A Hodgepodge of Sage Conclusions

Fuchsia

A photo of flowers has been added to my blog header (at the very top). Many years ago when I lived in Seattle, I bought a hanging basket of Fuchsia to suspend from the eave of my deck. I was absolutely enthralled with the colors and design of these blooms. I still think they are remarkably beautiful in design and colors.

Sister, me and our Heinz-57 puppy, Susie ~ 1955 or 1956

Before I proceed further, here's a shout-out to Sister, who is having a birthday this week. Younger than me by 2 years, in keeping with today's post title, "... Sage Conclusions," she tells me she benefitted from lessons learned by observing our parents and my responses to them. 

There is some truth in the first-born being the "test kid." Sometimes in life "the second time around" is easier because we have a clearer idea of what to expect and perhaps some ideas on how to do it better. We must keep in mind that most first-time parents are inexperienced in their "newborn role," (pun intended) so we need to give them grace.

With that said, the kid turned out all right! A nearly life-long Christian, a college graduate, wife (married 50 years!), mom and grandmother, caretaker of our mother, and over the years she has had a total of 17 Basset Hounds living in her home (not all at the same time) -- lots of accomplishments in those descriptions!! Happy Birthday! ❤️

Today I'm answering Joyce's Hodgepodge questions. If you want to link up with your blog, click here.

1. What do you make more complicated than it needs to be? 

Overthinking is defined as "an exhausting mental loop of replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, or predicting worst-case scenarios." (from Wikipedia) 

In recent years, opting for simplicity, deliberately choosing to let God stick up for me, and intentionally devoting myself to other things -- all that has distanced me from a lot of drama that used to tie me up in knots and sleepless nights.

2. What impresses you? 

Internet photo

good manners

politeness

expressing gratitude

thank you notes (email, too)

listening without interrupting

good eye contact

sincere apologies

3. On a scale of 1-10 how picky of an eater are you?  (1=extremely and 10=not at all) If you had to eat a meal made entirely of one color what color would you choose? 

On the picky eater scale, I'll rate myself at about 8 3/4. If I had to eat a meal made entirely of one color, it would be green (as in broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, dark leafy greens, peas). 

It is said that Broccoli is the healthiest of vegetables. Thankfully, I like it a lot (raw, steamed, roasted, boiled -- any way I can get  it).

roasted Brussel Sprouts and Broccoli
(internet photo)

My second choice would be red (tomato sauces in lasagna, pizza, spaghetti, pulled pork in BBQ sauce, sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and ketchup. Definitely ketchup). 

lasagna 
(internet photo)

4. What does balance in life mean to you? Does your life currently feel 'balanced'? 

internet photo

I try to keep my priorities in good order. When what is important to me operates smoothly, I feel balanced. When I have to rearrange my activities contrary to the original plan or against my preferences, I try to rectify that as quickly as reasonable. (Self-pity has proven to be of no value.)

If matters get beyond my boundaries, it is so helpful to remember that my attitude and my response are solely left to me. The story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906 - 1945) in Nazi Germany teaches the one thing others cannot take away from us is how we choose to respond to anything. The older I get, the more I meditate on that truth. It helps me to behave myself better.

5. If you could travel the world for a year what would be your first destination? 

Internet illustration

Traveling the world for a year is not something I want to do, especially at my age and with the conflicts in so many places. I feel safer not wandering too far away from home and/or for too long. 

Internet illustration

We have friends who post their world travels with wonderful photos on blogs and Facebook. I enjoy 'traveling vicariously' with them, allowing them to eat the unfamiliar foods, ask for the restrooms, figure out currency exchanges, and deal with cancelled flights, etc.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

my current project

In recent months I've added jigsaw puzzles to my pastimes, wanting to keep my brain strong. The photo above is my current project. It's been tough with a lot of dark, non-descript pieces, which I've saved for last.

I am forcing myself to finish it for the benefits of mental acuity and disciplining myself to endure; but I've concluded that puzzles limited to 500 pieces are my standard. I've also decided to be more discerning about the pictures I'm willing to tackle. A lot of light-colored pieces are easier than a lot of dark ones. 

Here (below) is the next puzzle, a loan from Jersey Girl. It looks more fun and cheerful with only 300 pieces, and they are larger. (Oh look! There's a jigsaw puzzle on the coffee table!)

Regarding puzzles, mysteries, and the complications of life, here's a Bible verse that comforts me:

The Lord is my light

and my salvation. 

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the strength of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

Thanks for stopping by! Until next time, grace and peace.

Barbara

P.S. Finished!!!!!