This Is a Good Time To...

Good Wednesday morning!

The Gallery Pics this morning are NOT of the beautiful, professional-looking centerpiece I had hoped would be in the middle of my dining room table. Nope. Oh, what a mess I have made. I didn't stick with the plan. Instead I bought a Swan Gourd and a multi-colored pumpkin, and... Well, you can see for yourself.

Let's just say the first item on my To-Do list has been shifted a bit.

20 GOALS COMPLETED IN A YEAR UPDATE - I wanted everyone to know I have made an appointment at Sips N Strokes for October 14 to paint a fall masterpiece. Technically, I am NOT supposed to be working on my goals before October 19 (the day I first started my blog), but I didn't want to paint a Polka Dot Cross. I want to paint the beautiful Fall Landscape. If that's the only adjustment I make to the 20 Goals, I will be pretty happy with myself!

RANDOMNESS #1 - I have learned something new about Mikie these past couple of days. The man has a major problem with chickens. I don't know if he had an unpleasant encounter with a laying hen as a child. I don't know if building a coop is just too much of a stretch for him at this particular time in his life. I DO know he eats a lot of chicken... because I cook a lot of chicken, you see.

He left the house this morning hysterically screaming, "NO! NO! NO! No chickens!" However, I think I'm wearing him down. When he comes home tonight, I'm not going to be wearing anything but a plaid shirt and some overalls. That should turn him around!

RANDOMNESS #2 - My walking buddy, Cam, pointed out my Picture of the Day today. I'll be going out a little later to photograph this little gem. Check Belinda's Project Life this evening to see what Cam picked out!

RANDOMNESS #3 - If you have the time today, I need a few more ideas for a House Name. Joan did an excellent job yesterday, but I wouldn't mind a little more input.

Mikie had a bad day yesterday. He was totally against naming our house, too. I don't know what has gotten into him lately!

After I put on my plaid shirt and overalls, I'm planning on churning some homemade butter. Mikie's like Paula Deen... butter makes everything better!

Wednesday Wisdom - I think the next few Wednesdays will feature quotes about one of the Fruits of the Spirit. Last week, the word was "kindness." This week, I've chosen "gentleness" as the word for the day.

"I learned that it is the weak who are cruel, and that gentleness is to be expected only from the strong." Leo Rosten

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness and nothing is so gentle as real strength." Ralph W. Sockman

"When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time." Saint Francis de Sales

There were many more quotes, and it was surprising to me how often the word "gentleness" was paired with the word "strength." Hmmm. Just a little food for thought this particular Wednesday!

This Is a Good Time To...

Today's Seasonal Tradition is a reminder of three PAST Seasonal Traditions. Tis the season to remember and practice these three very small acts of kindness.

Pumpkin Delivery - Since we all know the pumpkins are here, pick out a nice, plump pumpkin with your child or children and deliver it to an elderly neighbor's house for an outside decoration. A little splash of autumnal color will brighten anyone's front porch and spirits.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins - Bake a batch of Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins, and deliver them to several of your neighbors. Put two to four in a ziplock bag and drop those into a brown paper bag. If you have little ones, let them decorate the paper bags with stickers, markers, etc. before delivering. (If you don't want to look up the recipe under my sidebar, I'll be reposting the Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins recipe next Tuesday!)

Encouraging Wednesday - Today is Encouraging Wednesday. Pick a time each Wednesday to send a text, e-mail or call a relative, friend or acquaintance to offer a word of encouragement or compliment them in some small way.

These small acts of kindness are NOT time consuming. PICK ONE AND DO IT TODAY! You'll be glad you did! (And just so you know, I'll be doing at least one of these things today. I won't ask you to do anything I'm not willing to do myself!)

Have an unbelievably wonderful Wednesday. Linkage and dates are on the schedule for tomorrow. You will want to stop by if you have a chance.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda