Well, this was supposed to a different post. One of two different post ideas I have rolling through my brain. And neither of those have come together. I totally blame the weather. It is just too pretty to be sitting in front of my computer. My heart hurts for those who are required to do so on these beautiful days. Truly. And I am so grateful for this “retired” season of life. Plenty of time to putter and putz…and just enjoy being outside. But, back to the blog. I think I will join the Hodge Podge group again today. Which is always fun…and often has me thinking! I try not to look at the questions in advance (that only leads to overthinking) so let’s see what Joyce has for today……
1. Are you a naturally trusting person? Is trust built on logic or ‘gut instinct’? Does everyone deserve a second chance? I am not a trusting person. At all. It could even be argued that I have trust issues. I recognize this and I try to reason through situations (etc) where my “gut instinct” is doubtful and suggesting anything other than trust. As far as second chances, there are plenty of people who do not deserve a second chance…and not simply because they cannot be trusted. I think you could even argue there are Biblical examples/reasons when a second chance is not appropriate. But that would be a (lengthy) blog post all on its own.
2. ‘Beware the Ides of March’…March 15th on the ancient Roman calendar, these words were made famous by William Shakespeare in his play Julius Caesar. Caesar was assassinated on March 15th 44 B.C. Have you read any Shakespeare? If so, do you have a favorite? Have you ever been to Rome? I have never been to Rome. I don’t really have a desire to visit Rome. I did have a friend who vacationed there last year and she came home thrilled with her trip. And with such beautiful pictures. It almost made me want to visit. But only almost. That has passed. The only Shakespeare I have read was required reading in school – which was decades ago. And I’m pretty sure I used the Cliff Notes. Do you remember Cliff Notes? Please tell me I’m not the only one who occassionally took the short cut for boring reading assignments!
3. Do you like a Caesar salad? If given the choice between a garden/house salad or Caesar which do you order? Anchovies or no? What’s your favorite salad dressing? I love caesar salad. Without anchovies! I will always choose a caesar salad over a garden salad. Well, pretty much always. One never has to worry about tomatoes with a yummy caesar salad! And caesar dressing is my favorite!
4. Where do you typically work (or blog if that’s easier) at home? Do you have a dedicated home office space? Are you happy with that space? I blog in my office. Or what we refer to as my office. It is one of the bedrooms in this house. The smallest one. There is just enough room for a desk that belonged to my dad (not a fancy desk but incredibly special nonetheless), a cute tweed chair that I found on-line (and could barely fit in the car when we went to pick it up – great story!) and the walls are full of “a few of my favorite things” and memories! Among some of my favorite photos is our sweet grandpup, Bailey. Her photo sits right next to my computer. Goodness but we miss that dog!! I think this room is one of my favorites in the house. How many times can I say favorite??
5. Snow drops, daffodils, lenten roses, crocus, hyacinth, or early tulips…what’s your favorite early Spring flower? Yellow forsythia. Is that a flower? Or a bush? I do like tulips. And daffodils. I’m not sure what snow drops are?? Oh, and I love pansies. But the first sign of forsythia in bloom not only reminds me of my dad but just screams spring for me! This is a photo from last year. They are not quite blooming here yet, but with the beautiful weather we have been enjoying, it will not be long!
6. Insert your own random thought here. How about a quick guessing game…with a couple of photos from my phone this week?? Any idea what these are? I spotted them yesterday in the grocery store (or do you say supermarket?) and had to get a picture. What in the world? And, if you do know what they are (I obviously do now but don’t want to ruin the suspense – lol), do you have any idea what you would do with one? How would you prepare it? Serve it? I have no idea. Honestly.
Meanwhile….my brother sent me this photo on Monday. While I am basking in the beauty that is spring around here, he is skiing!! Skiing?? I could only ask him why? He has had all winter to ski. Just sayin. Just for fun….any guesses where he was (look closely and you can probably make a good guess).
Well, no winter sports for me. Not even a thought of winter. I am full speed ahead with spring! I hope you are enjoying your week as well. Thanks for reading the blog today and the rest of the Hodge Podge can be found here.
Cliff Notes, tsk, tsk!! My best friend and I were reading nerds in English class. We were assigned one classical book that I don’t think anyone else besides me read. My best friend called me one evening and asked me to tell her about the book- the plot, the main events, etc. I was shocked and indignant. She wanted me as her Cliff Notes!! Weren’t those the days before the internet!! I’ll bet your office is adorable :). I have no idea what the food(?) is in the photo. Or where your brother is- it’s beautiful though. Have a great day!
I know. The shame. I loved school and was a diligent student. Truly. But not much of a reader…especially classic literature. Sigh.
What a fun post and a great way to get to know more about you. Required reading in high school was probably about the only time I ever read Shakespeare. Cliff notes? I had no idea! Seriously. The forsythia picture you posted is gorgeous. I love to see it being used as a border especially. We saw some Snow Drops this past weekend when we were away. They are so delicate. Your brother is adventurous.
I need to find some of these snow drops! Perhaps I have seen them and I just did not realize what they were called! So glad you stopped by this morning, Dianna!
Hello Friend,
Oh, I do appreciate how you answered #1. Thank you for your insight.
I also loved how you described your office space to us, it sounds a lot like mine. My walls are full of photos of loved ones, other memories and inspiration.
Both of our son’s will ski until the ski hill closes for the season. They love spring skiing, in T-shirts.
xo
Carla
Isn’t it lovely to have a personal space in our homes? A little retreat, of sorts. I’m glad you enjoy yours as well. Now, about skiing in t-shirts?? What!? I cannot even picture that –
I think I have trust issues too but I know they have been caused by past experiences.
I only read Shakespeare at school too. Yep, I used to take the shortcuts too when it came to reading assignments. hehehe
Your office sounds lovely and the forsythia is very pretty.
I have no idea what those things are, I am guessing some sort of fruit?
I hear you on past experiences affecting our trust! I’m glad I’m not the only who dreaded some of those reading assignments!!:) Thanks for reading the blog today, Kim!
Spring skiing is popular in California! Where the rest of the country goes to Florida beaches for spring break, many here go to the ski slopes. The photo looks like Tahoe/Heavenly Valley?
I would love a office of my own. We have a shared office decorated with my husbands military stuff. That’s okay – I have the rest of the house.
Very astute:) Spring skiing is interesting enough….but in California! That is just not what I think of – of course, I’m from the east coast. I know there is much more to California than beautiful beaches and sunshine 360 days a year! That’s just what I imagine though:)
Your photo at the end isn’t loading for me….so…no idea what it is 🙂
I somewhat agree with your thoughts on 2nd chances…but…Jesus DOES give every one a chance. Whether the person deserves it or not. And if they choose wrong….well……and yes, some need to face the consequences for their sin(s) (we all do) but again Jesus came with His mercy and grace……that’s not to say we can’t put boundaries on certain folks we can no longer trust!
Love forsythia but it d oesn’t grow well here in our almost clay like soil.
Happy Wednesday!
Oh rats…not sure why the photo is not loading. But I’m glad you stopped and commented today. Good “food for thought” and, yes, I am so thankful for God’s mercy – and for the many times He has given me another chance.
I am a very overly trusting person by can also be very cautious. Being in ministry I want to believe and trust people so much. I love very very deep and I am very loyal person. BUT I have learned BECAUSE of ministry that people will break trust sadly and it is very hurtful. I have had dealt the last 4 years with betrayal by what I thought was lifelong friends, I have been deceived by people I would never have thought would do such awful things and my trust little by little has become harder to give.
In reverse order…
I have no idea where your brother is skiing. I like to watch some of the winter sports, but do not care to participate at this stage in my life. No idea on what that food item would be. I hope you will share in another post. I usually call it by grocery store or by its name (i.e., Food Lion, Giant, Martin’s, etc.). The clusters of daffodils are beginning to pop alongside the roadways along with the periwinkle on our road. Another first sign of spring here is the Willow tree at our road’s entrance — small leaves have started to appear. I love a good Caesar salad, hold the anchovies. Most of the places around here no longer include anchovies on theirs (you have to ask for them). I love a good ranch or Italian. Caesar dressing if it isn’t overly garlicky. We read snippets of Shakespeare during school and that is my extent of that author. I do remember Clif Notes. In my younger years, I was too trusty. Now, it must be earned and don’t lose my trust because it will take time and effort to restore it.
My husband literally laughed when I asked him if he thought I was a trusting person.. my gut response was that I wasn’t but just wanted to double check. I too tend to have trust issues.
Forsythias always remind me of spring since we always had our prom photos taken in front of large forsythia bushes! I’ve tried planting them in our yard and while they will bloom they have never really taken off and filled in so we get some sparse yellow blooms.
I think that’s a jack fruit. It has a kind of tropical flavor, maybe like a mango-pineapple-banana mix if that makes sense. It’s sometimes added to savory dishes, but I’ve never eaten it. I think you have to wear gloves to deal with it. That sticks in my head, but I’m too lazy right now to confirm : ) My neighbors daughters are skiing in Vermont this week and there was no snow and temps in the 60’s. I think they’re getting snow today, but it’s been a strange winter in terms of where the snow has fallen. I can think of instances where a second chance is not warranted, hurting a child for example. Yes people can change but in this case I don’t think I’d give you another opportunity to prove it. Hope you’re having a nice week!
I remember Cliff Notes . . .though I don’t remember using them! Is it a Jack fruit? I think I’ve seen meat substitutes made out of Jack fruit . . .not sure how that works!! Spring is “bursting” out all over the middle of Alabama and the pollen is thick. My black car will be yellow for weeks. I, too, love forsythia!
Is it a jackfruit? And I’d have no idea how to prepare it!
Sorry you are not able to trust people but I do understand where you are coming from. I do remember cliff notes. Yes, Caesar salads are yummy. Your office sounds nice. You are so right, I love yellow forsythias! I don’t have an answer on that fruit. How wonderful that your brother is skiing. It looks beautiful.