Common Nonsense

I am re-reading the Anne of Green Gables series right now and something Anne says in Anne of the Island stood out to me. Anne is preparing to leave for college and several well-meaning women have come to say goodbye, yet they each "managed to say something that seemed to take the color out of life and leave it as gray and dismal and cheerless as a November morning." Gilbert reminds her that these women have a narrow outlook on life and have a hard time seeing past life in Avonlea. Anne responds:

"Oh, I know. But feeling is so different from knowing. My common sense tells me all you can say, but there are times when common sense has no power over me. Common nonsense takes possession of my soul."

If I'm honest, common nonsense takes possession of my soul far more often than I'd like. Does it happen to you?

Blasts From the Past

I was going through old files today and came across these pictures of Natalie and Ethan, taken in 2006. It's amazing what a difference a few years makes!

Stuck

I've had a few songs stuck in my head lately. I won't mention them by name because some of them you would know and I fear you wouldn't forgive me for planting them firmly in your head, too. One of them, though, isn't so common. Some of you might know it - if you come from a traditional church background. I grew up Baptist and it's not a hymn we ever sang. We sang old hymns, but this one is truly an OLD hymn. Here is the English version (originally written in Latin):

"Of the Father's Love Begotten"
by Aurelius C. Prudentius, 413, cento
Translated by John. M. Neale, 1818-1866
and Henry W. Baker, 1821-1977

1. Of the Father's love begotten
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the Source, the Ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.

2. Oh, that birth forever blessed
When the Virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving,
Bare the Savior of our race,
And the Babe, the world's Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face
Evermore and evermore.

3. O ye heights of heaven, adore Him;
Angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him
And extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Every voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore.

4. This is He whom Heaven-taught singers
Sang of old with one accord;
Whom the Scriptures of the prophets
Promised in their faithful word.
Now He shines, the Long-expected;
Let creation praise its Lord
Evermore and evermore.

5. Christ, to Thee, with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
And unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore.

Here is a recording, in case you aren't familiar with this beautiful plainsong chant. The video only contains still images and contains only the first three verses, but it's a lovely arrangement of the music.

Jacobean Pattern

I've had a couple of people ask me for my Jacobean sock pattern lately, but I'm not sure how to get in touch with them since email addresses aren't listed in the comments AND I don't know how to host the PDF of the pattern here. So...if you'd like the pattern, please email me at julie.persinger at gmail.com and I'd be happy to send it to you!

Simple Thoughts

It's a gloomy day here, I have ridiculous sciatic nerve pain shooting down my legs and poor Ellie is a snotty mess thanks to spring pollen, so I'm taking the easy way out and copying this post from a friend (with my own answers, of course - thanks JD, LOL!).

Outside my window...Natalie and Ethan are happily playing with a plastic tub full of mud.

I am thinking...how much I'd love to take a nap right now.

I am thankful for...remembering to thaw meat so I could put dinner in the oven a few minutes ago.

I am wearing...the same shirt I slept in, plus track pants.

I am remembering...what it was like to have good friends who lived in my neighborhood.

I am going...nowhere. Wanted to go to the Y, but don't think I should put Ellie in the nursery since she's a slimy mess.

I am currently reading...the Anne of Green Gables series, currently on Anne of the Island.

I am hoping...that I can get some knitting done soon.

On my mind...finances, wondering when we will be able to move past just surviving.

Noticing that...my house still isn't clean and orderly even though I wish for it to be all the time.

Pondering these words...a quote about Mr. Rogers, "Fred wanted to know the truth of your life, the nature of your insides, and had room enough in his own spirit to embrace without judgment whatever that truth might be."

From the kitchen...tonight's dinner: cube steaks, mashed potatoes, green beans.

Around the house...a lot of stuff I need to take to Goodwill or list on Craigslist.

One of my favorite things...my Sanuk yoga mat flip flops.

To Blog, Or Not To Blog

If anyone is still out there, I do still exist. Having three children, two of whom I educate at home and one small one who mostly wants to be held (by me) all the time, tends to make me a little busy. I expected that, but I kinda thought it might even out a little sooner than it has. Ah well, it's all good.

The big kids are doing well and have grown to love their baby sister, who they sometimes call Queen Baby. Once she started interacting with them she suddenly became a lot more interesting. It's hard to believe Ellie is six months old already! She is now able to pull up on her knees when she has something to hold onto and she is very close to being able to get a foot under her and ultimately pull up to standing. I am NOT ready for that! I've also caught her on all fours, rocking back and forth. Natalie and Ethan didn't do those things this early, so I have no idea what to expect this time.

As for me, I've debated on what to do with the blog. I do enjoy blogging. I just need to get back into the routine...just like I need to do with most other things in my life right now.