by Texas Homesteader ~
In my family we have a tradition. It’s one that brings comfort again & again. We each have a small cross that we keep with us. The ladies in my family keep it in the lipstick pocket of their jeans. When things get tough in life, we can reach into that pocket, feel that cross and know this comfort:
by Texas Homesteader~
Most mornings RancherMan & I engage in what I consider to be an intense conversation about any number of hot-button social topics. In the past these topics have included religion, law, politics, elections, etc. (groan…) Thankfully most of the other’s thoughts are met with an energetic nod and the words “Exactly!”. So we’re typically on the same page but WHEW! Intensity sometimes reigns at during these conversations!
But a recent topic? Life’s regrets.
I’ve been reading lots lately about how to make sure you’re living your life so that when you come to the end of your life you have no regrets. But it seems I have no such regrets! Really? Hummm…
by Texas Homesteader ~
Thank you Lord for food to nourish me, a warm bed for rest, and the love of family to warm my heart. From our family to yours – Happy Thanksgiving!
~TxH~
by Texas Homesteader ~
When our children lived at home we always sat at the table and ate together as a family. It was an important and non-negotiable family tradition of ours. So much so that there were no distractions allowed during our meals together.
Our rule was that everyone stayed around the table until the last one was finished before anyone was allowed to leave the table. Oh, and no phones were to be brought to the table. If a phone did ring somewhere in the house, it was not answered if we were still having supper.
And even if one of their friends showed up at the front door during supper, the door was not answered. All of that could wait until after we’d spent this important family time together.
by Texas Homesteader ~
It seems we all get caught up in the rush-rush-rush part of life. You know the one, where this task is hurried through in order to rush to that next task which is already behind because that other task had to be done?
Maybe the ability to live slow is being pushed out of our lives and replaced with ‘busy’ to the point where all we want to do at the end of the day is plop down onto the couch & watch tv.
I hear ya – we feel it too! But is the push to cram more & more into our days shadowing our ability to live slowly & more purposely?
by Texas Homesteader ~
Today as I do each year, I tiptoe into a powerfully emotional & volatile day. It’s the anniversary of the day I kicked breast cancer to the curb. First & foremost, I Praise God for my healing!
I’m grateful for my health but… this particular day each year just always sends me into pretty hard emotional turmoil.
Fear, dread, maybe survivor’s guilt? I don’t know, but it grips me each year. Hard.
by Texas Homesteader ~
Those who know us personally often refer to RancherMan & me as newlyweds. And I guess it’s true, I do still get a little tickle-in-my-tummy feeling just from seeing that oh-so-handsome man of mine. We are always holding hands or touching lightly on the arm because we just wanna be that close. And you know how some folks are afraid of spending a little too MUCH time together? Nah, that’s not us. We actually prefer to be together.
Now I realize that each personality is different and what works for some won’t work for others. But I thought I’d share a little about how RancherMan & I stay in the newlywed phase even though we’re nearing our 20th wedding anniversary.
by Texas Homesteader ~
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my low-waste/no-waste journey. I’ve been on this path for quite a few years. I was environmentally sensitive since way, way, way before it was the ‘in’ thing to do.
I started off by reducing my trash and redirecting appropriate materials into the recycling bin instead of the landfill. Then I started eliminating plastic shopping bags by taking reusable bags to the grocery store. Let me tell ya, that baffled many a cashier back then! That was followed by learning to compost, cook from scratch and repurpose things.
Over the years I’ve worked into the stage I’m at now, purposely refusing single-use items when possible and pushing for PRE-cycling before recycling. I realize my journey may not be everyone else’s journey. Still, several friends & family members sometimes bristle with discomfort when they’re doing their own thing. They often apologize for using plastic or disposable items when I’m around. What? Do they think I’m judging them? Hopefully not!
by Texas Homesteader ~
Five years ago today I said “Goodbye and good RIDDANCE” to breast cancer. It was one of the darkest and most scary times in my life. And yet, one of my most blessed times as well. Sound odd? Believe me, it does to me too. But I guess sometimes when you’re at the lowest and most fearful point in your life, things happen.
by Texas Homesteader ~
I’m 55 years old, y’all. But here’s the thing – I’m not ashamed of my age. I love being Fifty-Five!
Wait, don’t we all want to appear younger than we are? It’s true that many folks try to do everything they can to fight against showing their age. In a society that seems to glorify youth, I guess they just feel better about themselves if they look younger than their years. And here’s the important thing – that’s OK!
There’s NO shame in that, y’all – do what makes you happy.
But personally, I’m not in constant pursuit of looking younger than I am. And I’m not gonna lie – it feels pretty good! I’m very happy in my own skin – gray hair, wrinkles & all!
