Author: Arla

This beautiful house is falling down. The whole homestead of old buildings are falling in. But what they once were, can still be seen. The place needs a poet's observations, which I am not. Look at that archway. I want to polish it and put a vase of flowers on the table beyond it in… Continue reading Old House in the Woods

Today is a good day to create hygge wherever you are. Because it's cold and muddy and there are flurries in the wind. It's the kind of day that one doubts because the sunshine of yesterday that promised spring, is gone again. The forecast says single digit degrees are coming in the wind that howls… Continue reading Hygge

It's spring now. Even during March there are evidences. In case you're doubtful because we still get new snow often and each morning you still find yourself feeding the woodstove or turning up the thermostat, I wish to declare to you that I have proof. The robins are back. Honestly, it has to be tough… Continue reading Spring March

There are 100 calories in 16, stuffed, green olives. And a mere handful of nuts will easily add to your tally an additional 200 calories. The cleanest, clearest ice formed in nature is falling out of the trees today... Leftovers of our weekend ice storm. The highly functional person in your life out performing you… Continue reading Things To Know

We went to a funeral of an old friend today. I think the obituary was the nicest I have ever heard in my life. The funeral was nice too, if I may say so. There were thoughtful hymns sung with old fashioned theology that I haven't thought of for years. I'm not sure I understood… Continue reading Musings

Forecasters are predicting a foot of snow to accumulate by tomorrow evening. It's a perfect day to keep a fire going in the cook stove. As long as the tea kettle sings or hums, I know that there's a sustainable fire going on in there. Silence means that I've allowed the kettle to go dry… Continue reading Snowy Day

I enjoy February, grey skies, blahs, and all. It's the best kind of recess after the big Holidays and winter illnesses, but before the rush of taxes, seed starting, and summer plans. I often go ahead with taxes and garden sketching in February, but the point is that I could put them off and still… Continue reading Home in February

Lately, I've been writing ten things I am grateful for, in my journal, every day. Of course, in my small world themes and the same things are bound to show up over and over on these lists. Surprisingly though, the more I do it the more specific and detailed I can be. Evidently this exercise… Continue reading Ten Things

Sometimes I feel discouraged. I mean, I AM discouraged with my need of the reminder to be thankful and gracious. Maybe you have this thing nailed for good. I don't. I feel anxious about what people think about our decisions or lack thereof. I worry about timing of events that involve us or our family.… Continue reading Graciousness, Again

It could be a dull January day, convalescing alone at home. My steamer purrs companionably or drearily depending on my attitude. The sun can't decide what to do and keeps hiding, but the sky that's showing behind the clouds is brilliantly blue. I've been detailing instead of moping. Detailing at homemaking is doing those little… Continue reading Details, Home Stuff