April theme, and block 4 of Joy in the Ordinary...

 

Hello April!

Well, we are a quarter of the way through the year, and do you think (like me) that it's rolling along at a rather brisk pace? Having pondered this same idea for the past few years, I have decided to intentionally s..l..o..w.. things at home the best I am able, in order to enjoy the gentle rhythms and tasks and relationships and events, of my very ordinary life.

Rushing to finish one thing in order to do the next seems to just add mental, and perhaps physical, stress much of the time. Yes, we do have tasks to complete around home, at work, or in the garden, each day, but wouldn't it be far more conducive to good mental health if we slowed a bit and actually enjoyed the process, and were consciously present right in that moment. 

Some would call a homemakers life 'mundane' or 'boring' - yet those ordinary things which make up the normal rhythm of our day to day lives can be anything but boring. The work we put in to our homes is essential for creating our own little sanctuary, an escape from the outside world, and a haven of rest for those who live within our walls or cross our threshold to visit. 

You may remember that our dishwasher broke down on Christmas Day last year. We arranged to have it fixed a month later...and since then I have only used it twice. For all my life (before we moved here in late 2018) I had always done the dishes by hand, and for the first few months in this home I continued with that habit. But then I began to use the dishwasher, and a new habit was formed. 

Through my life, when standing at the sink washing dishes, hands covered in suds, I would be looking out of a window as I went about my task, and those were some of the most insightful times with God. It was a prayerful time and slowed my mind, and that came about with the slow rhythm of washing and rinsing each dish, each cup, each bowl, and the other bits and pieces I'd cooked with to make a meal. Repetitive tasks do not require much mental stimulation, as we do them by instinct, formed over many years, so our mind is freed to rest (or worry, which I choose not to do) and that allows us to ponder, pray, listen, and breathe. 

So even though the dishwasher is fixed, I choose not to use it, but just run a cycle once a month to keep it in working order. I am relishing the morning, noon and evening visits to my kitchen sink, where I bask in the simple pleasure of slowing, praying, and listening to the Lord - along with the birds who sing and chatter not far from the window. 

In block 4 I've captured a little scene of cooking utensils and measuring cups, because I wanted to celebrate ordinary things in an ordinary kitchen - for those ordinary things help us create wonderful meals and treats, don't they?!

Use the link below to download the free pattern

DOWNLOAD Block 4 of Joy in the Ordinary BOM

If you have missed any previous patterns in this year's free Block of the Month, go HERE

APRIL theme...

Last month the theme was simplifying. How did you go with that? Personally I have simplified many aspects of life here on our quarter acre, but also in my mind and daily practices. Spending a whole month exploring a theme has been wonderful and I find myself carrying them forward into the next month as well.

This month the theme is a little different, but I felt so impressed in my heart to do this that I put my hands up and said "Okay, Lord". 

Do you have a to-do list? I have two at the moment. They sit on my desk and as I complete one of my to-dos I draw a line through it, and enjoy the feeling of satisfaction for a task completed. 

Ha ha!! Actually, sometimes I do not feel a lovely sense of satisfaction, but annoyance at myself for not getting to it sooner. I do like to get things done as time allows, and don't procrastinate very often, but I often find myself imagining I have more time than I really do. 

Being that I have recently decided not to rush through tasks, or cram a lot into my days anymore, it may seem counter-productive to shine a light on a to-do list - however, working my way through it s..l..o..w..l..y.. will bring a great deal of pleasure as results gradually reveal themselves.

I was thinking about the various areas of a woman's life, and the many ways we can create something from nothing, so I'm going to start this month's theme with that aspect in mind. You see, there's a to-do list of general things that need to be done...but what about a list of things we'd like to do if we had the time, enthusiasm, and means? Having something lovely, creative, worthwhile, energising or helpful on a personal to-do list can actually awaken the mind, stir the senses, and add excitement and more joy to an ordinary day. 

Here's a few areas I have written down which might spark something in your heart to follow through on...

* Self Care - is there something in your self-care which you've neglecting? A home-pedicure, or an afternoon nap perhaps? 

* Garden - is there a place in your garden that you often think "such and such would be lovely there" or "I'd love to set up a little space where I can sit and enjoy the beauty of nature around me"?

* Letter writing - have you lost touch with the art of writing a letter to loved ones and friends? Do you enjoy receiving letters? Just one letter can be a new door opening...

* Room makeover - Have you seen how people can makeover a room using what they already have? Or can you be creative and make some simple furnishings from your fabric or craft stash to brighten or rejuvenate the space?

* Reading - is there a book, or a few, dusty and waiting? Can you take a quiet time each day and simply read a chapter? 

* Catch up with a friend - pack a little afternoon tea picnic and invite a friend to meet you at the park, botanical gardens, seashore, local duck pond? I am sure you'll both relax and wonder why you've not done it before. 

* Finish a UFO - yes, some people have a lot of UFOs in their sewing room, or within their knitting or crochet baskets. Choose just one. And do a little each day...even 15 minutes adds up over a month. 

And one more thing - Walking the Room

You can read all about this habit of mine over HERE in a post I wrote at the beginning of Covid in 2020.  I usually do this every year, but this year I have not! So for me, this is a big "do the to-do" plan for this week, along with working on a most important UFO - Blossom's 30th birthday quilt which is due by May 26th. 

I would dearly LOVE to hear your thoughts on what I've shared in this post...I read and re-read many of your comments because you give me food for thought, ideas, gratitude, and a friendly smile over this virtual kitchen table we share at Elefantz.

God bless and may His immense love fill your hearts to overflowing in the week ahead. Always remember, you are precious in His sight, created with His touch, and made to enjoy the beauty and wonder of His incredible Creation. Girl, you are lovely. xxx

Hugs

Don't miss out on any Elefantz news or free patterns. 

Subscribe to my blog posts HERE and receive them direct to your email inbox.  

Or sign up HERE for my free newsletter which often has extra benefits, freebies & tutorials!