rhythm of the home...a new look and a new attitude

Outside My Window~
It's dark and very quiet at 10 p.m. I am a little behind in posting this today. So instead of looking outside lets celebrate the new look here at Passionate Perseverance. So, do you like it?? The lovely Kristi of Creative Kristi Designs took into account all of my likes and dislikes, was extremely patient with all my questions and between the two of us we now have a new look. I am so excited. It's clean and modern with a little French twist. My favorite colors are red, white and blue and they never looked so good. I am still adding content so thanks for your patience in the coming weeks. So grab a button and join in the fun.
I love new beginnings!

I am Listening To ~
My sweet girl snore like a trucker! It's amazing the noise that child can make when she is deeply asleep. She looks so beautiful when she sleeps so it's a bit startling to listen to the racket. LOL!
The dishwasher is full and running and the washer and dryer are going as well. It is less expensive to run them after 8 p.m. so I take full advantage of that. 

I am Wearing ~
Yoga pants and a tank top, my summer evening wear. Comfort and coolness are the name of the game. 

I am Blessed and Grateful For ~
#326 ~ #338
*cell phones that work in the middle of Civil War Battlefields
*sweet smiles from sleepy girls who still like to snuggle with their Mom's on a hot summer afternoon
*a shelf laden with good books to read 
*a light summer skirt that dances in the breeze
*a lazy Sunday afternoon spent with the love of my life
*old family photographs displayed with love and pride
*a son who offers help without his Mama asking
*a clean kitchen counter ready to greet the day
*clean laundry folded and lied high, ready for a new adventure in wearing
*a lovely graduation ceremony celebrating three very special young adults
* a CSA box delivered weekly bringing new textures and favors to our family table
*beautiful music shared in the house of God, uplifting and inspiring
*letters received from dear friends

I am Pondering ~
LIFE - FORGIVENESS - FAMILY - MERCY - GRACE

I am Reading ~
The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer
The Fitting Room: Putting on the Character of Christ by Kelly Minter
Double Take by Melody Carlson

I am Creating Something of Beauty with My Hands ~
Miss Courtney will have a few new pairs of summer capris by the end of the week. I am also looking for an embroidery pattern to make up a few Easter basket linens so that I am prepared for next year's Blessing of the Food.
Next up some new pillows for the sofa in the living room. 

On My iPod ~
I am listening to Pat Benatar, Van Halen and the GoGo's. Yep, it's "80's Rock week while I dig through the attic and clean my house from top to bottom. 

I am Writing ~
nothing...trying to work my way through some difficult revisions...I'll get there eventually...

Towards Rhythm and Beauty in my Home this Week ~
Tomorrow begins the Great Summer Clean Up. It's time for some new paint in some of the main living areas so I need to clean the walls, de-clutter a few bookcases and get things ready to go in a few weeks. Lots to do...always.

Living the Liturgy Daily ~
I am trying to stay in the daily rhythm of praying the Rosary and studying the daily readings. When I am successful my day goes well. When I don't take the time...well let's just say I need to take the time. Life is better with prayer and study.

I am Hoping and Praying for ~

*for perseverance with my new weight loss regimen...for patience with myself and my learning curve.
* for a return to civility with the political discourse in this country. Words have power and people need to be personally responsible for the words and deeds. 
"Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness." Mother Teresa
* for my cousin Anne and our friends son Mark, who are deployed to Afghanistan as well as our family friend Gerard a newly minted Marine and my cousin Eamon at Marine Boot Camp in San Diego. May God protect all those who serve this wonderful nation.
* for my sister-in-law Nancy who is expecting my new NEPHEW in September. That God may protect both Momma and little one. 
*for Caleb and his Momma and Daddy. That they may feel hope once more in the midst of great sacrifice. 
* for Elizabeth
"Pray, Hope and Don't Worry" ~ Padre Pio 

In the Garden ~
There are rabbits and deer that are currently eating their way through my lovely vegetable garden. My hubby is not happy and we are now taking steps to keep the critters out. Oy Vey! This is crazy!
We do have our first zucchini making it's appearance. It's going to be scrumptious!

In the Kitchen ~
Prep work is beginning for my August canning. Shelves are prepped and jars are ready to go. Right now I am going through pickle recipes trying to decide which ones I will try this year. I love trying new things in the kitchen.
The delightful greens with surf and turf I grilled for Father's Day. 
Courtney's World ~
Summer vacation began today and we have two weeks home before the start of summer school. She has been holding her own lately, only seizing once a day. She still weighs in at 99 pounds so we are focused on getting some weight on her. She has been smiling so much lately. It has been so lovely...truly. I pray it continues.





A Picture Thought:
Me and my eldest on Father's Day!



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