57_OGHk2Mg9mewJw8l27zqxAzrRbbKzH9x7cj7BYv_kDqmSUgjdbQXAzmcZoj-oz1LuYc08e9JHETZeN01NknErIOFkykzw/w640-h426/coins-1015125_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Budgeting has always been a balancing act, but now it seems even more so.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I remember my grandmother, who was Scottish and thrifty, talking to me about watching my pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. She said I would need them when I grew older. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">She was right, but in today's world we need a lot more than those coins, and with the constantly rising cost of just living it becomes more difficult to live on a budget. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJ_t8CegsQutCxJuwYTbm_AhAtiA_XtM_3YebTyp4U-mNkZ9dEyjsIj9_FAZhHD6r2OkzUh23I4H9ewAShF9IBmmcvavX4L1CohrO0qx2I-J-RVWIhxkfCIefIgn6UobNmN6rCzEuFYEm2_reuy7OtUw_5_3jOqVdmdjrnE1L36m1at3sHeluz4_XjQ/s1280/coins-912719_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="saving your pennies" border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJ_t8CegsQutCxJuwYTbm_AhAtiA_XtM_3YebTyp4U-mNkZ9dEyjsIj9_FAZhHD6r2OkzUh23I4H9ewAShF9IBmmcvavX4L1CohrO0qx2I-J-RVWIhxkfCIefIgn6UobNmN6rCzEuFYEm2_reuy7OtUw_5_3jOqVdmdjrnE1L36m1at3sHeluz4_XjQ/w640-h426/coins-912719_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Each year we get a raise in Social Security and this year was supposed to be amazing, but the raise is calculated on your current Social Security, and for those on the lower end of the social security spectrum that raise was not much.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because I spent much of my adult life as a stay-at-home mom, my social security isn't much, and like many other women who choose to give many years to their families, I feel like the grim reaper waiting for my ex to die so that I can have enough income to live a somewhat normal life. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It should not be this way. Women should be compensated for the valuable work they do raising their families. We should not be considered free labor by the government. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I feel like I need pennies from heaven.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6n0NsqPcsyfGiCigVyJ1OURtDWwSZTcGC_z2QQJJRNrItncJVBqg1QalMu9hqF2uGwpFtI26cywK82pzFifC3CD7QxaSYoP3052pTkHOfcKcSAwUnucYcfzpH9GH5FJ6IPjMmvgmW8sKIPZ6sZTJbhavKtE9GK07sVL8Q-RWOgCUsxDA9u9o-S-wlA/s1280/piggy-bank-1161859_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pennies from heaven" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6n0NsqPcsyfGiCigVyJ1OURtDWwSZTcGC_z2QQJJRNrItncJVBqg1QalMu9hqF2uGwpFtI26cywK82pzFifC3CD7QxaSYoP3052pTkHOfcKcSAwUnucYcfzpH9GH5FJ6IPjMmvgmW8sKIPZ6sZTJbhavKtE9GK07sVL8Q-RWOgCUsxDA9u9o-S-wlA/w480-h640/piggy-bank-1161859_1280.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I know that I am not the only older woman in this situation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The poverty rate for single women over the age of 65 living alone is 19%.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">That should not be happening in this country.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have always been good at budgeting, but I am not sure how much more I can squeeze out.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9f05PCKl-FhznxS7ZFzRSppKjiyd63l6iqlrmvn7CD_rJDBfRPajJkEy3Qt17YoG9jZ0UiTZ2LIR3IjYMtueIF70fgJob7gVtE5o8TdIkfIjkAYUAlluZkZTSvywGBI8geWJHKS_QR1ztzdxQKNqcp33TVOTH_pbFnpA4oEQQlFprIDlIUrbzDUSxGA/s1800/BeFunky-design%20(42).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pennies from heaven piggy bank" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9f05PCKl-FhznxS7ZFzRSppKjiyd63l6iqlrmvn7CD_rJDBfRPajJkEy3Qt17YoG9jZ0UiTZ2LIR3IjYMtueIF70fgJob7gVtE5o8TdIkfIjkAYUAlluZkZTSvywGBI8geWJHKS_QR1ztzdxQKNqcp33TVOTH_pbFnpA4oEQQlFprIDlIUrbzDUSxGA/w426-h640/BeFunky-design%20(42).png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-color: white; background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.</span></span></div><p></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-5118741473644232232023-04-21T08:00:00.003-04:002023-04-21T08:00:00.156-04:00MEDITATION FOR WORRY<span style="font-size: large;">Worry. I hate that word and I hate that I worry. Sometimes I think I was born worrying.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I remember my grandmother saying worrying never adds a day to your life, and she was right.<br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>We all worry from time to time, and although not all worry is 100% bad if it leads us to figure out a solution, but it can become a real problem when we let it take over our lives.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODOr61bUFqEUjTk_GFzk8vvKSo57bC_AWdHLWRF8GFhrKZXOTVFOi4sRGmlxBi2iPhauYuj9TrAI-I4-EqLnO3hdTJauHffVX9sn6jTL0RnL1ITKDNOSE0itOPQhaXuPy8s8nzZ3FBIHp/s1600/summer+flowers21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODOr61bUFqEUjTk_GFzk8vvKSo57bC_AWdHLWRF8GFhrKZXOTVFOi4sRGmlxBi2iPhauYuj9TrAI-I4-EqLnO3hdTJauHffVX9sn6jTL0RnL1ITKDNOSE0itOPQhaXuPy8s8nzZ3FBIHp/s1600/summer+flowers21.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the things in my worry toolbox is meditation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Many people have the misconception that meditation is shutting down the mind. Meditation is a calming of the mind while remaining alert, and it is through this calming that we find peace of mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ob-_Cc4E6d6m0lStZg6hxpnr9svfqkfBvYPrk5IHM1BxXF9mWN6ljepkdGUpcYii7MXHMtJCfoZOe__2LQIQo1OyF0t39p8H-C4S2fMcsMG486_D14INzgc3QJV8t3a3b7zpW23pSVUX/s1600/summer+flowers14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ob-_Cc4E6d6m0lStZg6hxpnr9svfqkfBvYPrk5IHM1BxXF9mWN6ljepkdGUpcYii7MXHMtJCfoZOe__2LQIQo1OyF0t39p8H-C4S2fMcsMG486_D14INzgc3QJV8t3a3b7zpW23pSVUX/s1600/summer+flowers14.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Meditation works very well for worry because it allows you to focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are different techniques for meditating, and I think finding the one that works best for you is what is most important. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqHFcEdMPi1qZcBnR6a6zzSgad_vc5wuGT_LVjLeqemtdbrYm59PiXny2nMNL6njac91arwVWUlusNYeMqa6kzFu5NGaZrSmSaMrw9pZr-NG5YbTy6Yb9rJHAhVv9utBoih37HBZETlrA/s1600/flowers2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqHFcEdMPi1qZcBnR6a6zzSgad_vc5wuGT_LVjLeqemtdbrYm59PiXny2nMNL6njac91arwVWUlusNYeMqa6kzFu5NGaZrSmSaMrw9pZr-NG5YbTy6Yb9rJHAhVv9utBoih37HBZETlrA/s1600/flowers2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I find that I like guided meditation, while other times I just like to sit quietly with nothing to distract me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I use certain mantras when I meditate. The basic Om mantra is an easy and effective mantra. I used it a lot when I first began to meditate because to be honest I would forget a more complicated mantra and then I would worry that I wasn't doing it right. See how easy it is to worry. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkwmNG2rEyGdopb-KAeevQ3bWtIbwFZ2veIy_Zbt_3QQWLgnjwO980eH4jGrCKzaJcnAqqII7rFrGdDl-wrSgk4yeyfHvRPqlUdLR9fhr3dsa7fAMIZLuSYAqT2Ja4LGsO8pPP_I9Hx9g/s1600/flowers3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkwmNG2rEyGdopb-KAeevQ3bWtIbwFZ2veIy_Zbt_3QQWLgnjwO980eH4jGrCKzaJcnAqqII7rFrGdDl-wrSgk4yeyfHvRPqlUdLR9fhr3dsa7fAMIZLuSYAqT2Ja4LGsO8pPP_I9Hx9g/s1600/flowers3.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The point is, is meditation is supposed to take the worry away. So in my opinion, if it is calming you, then how can you be doing it wrong. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you have never tried meditation there are plenty of ways to get started. YouTube has plenty of guided meditations and music for meditation. There are also some great <a href="https://amzn.to/3Ni5ZzJ" target="_blank">books</a> on meditation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim964xr7j0i4Hsh4XQA0w_8v1szSwzE9PLgK9oz1NKfbh_1WTef5Oetdv0tPn6pb3aj2tb9z05yuXLBE_OFAPMjXVXWQBJqRylrMAQoLWGIdHDanc_I98D4aaryUssD19g4Fo3TsS6aODn/s1600/flowers9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim964xr7j0i4Hsh4XQA0w_8v1szSwzE9PLgK9oz1NKfbh_1WTef5Oetdv0tPn6pb3aj2tb9z05yuXLBE_OFAPMjXVXWQBJqRylrMAQoLWGIdHDanc_I98D4aaryUssD19g4Fo3TsS6aODn/s1600/flowers9.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you meditate? I would love to hear about your meditation practice.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>This post contains affiliate links.</i></span></div></div>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-39713592911486412412023-04-18T08:00:00.002-04:002023-04-18T08:00:00.190-04:00FINDING YOUR ZEN LIFE SWEET SPOT<p><span style="font-size: large;">For those of you who may not be regular readers, my daughter <a href="https://www.simpleandsereneliving.com/2022/12/goodbye-my-sweet-angel.html" target="_blank">Katy passed away on November 5, 2022.</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Katy was my baby, my angel, and even though people may think because I smile and laugh with them that I am over my deep mourning for her loss, my grief is just as profound as it was five months ago.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq1jqEqxNe-bHtr6WZVj2l8s8Asjir7u9ZqotMq8zmkctGK1YMC1C2_nou2wHII7hcO572L4YhOFmHEx4xe5ysrkLLXL5s-NiQBi1jDzXoTeZVDsHTcQQ8cSfCt_Be25Ae_hU9oqIw_mcdJ2TwUd4aLsEg_HI9ICRkssffrORm3rOy27unYE9fGum0g/s1300/zen%20photo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="zen" border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq1jqEqxNe-bHtr6WZVj2l8s8Asjir7u9ZqotMq8zmkctGK1YMC1C2_nou2wHII7hcO572L4YhOFmHEx4xe5ysrkLLXL5s-NiQBi1jDzXoTeZVDsHTcQQ8cSfCt_Be25Ae_hU9oqIw_mcdJ2TwUd4aLsEg_HI9ICRkssffrORm3rOy27unYE9fGum0g/w590-h640/zen%20photo.png" width="590" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Finding a sense of zen in the chaos of feelings I am experiencing is essential for my well-being and it is for all of us.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1) I have realized that one of the first things we need to do is admit our feelings. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Always putting on a brave face may help others around us, but it doesn't address how we are really feeling. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">No, you don't have to share with the entire world how you are feeling, but talking about it to close loved ones, a therapist, or even writing it in a journal can help to bring peace.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpnX0fEp9xlnPOnnw3DVH6lRePVWOhU4shFozq2B1PmO8CeSlgoDR1x5aD1C-bVXy0E5_GwphX13r1YDW0aRRa22qmOuG-tF7VJDbdXrDrnB8XKAvy_44RaMwgV0L3_yJzGvLqMICzjZwxgohzbVYbPP6wmPQvXC-AO-RtL7l3hZ5W3nMyOsfBJISuQ/s1200/sixteen-miles-out-6Ahp8-YMoww-unsplash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="journal candle and tea" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1200" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpnX0fEp9xlnPOnnw3DVH6lRePVWOhU4shFozq2B1PmO8CeSlgoDR1x5aD1C-bVXy0E5_GwphX13r1YDW0aRRa22qmOuG-tF7VJDbdXrDrnB8XKAvy_44RaMwgV0L3_yJzGvLqMICzjZwxgohzbVYbPP6wmPQvXC-AO-RtL7l3hZ5W3nMyOsfBJISuQ/w640-h512/sixteen-miles-out-6Ahp8-YMoww-unsplash.png" title="journal" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> The important thing is acknowledging it to yourself. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2) Rather than the more formal version of Zen, which is a form of Buddhism, my interpretation of Zen is peace and happiness. It is a feeling of tranquility.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Once we acknowledge that there is some type of upheaval in our lives, it is important to take steps to calm those turbulent waters.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9X8kTSKKjnqAOBBdcxl_k3sFqe7mjNXxGAACcGyT86mtCEGV2IXVQudcvYUmdHnyBF1iUgWQkDh7m5W2BD6yudgnLjc77kVAP2fIsFmhSLmJgCWAOq3N6eb7obSzPJAlQZDSM3V7GMu88KxJL95P9wBHFk-iALTpXm3excFy7_ke_cWeoXd_IeUDlXw/s1200/boat%20on%20lake.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="row boat on lake" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9X8kTSKKjnqAOBBdcxl_k3sFqe7mjNXxGAACcGyT86mtCEGV2IXVQudcvYUmdHnyBF1iUgWQkDh7m5W2BD6yudgnLjc77kVAP2fIsFmhSLmJgCWAOq3N6eb7obSzPJAlQZDSM3V7GMu88KxJL95P9wBHFk-iALTpXm3excFy7_ke_cWeoXd_IeUDlXw/w640-h426/boat%20on%20lake.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">There are several things we can do to bring peace to our lives.</span><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">One of the first steps is deep breathing. This is probably one of the fastest ways to calm down.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Music is a wonderful way to bring peace into our lives. There is no set style of music to bring tranquility. I love putting on my old records. Listening to them takes me back to my younger years when life was less complicated.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Meditation removes us from the immediate stress we are feeling and allows us to slow down in both body and mind. Meditation can be as simple as closing our eyes for a brief time or more guided. I find that both types help to bring me peace.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Is there a physical place from your past that has brought you peace and you can close your eyes and visualize? For me, it is the river that ran through my small town when I was a child. I can close my eyes and visualize myself sitting by that river and I immediately feel a sense of tranquility.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">I know people who practice yoga and say it centers them in a place of peace.</span></li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UVtvAkNCrIzlxZgTIUmnRUOtC9EQYPTjUb8IprTcUa2jx5_xCAumAtDAbU21DgWOXF3SnwV8psbtNQtZfqzwhTBn4B1XASpGVpfAYDlKxOD792zv4ovlWR6mKy0G2Ul4mJT_Eb-BAQ85vT901JmYTCUUwyvipD_NNPuI-nj2lAaDf1pcKLyCVJs4gQ/s1800/harmony.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="harmony rock" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UVtvAkNCrIzlxZgTIUmnRUOtC9EQYPTjUb8IprTcUa2jx5_xCAumAtDAbU21DgWOXF3SnwV8psbtNQtZfqzwhTBn4B1XASpGVpfAYDlKxOD792zv4ovlWR6mKy0G2Ul4mJT_Eb-BAQ85vT901JmYTCUUwyvipD_NNPuI-nj2lAaDf1pcKLyCVJs4gQ/w426-h640/harmony.png" width="426" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">3) I have gone back to reading a lot more. Reading has always been comforting to me, but over the last couple of years, it was hard for me to focus. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday I went to the library to pick up a book I had on hold and while I was there I wandered around looking at books and found some old authors I hadn't read for a while. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I sat down in a chair, looked out over the woods next to the library, and read the beginning of one of the books. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMd8Flnv8z5QOiVVg8HI8BEHVbRmiwEDlzEBpG83YsBO0wV_qR1-yD3FEuuurWFyOHoqFKk3vHNuHEzsc7kasgmuxDTm5eld9cbeZpBoUzToJR9Ghf013Q3ZxNYv7f-KaiDRHfjIzudmp9Rx7mDLqSEgKpluAz3Sm5WffJo9NoDsdB3-kbnqSUEDgzA/s1600/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-17T153747.134.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="reading chair in library" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMd8Flnv8z5QOiVVg8HI8BEHVbRmiwEDlzEBpG83YsBO0wV_qR1-yD3FEuuurWFyOHoqFKk3vHNuHEzsc7kasgmuxDTm5eld9cbeZpBoUzToJR9Ghf013Q3ZxNYv7f-KaiDRHfjIzudmp9Rx7mDLqSEgKpluAz3Sm5WffJo9NoDsdB3-kbnqSUEDgzA/w480-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-17T153747.134.png" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">There it was, Zen. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Have you found your Zen life sweet spot?</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-55221978113343940482023-04-11T08:00:00.001-04:002023-04-11T08:00:00.184-04:00SPRING IS IN THE AIR<p><span style="font-size: large;">The spring flowers and blossoms have well and truly passed in my neck of the woods, but as a big lover of spring I am enjoying looking at all of the spring photos of those of you who are just now welcoming it in.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC69jCHwRUCa11UbKVoY-mntt7_lN-oCx-ZLxfdNjYLCKv6ENXAed2crlRX63HoMKLGkNV9z1e8freAAoVUcgHlRQM1giKHkcNOZ3rxShHoVZXmaQ3eUKfAkmeLsyMhJHH1JXXUi-6KELnIjviASmQG6Tq6oOW7_R0kbULagxG6sK9vEan_qoZ7B8_g/s1800/j-lee-0lL6Sox7n1Y-unsplash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="spring flowers" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC69jCHwRUCa11UbKVoY-mntt7_lN-oCx-ZLxfdNjYLCKv6ENXAed2crlRX63HoMKLGkNV9z1e8freAAoVUcgHlRQM1giKHkcNOZ3rxShHoVZXmaQ3eUKfAkmeLsyMhJHH1JXXUi-6KELnIjviASmQG6Tq6oOW7_R0kbULagxG6sK9vEan_qoZ7B8_g/w426-h640/j-lee-0lL6Sox7n1Y-unsplash.png" width="426" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">I know this has been a hard winter for many of you, so I feel sure you are happy to see spring waking up. </span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Spring on Instagram</b></span></h2><div><span style="font-size: large;">Many of you are bringing spring into your homes with fresh cut daffodils and tulips.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Hellebores and daffodils make a simple but beautiful display when grouped together in white pottery pieces by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/francespalmer/" target="_blank">francespalmer</a> pottery.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRsP5m7PQca6OOV0HB2PDUpO_KFMK_l71wF3YDTtii8Sv-Z1ogZzvd73DvfOoLSe-4yln95MxSuM3zSaaUA-4CtMiIDzs8UzcKATD6S8SCSFHffNDjq9644C8NvYak81CjlzfBe_VGWzaD_vF_D5JUulmRa2C8_UZ4_hSk0_nqtJvS0sIQZHMWQvorA/s1200/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-10T115459.338.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hellebores and daffodils in white pottery vases" border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1200" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRsP5m7PQca6OOV0HB2PDUpO_KFMK_l71wF3YDTtii8Sv-Z1ogZzvd73DvfOoLSe-4yln95MxSuM3zSaaUA-4CtMiIDzs8UzcKATD6S8SCSFHffNDjq9644C8NvYak81CjlzfBe_VGWzaD_vF_D5JUulmRa2C8_UZ4_hSk0_nqtJvS0sIQZHMWQvorA/w640-h506/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-10T115459.338.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">What could be more beautiful than a massive bouquet of springtime multi-colored tulips by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tinathelen/" target="_blank">tinathelen</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJtjGUWZPiMy8Van3VTPyexRHNUqjrp8qDT_japGDqgE3HNzS4vhZ56UOiec4uWDONoEYqP1DdoHROVQfc15AQNju4FJX5uGS8poYa_SIkWqEkKEDlwDmQaQ3U9CgZ3FTyiREIpA4Cy_CKcAm4H-vKl5NUlQrgSeoN-ppablpLZPsBvMJ5On3LompSA/s1297/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-10T120331.390.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pot filled with tulips" border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJtjGUWZPiMy8Van3VTPyexRHNUqjrp8qDT_japGDqgE3HNzS4vhZ56UOiec4uWDONoEYqP1DdoHROVQfc15AQNju4FJX5uGS8poYa_SIkWqEkKEDlwDmQaQ3U9CgZ3FTyiREIpA4Cy_CKcAm4H-vKl5NUlQrgSeoN-ppablpLZPsBvMJ5On3LompSA/w578-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-10T120331.390.png" width="578" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">My favorite spring flower is the tulip. Of course ours appeared in late January, so they are a late winter flower for us. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I do love that they signify a fresh beginning.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jonathangargiulo/" target="_blank">Jonathangargiulo</a> has created a beautiful centerpiece with the daffodils from his farm.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjze9_1_LGX5o5rv6DTLBPxZVBtpVYMMUgCk4Y1U-WN1VmQgh_8urAE57Q2O6E1LqICBFQ2U4Mhs8LapCtcu198oELNQqrmprxE0_ddbnQNYOXgktn2GDyVkMjNB4ROIO9MsFOfkD0Yt_j2RYPwN7b9GxDNRoFM5yWesE325b-CbkZkzZysgQ9HUdHrBA/s1250/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-10T121031.474.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="daffodil centrpiece" border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjze9_1_LGX5o5rv6DTLBPxZVBtpVYMMUgCk4Y1U-WN1VmQgh_8urAE57Q2O6E1LqICBFQ2U4Mhs8LapCtcu198oELNQqrmprxE0_ddbnQNYOXgktn2GDyVkMjNB4ROIO9MsFOfkD0Yt_j2RYPwN7b9GxDNRoFM5yWesE325b-CbkZkzZysgQ9HUdHrBA/w600-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-10T121031.474.png" width="600" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">While you enjoy bringing spring inside you home don't forget that it is popping out all over.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq2dsb6sY2T/" target="_blank">Mokujo172305</a> has captured this gorgeous sunset photo of blossoms appearing over the water.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5zn6zXr0LnMzFZd535M6SDi1XFYa-4KnYRgdTfBaYoRDtV7zVRDiFTnqRubCxaEN2WIomRpGp_FGEljNi1zczlOgR4QF5gJ5SCM3I5dXzK2Z5LDVKgJC7c90kB9UIFECkYVySmNBwcuhEdDSfjBlDtLh6a__khms5FDLSz8T2WrE-_luweofkmUrWA/s1179/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-10T121901.251.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="spring blossoms over the water at sunset." border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5zn6zXr0LnMzFZd535M6SDi1XFYa-4KnYRgdTfBaYoRDtV7zVRDiFTnqRubCxaEN2WIomRpGp_FGEljNi1zczlOgR4QF5gJ5SCM3I5dXzK2Z5LDVKgJC7c90kB9UIFECkYVySmNBwcuhEdDSfjBlDtLh6a__khms5FDLSz8T2WrE-_luweofkmUrWA/w636-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-10T121901.251.png" width="636" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My Life These Days</b></span></h2></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday when I returned home from spending Easter with my family I noticed all of the clover in the yard and it reminded me of making clover chains when I was a child.</span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Did you do that?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCvPfNCnid6chseHkT03t33TF6T4NciUClCHbJpOKwhpPjib-8bODGkH-yayYfT__8LX1YFJcY7O3An6YdZFdFONhLfuUnqwn_2nAsdM3TKeT8pdodmLGLI3fbR89ylzRnnUaQhcNPwG1e9KQt3ohlrZ9ekwRiLR8OOlSOYENRzMQ46Q_4F1sY1fCsg/s1199/crystal-jo-6tWIIjG8VhY-unsplash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="field of clover" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1199" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCvPfNCnid6chseHkT03t33TF6T4NciUClCHbJpOKwhpPjib-8bODGkH-yayYfT__8LX1YFJcY7O3An6YdZFdFONhLfuUnqwn_2nAsdM3TKeT8pdodmLGLI3fbR89ylzRnnUaQhcNPwG1e9KQt3ohlrZ9ekwRiLR8OOlSOYENRzMQ46Q_4F1sY1fCsg/w640-h570/crystal-jo-6tWIIjG8VhY-unsplash.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">When I was at my daughter's my grandchildren's ten year old cousin on their dad's side of the family looked down and plucked out a four leaf clover.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Apparently, like my older sister he has a knack for finding them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It used to drive me crazy when my sister did that.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I think the last time I found a four leaf clover was when I was ten.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHywYUps749h5hGjrv1LzuqvC2zcK1xuMaE0kPqy3cYwwIUrboZqYg1NEIq3e4-tdxMJQB6PcfAtl2AfbIAKFTN187snFS3CbU_Z0BoInXzabCwBk1RwR_qtY1zSyuUib4709pPdxeLH0W-gKDRmFZdk2LIiKrRwofgETs4eH4y6n_RlWazEi0Ymsug/s1280/four-leaf-clover-711625_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="four leaf clover" border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1280" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHywYUps749h5hGjrv1LzuqvC2zcK1xuMaE0kPqy3cYwwIUrboZqYg1NEIq3e4-tdxMJQB6PcfAtl2AfbIAKFTN187snFS3CbU_Z0BoInXzabCwBk1RwR_qtY1zSyuUib4709pPdxeLH0W-gKDRmFZdk2LIiKrRwofgETs4eH4y6n_RlWazEi0Ymsug/w640-h624/four-leaf-clover-711625_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">I left my phone in my pocket yesterday. It was my first Easter without Katy and like all of the other firsts in the last five months it was difficult.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have become more disciplined about working out on the stationary bike this last week and I am trying to do two miles a day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Listening to some of my favorite music makes the time go by more quickly.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now, if I can just kick my chocolate addiction.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend and that your spring is in the air.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgao5WtU8Sy4ekUJi-MoC1CTZ7_TCKexqPsLD8l_Qy4GnChM_-q59oirkiPupMN8Lpii6Bub6Msdv05d92A9en__1jLi6ARNcFPOiN7CjYzMd8tzLGQBgIuUm9_N-WDQaSO_dLLRtfJk8BJn7ouNpkaHG9rVde7UFE-dS4Ww2aGVQHIq6wpIUq6GTWz-Q/s1800/BeFunky-design%20(41).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="spring is in the air" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgao5WtU8Sy4ekUJi-MoC1CTZ7_TCKexqPsLD8l_Qy4GnChM_-q59oirkiPupMN8Lpii6Bub6Msdv05d92A9en__1jLi6ARNcFPOiN7CjYzMd8tzLGQBgIuUm9_N-WDQaSO_dLLRtfJk8BJn7ouNpkaHG9rVde7UFE-dS4Ww2aGVQHIq6wpIUq6GTWz-Q/w426-h640/BeFunky-design%20(41).png" width="426" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork. </span></span></p></span><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This post contains affiliate links</span></i></span></p></div></div></div><div data-skm-boomerang-el-0="processed" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Prompt, sans-serif; font-size: 14.8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"></div>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-39556761008495244862023-04-07T08:00:00.001-04:002023-04-07T08:00:00.185-04:00HAPPY EASTER<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;">Happy Easter weekend from my family to yours</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCl7QEm3Aj9p6CDGsPS8lfhKIScyloqhzlIsjs0afQJ3Qp93VPt35Wzqv-BepXNfzIzNPr6G6Am-K0m_0EwM3dOCdo7kCJipvEzacy3LGL4nVrVs8yb78ClHvVfZNBHc2ZBXGKoQz_zoKj-jTPJ-vgu3A2n0bDjD4RR4IpBk6jXmemu-m7v-I-bZMHQ/s1800/anna-bratiychuk-Dmvea92X2zY-unsplash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="happy Easter" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCl7QEm3Aj9p6CDGsPS8lfhKIScyloqhzlIsjs0afQJ3Qp93VPt35Wzqv-BepXNfzIzNPr6G6Am-K0m_0EwM3dOCdo7kCJipvEzacy3LGL4nVrVs8yb78ClHvVfZNBHc2ZBXGKoQz_zoKj-jTPJ-vgu3A2n0bDjD4RR4IpBk6jXmemu-m7v-I-bZMHQ/w426-h640/anna-bratiychuk-Dmvea92X2zY-unsplash.png" title="happy Easter" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">P.S. Don't bite the ears off the chocolate bunnies.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-71990343123282616002023-04-04T08:00:00.001-04:002023-04-04T08:00:00.188-04:00CREATIVE EASTER EGGS<p><span style="font-size: large;">I don't know about you, but when I was growing up dying Easter eggs meant that my mom would boil some eggs, and we would dye them using food coloring.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-oFTTKM_s-aLhb3H8TA8Vk6u39Pmd9cJ4XROlJUcoLyAiyLr0WWNbLwv9MkNGRjid41EDkeyBWNaNMp-M6lSxfIBOgQrZ9IRlMRwgjReYadAMpJPMg4AlIcb7tN-jdCxWlwtOQVdDFXUsAV_jQF3NqWe0ltBm3LlOdNaliaRNfxivuoJaxbRzgV_pg/s1237/71iQku4yRnL._AC_SL1400_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PAAS Easter egg dye kits" border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-oFTTKM_s-aLhb3H8TA8Vk6u39Pmd9cJ4XROlJUcoLyAiyLr0WWNbLwv9MkNGRjid41EDkeyBWNaNMp-M6lSxfIBOgQrZ9IRlMRwgjReYadAMpJPMg4AlIcb7tN-jdCxWlwtOQVdDFXUsAV_jQF3NqWe0ltBm3LlOdNaliaRNfxivuoJaxbRzgV_pg/w580-h640/71iQku4yRnL._AC_SL1400_.png" width="580" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">When my daughters were young we used <a href="https://amzn.to/3ZGHqia" target="_blank">PAAS dye</a>. The magic crayon was always a hit.</span><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Featured Easter Eggs</span></h2><div><span style="font-size: large;">Although I think most children still love using <a href="https://amzn.to/3ZGHqia" target="_blank">PAAS</a> to decorate their eggs I love looking at all of the fantastic decorated eggs that artists and crafters create these days.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">These precious eggs were created using stickers from her artwork by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/msnastyi/" target="_blank">msnastyi</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJI0MjsXNKJhCZzU3z6zKBQ9Cv90lSi5xBE7WbU4oUHC_0f48RzzGf4mewhmoa_C7VXKN0SYaY9PezPuhJEB7iGPSky3lGcTCpGkP_8mSxMcrvxRw3sYC8AVw2gcPtKrxlxXbQkf-rtmdDJzD-5SQSU4t-nSEaonZkncXI3E-aFFSmJEXwhrQADJfHQ/s1452/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-03T121248.982.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hand painted easter eggs" border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJI0MjsXNKJhCZzU3z6zKBQ9Cv90lSi5xBE7WbU4oUHC_0f48RzzGf4mewhmoa_C7VXKN0SYaY9PezPuhJEB7iGPSky3lGcTCpGkP_8mSxMcrvxRw3sYC8AVw2gcPtKrxlxXbQkf-rtmdDJzD-5SQSU4t-nSEaonZkncXI3E-aFFSmJEXwhrQADJfHQ/w516-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-03T121248.982.png" width="516" /></a></div><br />She sells some adorable stickers, but this close to Easter I was looking for something for the grandkids that was a little closer to home and are good for kid use.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon has some <a href="https://amzn.to/3zuvkOu" target="_blank">cute stickers</a> that are kid adorable.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/neeneetwigs/" target="_blank">Neeneetwigs</a> has repurposed old quilt scraps into eggs and a basket. I love these for a cottage Easter.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04Im23NN21cW-3ekWIv9_OQjWnVYhm9SuwB8WB-eSvTCxaZYfEyTrt6T8n7eAtMZU3eWmjJNjEYzxVCzeDFn405hXG2qwNhgzX7Pb278nYe8GuAg1cGU7GwuteOxGJD9BnN2m7JM49fotfvXsdPCXOD9up8xXAjDfe-5IGSDEBzUeDzcyl-gMNySutA/s1442/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-03T160148.897.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="quilt easter eggs" border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04Im23NN21cW-3ekWIv9_OQjWnVYhm9SuwB8WB-eSvTCxaZYfEyTrt6T8n7eAtMZU3eWmjJNjEYzxVCzeDFn405hXG2qwNhgzX7Pb278nYe8GuAg1cGU7GwuteOxGJD9BnN2m7JM49fotfvXsdPCXOD9up8xXAjDfe-5IGSDEBzUeDzcyl-gMNySutA/w520-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-03T160148.897.png" width="520" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">These handpainted eggs by<a href="https://www.instagram.com/marinamina178/" target="_blank"> marinamina178</a> are gorgeous. I would want to leave these out year-round with their beautiful flowers.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BNdLOevUayrVinnBncgghT_zhE9rHRWVdGGOGe4OjOPz-fBNaln8jYobfDkMgh5ZY4GVi6syCv8yAQ_5-mwXnTC4BPZ47FUexIUewVxaB2FlnOfw2Ur4ykMxMx9_2dVmy7C_rF0w9uYbDqs3scA9THTgermwBBuzlonjYPabmGdV6K_1xynASdPMsQ/s1170/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-03T162024.635.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="handpainted eggs" border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1170" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BNdLOevUayrVinnBncgghT_zhE9rHRWVdGGOGe4OjOPz-fBNaln8jYobfDkMgh5ZY4GVi6syCv8yAQ_5-mwXnTC4BPZ47FUexIUewVxaB2FlnOfw2Ur4ykMxMx9_2dVmy7C_rF0w9uYbDqs3scA9THTgermwBBuzlonjYPabmGdV6K_1xynASdPMsQ/w640-h586/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-04-03T162024.635.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Recipe</span></h2></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Easter isn't Easter for my family without deviled eggs.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I remember my mom making them, then me, then my daughter Katy, and now it is back to me. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPPokeHrpAlVcQv2LfbirrH8iII5pW8qqiXYdygVVmoBPHSiWsI6T8C0JJ7noQsKoOWPrvhuhfkuefPWTnyRdYIn1i6RGjiALYc01Pi3wu0o_d25pNVW8rvHr0IDOtzNskqYwRCnyPNEOqRNt9x5Jzeixf5r-ace1hER-nqQdU4AZvOxjxKBVW5iinQ/s1200/rosalind-chang-_jf4UDKcE-U-unsplash.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="deviled eggs" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPPokeHrpAlVcQv2LfbirrH8iII5pW8qqiXYdygVVmoBPHSiWsI6T8C0JJ7noQsKoOWPrvhuhfkuefPWTnyRdYIn1i6RGjiALYc01Pi3wu0o_d25pNVW8rvHr0IDOtzNskqYwRCnyPNEOqRNt9x5Jzeixf5r-ace1hER-nqQdU4AZvOxjxKBVW5iinQ/w640-h426/rosalind-chang-_jf4UDKcE-U-unsplash.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Halve 6 hard-cooked eggs lengthwise.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Remove yolks and mash with the following ingredients.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup mayonnaise</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1 teaspoon vinegar</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1 teaspoon prepared mustard</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1/8 teaspoon salt</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">dash pepper</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Sprinkle paprika on top if desired.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What I Am Doing</span></h2><div><span style="font-size: large;">I am working on getting back into an exercise routine. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I love walking, but my neighborhood is too hilly, and walking up and down my hall is not fun, although I do it.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We have an exercise bike downstairs so I have started going two miles on it several times a week. I hope to up it to every day.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">On nice days I have been spending an hour or so sitting outside and reading. It is very relaxing.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I have so many old books on my shelves and I am pulling them out and rereading them. It is like meeting up with old friends.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I love Phyllis A Whitney's books but they are hard to find now. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I am currently reading The Turquoise Mask </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBfG6AYhvd_T67mGUOE5ND11iKnZWAQb8E7ac6iWAFYjl_iobIMbCVx_v5uWpSnd_Y_1CGm4ic1dXHAxnDUItztpmJ2QtB3VFr1ouXmjG_4QtuU9K_1loJE2ba09Nvzu6msOIeJgyh4U1L32W360aaw7Mwi_qfqYy9Ceg4Srb0s39uVpHPDa3UTvSQg/s880/5143vVdYndL.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Turquoise Mask Phyllis A Whitney" border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBfG6AYhvd_T67mGUOE5ND11iKnZWAQb8E7ac6iWAFYjl_iobIMbCVx_v5uWpSnd_Y_1CGm4ic1dXHAxnDUItztpmJ2QtB3VFr1ouXmjG_4QtuU9K_1loJE2ba09Nvzu6msOIeJgyh4U1L32W360aaw7Mwi_qfqYy9Ceg4Srb0s39uVpHPDa3UTvSQg/w436-h640/5143vVdYndL.png" width="436" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3MhrjEK" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-color: white; background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork. There is currently a 15% off sale going on shopwide.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Prompt, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This post contains affiliate links</span></span></i></span></p></div></div></div></div></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-49121095163359530572023-03-31T08:00:00.001-04:002023-03-31T08:00:00.178-04:00MY HOUSE IS NOT PERFECT<p><span style="font-size: large;">As I sit and look around my small apartment I think about all of the perfectly decorated houses I see on social media.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My thoughts go to my house may not be perfect, but my home is.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZqBs8ErTUdeEl7rR73H9JFcf1HVb-dS41Km7wG5sWP1UlJwow8W-4irudUOalNrVIrTg2yupQ4sbJEB-PjpzH_IzG24hGGtt0zX9OkvuP5B10RMsw_PJabo_Zk0g00BbFahcCil-SI23JLe2iqiNhZjWLAKYFI-cAnhl9JlfIYKuNvuO7GROmoungQ/s1200/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-30T120407.808.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="rustic baskets" border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1200" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZqBs8ErTUdeEl7rR73H9JFcf1HVb-dS41Km7wG5sWP1UlJwow8W-4irudUOalNrVIrTg2yupQ4sbJEB-PjpzH_IzG24hGGtt0zX9OkvuP5B10RMsw_PJabo_Zk0g00BbFahcCil-SI23JLe2iqiNhZjWLAKYFI-cAnhl9JlfIYKuNvuO7GROmoungQ/w640-h474/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-30T120407.808.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">My home may not be perfect for everyone, but it is perfect for me. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My younger sister is a minimalist and I am a maximalist. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The lack of things in her home makes me nervous. Having so many things in my home makes her nervous.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcBnb4zzrsARAPXKlfvWlKvAGH8poi7mtY2jH1N0jNV1p2lyx19611nPAM9i6S8Stb7yex_f7gw3Fj2EZFp4bzyxIej2z88W5r8qdjH4LMZ3Q2z3E1z_DFhtGZohKn5K-_FTXATu09ivx8iS3BrH3RJFP5ILjoPqvJLBgUJ_yUbbyeorlQ_x9Kui-Hw/s1600/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-30T125843.663.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cottage bedroom" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcBnb4zzrsARAPXKlfvWlKvAGH8poi7mtY2jH1N0jNV1p2lyx19611nPAM9i6S8Stb7yex_f7gw3Fj2EZFp4bzyxIej2z88W5r8qdjH4LMZ3Q2z3E1z_DFhtGZohKn5K-_FTXATu09ivx8iS3BrH3RJFP5ILjoPqvJLBgUJ_yUbbyeorlQ_x9Kui-Hw/w480-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-30T125843.663.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I love looking at all of the beautiful spaces on Instagram, but those spaces should not make anyone including me feel inferior.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We should not feel as if we are somehow failures if our homes don't match up. It is not a competition.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I do enjoy getting decorating ideas from them and that is why I love sharing them with you,</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRi3rMHcaUHEV5q_j4nVDYiHVyFqxJqW0OrnXtZaoYLcCcBgHygFN96j9cSN5L2f_yZNc6yYU45QOvHZFpB2MNkZGHudxCwxDmyvVJ7kcTQFFpSPq877X65DLhJmq7o6Q6d9bf9i5cNsCyGrE_crVp7F12ZiWkpxWjeNFLb5XUeNzSIbNcxSEY6BoLQ/s1600/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-30T131736.485.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vintage desk decor" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRi3rMHcaUHEV5q_j4nVDYiHVyFqxJqW0OrnXtZaoYLcCcBgHygFN96j9cSN5L2f_yZNc6yYU45QOvHZFpB2MNkZGHudxCwxDmyvVJ7kcTQFFpSPq877X65DLhJmq7o6Q6d9bf9i5cNsCyGrE_crVp7F12ZiWkpxWjeNFLb5XUeNzSIbNcxSEY6BoLQ/w480-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-30T131736.485.png" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">I know that I am not going to have a home that looks out over the ocean or the English countryside. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My apartment looks out over a city parking lot and I had to <a href="https://www.simpleandsereneliving.com/2023/02/new-to-me-bedroom-curtains.html" target="_blank">hang half curtains</a> to hide that view. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLbIVy9nLfpOBABeOHq3OdExrbf6t--UTbT1E2ITwW-AW8FI4R5aKDxR8-WuKjTtG4-9I1_0vaBrRNOR3NfcGxF5y_6VpXVx2pyVrHp_vwlezUT6fW2xJVd0LqsfxbUfpSU2jntlSXv1h0qwUV9-p1LCEQCtKekqMz4dr3EhmR11gICl4h44M8wbqCQ/s640/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-02-02T120333.087%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cottage curtains" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLbIVy9nLfpOBABeOHq3OdExrbf6t--UTbT1E2ITwW-AW8FI4R5aKDxR8-WuKjTtG4-9I1_0vaBrRNOR3NfcGxF5y_6VpXVx2pyVrHp_vwlezUT6fW2xJVd0LqsfxbUfpSU2jntlSXv1h0qwUV9-p1LCEQCtKekqMz4dr3EhmR11gICl4h44M8wbqCQ/w640-h640/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-02-02T120333.087%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">As for social media, I will probably never have 10,000 followers on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/simpleandsereneliving/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, but I hope that the followers I do have enjoy what I post. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My blog posts don't go viral, but I write them hoping that my readers enjoy them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My house is not perfect. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are often dirty dishes in the sink waiting to be washed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Many days dust hovers on the furniture. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My puzzle board takes up space on my dining table.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDUn_f-fZrdhdJS3K7qNcVdSi6UZtlii5jzwEttupviCT1c0MllfOzw4g3ZlACPJvt9Ljkbk1A1QcfTuzhWy3H84IDh2HHhmMF5MsiubrOy3jguKbfJahk4ixBaqsFtTKCTCeQt2xdmv3WitLHZWfK4OAw_wN2RpQPlcKH7TkdcYRpe1qDJmlIDxbWA/s1200/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-02-27T140850.479.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="puzzle board" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1200" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDUn_f-fZrdhdJS3K7qNcVdSi6UZtlii5jzwEttupviCT1c0MllfOzw4g3ZlACPJvt9Ljkbk1A1QcfTuzhWy3H84IDh2HHhmMF5MsiubrOy3jguKbfJahk4ixBaqsFtTKCTCeQt2xdmv3WitLHZWfK4OAw_wN2RpQPlcKH7TkdcYRpe1qDJmlIDxbWA/w640-h512/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-02-27T140850.479.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The ottoman is covered with my <a href="https://www.simpleandsereneliving.com/2023/02/featured-spaces-and-more-2282023.html" target="_blank">current needlepoint</a> work in progress and I have to push it over to make room for my feet.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">No, my house is not perfect, but my home is.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It is a place where I feel safe and secure from the outside crazy world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It is a place where I can look around and see all of the things that I love; the things that remind me of the past and the present, and give me a sense of security for the future. </span></p><p></p>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1791860108829806850.post-35633752721158005892023-03-28T08:00:00.001-04:002023-03-28T08:00:00.199-04:00THE JOYS OF SPRING AND FEATURED SPACES<p><span style="font-size: large;">Spring is such a wonderful time of the year. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Everything feels so fresh and new. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I wonder if we somehow forget the joys of each new awakening from year to year.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7g9Vrz27c29W_u_WLFeCSJ-yacd6YhI0pzNl2n4H5shEQpr6L7BU90dd_vz3Ld0ms9IWyAsI3gwtPrVxr4YjCgkoCgQyQmoxXvvQ2dk5HuO3g11aoTLmuaAMdQy0Ah71yIsUpSu1XbfKvTRyvEqpANPyVhwwKxlMZc7CYUtntpMM0ZxiqeHcXJpArQ/s1280/happy-mothers-day-3366467_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="basket of lilacs" border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7g9Vrz27c29W_u_WLFeCSJ-yacd6YhI0pzNl2n4H5shEQpr6L7BU90dd_vz3Ld0ms9IWyAsI3gwtPrVxr4YjCgkoCgQyQmoxXvvQ2dk5HuO3g11aoTLmuaAMdQy0Ah71yIsUpSu1XbfKvTRyvEqpANPyVhwwKxlMZc7CYUtntpMM0ZxiqeHcXJpArQ/w640-h462/happy-mothers-day-3366467_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Our weather here in Georgia has been pretty amazing this past week. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Temperatures in the 70s and 80s have sent me outside as much as possible.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This past Thursday I spent the afternoon at Cary's. I helped her plant some lettuce and then forced Tessa to sit out on the porch with me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Not sure what happened to that girl who used to love the outdoors so much, but she has gone the way of so many kids and has her nose buried in her computer. </span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Featured Spaces</span></h2><div><span style="font-size: large;">I thought I would do something a little different this week and feature some outdoor spaces.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I remember when I was growing up my father, who hated purple, used to quote this ditty to me.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I've never seen a purple cow</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I never hope to see one, </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">but I can tell you anyhow </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I'd rather see than be one.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure I have ever seen a purple door, but this one is pretty fabulous.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">This one is from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/phillydoorways/" target="_blank">phillydoorways</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLTSQlC2tnnh9Ss_98PNwD2JPJWBw5Vi53P7vWkx64H3ZtF_0yHfZ0u_ndOA0ruBDp-BCtT5XqY25orlc7r_5E2T6ctaOJj2rUoYUnd41cGcWfX2gGI-c6ZDSHwwy3owS36DIy4ONGet9wAonpYunCt93sYHgPgmECnxjqvu1fjjOVJRBmX5VUUxdkQ/s1411/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-25T153450.356.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="purple Philly PA doorway" border="0" data-original-height="1411" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLTSQlC2tnnh9Ss_98PNwD2JPJWBw5Vi53P7vWkx64H3ZtF_0yHfZ0u_ndOA0ruBDp-BCtT5XqY25orlc7r_5E2T6ctaOJj2rUoYUnd41cGcWfX2gGI-c6ZDSHwwy3owS36DIy4ONGet9wAonpYunCt93sYHgPgmECnxjqvu1fjjOVJRBmX5VUUxdkQ/w530-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-25T153450.356.png" width="530" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Keeping with the purple theme, Dana from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thisoldcapehouse/" target="_blank">thisoldcapehouse</a> shows how beautiful it is in the garden.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRtIJ__wPMM_n2GEA8PDY6ZYSLqoquHQL_Eb-GoCQsRHA1jrWt_-yH89jYKOfBJbvCpO2LES6QcT3rKgIWIQx8ay5NUwNk99FAZc5l0XKXLBwilve6ymOZtg8iOBRQE_o04NMTwKmAV8HA-kbaaInDI_reYy6RSRv5AMJHi4ft98-B3cRLt2Nsb3GSw/s1170/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-26T105745.886.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="purple iris" border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1170" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRtIJ__wPMM_n2GEA8PDY6ZYSLqoquHQL_Eb-GoCQsRHA1jrWt_-yH89jYKOfBJbvCpO2LES6QcT3rKgIWIQx8ay5NUwNk99FAZc5l0XKXLBwilve6ymOZtg8iOBRQE_o04NMTwKmAV8HA-kbaaInDI_reYy6RSRv5AMJHi4ft98-B3cRLt2Nsb3GSw/w640-h628/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-26T105745.886.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The roads and fields may be muddy, but a single flowering tree lets us know that spring is here.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Kristina from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kristina_ieva/" target="_blank">kristina-ieva</a> loves capturing the beauty of nature.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1I3eXIpOvdUeMcivpG_R78LRO9VMw3ZvPZK74-79yDr8fldfEroDzEHOY9rODxOJHOTbuXVj66tbOwCSB_1UHFSFtKPIAyZ6E0eUgc69m-Z4hy3LvlZHqa0fstLKrvMc8MZsctmDBGgSHg3ZrDf85_Beguem1zHFn-DqpbAkNGcf-5RpR4hroNOYCXQ/s1170/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-26T110639.259.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="flowering tree by a muddy dirt road" border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1170" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1I3eXIpOvdUeMcivpG_R78LRO9VMw3ZvPZK74-79yDr8fldfEroDzEHOY9rODxOJHOTbuXVj66tbOwCSB_1UHFSFtKPIAyZ6E0eUgc69m-Z4hy3LvlZHqa0fstLKrvMc8MZsctmDBGgSHg3ZrDf85_Beguem1zHFn-DqpbAkNGcf-5RpR4hroNOYCXQ/w640-h630/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-26T110639.259.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Can you ever have too many potted daffodils in the spring?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I would say that <a href="https://www.instagram.com/roman_and_ivy/" target="_blank">roman_and_ivy</a> have just the right amount.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBytM8XVP6RYA0X9mz6y1NyvU54HtQNkT4XGd__oY1FXfjGDthbjVyL04TTwk9fmEqItuo6KbVa7zRn90UvCiHHshz6csTpbYk64AOlCwrEnl6V0tnsAauutFdJ_hKv9gNpqC2qgWRMllfGMkgiAgK-QidJOPXP1AGzEHNwWx5K3ymA_AvCZH9si6QPw/s1415/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-26T111756.290.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="potted daffodils" border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBytM8XVP6RYA0X9mz6y1NyvU54HtQNkT4XGd__oY1FXfjGDthbjVyL04TTwk9fmEqItuo6KbVa7zRn90UvCiHHshz6csTpbYk64AOlCwrEnl6V0tnsAauutFdJ_hKv9gNpqC2qgWRMllfGMkgiAgK-QidJOPXP1AGzEHNwWx5K3ymA_AvCZH9si6QPw/w530-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-26T111756.290.png" width="530" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Old French buildings and spring gardens make an ideal combination and thanks to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/charleygreyantiques/" target="_blank">charleygreyantiques</a> we can imagine ourselves there.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-KwfM-UoG4nWfLopDQGGhiptmk9qActXJr3gmxGpV6s2p_jS1hjQvpjxdiTuohtpvROeuN7ZDfyl825ZpvbjeDkQjM6oYRQTLLu8Yj9Lv5HW6XOtyI3m4lIn7aoOC1xWYlJxy48I0LjRevO8hyMm9eqlsngqxx3W3ML-hqVDtov4PuN3UT6zbWxwag/s1353/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-26T113118.172.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="old french building surrounded by spring gardens" border="0" data-original-height="1353" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-KwfM-UoG4nWfLopDQGGhiptmk9qActXJr3gmxGpV6s2p_jS1hjQvpjxdiTuohtpvROeuN7ZDfyl825ZpvbjeDkQjM6oYRQTLLu8Yj9Lv5HW6XOtyI3m4lIn7aoOC1xWYlJxy48I0LjRevO8hyMm9eqlsngqxx3W3ML-hqVDtov4PuN3UT6zbWxwag/w554-h640/BeFunky-photo%20-%202023-03-26T113118.172.png" width="554" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What I'm Up To</span></h2><div><span style="font-size: large;">I wish that I could tell you that I am traveling to France or walking down country roads to enjoy the spring gardens, but I do enjoy browsing the beautiful photos on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/simpleandsereneliving/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It is a welcome treat between things like fighting with my car insurance company because they suddenly doubled my premium for no reason, writing my will (please don't die intestate. It's a nightmare for those you leave behind.), and trying to figure out probate for my sweet Katy.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I do realize that no life is perfect no matter how it may look on social media.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I have added a new book to my to-be-read book queue. It is the latest book by Jacqueline Winspear.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhea41Cq-vjSs1oQ0KGQMhLqmp-IXOON9zhdP-7ORsKpU3zKWnGSiUU2ydqEPZ_zvGhUo2hd1Qz8kRG8GTGu7mXlyOKCacC4OI3dClh7xJ1ra3V9QKVPEt1iBdpc89Qu9yHXy3RB0RScYdMWxUro0O4OgoRj2_saOfkmZwILMGyu940aSbBXpme3RmHsg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The White Lady by Jacqueline Winspear" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhea41Cq-vjSs1oQ0KGQMhLqmp-IXOON9zhdP-7ORsKpU3zKWnGSiUU2ydqEPZ_zvGhUo2hd1Qz8kRG8GTGu7mXlyOKCacC4OI3dClh7xJ1ra3V9QKVPEt1iBdpc89Qu9yHXy3RB0RScYdMWxUro0O4OgoRj2_saOfkmZwILMGyu940aSbBXpme3RmHsg=w424-h640" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3Zl9KXj" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="a-text-bold a-text-italic" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-style: italic !important;">The White Lady</span><span class="a-text-bold" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;"> introduces yet another extraordinary heroine from Jacqueline Winspear, creator of the best-selling Maisie Dobbs series.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></div></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ImSoVintage" style="background-image: linear-gradient(transparent 0px, rgb(238, 221, 220) 0px) !important; background-position: 0px 0.85em !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork. There is currently a 15% off sale going on.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div><div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This post contains affiliate links</span></i></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5g-dGAB00SnTbR09hSVgf5L-3Or2Rh-kiQ8oP1VG09Rp_1uYPeubjtANePO5qMjBAbUtIYBFfcrHRMle7SsrkFqVNhoWmhMO5iXx8a9I2kIYXCm0p6bVtR0Cac5vES2-1XB1-DANu9F3WBHf0KjXrxxhyWXuN2T6lgvuMdgz1dEvOJCEXb3xRUQhcA/s1800/BeFunky-design%20(40).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the joys of spring and featured spaces" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5g-dGAB00SnTbR09hSVgf5L-3Or2Rh-kiQ8oP1VG09Rp_1uYPeubjtANePO5qMjBAbUtIYBFfcrHRMle7SsrkFqVNhoWmhMO5iXx8a9I2kIYXCm0p6bVtR0Cac5vES2-1XB1-DANu9F3WBHf0KjXrxxhyWXuN2T6lgvuMdgz1dEvOJCEXb3xRUQhcA/w426-h640/BeFunky-design%20(40).png" width="426" /></a></i></div><p></p></div></div></div></div>SImple and Serene Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08390085017238133076noreply@blogger.com7