The Life of Mrs. Miles

Calm autumn day on the lake

I've had my head stuck in the canner for far too much time lately and need to literally boot myself out the door to get some fresh air and sunshine. Though Mr. Miles and I try to go for a walk every day, mostly its wound up being in the evening and its falling dark so EARLY. Yesterday I saw a glimmer of sunshine so decided to march down to enjoy and capture some full sized photos of the showy milkweed before they are all gone, puffed away in the fierce fall winds we can experience, or even to be melted away into little matted 'furballs' by the occasional driving rains.

It turned out to be about an hour of just beautiful calm, and I relished just going for a walk with my camera, allowing myself some time to meditate on the Lord and get re-centered. Do you find when you get so busy you find yourself speaking to those around you in an impatient manner? I know when I get busy, my communication skills suck. I find myself expecting (especially by those closest to me) to just 'get it' in three sentences or less. Its times like these I catch myself and decide its time to take myself off and have a little talk with me. I make a mental list of priorities and decide that if I'm too busy - I have to do some 'weeding' of whats truly a 'have to do' or a 'want to do'. Separate the two, then set aside all thats whats crucial, whats not. We can't do it all, not at the best of times. Sometimes, when I get very busy - I would not like to be around me, I'd think I was too snippy and short!

This makes me think of a song I keep hearing by TobyMac - with the lyrics stating "I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul"

Being too busy can do this to you. It can be the BEST things to do, but if you turn into someone you'd not like to be around in the process - its not worth it. Its time to get alone with Jesus!

How about you? Can you tell when you're 'ramping up'? How do you cope?

The hardest victory is victory over self.

"And so, as those who have been chosen of God,
holy and beloved,
put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Colossians 3:12

Jordana and Madison
credits: Fall Splendor Kit by Linda
(if you've not d/l Linda's free kit you better scoot over, its awesome!)

This layout is of my two grand-nieces (groan, is it GRAND already?) We don't get to see much of these two delightful little ladies as they live in another province, so I'm really grateful that their Gramma (JUDY - my sister in law) shares her photos with me so I can watch them grow up! More photos on Judy's blog!

I've been putting up food thinking of the long winter months, if I did not make it to the stores I'd like to be somewhat self sufficient in the food department. A few months back I found a little growing kit for sprouts and so I picked up some seeds at the local health food store and grew me some nice sprouts. I was tickled that though I was excited, Mr. Miles was THRILLED! He wanted to eat them at Day 2!









Its easy to make your own little growing kit if you don't want to buy one. I think children, in particular would love to watch this process!

What You Need to Start:

1. Alfalfa seeds
   
2. Clear glass mason jar
3. Piece of clean pantyhose or cheesecloth
4. Tablespoon
5. Scissors
6. Elastic band
7. Water and Sink
8. Cupboard that will stay closed! (dark place)
9. A windowsill or area near a window that gets lots of sun

What you do:


Place 1 - 2 tablespoons seeds into mason jar and cover with 4 parts water to 1 parts seeds. Place cheesecloth or pantyhose on top and secure with elastic band. Put in dark cupboard. Soak seeds overnight.

The following morning, drain your soak water through the cheesecloth. Hold the jar under a swift running faucet until the jar is filled. Swirl gently and drain. Rinse sprouts every morning and evening. Rinse more often if desired, for slightly faster growth. Following the rinsing, prop the jar at an angle with mesh top facing down. This will insure proper ventilation during the sprouting. Place in dark cupboard each time.

Rinse at least 3 times a day - more often if you like.

On the fourth day, rinse thouroughly and place in a well lit area which receives sunlight (windowsills work great!)

Voila, they will turn green, ready to eat.

The little sprout kit I bought at a yardsale came from THE SPROUT PEOPLE. To find out more, about their products (and neat variety of seeds) just click HERE.

Lastly, with autumn on my mind, I've made a little giveaway for you. Enjoy!

Barb's FALL wordart/template element
fine for personal, commercial and sfh

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