May 1st: Lord, thank You for the breath 🌬️ that bringing me into a new month 📅; I release what’s behind me and trust You with what’s ahead.
Order my steps 🦶, guard my heart 💖, and fill my days with Your peace 🗓️🪔 Today, let me be a lighter version of me. A softer presence ✨
Today begins my Sabbath Rest & nothing is going to upset me.
Give me strength 💪 for what I face, faith 🙏 for what I can’t see, and courage 🦁 to walk boldly in Your purpose. Remind me, Lord, that healing 🩹 can change me without destroying me 💎
I woke up to sunshine warmth ☀️ - the Day looked promising.
The scent of hazelnut flavored coffee filled the rooms as it dripped into my waiting coffee mug - and it made my taste buds happy as I savored every sip ☕️ The quiet morning was soft and cozy … the perfect, [necessary thing] start to a Friday Shabbat Day.
As I was finishing my coffee, Holland made an appearance saying he had to get some things in town; and would I like to go with him. Well, I needed some things in town too, so I said I would. He had himself a cup of coffee ☕️ while I prepared to meet the public 💄🎨 I don't wear makeup at home because that's the time I give my face a break from makeup chemicals & my hair a break from curling irons: today, the temple was adorned - not garishly, but with notable improvements 😉
Going light on the makeup - trying to find a 'fit' for my gray hair.
First stop for both of us, was The Country Village 🛒🛍️, where Holland got some Curamin pain relief tablets. I grabbed some Beet Powder & Nutritional Yeast to put some pep in my steps & some strength in my weak blood, and strengthen my bones. A chunk of change 💵 was dropped - a healthy life does not come cheap.
The Country Village Nutrition Store; #1052 Washington Way, Longview, WA
As we were leaving the parking lot, I saw my BIL Kerry, walking into the building 👋, so Holland pulled over so I could talk with him for a few minutes. It was good to see Kerry 😁, find out when the great-grandbaby will arrive 👶, & hug him. Holland finally got a look at him (Holland has heard me mention Kerry, a lot, during conversations at Oak Point - and since we married) & Kerry saw the man I married - I had told Kerry about my remarriage after coming back from Reno, but the 2 men had not met; today, they did 👀
Then, we drove a few streets over to grab a chinese lunch to eat. I ordered 2 lunches to go 🥢🍜, & we ate them at the Gerhart Gardens Park (it sounds fancier than it actually is), just off the freeway.
The Golden Palace Chinese Restaurant; #1245 14th Ave, Longview, WA
I like the huge lacquered floor screen, as soon as you walk through the door.
It must be under new ownership because it doesn't look ratty, anymore; when we had lunch here with Jake about 4 years ago, it was looking kinda dumpy - & we were all surprised because it's normally a nice place to eat. I'm glad it's looking clean & comfortable, again.
Gerhart Gardens Park; #40 Tenant Way, Longview, WA
Holland spent a lot of time fishing at this Park & Bob's youngest brother Kerry, also spent a lot of time at this Park in the 1980's. It's basically just a small paved parking lot alongside the Cowlitz River, with a boat ramp. There is a lonely swing set in the center, but that's it. This Park is definitely a "guy thing".
Gerhart Gardens Park, Longview-WA
It was nice to sit and watch the river while we ate. The Day was pleasantly warm, the sunshine 🌞 very welcome, the food was delish 🥢🍜, & we managed to spend time together without tension 🤝: it was great 😊 - a necessary thing. It was nice to spend time with my husband that did not include an argument about his family. The music 💿🎸🎵 filling Betsy's cab 🚘, was the only aggressive point of the Day.
Message in a cookie~Do you think? LOL
Metallica - 'Wherever I May Roam' lyrics:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZyfy2SHCNg&list=RDvZyfy2SHCNg&start_radio=1)
Back home again, I put my nutritional goodies away; listened to some uplifting music as my Island of Rest came into play - and infused my home with peaceful vibes.
Goodies I picked up at the 'Country Village' Health Food Store, in Longview.
I love my 24-hour period of Rest ⏰🎯 … where there is a deliberate & conscious separation 🚧 from the world's entrapments 🌎🌍❌
My mind 🧠 can rest.
My spirit can breathe easy 🕊️
My heart isn't constantly bracing for chaotic upheavals 😵💫
My Shabbat Rest Period ✡️🕯️✝️ is a necessary thing 😇
While I settled into my period of rest, I noticed a bag of cotton yarn scraps 🧶 laying around, and got to thinking of how they could be used 🤔; that led me to designing ✍️ & crafting ✂️ several colorful pouches ✅ that I can slip my asthma inhaler into & attach to my wrist watch; matching my design to the clothing in my closet 👌
Small balls of yarn remnants sparked creativity.
Bringing the pattern together …
While I enjoyed the music 💻🌐🎶 and the peace coziness; I was thankful that my fingers are still nimble enough to provide me with contented activity 🧶🧵✂️ I am grateful for the blessing & the provision.
MOD Crochet Asthma Inhaler Pouch; Castle Rock-WA:
(https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2026/05/mod-crochet-asthma-inhaler-pouch-castle.html)
I remember my Grandmother Brockway - she made things; clothing, household doodads, gifts, ect. We didn't call it "crafting" because she always made things needful: we called it "necessity". When I do my necessary work, I keep her memory alive, & I am comforted.
This kind of life may look simple from the outside - but it is everything on the inside; and a calm inside 💓 is what matters the most.
So, as a new month opens up & unfolds 📅, I'm moving into it with hope & purpose ☝️ Asking Elohim to cover me with His grace. To guide me by His hand. And to fill my Life with His favor 🧎🏼♀️🕊️🤲
Trusting in His Plan & Yeshua's healing touch: a very necessary thing.
Amen 💕
