Porcupine Quills

[Oakdale Summerfest in Oakdale, MN. Taken on Friday June 23, 2018.]

Tuesday's Tune: Human

This song, "Human" by Human League, is a total blast from the past.  I actually really love this song. Seriously, I really do love this song because the lyrics have always resonated with me, even before I made my own mistakes in love.  And since having made and learned from my mistakes, I've learned to appreciate the lyrics even more.

This song is really about forgiveness (despite the repeating chorus saying that it's human to make mistakes) and probably the reason why I love the song so much.  This song specifically focuses on asking forgiveness from those we've wronged, however, I also want to highlight that sometimes we should also seek to forgive ourselves for the mistakes we've made. 

For example, I've realized that I have no control over whether the person I've wronged will ever forgive me (forgiveness may never come).  Yet, I do have control over whether I will forgive myself. Sometimes the person I've wronged had already forgiven me but I still am harboring guilt and shame (in other words, I haven't forgiven myself). That is why it's so important for me to also forgive myself for the mistakes I've made, to figure out what the lesson(s) that I needed to learn, and to give myself permission to move forward with life. It's hard emotionally, but once I'm done, it's also freeing.

What do you think about this song?  Have you asked for forgiveness lately?  Have you forgiven yourself for the mistakes you've made?

Tbd

Dreary and Rainy

Despite the record heat that we are having here (and everywhere else in the US), it's also been cloudy, dreary, and rainy.  Today, its been dreary and rainy (with lots of thunder), yet, I actually don't mind this weather. Since I've been home-bound for the last few months, the rain gives me another reason to be indoors.

I feel bad when it's sunny out and I can't take my oldest outside to enjoy the beautiful day.  I'm also thankful for the rainy weather because it naturally waters our garden and the lawn.  Also, these days are great to cuddle with my kids and to have them slow down a bit, even if they don't fully understand the concept.

Here's to great weather in your 'hood.  What do you think about dreary and rainy weather?

My Field of Tulips

[Taken May 12, 2017.] 

Baby Quilts

Since having my children, I've realized that one can't have too many blankets.  I appreciate and love all the gifted blankets, but it's the handmade quilts that we'll be keeping for a very long time. Seriously, a handmade quilt just can't be easily thrown away (at least not for me) and we really do cherish the ones that were gifted to our children.

My first son received two handmade quilts (one from my friend and the other one from his father's friend) and my youngest also received two quilts (one from my friend and one from me).  They've been adorned in the boys' bassinet, but haven't really been put to proper use.  I'm hoping that once they get older, the quilts can be used as intended, and they can appreciate how much love and thought were put into each quilt.

(You might recognize the yellow quilt in the second picture.  If you don't, then this post might jog your memory.)

Do you have a favorite quilt or handmade item that means a lot to you?