What a drop dead gorgeous day this has been, the kind that reminds you of the line, “God’s in His heaven, all’s right with the world.” Although I’ve read similar ideas in other places, Stephen Covey mentions four dimensions of our selves that we need to dip into everyday if we want to be happy and truly effective, and I think the fact that I’ve managed to do this today is one reason for my high spirits.
The four areas are spiritual, physical, mental, and social/emotional, and here’s how I experienced them:
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Physical. I woke up rested, and that’s quite a blessing. To be able to sleep eight hours is such a rarity that I’d almost forgot how great it can feel. I ate lunch with my sister-in-law Lisa, and I ate my chicken salad on wheat bread and opted for fruit as a side. Mmmm. Those potato chips looked tempting, but I was into my physical “fourth” at that time. As soon as I post this, I’m going for a four-mile walk.
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Spiritual. I read a little in the Book of Mormon, specifically the chapters in Mosiah that include King Benjamin’s address. Then a read a few pages about prayer from Norman Vincent Peale’s book, The Power of Positive Thinking. Great stuff.
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Intellectual. I spent about 50 minutes reading and responding to blogs and to discussions posted by my online students. I’ve done a lot of thinking today too. Does that count?
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Social/emotional. I met Lisa in Columbia for lunch. Today is her birthday, and I wanted to spend some time with her and give her a cool gift. About that healthy lunch mentioned above, she talked me into sharing a luscious piece of the richest chocolate cake I have ever savored in my life. I felt a little gluttonous until she reminded me that we were celebrating. After parting company, I met my sister Ann and her daughter (Katherine) and granddaughter (Rachel) for some fun shopping at a thrift store with great buys and wonderful feng shui.
I think what’s made the day’s events especially special is the weather and the beauties of the changing seasons. Who can behold the changing leaves, feel the crisp air, and spy the orange pumpkins and not believe there’s a divine Creator?
mom's musings 
Was that lovely little thrift shop “THE RED DOOR?” My sister said you were going to bring your sister there. I hope you got some cool stuff. Well of course you did. It’s a cool place. I miss it already!
Yes, that lovely little thrift shop was none other than The Red Door. I love the the “feel” of the place and way Jan so artfully arranges her merchandise. Yesterday my favorite purchase was a strand of 16″ vintage pearls for $3. I LOVE them and am wearing them right this moment.
You always remind me of books I haven’t paid much attention to recently. I looked and must have that book in the other room…
Jayne, I have to confess, I love thrift shops and flea markets! Now we know what to do…are you anywhere near Pickens? I have never been but understand there are some great shops and flea mkts there. I usually go to Athens but a change will be great! ;-)) Do youlike flea mkts? I know a lot of people have negative vibes in their mind but there are some super-nice vendors…
Sorry, I was talking about “The Power of Positive Thinking” and I must commend you for FOUR MILES!?!?!
God Bless You and Keep You Healthy, Jayne!!
I like thrift shops better than flea markets, but it depends on the particular flea market. Some are big and kind of junky, but I’ve never been to a thrift shop I didn’t like. I think it’s because the merchandise often has a history attached to it even though I might not know what it is.
I live in the Midlands and will write more about this in an email.
Yes, I love the historical spin, as well, but, am cautious b/c of a measuring cup set I bought! ;-))
I know what you mean and have seen retail stores that look crummy…I have been to some flea mkts while on a road trip where I was afraid to touch things b/c it was so dirty. I usually go to Athens and it’s nice. There’s a woodworking shop whose owner is a craftsman with a biz in Athens, a furniture store (also an extension of a biz), candle shops, etc. i love to go during the holidays!
We have a craft shop at the Senior Citizen’s Center and I go there b/c the elderly are so sweet but also b/c all the money from the craft store goes back to the center.The thrift shops here are okay, although there is one that has cool stuff!
We need to do a little research about the best thrift shops and flea markets to shop in between where you live and where I live, and then we could get together and do some Christmas shopping. I’m all about bargains.