Mariliz's Musings

I’ll be back

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:27:00 +0000

Quietness suits me

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:41:00 +0000

Thank you for the emails and concern, I’m still around and things are fine. I’m just enjoying the quietness. I’ve been busy with volunteering and knitting and doing lots of cooking and baking. Life is good!

Truth be told….. I’ve even snuck in some time to rock the shoppers at Costco with my Karaoke Skills!

I love me some Karaoke. I don’t even care that I can’t carry it tune.

I look slightly crazed in that photo..yes?

I also have a new puppy in the house temporarily.

I’m fostering this little guy.

His name is Paulie, and he is shaking things up a bit over here. There is never a dull moment in the house with a puppy, mischievous is his middle name.

All is well here, I’m keeping busy and enjoying time with my family.

Christmas is just around the bend and I have lots of baking to do. Everyone is getting cookies this year. I’m not buying 1 present. Someone may be getting a lopsided scarf that was made with lots of love and laughter. I’ll be around posting randomly every once in awhile, to keep you updated on my shenanigans.

Peace and Love to you all.

Mariliz

Nonsense is good for your brain

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:09:00 +0000

Gosh…..I just have not been blogging much.

I don’t even know why…I DO have a lot to say, but…for some reason it just keeps getting put on the back burner.

So here is the lowdown on some of things I’ve been doing the last month or so.

Taking a knitting class – I love it, even though it took forever to get used to those AWKWARD hand motions! I can’t wait to knit a sweater and a bag, and a wrap and a …..well you get the idea!
Lancaster, Pa trip – Fun, Fun, Fun, tis where the knitting bug was picked up.
Volunteering at Animal Shelter – Love, pure stinky, dirty love. I’m helping a friend take photos of the dogs, so we can help find a home for all those little love bugs waiting. I’m the handler, and can I just tell you how difficult it is to keep yourself out of a photo of a dog on leash, that just wants your love and attention? I’m getting mad leash unraveling skills.
Cooking, baking – I’ve set a new goal. I want to eventually, (you know sometime in the future), make (almost) everything I that I can, myself. Including but not limited to –bread, desserts, yogurt, soap. Now I already do these randomly, but I want to have a weekly/daily schedule. ( Again inspired by the Amish, I’ve written about my Amish infatuation a few times.
Random goofing off and nonsense as required to keep me laughing. I do so need my daily laughter!

I’ve also been just informed today, that I’ve inspired sweet potato scarfing due to my last post. I’m happy to do my part to keep America healthy!

Mariliz

No ordinary Sweet Potato

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:24:00 +0000

I’ve mentioned before that I belong to a CSA and pick up my share every Tuesday. Lately my husband has been doing the Tuesday farm stop, as it is close to his work place.

Yesterday, he brought home this.

The largest sweet potato I’ve ever seen.

Now it may not look so large in this photo so I’ve added another for comparison purposes.

I’ve also taken the liberty of weighing this thing, and it weighs in at a whopping 51.1 ounces. that is over 3lbs.

What in the world do I do with a 3 lb. sweet potato?

Guess what I’m doing today?

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:41:00 +0000

Here are a few hints………

photo source

And I’m super excited about it!

Mariliz

Dogs, Road Trips and Roses

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:57:00 +0000

Last night I made one of my husbands favorite foods for dinner. Chicken fried chicken. It was delicious.

After dinner, while I was finishing up the dishes, he came in from outside and handed me a single rose and thanked me for a wonderful dinner.

It was so sweet. I love that man!

My calendar is chock full for the month of October and on Thursday I’m going to one of my favorite places…….Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

(photo from Google)

A couple friends and I plan to spend the day exploring Amish Country and eating lots of delicious food and a whoopee pie or 2, of course.

Last time we were there, we were just riding down some back roads and we found this little country store, and they made the absolute best soft pretzel I’ve ever had in my life, now mind you… they dipped this pretzel in butter, so it was not exactly healthy, but it is my goal to find that little store on Thursday!

A pretzel drenched in butter, is a once a year must have for a Girl’s Amish Road Trip!

The dogs are all still adjusting to life without Max.

He was the Alpha dog and they all miss him.

Abby – she just makes herself right at home in my reading chair.

Hopper – he misses Max the most. He is a little depressed and we’ve been trying to give him lots of extra attention. Doesn’t he look so sad in this photo? My poor baby.

Sadie - she is not supposed to be on this couch.

This is her caught in the action face, her tail was going a hundred miles per hour. Notice how she has moved the pillow and was using it.

That’s all I have for today. I’ll let you know how my trip to Lancaster goes.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mariliz

A simple woman’s daybook 2

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:24:00 +0000

10/4/11

Outside my window...it is a crisp morning. The leaves are turning colors and there are many, MANY acorns falling from the trees.

I am thinking...about how life is so short and goes by so very quickly. It is so important to do things that you enjoy, everyday!

I am thankful...for my family and friends and the time that I spend with them. Also my sweet doggies, they make me laugh everyday.

In the kitchen...I have my bread dough rising on the countertop and my pretty new tablecloth is on the table.

I am wearing...jeans and sweater and warm socks.

I am creating...a photo collage of my sister Donna.(she passed away last year)

I am going...to the CSA farm to pick up my weekly share, I’m looking for to the fresh winter squash.

I am wondering...about the very strange dream that I had last night. (The Lime team from the amazing food truck race came over and they wanted me to work for them……as a dancing waitress??!!)

I am reading...The Mercy by Beverly Lewis. It is part 3 of the Rose trilogy, great series.

I am hoping...That the husband and I get to have a weekend getaway soon.

I am looking forward to...lighting my fireplace and sitting close by and enjoying the warmth.

I am hearing...the silence, its peaceful and nice.

Around the house....I’m getting out my Fall decor

I am pondering...how life really is about the small things, and material things are not important.

One of my favorite things...that 1st cup of coffee on a brisk morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week: lunch with a friend that is moving away; a fun get together with friends on Sunday.

Here is picture for a thought I am sharing...

My fall wreath that I made.

In our hearts forever

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:06:00 +0000

Yesterday, we had to say goodbye to sweet Max.

The other dogs are so lost without him.

They keep looking for him, it breaks my heart.

He was a great dog and he lived a very full life.

Rest in Peace Max – we love you!

My Random Musings

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:57:00 +0000

This picture cracks me up!!

It was from a 50’s party that I hosted.

Mariliz

Winner of The Harvest of Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:54:00 +0000

Thank you for all who entered and left a comment.

It’s nice to get some new book recommendations.

The winner of the book is : # 11 Katy~The Country Blossom said...

I would love to win. I am now a follower of your blog. :) I have read lots of books that I have enjoyed...one being Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham. Now, I am reading The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace! :)

Congratulations Katy. Please send me your address and I’ll mail the book out to you this week.

The Harvest of Grace–A book giveaway.

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:35:00 +0000

I’m a big fan of Amish novels and I read them often. Do you like Amish Novels?

Today I’m giving away 1 copy of The Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall.

Reeling from an unexpected betrayal, can Sylvia find relief from the echoes of her past…or will they shape her future forever?

Although Sylvia Fisher recognizes that most Old Order Amish women her age spend their hours managing a household and raising babies, she has just one focus—tending and nurturing the herd on her family’s dairy farm. But when a dangerous connection with an old beau forces her to move far from home, she decides to concentrate on a new start and pour her energy into reviving another family’s debt-ridden farm.

After months in rehab, Aaron Blank returns home to sell his Daed’s failing farm and move his parents into an easier lifestyle. Two things stand in his way: the father who stubbornly refuses to recognize that Aaron has changed and the determined new farmhand his parents love like a daughter. Her influence on Aaron’s parents could ruin his plans to escape the burdens of farming and build a new life.

Can Aaron and Sylvia find common ground? Or will their unflinching efforts toward opposite goals blur the bigger picture— a path to forgiveness, glimpses of grace, and the promise of love.

Would you like to win this copy?

To enter become a follower (if you are not already) and in the comments please tell me the name of a good book that you have read in the last 6 months, or tell me your favorite genre of books to read.

Open to residents of United States and Canada only.

Winner will be announced on Sunday, September 25th.

Mariliz

Post it Note Tuesday # 5–Repost

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:09:00 +0000

I originally did this post last September, I read it today and it made me laugh.

I think I need to bring Post-it note Tuesdays back.

But for now you can enjoy this memory.

Have you ever done this?

Thanks for stopping by.

Mariliz

Today’s thought

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:21:00 +0000

Mariliz

A little kindness goes a long way

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:57:00 +0000

Every morning I wake up and pray that I can show kindness and understanding.

Every single person we meet is going through some type of struggle, some struggles are larger than others, but everyone deserves kindness.

Take a moment and read this post over at Brave Girls Club it touched my heart.

I hope it touches yours as well!

Mariliz

At my feet

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:54:00 +0000

This is usually what it looks like when I’m sitting at my computer

(Sadie is missing from photo)

Could it be Fall?

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:01:00 +0000

Change is in the air, I can feel it.

I believe it just may be the time to break out the sweaters and boots.

I love Autumn, I everything about it – the smells – the colors – the clothes.

Oh how I love the clothes. Is there anything better than your favorite comfy sweater?

I think not.

Sweater by Macys.

or a cute shoe to wear…

moccasins just speak Fall to me,

In honor of todays cooler temperature and rainy weather

I’m making stuffed peppers for dinner.

The peppers are the last few from my garden.

I’m puttering around in my kitchen where I have a scented cranberry candle burning, and my bread dough is rising nicely and life is good!

Fall is in the air and I’m ready……Bring it on!

Mariliz

Days like these

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:29:00 +0000

Yesterday, I got to spend a fun filled day with these 2 awesome people!

Ava and Enzo are my best friend Lisa’s 2 younger children.

It’s hard to believe she has been gone a year and half already. I miss her everyday.

I love spending time with them, and see so much of Lisa in them, especially their laughter.

They are getting so big and it warms my heart to see these big happy smiles in these photos.

They had a really good time and I’m so happy that I was part of it. We went to the aquarium.

Ava and I shared a moment filled with giggles yesterday, and for a second, I was 7 years old again, laughing like I used to with her mom when we were children. I’m pretty sure I heard Lisa giggling with us.

I forgot my camera, thankfully my phone takes fairly decent photos.

We ended the day on good note….get it? (see photo below).

Ava and Enzo were drumming with a street musician.

Ava was freestylin it… using her lollipop.

During lunch Ava looked at me and said “you look just like my Mom”. It took my breath away, Lisa and I were often told we looked like sisters, but to hear that from Ava, there are no words.

It was the kind of day that you just want to freeze every moment and wrap them up with a big red bow and keep them safe forever.

Mariliz

Have you ever? I really did it this time

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:44:00 +0000

Have you ever done something really stupid and have no idea how to fix it?! My answers is …Why, YES… I certainly have!

Why can’t I just leave things alone?!

My friends list was acting up, so ….I went in, and was playing around with it, and I deleted it, like totally to the point where it actually ask you “are you sure you want to do this, it can not be undone”.

Of course, at that point, I had already had my speedy finger on the YES button, before I realized what I was doing!!

Now …I can’t get it back, when I try to add it…. I just get an error message saying the information has ben deleted.

My biggest worry is that since I deleted and it lost all my 167 followers – does that mean that those followers will no longer get my blog in Google reader?

If you were 1 of my fabulous 167 followers…can you please let me know if Mariliz’s Musings is still showing up in your reader.

Oh… and if anyone knows how to fix this ….please help!!

I promise I’ll never go in and pretend I know what I’m doing… deleting things …when clearly …I have no idea, ever again.

Thank you and carry on!

Update – I was able to add the Follower box back onto my Blog.

It has set my followers back to 0..

A simple woman’s daybook 1

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:33:00 +0000

8/30/11

Outside my window...the sun is shining and a wonderful breeze is flowing through the open window in my living room. I can smell the start of Autumn.

I am thinking...about how our lives are sometimes so interconnected with others. How we learn lessons from the most unexpected of ways.

I am thankful...for my family and friends and the sound of their laughter.

In the kitchen...everything is neat and tidy with a scented candle burning, carrying the scent throughout the house.

I am wearing...my yoga pants and tank top and bare feet.

I am creating...a baby quilt for a friend's new beautiful baby boy.

I am going...to take a walk around the neighborhood, as soon as I finish up this post.

I am wondering...why people are so quick to judge others.

I am reading...The harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall.

I am hoping...that my dog Max is not in pain. The vet has put him on steroids and they seem to be helping his breathing.

I am looking forward to...Fall, Pumpkins, and the leaves changing to their brilliant colors.

I am hearing...the birds singing right outside my window.

Around the house...The dogs are sleeping near my feet, it is quiet and peaceful.

I am pondering...how times passes so quickly and I have a few people I need to write a letter to.

One of my favorite things...the lovely breeze blowing through my window, it smells so fresh and clean.

A few plans for the rest of the week: working on the baby quilt, baking fresh bread, going to the farm for fresh vegetables.

Here is picture for a thought I am sharing...

A fresh breeze blowing through an open window, while listening to the birds singing.

I’m linking to http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Safe and sound

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:52:00 +0000

We made it through the hurricane safely. Thank you so much for all the prayers and kind words.

It was a little scary at times, especially with all the tornado watches that were around us.

We live on higher ground so we escaped flooding. Not everyone in this town was as lucky.

Here are a couple photos of our downtown area.

I have a busy week and really dirty floors, so I’ll catch up with you all soon!

Mariliz

Hunkering down for the hurricane

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 14:41:00 +0000

New Jersey is in a state of Emergency. Most of the shore towns have been evacuated. We live about 30 miles inland and should be fine.

It’s been a really strange week… 1st we felt the earthquake and now a hurricane. Both of these are very, very rare for NJ.

I went grocery shopping yesterday and it was a mad house, I’ve never seen it so crazy.

The bread shelves were completely empty and the milk was not far behind.

I picked up some flour and will be making some homemade bread, before we lose our electric. There is a 95% chance that we will lose electricity. Although we do have a generator so that we will be able to keep the refrigerator running and keep a few lights on.

I went to the library and picked up 7 books….Books and fresh bread. I think I’ll be just fine!

I’m looking forward to reading Little House on the Prairie again. The last time I read it was in Junior High. Love Laura Ingalls.

Mariliz

One year ago …..

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:12:00 +0000

I just re-read the post I did one year ago today.

It’s funny how some things change, yet others stay the same.

Fortunately, my husbands knee is feeling better.

As for the Red Velvet cake, well……….I just ordered it again for my birthday.

It really is that good.

The older I get, the more I appreciate the little things.

Life is sometimes hard. But it is also full of beautiful things…and if you stop for just a moment and appreciate them….they can take your breath away!

My oldest dog Max, is not doing well. He has cancer and the tumor is getting bigger. He is almost 14 and has had a good life.

I’m keeping him comfortable and spoiling him rotten.

Today I’m grateful for all the blessings in my life.

I’m missing the loved ones no longer here, and I’m loving those that are just a little bit more.

Life is short….

say what you need to say

be kind

stop complaining

Breath in and enjoy this moment

because one day it will just be a memory.

Mariliz

Sweet Sanctuary Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:33:00 +0000

Title

Sweet Sanctuary by Sheila Walsh & Cindy Martinusen Coloma

Summary

Out of the clear blue, Wren's Grandma Ruth arrives on her doorstep, dreaming of a grand party to celebrate her 90th birthday. Though she's glad to have Grandma back in her life, Wren's sleeping on the couch in her own house now and worried about the expenses piling up. After all, her job at the community library is in jeopardy after budget cuts, and the fancy music program she wants for her son is getting farther and farther out of reach.

My Review

This is the 1st Women of Faith book that I’ve read. I enjoyed the book. I think that the characters were well written, and the story is believable, although a little drawn out. There were times when I wondered why the author added certain events into the story, but it was an easy read and I really liked Fern and Charlie and most of the other characters in the story. I wanted things to work out for them.

I would recommend Sweet Sanctuary if you are looking an easy sweet story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

Free Shaklee Membership with Vitalizer purchase and Free Products

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 19:09:00 +0000

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A quiet Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Mariliz) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:49:00 +0000

The rain is falling slow and steady here today and the lawn and trees are very happy. The birds are as well, I have been listening to them all morning and they are making lots of noise out there.

I pulled a chair by the window in the dining room so Abby can look out the window.

She is bird watching and she will sit here for hours.

I mentioned that on Friday night we were planning on going to see a band that uses puppets in their act.

I wasn’t kidding! Here is the proof.

It was held at an American Legion. We met up with my sister and her husband there.

The puppets only came out for certain songs, it was entertaining for sure.

This is my sister and I

I also got the chance to reunite with my cousin that I have not seen in over 40 years, it was wonderful to see her. I do have some photos of that but I don’t want to post them without her consent.

Today we are resting as we had a busy weekend.

I did pick up my sewing machine yesterday, I’ve missed it terribly! It’s a good day to sew.

Mariliz