September Wrapped Up..

..and with a bow on top. I have put together my complete Learn Something New Every Day project and here it is:

It started out as this box

and now each day has a little card of journalling slipped inside an envelope.

It's been a great class and I'll miss those prompts arriving in my inbox every morning. The big thing it has taught me, I think, is to be more mindful, more alert to the little things that make up a whole day. Learning doesn't have to be big. Little can be perfectly fine.

Most of my stories are only little, after all. Lately I've had a few of you ask me if I'm ever tempted to add or embroider to make a better tale. The answer is a definite No! Every conversation is a true one.

Every happening has happened. In this house I don't need to put words in anyone else's mouth. They all have more than enough of their own. But what I do do, is write things down as soon as I can I have a very dangerous notebook and I use it a lot. On Monday, for example, I wrote " I was doing a bit of vacuuming the other day when I spotted a gin bottle under the desk in the dining room" (because I just had) and then I added "This came as a bit of surprise" (because it did). Now, this might become part of a story about our Autumn hedgerow harvest, or it might never appear again. I don't know yet. I'm going to do a bit more listening every day before I decide. Then you'll be the first to know. Hey, Listening Every Day: do you think there's a class in that?

Today I'm Loving..a new cookery blog I found. It was the name which drew me in.  A Sofa In The Kitchen. Love it.

Learn Something New Every Day 18-23

It's hard to believe that we are moving into the last few days of this project. Until you step outside and feel the chill in the air and realise that September really is drawing to a close. But then that means we are a bit closer again to Journal Your Christmas, and that has to be a good thing!

I have six more of my little cards for you today:

On the 18th September I pulled last year's raincoat out of the cupboard and learned that buying a coat you love (even if it costs more than you want to think about) is never a waste if it looks like new the second time around. On the 19th September I got back to basics and learned that checking a recipe, even if you are sure you are right, can be a useful, enlightening thing to do.

My 20th and 21st September days fit together nicely. As I unveiled my new blog look, I learned that the way I see my style and the way it is seen by other people isn't always the same thing. That was interesting. It made me think about the gap between internet perceptions and real life, and how to narrow that divide. The only way to do it, I guess, is to continue to try to write in my own voice and to create in my own way. With no regrets.

On 22nd I learned..no, alright then, I confirmed what I already knew. September has always been my month for "new". It always makes me feel like ringing in the new year and starting over and I love it. On 23rd September I was on the lookout for something I shouldn't forget. How about: not putting lack of energy down to impending old age, but getting your iron levels checked instead. Works for me.

Learn Something New Every Day 12-17

My week:

On 12th September I woke up to learn that trying to set a sleeve into a jumper when you are tired is never going to work. You have to unpick it and start over. I won't do that again in a hurry. On 13th September I thought about how I tend to leave anything new I want to try until the house is quiet and I have time to think. That means my concentrated learning happens during the week and my chance discoveries at weekends.

On 14th September I looked in the mirror and discovered that I really needed to go to the hairdressers. Why don't I ever make my next appointment when I'm there? I keep telling myself that's what I'm going to do and I never follow it through. On 15th September I took a break. Time for a breather; and I learned (again) that a day away with a dear friend is time very well spent.

On 15th September I thought about how a daily reminder was helping me to be more mindful of what I was doing. I'm doing as much observing as learning. Sometimes both. And it's good. On 16th September I allowed myself a liitle smile, because having a small something to look forward to is already one of my specialities. I flick through TV listings to see what is going to happen; the first page I read in any magazine is always "coming next month"; and kit club sneak peeks? Love 'em.

So we are over half way through now and I've just noticed that my cards seem to be getting more autumnal looking as we move through the month. Funny, that. Happy Sunday!

Learn Something New Every Day 6-11

My week:

On 6th September I learned that kids have an unending ability to teach you new things if you'll let them. Life is a lot more fun if you let yourself be the student sometimes. On 7th September I was on the lookout for something new to learn when I realised I already had one in hand. Enjoying the ride is just as important as reaching the destination.

On 8th September I decided to finally accept that grocery shopping is a never ending task. When I was ill many years ago and got better, I relished a trip to the supermarket as a sign of recovery. I need to relearn that feeling instead of complaining. On 9th September I learned to be grateful for the opportunites my kids have that I didn't. A trip to the orthodontist and a parent/student careers convention. I could have done with both of those.

On 10th September I learned again that you don't need to spend every minute of the day on worthy or improving activities. When The Accountant is off on a Friday he always shows me the benefits of a bit of relaxation and lazing around. On 11th September I was determined to learn something I have been putting off. How to really sew up a knitted sweater properly. On the right side. No back stitch. I think I've cracked it.

Postscript: I'm doing the Pass The Book Draw on Tuesday morning, so you still have time to check that out. Sandi has last months book on offer here if you would like to be in on that one too. And, finally, anyone reading in Bloglines, please don't forget to switch to Google Reader before the end of the month!

Learn Something New Every Day 1-5

In the end I couldn't resist. Once I started seeing everyone else's beautiful projects, my idea of simply keeping a diary suddenly didn't seem like enough. I wanted to join in properly. Then I remembered a little box of gift cards and envelopes I've had sitting around for about twenty years. Really, twenty years. You can tell by looking at it:

And so my project started to take shape:

Day One. Mostly MME and Sassafras papers with OA alphas

Today I learned the surprising effects of furniture rearranging. Moving the kitchen table and putting the laptop on "a desk" has made me feel a lot more productive.

Today I learned that putting your feet up and having a rest can be counted as a worthwhile activity if you aren't feeling too good.

Today I learned that it is possible to get in and out of Ikea in an hour. When you don't feel great, but you know exactly what you want. One grey bookcase.

I'll glue the decorative bit to the front of each envelope and slip the journalling cards inside. Then it can all go back into the box - which still needs a bit of work. Obviously.

Postscript: Many, many thanks to Eleanor and RachelB who have both been kind enough to award me The Cherry On The Top Award since I posted about it last. It's much appreciated! Lots of you have asked about my Last Night Party story - it's really a Christmas tale, so we'll see. When the time is right..And finally, look out for September's Pass The Book. Coming on Tuesday.