Rest and Rejuvenation
Have you ever spent an entire weekend doing nothing? I know! Most of our life we never really find time for ourselves---well in a way that is totally devoted to doing nothing for yourself that is. Rest and relaxation---and dare I say rejuvenation---are things we only long for. They often seem so distant.
However, I had this rather unique opportunity this past weekend! A friend invited me to their house for the weekend. House of course is putting it mildly. Mansion more like it----at least to me. The house was built around this lady's music room---which is full of Italian style pictures and a high acoustical ceiling, perfect for the musician! I had my own room and bathroom, with a small kitchenette area. My room was so spacious and beautiful, with floor to ceiling windows and draperies. My bathtub had a whirlpool, which I took advantage of Saturday morning.
Well, let me start from the beginning. I went out (and I mean I got away from Schaumburg---far out) to my friends' home Friday night for dinner and wonderful company. We drank tea, sang through my music, talked, and finally turned in for bed. I woke up Saturday morning to a beautiful, but windy day with no plans on the horizon to really talk about. Just a casual day. I ate my breakfast, laid back down, then made my way downstairs to the kitchen for some tea. I soon was favored with their company. We all sat down at the kitchen table, which looks out to a spacious back yard and lakefront view and caught up on life. At times we fell quiet, merely staring out the window into the beautiful view. I htought of my family so many times. I could see my mom, dad, and Alyssa glancing out the windows looking at the very two cardinals I was looking at. A male and a female. And it is interesting how together, the male brings out the absolute beauty of the brownish red female. How perfectly they were created for each other, to complete and compliment! I could see my nephews and niece playing at the edge of the lake, looking for frogs and fish! I could see Stacye and Chad walking around the lake, pondering a ride in the canoes and making fun of the geese! I could see Sheri and Jake sitting in the library, reading about tea and watching a show from the large screen TV. I could just see it all! What peace I felt! And what a view, what peace, what a glorious creation. And I got to experience it all.
Following my morning chat, I promptly went to meet a friend for tea at Tea Geschwendner. I just love tea. I had Desert Moon Green Tea and Pink Grapefruit Green Tea, both shared with my friend, Natalie, and her little girl, Haley (also my newest student).
Following tea, I went "home." I was STARVING. Joe promptly fixed me eggs, toast, and fruit! It was wonderful! Following lunch, the four of us went for target practice. Yes, I will admit, one of my hobbies is shooting guns. It is a rare opportunity, but I do try to get it onw whenever I can! I love the thrill of it! I didn't do to bad either. Got better with each shot during that hour.
Our trip to Cabella's was fascinating. If you have never been, you have to go! What a store. Or museum. Or well, it's huge and diverse! I saw some of the most massive stuffed animals from the wild than I have ever seen before---elephants, zebras, gazelles, lions! Another place my family would absolutely LOVE!
Following Cabella's we went home to a time of singing, chatting, and nothingness! And of course, more tea.
Dinner was fabulous! WE grilled out! I of course, the health freak that I am, had brought my Boca Burger. Yes, I was made fun of. While everyone else enjoyed rather large Ground Beef Burgers, I rather enjoyed, I must say, my Soy-based---rather small--but filling---Boca burger topped with cucumber, tomato, and grilled onion! YUMMY! My favorite. All this with raw veggies! Later we all splurged on air popped popcorn.
Speaking of which. I am fascinated with air popping popcorn now! I am so going to buy one. I am really into the art and time invested in doing things like this----I now grind my own coffee beans, steep my own tea, make my own hummus, and will soon air pop my own popcorn! I really believe there is something to be said about taking the time to do things like this and enjoy the art of it. It forces you to relax a bit!
Sunday morning was again wonderful. After getting ready for church and the day, I just sat and stared out the window. It is funny what times like this do to you. I literally found myself just enjoying the clarity of thought and peace of mind that I was experiencing. Something I had not felt in such a long time due to the stress and pace of life. What a memorable weekend. What a valuable time in my life! It will truly be remembered in the future. It has already affected my music by giving me mental images and dreamy thoughts. And how best to spend it then with loving and God-given friends. How blest I am!
However, I had this rather unique opportunity this past weekend! A friend invited me to their house for the weekend. House of course is putting it mildly. Mansion more like it----at least to me. The house was built around this lady's music room---which is full of Italian style pictures and a high acoustical ceiling, perfect for the musician! I had my own room and bathroom, with a small kitchenette area. My room was so spacious and beautiful, with floor to ceiling windows and draperies. My bathtub had a whirlpool, which I took advantage of Saturday morning.
Well, let me start from the beginning. I went out (and I mean I got away from Schaumburg---far out) to my friends' home Friday night for dinner and wonderful company. We drank tea, sang through my music, talked, and finally turned in for bed. I woke up Saturday morning to a beautiful, but windy day with no plans on the horizon to really talk about. Just a casual day. I ate my breakfast, laid back down, then made my way downstairs to the kitchen for some tea. I soon was favored with their company. We all sat down at the kitchen table, which looks out to a spacious back yard and lakefront view and caught up on life. At times we fell quiet, merely staring out the window into the beautiful view. I htought of my family so many times. I could see my mom, dad, and Alyssa glancing out the windows looking at the very two cardinals I was looking at. A male and a female. And it is interesting how together, the male brings out the absolute beauty of the brownish red female. How perfectly they were created for each other, to complete and compliment! I could see my nephews and niece playing at the edge of the lake, looking for frogs and fish! I could see Stacye and Chad walking around the lake, pondering a ride in the canoes and making fun of the geese! I could see Sheri and Jake sitting in the library, reading about tea and watching a show from the large screen TV. I could just see it all! What peace I felt! And what a view, what peace, what a glorious creation. And I got to experience it all.
Following my morning chat, I promptly went to meet a friend for tea at Tea Geschwendner. I just love tea. I had Desert Moon Green Tea and Pink Grapefruit Green Tea, both shared with my friend, Natalie, and her little girl, Haley (also my newest student).
Following tea, I went "home." I was STARVING. Joe promptly fixed me eggs, toast, and fruit! It was wonderful! Following lunch, the four of us went for target practice. Yes, I will admit, one of my hobbies is shooting guns. It is a rare opportunity, but I do try to get it onw whenever I can! I love the thrill of it! I didn't do to bad either. Got better with each shot during that hour.
Our trip to Cabella's was fascinating. If you have never been, you have to go! What a store. Or museum. Or well, it's huge and diverse! I saw some of the most massive stuffed animals from the wild than I have ever seen before---elephants, zebras, gazelles, lions! Another place my family would absolutely LOVE!
Following Cabella's we went home to a time of singing, chatting, and nothingness! And of course, more tea.
Dinner was fabulous! WE grilled out! I of course, the health freak that I am, had brought my Boca Burger. Yes, I was made fun of. While everyone else enjoyed rather large Ground Beef Burgers, I rather enjoyed, I must say, my Soy-based---rather small--but filling---Boca burger topped with cucumber, tomato, and grilled onion! YUMMY! My favorite. All this with raw veggies! Later we all splurged on air popped popcorn.
Speaking of which. I am fascinated with air popping popcorn now! I am so going to buy one. I am really into the art and time invested in doing things like this----I now grind my own coffee beans, steep my own tea, make my own hummus, and will soon air pop my own popcorn! I really believe there is something to be said about taking the time to do things like this and enjoy the art of it. It forces you to relax a bit!
Sunday morning was again wonderful. After getting ready for church and the day, I just sat and stared out the window. It is funny what times like this do to you. I literally found myself just enjoying the clarity of thought and peace of mind that I was experiencing. Something I had not felt in such a long time due to the stress and pace of life. What a memorable weekend. What a valuable time in my life! It will truly be remembered in the future. It has already affected my music by giving me mental images and dreamy thoughts. And how best to spend it then with loving and God-given friends. How blest I am!
posted by Shellie @ 11:55 AM
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