Things I No Longer Do

1. I no longer own more than three sets of sheets for our bed. Gone are the days of sheets for every holiday and season. I now have three sets of sheets, all white. I don't have the energy for a closet full of chaos anymore.

2. I no longer allow myself to feel any sort of way about the life I choose to live. I realize now that I can live my life the way I choose, and others are free to criticize me for that if they feel the need.

3. I no longer care if something is marked "Not Dishwasher Safe." I will take my chances.

4. I no longer vacuum because it is Friday. I like lists and make them, but I don't let them override my common sense. If the floor isn't dirty, it doesn't need to be cleaned. This realization is a perk of aging, and I am here for it.

5. I no longer watch the news daily. I do not need that kind of negativity in my life. News spreads quickly, and if something happens that I need to know, I can check in then. Or not.

6. I no longer worry about repairing relationships that drained the life right out of me. Trying to support, comfort, and be there for someone unable or unwilling to do the same for you is toxic, and it is really alright to admit that, wish them well, and move forward.

7. I no longer apologize or downplay my superpower. I own it.

8. I no longerhave to put the house to bed at night. I have a sweet teenage daughter who folds all the blankets, arranges the pillows, unplugs the lights, empties the dishwasher, and takes out the trash after I go to bed. And I am thankful.

9. I no longer deny that my hero, my inspiration, is no other than Mother Bear. She is everything I want to be. Well, except for the not being human part. 

Happy Wednesday!

Billie Jo

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends. Are you buried in snow from the It-Came-Out-Of-Nowhere Blizzard of 2026? I mean, sometimes we hear about a snowstorm for ten days before we get a flake. This time, I looked at our forecast on Friday, and it said there was a possibility of snow. Yesterday, it said we would be having a blizzard! And, indeed, we are! I hope you are safe and sound and cozy as can be. 

We did lose power last night, so I did what I thought was best: I went to bed. When I woke this morning, I found the power restored, and I was thankful. Backing up to this past weekend, before the snow appeared, we set out to the condo and got a delicious take-out fish fry to commemorate the first Friday of Lent. Because that is what one does on Fridays of Lent, right?

Saturday morning found me awake, witnessing a most beautiful sight, reminding me that, despite all the ugliness in the world, I have the opportunity to find peace and calm if I just glance up and look. 

Steve went for a walk on what he called a most perfect day for a walk on the beach. 

Meanwhile, Marty and I had other plans. Very important ones that involved not walking on the beach. : ) Do you see what I am wearing? Do you have any of them? I have a few of these that I absolutely love, but I don't know what they're called. They are like a dress, but not dressy, more cozy. They aren't pajamas or a nightgown. I wear them after I shower if I am not going anywhere, or before I go, so my clothes don't wrinkle. So, there's that. Oh, did I mention cozy?

Flynn was out with Steve, so I wanted her to know her pup was in good hands.

Well, that is all for this snowy Monday morning, my friends. Please stay safe and warm. And cozy, of course. Today, Flynn and I will do our homeschooling, which currently involves Algebra, Chemistry, World History, Literature, Grammar, and Art History. Dinner is undecided as of yet, but I think it will involve chicken.

Have a wonderful Monday, my friends. Thank you for visiting, and for your comments. I appreciate your friendship!

BillieJo

Friday Of A Festive Week

This week was filled to the brim, I tell you. And yet, oddly enough, I have very few photos to share with you. Here is a picture I previously shared of our Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday. I am still thinking about that King Cake.

Wednesday, of course, was Ash Wednesday, and no, I never did find my purple cloth, but I did find one I like better!

Last night, we celebrated the Lunar New Year! We had our favorite Chinese takeout and fortune cookies for dessert.

Throw in some Olympics watching, and we had a full week. Celebrating these special days is different each year. Sometimes it is elaborate, other times it is thrown together at the last minute with whatever supplies I have in my holiday cupboard. What doesn't change is the fun we have as a family, celebrating special days. 

Other notable events this week? I am praying with the Hallow App this Lent, and according to their website, we will " Journey through The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky. Together, we'll let go of what holds us back, return home to the Lord, and let Him send us out as His hands and feet." Although you don't need the book, Peyton and I couldn't wait to get started with it!

We homeschooled this week, of course, and this little guy was always ready to get started. He sits behind me on my chair every single day.

And is ready for our afternoon couch time after school, too. 

Have a nice weekend, my friends. It will be quiet here. We are heading to the condo for the weekend. Plans are uncertain, but may or may not include swimming, napping, reading, game-playing, and movie-watching. 

Happy Weekend!

Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo

Pinterest for the reminder.

From Mardi Gras Into Lent

Hello, my friends! Well, even though it feels to me like I just took down the Christmas tree, I find that Lent 2026 is here. Before the fast, however, comes the fun, right? Yesterday, after homeschool, Flynn and I set the table for our Mardi Gras celebration. I truly believe the Mardi Gras party supplies I purchased from Party City almost fifteen years ago were the single best purchase ever. These beads and coins are almost as old as Flynn! The plastic tablecloths come and go, but the beads and coins? Treasures! 

I printed off some fun name tags and games and made sure to send Peyton a picture to let her know I was wearing her beads! 

We had the easiest and most delicious Jambalaya and corn muffins for dinner.

And Madison and Flynn made our version of King Cake...MonkeyBread...for dessert...

Peyton sent us a picture of her homemade cinnamon rolls! 

Today, Mardi Gras is packed up for another year, and we move into the holy season of Lent in our home. Last night, after I wiped all the King Cake crumbs from the table, I set out the Lenten display I chose for this year. ( Still missing is the beautiful purple cloth I usually put under the crown of thorns. Must have gotten lost in the move. Which, by the way, is my excuse for anything I can't find these days! ) Sitting here this morning, I am struck by the symbolism of that small task. Wiping the table is like wiping my heart before I begin this prayerful time of year. Just as I wanted my table to be clean before I set out a new display, I want my heart to be wiped clean as I begin my Lenten journey. The fact is, however, that this table will not remain spotless. We use it daily for meals, schoolwork, and games. Things will get messy, just as they do in life, but each time, I can wipe it clean and tidy it up. Lent is like life, I suppose. It is long and messy at times. But totally worth it at the end.

Have a cozy Wednesday, my friends. 

Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo