The Power of Words

Whoever came up with the old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," was clearly in denial.

Our tongues are one of our most powerful weapons. I notice it with my children all the time. Even our tone can pack a punch. I am trying to catch myself in the act and make note of how I am coming across to my kids. I'm also realizing more and more that it's the little things that make a big impact...for instance, saying "I'm proud of you," or paying a compliment. Sometimes I think those things, but I get distracted and never actually say them to the person I'm with. But I know from my own experience that receiving those words can make a huge difference in my outlook.

Yesterday I received a card from my sister and I asked her if I could share what she wrote. I was feeling extremely frustrated about something and was having a hard time seeing how the situation could ever improve. Reading her words completely changed my attitude. They had nothing to do with my frustration and offered no solution...but the encouragement made all the difference. Here's what she wrote:

"Have I told you how proud I am of you? You have grown into a delightful adult and a great mom. I think I would like you if I just happened to meet you on the street (but really, how often do we meet people on the street?) I love you dearly - Karen."

In this week of Thanksgiving, I challenge you to use your words for good and not for evil. Say those little words of encouragement that often go unspoken. You never know, you may just have the exact words someone needs to hear.

A Full Life

Thanks to the wonders of technology, I recently reconnected with a few old friends on Facebook. These are people with whom I went to elementary school. Reality smacked me upside the head when I realized that I probably have not seen these folks for 25 years. Twenty five!! Good gracious.

We gave each other a brief synopsis of what we are all doing now and commented on all of our cute children. What really made me stop and think, though, was that two of these old friends made the exact same comment to me:

"It looks like you have a very full life."

Wow.

Of course, then I had to stop and ask myself, do I really? Do I lead a full life?

I have been pondering that question for several days now. I want to live a full life - very much, in fact. I can't say that I have always succeeded. We all have seasons that are challenging and those that are smooth sailing, but I am learning (ever so slowly) to choose peace and contentment even during the challenging seasons.

When I step back and evaluate my life right now, yes, there are some things I would like to change. I would love for finances to never be an issue. I would love a slightly bigger house, I would love to be able to travel. But I have the basics. I have a husband who loves me. I have two very healthy and fantastic children. We have great relationships with our parents and families. I have the privilege of staying home and educating my children. We laugh a lot. We love our church and are very involved there. I have made some wonderful new friends this year.

My old friends were right. I do have a very full life. And I am very thankful.

Just Because

I was looking through my files and found this video, taken when Ethan was almost 3. He was pretending to take my order in a restaurant.

Ethan at 23 months, taking my order from Julie Persinger on Vimeo.

Dreary Weather Leads to Movie Watching

I don't know about you, but cold and gloomy weather makes me want to hunker down and watch movies. Well, and knit...but that's a given.

Here's a clip from the beginning of one of my favorite movies - Charade (1963):

What are some of your favorites?

Sometimes I Have to Wonder

Out

Today is a sad day. I ran out of two of my favorite products.

All summer I used Philosphy's Purity facial cleanser. Now I am out and my face will no longer be pure.
For several months now, I have been shampoo-free. Yes, I still wash my hair, but I have been using WEN Cleansing Conditioner (which I LOVE...I just don't love the price). Now I am out and I'll probably be going back to shampoo for a while (see aforementioned cost issue). Sigh.
I shall console myself with my new green hat (knit earlier this week).

Wee Li'l Knits

I've been doing a lot of baby knitting lately. I didn't know how to knit when my own children were babies, so it has been fun making little things for a change.

One friend's baby received booties from me when she was born, but has now outgrown them. Apparently she won't keep regular socks on, so my friend asked me to knit some larger booties. The mary janes are knit out of Schaefer Anne, double-stranded (sorry, no links today - don't have time right now!):
These are knit out of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport, double-stranded:
This same friend asked if I would also be willing to knit a baby sweater, so I obliged. This is knit with KnitPicks Swish:
There's one more that I'm dying to share, but don't want to post it here until I give it to its intended recipient!

Now I'm not quite sure what to knit. Suggestions?

Happy Election Day

There has been so much unpleasantness surrounding this election, but rather than get into any of that on this important day, I thought I would give you some edu-tainment instead.

Enjoy a few minutes of Schoolhouse Rock...and go vote, if you haven't already!

I Have to Know.

OK, I have to know. How do you apply your mascara?

I was getting ready for Mom's Group this morning and began to wonder how other people do their makeup. I'd love to say I was thinking deep, spiritual thoughts, but I wasn't. I have to be honest...I can multi-task with the best of 'em, but when I'm applying mascara, I can really only think about applying mascara. It's tricky that way.

Here's my routine: I always start with my right eye, top lashes, and I work from the inside corner outward. Then bottom lashes the same way. Repeat on left eye. Oh, but I do my left eye mascara with my left hand. I don't do my left eye's eye shadow with my left hand...just the mascara. Let's not be too crazy.

So how about you? Tell me about your mascara application routine. I need to know.