Digging Deeper in the Archives

Hello all!
 I'm feeling better each day. The farther I get from my chemo day, the better I feel. I spoke with the surgeon yesterday. I'm having my surgery October 20th. That means I have three weeks to heal and get stronger. I also have three weeks to enjoy not seeing a doctor! I'm still reading through my blog. You'll notice these entries are from last Autumn. Before you know it, I'll be up to the minute. It's been quite an experience. I've been reminded again and again, in my own voice, how faithful God has been to me and my family. Enjoy these, some of my favorites.

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Christmas in July Homemade Gift Ideas

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Richard Sohn (1834 – 1912, German)

Home Happiness Depends on the Wife

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Preparing for a New Season

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Stress Less This Christmas!

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You are Loved. Don't Give Up!

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 There you have it! My list of favorites I read this week. I hope you enjoy them. 

Enjoy!

Laura

How to Read a Blog from the Very First Post

P.S. If you'd like to join me in reading (or skimming) my blog from the beginning, here's my very first post: A Cozy Christ Centered Christmas.

After reading the post, just click on Newer Post. Read and repeat. After you've read as many posts as you'd like, simply bookmark the next page, and pick up from there next time you'd like to read. I put mine in the bookmarks at the top of my page. 

I've read Mrs. White's blog, The Legacy of Home  and Aunt Ruthie's blog, Sugar Pie Farmhouse from the beginning. Now I'm reading Roxy Jones' blog, Living from Glory to Glory, as well as my own.

To find the first post of a blog, go to the first month of the first year listed, then find the first post. 

Mommy Monday

THE CHRISTMAS BLESSING by Melody Carlson

 I just love reading Christmas books in September! They get me in the holiday prep mood. I've been listening to Bing Crosby on Pandora, tonight, too. It helps me feel happy and productive. I must admit I've enjoyed the music, but I've not been very productive yet. All is well. There's still time, and I want to enjoy everything I can this Fall. Anyway, back to the book!

 I've read several of Melody Carlson's books—The Christmas Bus, Christmas at Harrington's, The Christmas Angel Project, The Gift of Christmas Present, The Christmas Shoppe, and my favorite—The Christmas Joy Ride. Carlson's books are happy ending books just like Christmas books should be!

The Christmas Blessing is set during World War II. It's a classic boy meets girl beginning with a whirlwind romance. Plans to marry, then an interruption by a call to duty. A few months later, girl is in trouble, and she hasn't heard from boy for a long time.

From the Publisher:

Although Amelia would be on the train only until tomorrow morning, she unpacked a few things with the goal of making Jimmy and herself as comfortable as possible. To her delight, this cozy sleeping car felt just right for the two of them. Not only that, but as the train began to move, Jimmy relaxed and settled in. Almost as if he were glad they were finally on their way. Maybe he instinctively knew that life was about to get better for them. Perhaps he would enjoy meeting his paternal grandparents. At the moment the train pulled out of the station, anything seemed possible.


She's determined to give her baby a better life. 
Could a Christmas miracle make it possible?
Not long after she receives the news in 1944 that her baby's father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant's paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don't know that she--or their grandson--exists. 

When Amelia discovers the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?


Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with combined sales of more than six million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington's, The Christmas Cat, The Christmas Joy Ride, and The Christmas Angel Project. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

My Thoughts:
 This wasn't a feel good story to read. It had a melancholy feel, because, frankly, Amelia is in a very tough situation. She made some mistakes and is paying for them dearly. She is fiercely in love with her baby, which is a good thing, and wants to do her best for him. But, these are the 1940's, wartime, and things are hard for single moms. It felt hopeless and sad and lonely at times, then someone would do something kind and redeem the  story. 

 It was a bit more confrontational than I liked in a Christmas book, but somehow it seemed more real because of it. In spite of the melancholy, I found that I liked the book. I liked the depth of some of the main characters. Like every good book, there are some surprises. Like every good Christmas book, there's a happy ending. If that's a spoiler, forgive me, but we all want a happy ending at Christmas! 

 This was a quick Christmas read. It's just right for a November or December night, or to tuck into your bag for those snatch reading moments. So put on some Bing Crosby, light a sweet smelling candle and settle in for a nice read.

 By the way, September is my usual time to begin Christmas reading and Christmas music. I used to start baking my cookies really early, but I don't bake so many anymore. The kids are older you know. If it's cold enough for a blanket, it's close enough to Christmas for a good book!


Visit Melody Carlson's website.

Digging Into the Archives

Dear readers,

If you follow Harvest Lane Cottage on Facebook, you'll recognize the puffins above. I became fascinated with the cartoonish look of puffins after reading The Legacy by Michael Phillips. These little birds were part of the setting in the Shetland Islands. If you're a patient reader of long books, you'll like the series. 

I'm feeling better than last week. I am still reading all of your comments. Your kind comments and prayers have helped me through this hard time. I hope to be writing again soon...at least until surgery. Thank you for being patient with me. I'm still not replying unless someone asks a question or requests it. 

If you're in the dark, here's what it's all about. 

Last time, I told you I've been reading my blog from beginning to end. I've felt a little discouraged the last few days, so I am also looking at some of my more recent posts to "build myself up in my most holy faith".  Do you do that, too? Remind yourself of the things you believe? I'm going to share another list from the archives in hopes of keeping both of us thinking happy thoughts.

Here are some of my favorites.

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September and October: Busy Days and Holiday Prep

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Don't Sink Under That Burden

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Tending to the Vine

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Every Circumstance Requires a Choice

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Cottage Seasons

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Here are a couple of recipes I've found this week that look delicious:

Roxy's Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bars with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Low Carb, Sugar Free, THM - S

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Watch for my Fall Bucket List coming soon!

Enjoy your weekend!

Laura

Learning to Rest

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The photo of the puffins was taken by Ray Hennessey. 
It's available for free on Unsplash.com.



How to Read a Blog from the Very First Post

P.S. If you'd like to join me in reading (or skimming) my blog from the beginning, here's my very first post: A Cozy Christ Centered Christmas.

After reading the post, just click on Newer Post. Read and repeat. After you've read as many posts as you'd like, simply bookmark the next page, and pick up from there next time you'd like to read. I put mine in the bookmarks at the top of my page. 

I've read Mrs. White's blog, The Legacy of Home  and Aunt Ruthie's blog, Sugar Pie Farmhouse from the beginning. Now I'm reading Roxy Jones' blog, Living from Glory to Glory, as well as my own.

To find the first post of a blog, go to the first month of the first year listed, then find the first post. 

Enjoy!

Laura

Wednesday

Linda's Lunacy
 Creative Muster

A Little Blog Reading From the Archive...

Hello Friends! 

I've been reading through my blog from beginning to end. It's been a lovely way to relive memories, to remember my blessings, and to be reminded of my many thrifty ways! Interested? See note at the bottom on how to read a blog from beginning to end.

Here are some of my favorites.

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Rehearse the Right Lines! Speak God's Truth!

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We All Mess Up. Here's What to Do.

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Rejoice With Me!

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1 Key to Unlock 5 Awesome Symbols

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Spiritual Truth From an Open Door and My Little Dog

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Anxious? Depressed? Stressed? Fall Deeply in Love!

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Enjoy your weekend!

Laura

Learning to Rest

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How to Read a Blog from the Very First Post

P.S. If you'd like to join me in reading (or skimming) my blog from the beginning, here's my very first post: A Cozy Christ Centered Christmas.

After reading the post, just click on Newer Post. Read and repeat. After you've read as many posts as you'd like, simply bookmark the next page, and pick up from there next time you'd like to read. I put mine in the bookmarks at the top of my page. 

I've read Mrs. White's blog, The Legacy of Home  and Aunt Ruthie's blog, Sugar Pie Farmhouse from the beginning. Now I'm reading Roxy Jones' blog, Living from Glory to Glory, as well as my own.

P.P.S. I am reading all of your comments. Your prayers and words of encouragement these last couple weeks have buoyed me up. Thank you for being patient with me. I'm still not replying unless someone asks a question or requests it. Right now it just seems to take too much energy. I feel better than last week, but this last chemo hit me hard. Hopefully, in another week or so I will feel much better.

Hugs to you all!

Laura

Happy Homemaker Monday and My Daybook September 11, 2017

Dear Ladies, 

Hello again! I am honored that you are interested in my day books. Each week I wonder at the many ladies that come and visit my humble blog. I am thankful. 

Over the years, I've linked my day books with The Simple Woman, and later, I changed format and linked with Happy Homemaker Monday. Right now I feel I need simplicity, so I'm going to keep it simple and easy.

May God bring you strength, patience, hope, and perseverance during the days to come as many of us are still adjusting to preparing school lessons, sending our children to school, or even sending a child off to college or trade school. Still more difficult, many are facing the consequences of natural tragedies which have occurred or are currently unfolding.

My thoughts have been with my Cousin Gloria in Florida all weekend. I've prayed often. She's in northeastern Florida, and she and her husband decided to stay put. As of 3 a.m. this morning, she had lost power, but they are safe. My prayers are for those in the path of Hurricane Irma, those who are in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, and with those of the northwest and west who are facing the wildfires. 

Sometimes it just all seems like too much, BUT GOD.

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Remembering 9/11

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Outside my window...

The sky is growing light, but I cannot yet see if it's going to be cloudy or clear. The grass is much greener, as are the trees, than they usually are for September. No doubt, that's because of our cooler summer.

I am thinking...

I will be so glad when I recover from this chemo. I wonder what the next step, surgery and recovery, will be like.

I am thankful...

I have a safe place to live.

In the kitchen...

I have leftover beans and rice that I made for lunch yesterday. It's one of Briana Thomas' recipes. Lowell and the girls were home for lunch. We added low-fat sour cream, Pace Picante Sauce, tomatoes, and green pepper on the side. I also added a small bit of cheddar cheese mixed in. The consensus was that it needed to be spicier. They suggested added Rotel type tomatoes or green chiles or maybe even taco seasoning.

I am wearing...
I'm still in my pink and white nightgown. My husband got up and left early for work. I've been having trouble sleeping, so I listed to Bible on YouVersion for awhile, then I got up to come and write to you.

I am creating...

I finished a chartreuse green dishcloth last night. I just need to sew in the ends. I'm not feeling very creative right now.

I am going...

I'm not doing much this week. My daughter was invited to a KC Royals baseball game, so I'm going to take her to her friend's house later this morning. This is one time that I'm thankful for the flexibility of homeschooling. She may not get another opportunity like this.

I am wondering...

what the rest of this year is going to look like for our family. I need surgery and radiation. My husband also needs knee replacement surgery. I don't know how it's all going to work out.

I am reading...
The Farmer's Bride Collection. It's a collection of short stories. I find that I wish the stories were developed into full length novels. 

I am hoping...

that Hurricane Irma continues to decrease in strength. I believe that all the prayers of the saints on Sunday made a big impact.

I am looking forward to...

Christmas Kringling!

I am learning...
I cannot power through this fatigue that I'm feeling. I don't have any choice but rest. 

Around the house...

I've got the general cleaning up that always needs to be done after a busy weekend. I also need to do some laundry. I can't say how much I'll get done, but I must make progress.

I am pondering...

not much right now truthfully.

A favorite quote for today...

Gloria Copeland

Favorite post this week... 

• Story Hand Me Downs
• It's No Picnic
• Hospitality is a Habit
• The Difference Three Hours Can Make in Your Home
• I'll Be a Sunbeam

One of my favorite things...

COOKIES!
Follow Laura's board Cookies on Pinterest.

A few plans for the rest of the week... rest and assessment on Friday to see if my blood counts are up or down. If I get some energy, I may try to do a bit of decluttering and putting things away in preparation for minimal fall decorating. Truthfully, it will depend on how much help I get this year.  The kids are pretty busy these days.

A peek into my day...

My last chemo day with nurse Laura and
my faithful companion Rebecca of
Rebecca's Hearth and Home

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May the God of Shalom peace, 

nothing missing, nothing broken, nothing lacking 

bless you as you seek to love Jesus 

with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Laura

Happy at Home

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P.S. I am reading all of your comments. Your prayers and words of encouragement these last couple weeks have buoyed me up. 

Thank you for being patient with me. I'm still not replying unless someone asks a question or requests it. Right now it just seems to take too much energy. 

Hugs to you all!

Laura

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May I suggest?

Christmas Gifts for Children... Precedents, Disappointment, and Gratefulness

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Join us at Happy Homemaker Monday

Join us at The Simple Woman!

Art of Homemaking Monday

Just a Note While I Continue my Blog Break

Thank you all for being so gracious to me about my blog break. Today I'll see the oncologist and hopefully get a little more information about the plan for the next several weeks. Tomorrow I'll have my sixth and final chemo. Can't wait for this three week cycle to be over so that my body can begin recovering from all this toxicity.

Here are some posts that you might enjoy while I continue my blog break.

The Attic Was a Lovely Place to Play

An Autumn Dream

5K to Destruction

No Wonder ~ Anne of Green Gables

Do You Know How Blessed You Are?

Little House Thoughts ~ Ma is the True Heroine

Christmas in July

Revelation to a Writer

A Few Things I Love About Not Going Back to School

Thank you all once again for praying for me and for being patient while I take time to rest and heal. Hopefully, I won't have to be on house arrest during this next round of chemo.

I cannot tell you what it's meant to have you dear ones with me on this journey. Knowing that you're praying, and hearing from you regularly has really helped to keep me going. Thank you for being so gracious about me not writing and replying to comments.

Be blessed and count your blessings!
Consider yourselves hugged!

Laura
Blessed and Healed
by the Power of the
Blood of Jesus Christ

Art of Homemaking Monday