Elena 
Outside my window…
Mr. Pete put the star on the tree!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read my disclosure policy for more info.
I am thinking…
about my knee.
Last week, I blogged about a video I found from some physical therapists about some stretches to do that could eliminate knee pain. I admit that even though I nag my runners all the time about doing their stretches, I neglect to do much stretching myself. So I started to do some hamstring stretches and even some old ballet stretches. The knee pain improved almost immediately.
I surprised myself with how flexible I still am. But I was also surprised by how much flexibility I have lost! So on top of everything else I’m doing, I’m going to make sure to work in some stretching. If it saves me from an expensive doctor’s visit, it will be totally worth it!
Just a Reminder…
my mega Advent and Christmas Link Post is up! Lots of great ideas for ways to live Advent and celebrate Christmas. This year, I’ve added a link up so you can share your own links too!
I am thankful…
for the Christmas Novena. Saying it 15 times a day really gives you a chance to dealve into the words and really think about what you are petitioning for. I can almost picture myself asking for favors in the cold stable in Bethlehem and it just feels so momentous.
I am pondering…
The main reason Christians need to be on the side of Masterpiece Baker in the SCOTUS case last week.
From the Catechism:
1868 Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them:
One of my Favorite Things
I am hearing…
Some things on Youtube.
In the kitchen…
Sweet potato quiche
I am wearing…
Black pants and another Christmas sweater.
I am going…
- To walk or do videos every day this week. I did start some weight lifting and upper-body exercises this week. My knee still bothers me a little bit. I wish it were just back to normal.
- add some additional novenas next year with the help of PrayMoreNovenas.com.
- to cut my carbs via the Wheat Belly Total Health: The Ultimate Grain-Free Health and Weight-Loss Life Plan recommendations
and Intermittent Fasting.
- Taking Izzy to work five times this week!
- Continue my practice for my big performance in April.
- One little concert tonight and then on to Christmas Eve
- Set up the creche!
This is a pretty good read so far! Really fills in the gaps of information I had about this important historical figure. Almost done with it
This is the book my flute teacher recommended to me years ago, It’s about mastering your inner self and giving your best performance! It’s applicable to musicians too. In fact, another musician friend who plays a keyboard instrument got the same book recommendation from her teacher!
Interestingly, I did not feel one iota of nervousness at either of my concerts over the weekend. So maybe I’m getting good at letting my second self take the lead when it comes to performing musically.
I have the Audible app on my phone as I walk the trails during cross country practice or work on the flip house scraping paint.
From the Learning Rooms…
Maryrose:
A Gentle Advent Exploration
Latin for Children, Primer A (Latin Edition)
Rosie is also taking a writing class online using the Once Upon a Time Saint series as the writing
prompt.
We have a schedule! Rosie writes her history paper every Monday based on what she has read in her history the week before. Also on Monday, she reads her assignment in Once Upon a Saint. Then on Tuesday she writes her assignment for that class and turns in her paper. Thursday is for revisions.
Advent Homeschooling
A quote to share…
When I was desperately looking for ways to help Calvin learn to read, the Writer’s Jungle by Bravewriter’s Julie Bogart was a source of great inspiration to me. This fall, I’m going to be sharing some of my favorite parts that really helped me teach my kids to write – from the absolute most recalcitrant writer to the kid who has prose and poetry just dripping out of her!
The strategic use of similes (“like” or “as” comparisons), metaphors
(without “like” or “as”—direct comparisons) and personification enliven
any kind of writing. “Uncle Jack fit into the household like a hermit crab
in a seashell.” (George, Water Sky , 15) Comparisons are just as necessary
in expository writing.
A Photo to Share
