This blog contains my thoughts and feelings only. It IS titled, "The Daily Life of Carol: My Thoughts, Rants & Raves." They do not represent those of anyone else. While I still can't imagine how my little blog is making the rounds locally, it is mine and mine only. If you are going to be offended or feel it necessary to whine or complain to those completely unassociated to me and my blog, stop reading and find something else to do with your time.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Community Yard Sale

Our community yard sale is April 10 and 11, 2015. I considered joining in this year. I absolutely hate yard sales. People like to negotiate price. I don't. If it is $2, then pay $2 instead of saying "I'll give you $1.25." It's a $50 item! Okay, fine, $1.25. "Thanks. Can you break a $20?" Aaaaahhhhhh!! 

Once I was visiting a sister when they were holding a yard sale. The sign clearly said it started at 8:00 a.m. A guy rang their doorbell at 6:00 a.m.! They did not have their tables set up, but he saw something in their carport he wanted. Crazy bargain hunters stalking neighborhoods looking for old stuff. I just do not understand......

Since the notification of the dates, I read a particularly good blog about cleaning out the closet. [Sorry, I can't remember which blog.] Start by removing items of your favorite clothing. Then, add good, comfortable useful items (including seasonal clothing). Anything left that is not comfortable, old, disrepair, etc., you get rid of. Perhaps the article ended with keeping only 100 pieces of clothing. I'm not sure.

Anyway, I got the idea to give away 100 items, including old furniture. So, I sent out the word among the family first. I have a niece who is taking a coffee table, wing chair, and entryway piece. Yay! Next is an old, large, leather couch. That couch will be "free to a good home," probably listed on Craigslist. There is also a large, very heavy china cabinet we received from Jeff's parents. It is a beautiful piece, but it's too large for anywhere except a spot in the living room and we're going to put up shelves. I cannot imagine how anyone is going to haul that away.

I started sorting through cupboards and closets. It was easier than expected, like sorting through purses. Some I haven't used in years. So, the hunt continues as I add other items to the pile. I am not looking forward to the yard sale, but I am glad to declutter.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Book Review: A Year of Living Prayerfully by Jared Brock

I just finished reading and rereading A Year of Living Prayerfully: How a Curious Traveler Met the Pope, Walked on Coals, Danced with Rabbis, and Revived His Prayer Life by Jared Brock. He's an amusing storyteller so his book was fun and interesting. My prayer life before Jared's book was dismal. He has truly inspired me. Whether you pray or not, Jared's book is entertaining as he explores Judeo-Christian prayer traditions around the world. I highly recommend his book.

From Amazon.com, here are a few of Jared's adventures:
* Dances with Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn;
* Discovers the 330-year-old home of Brother Lawrence;
* Burns his clothes at the end of the Camino de Santiago;
* Attends the world's largest church in Seoul;
* Visits Westboro Baptist Church;
* Tries to stay out of trouble in North Korea;
* Attempts fire walking (with only minor burns).

Friday, March 21, 2014

Book Review: The Traherns, Collection #1 by Nancy Radke

The Traherns, Collection #1 of Western Historical Novellas is an amazing series of books by Nancy Radke at the historical time when everyone was traveling by wagon train to the West for free land and gold. I'm speechless. There are no words to adequately describe how awesome these books are. Each is a stand-alone novella, but they are woven together. I recommend reading them in order. It is easy with this set, books #1-7. They're based on The Trahern family, their family and friends. I really enjoyed these people and cheered for them during the happy and sad times. Thankfully, Nancy has continued this series, and currently the books at numbered up to #12.

Nancy Radke is a genius. I'm humbled to read such great writing -- it seems so few and far between these days. To say I highly recommend these books is a travesty. If you read anything today, tomorrow, this month, this year, it must be this collection of books. You'll be better for it. 

P.S. There is no foul language and no sex scenes. Just brilliant story-telling.

About Me

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Winter Springs, Florida, United States
I am a stay-at-home mom to three boys (18, 16, 14), three Mini-Dachsunds, and a wife to an incredible husband {think MacGyver}. I am Catholic. I am passionate about making a difference in my world while still making a great life for my children and family. Besides being a mom, I am also a blogger for freddythewienerdog.blogspot.com and thedailylifeofcarol.blogspot.com. I hope to make my voice heard and make a difference in my own way.