I wasn't halfway up the driveway when I realized it was misting out. Heavily. The gray skies hung low and looming, a damp chill had descended, and it struck me that a morning walk was truly a miserable idea. So, ever looking for excuses, I turned right around and headed back inside.
Truth is, I really didn't want to walk vigorously this morning. I wasn't all that into stretching my muscles or getting the blood flowing briskly through my veins. The cry of my heart was to simply be still. To stay indoors.
And feather my nest.
It wasn't long til the sneakers were off and the fluffy slipper socks on. A mug of tea was brewing, all steaming and flavored with herbs and honey. I sipped as I picked up the phone and checked in with my mom.
And then I began to putter.
For there were sheets and quilts that needed to be pulled up and smoothed out, pillows fluffed and arranged just so. Clothes that needed to be hung up the right way. And clean wash that needed to be tucked away into half empty dresser drawers.
Dishes awaited their trip to the dishwasher and counters needed to be rediscovered under random piles carelessly strewn. Bathrooms awaited a wipe down and floors desperately needed to be reacquainted with the vacuum.
Books and receipts and mail, the week's accumulated odds and ends, begged to be tended to. There was dinner to consider, emails to answer, posts to read. And one to write.
Feathering is this counselor's therapy.
Puttering around as I care for our nest speaks peace to somewhere deep inside. Doing so in solitude and silence restores my energy - physically, mentally, emotionally.
I do love a rainy day at home. And it is in this movement through the most routine of tasks, in the sacred handling of the simple daily chores, that He restores my soul.
I feel His pleasure.
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Me too, Linda!
ReplyDeleteI knew I wasn't the only one!
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Hi Linda! I do love a good 'putter day' myself. It always seems like a huge treat to take time to do the little things. Maybe they don't change a lot, but there's fun little satisfactions in the doing of them.
ReplyDeleteTaking care of what we've been given does make our Father very happy. I'm sure you were puttering together that day!
Have a peaceful afternoon,
Ceil
Hey Ceil ... it really recalibrates things to see taking this time as a 'huge treat' rather than a dreaded chore.
DeleteMaybe the secret is to putter often instead of waiting til our piles are completely out of control!
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Yes!!! I so need days to putter but with an 8 year old around it's nearly impossible. I finally realized it was necessary for the health of my soul so now I take a vacation day now and then (when I know everyone will be out of the house) and take time to just wander around the house. My essential oil diffuser going and relaxing music just makes it even better!! I just do what I feel or sometimes nothing at all. Putzing around the house is the best!!
ReplyDeleteYep, 8 year olds change the scenario just a bit, don't they!
DeleteAnd I love how you talk about how this imapcts the health of your soul, Valerie. We just can't separate body, mind, and soul ... truly God has made them all to intertwine.
So let's hear it for luscious aromas and music that relaxes and joy in tasks well done!
You feather. I cycle. You feather. I lift. i don't want to sound flippant but my philosophy is "whatever floats you boat." Feathering floats it rather well. GO FOR IT! Oh, you have my permission (not that you need it) to stay indoors.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely well said, Bill!
DeleteWe've each gotta figure out what it takes to relax, recharge, recalibrate. I can't wait to see how this conversation unfolds ... maybe we'll discover some renewing activities we never thought of ...
I love how you can make doing household chores sound so peaceful and relaxing! I'm not sure I feel the same way, though there is something satisfying when things are in order.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a peaceful day though and that you felt your soul was energised and restored.
You hit the nail on the head, Lesley ... yes, there's 'something satisfying when things are in order.'
DeleteClutter and piles and commotion and craziness all seem to go hand in hand. So many things in life are out of our control. But keeping our homes in order is something we can do.
And sometimes a quiet peaceful haven is enough to calm the storm around us ...
And this is exactly why I love rainy days! I wish we had more of them here in Arizona.
ReplyDeleteOh ... I bet it's still hot hot hot there! I hope you found a bit of a respite here today ... I am so happy you've dropped in!
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I'm glad you had a day to putter! I've forgotten what mist and rain look like. Maybe one day soon we'll get some again and I can spend the day at home puttering inside too. :)
ReplyDeleteProbably won't be long, Lisa! I promise you'll love a rainy day ...
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Perfect day to read this: the kids have just gone to Opa and Oma's for two nights, so I have two days to potter 😊 and get things done around the home, finally visit other bloggers like yourself and translate a guest blog post into Dutch. But I know I'll miss them too.
ReplyDeleteI'm just like you . . . I love the quiet days to get things done.
Enjoy your little mini-break from the kiddos, Anna! They'll have a blast, you'll get the chance to take care of all those little tasks that are calling your name ...
DeleteAnd then you can reunite!
Beautiful-life affirming post, My Friend. I too can putter with the best of em!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
It's really one of our favorite things to do, isn't it, friend ...
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There's a head nodding here. Those rainy days pour something more than water. There's peace indeed. #goJesus
ReplyDeleteI do love a rainy day, cooped up inside. Not too many of them. But one here and there? Oh yes!
DeletePuttering and feathering -- I love those adjectives! Sometimes you feel the most invigorated and inspired when you do just that (and I'm sure the fluffy slippers helped!) :) In today's rush and bustle, we hesitate to spend a day without a jam-packed schedule of activities that only leaves us feeling more drained. Here's to rainy days and feathering our nests! {I sometimes secretly hope that it's raining when I get home from work so I have an excuse NOT to take my evening walk!} xo
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Valerie ... always looking for excuses to avoid that walk. But I always feel stronger and more peaceful afterwards.
DeleteEspecially if I know I can burrow in at home for the foreseeable future! I do love being home.
I think we do take for granted the simple joys of cleaning and puttering around our house. I've not felt up to doing any of it lately and it really gets under my skin (pardon the shingles pun) because I hate seeing the dust and mess accumulating. It will be one beautiful and restful day when I get work in the ways you've described, Linda. It truly is like therapy! Thanks for reminding us of the beauty in the mundane of life.
ReplyDeleteOh my dear friend, I know you are suffering so in this season. I pray that you'll be patient and gracious with yourself and allow yourself the rest that you need, the ability to say 'no,' the gift of quiet in your schedule.
DeleteYou deserve it so ...
O I love to putter too!!! And my house certainly needs it!
ReplyDeleteIt's in the gene pool, K!
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I don't like this blog today! (I am her sister, so I can say that!) I would love to putter or fluff things, but the reality is there is no time or opportunity to do that. I will be honest - the totes with my winter clothes are still in the middle of my bedroom floor, from the spring when I packed them. There hasn't been the time or the desire to move them, so now, I just have to unpack them! Actually there has been plenty of time, just not the desire. My mantle and table have not seen a decoration since last Christmas and my pillows don't get fluffed - they are flat and probably have drool marks on them. God loves us each as we are - but it is nice to go to Linda's and everything is in its place. I sit, relax, drink a cup of tea, think about the things I can change at my house and how I can do things differently. I am inspired, creative thoughts are flowing, then I go home and realize that my cluttered but clean home is comfortable to me. This is my sanctuary and nest and I am ok with that.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. We never put away the snow tubes from last winter, and some surfaces of our house haven't seen the light of day in at least a year...if not longer! I agree...I go to my moms house to relax and enjoy the lack of clutter. And then I go home, and SOMETIMES get motivated to declutter!
DeleteMarilyn ~ I love when you leave your 2 cents! I love when you come to call ... even if sometimes it's hard to believe we're sisters.
DeleteBut ... we know we are. And in the things that matter most, we {almost} always agree. And we've always got each other's back. Always.
And your last line rings true. We all feather and putter in individual ways that matter most to us.
K ~ snow tubes! THAT'S funny! And you'll be quite happy that they're still around in a couple of months ...
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I love "puttering" days. It happens so rarely for me anymore that it truly is like a "worship" experience because I am so thankful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about your special day at The Loft.
You're in good company around here today, Jerralea. 'Cause there's plenty of hard workin' women with little time to putter gathering around this conversation.
DeleteI'm glad you're here, too!
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Beautiful.
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Thanks for joining us and taking the time to say hi, Regine. You are welcome here!
DeleteOh Linda, this is beautiful: And it is in this movement through the most routine of tasks, in the sacred handling of the simple daily chores, that He restores my soul.
ReplyDeleteI feel His pleasure.
I had such a busy August and September, but this week, I've had a few blissful days at home, and it has been restorative. :-)
Oh I hear you, Betsy. What a huge relief to wake up in the morning and realize that you don't have to leave the house!
DeleteMay your bliss continue, may body and soul rejoice in that restoration ...
Amen, I love a day of slow, random puttering too, friend! And what a beautiful fall arrangement!
ReplyDeleteRandom. Yes! That's the key in a beautiful day at home unfolding with out a single to-do list in sight!
DeleteYou nailed it, friend ...
I feel His pleasure.
ReplyDeleteYou captured it so well! :) throw in a good book and I'm in!
Absolutely. After all there should be a little reward thrown into the mix, right?
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Oh, what a homey and comforting post. I do love days when I can just move from one thing to the next without having to consult a list -- or my watch -- for permission!
ReplyDeleteComforting. Yes, Michele! These kind of days at home, list-less and watch-less, truly allow us to breathe deep once again ...
DeletePuttering and feathering sound so cozy, Linda. Especially on a rainy day. Just leisurely putting things in order. Just you and God connecting in the "sacred handling of the simple daily chores." Blessings and hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteNo rush. For sure. Taking things as they come.
DeleteYou hear exactly what I'm saying, don't you, friend?!
Love the puttering comments.
ReplyDeleteHaving lived in this new house for 6 years I am returning to more faithful executing of Flylady routines. She is VERY helpful for people like me who are way too "flexible" to be best neatnicks.
Indeed! Sometimes structured routine is the best route ... especially if you're like me and get very easily distracted!
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Linda,
ReplyDeleteYou feather and putter quite beautifully (from your photos :-) And I'm glad you're recovered enough to even contemplate a walk. Praying you continue to recover and nest to your heart's content, my friend :-)
These are the best days for a walk, aren't they? I just love autumn!
DeleteI agree, wholeheartedly. There is deep comfort in tending to our "nest" and just being at home. :)
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, comfort and joy, comfort and joy!
Deleteyes! this really resonates with me! and I love your term... 'feathering'...
ReplyDeleteAnd I bet your girls love helping you putter, Jandi!
DeleteI love puttering too! Happys my day every time. Lovely post, Linda!
ReplyDelete'Happys' my day, too, friend. Absolutely!
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It really is about taking care of the little things isn't it? What is right in front of us is what brings our peace and joy. Honestly, this is why I like fall and winter. I can feel pressure in the summer to do more while in the cooler seasons, I can putter, content and peaceful! Thanks for sharing your puttering moments as it also makes me feel better that I am not alone in loving those days too!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Lynn. It's all those little things that add up to overwhelm if we don't corral them somehow. But one little thing at a time?
DeleteYes, this I can do!
Puttering is a joy. I absolutely agree, Linda. And slipper socks and tea must have been the icing on the cake :). It's always a pleasure to read your words, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI love my slipper socks!
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Even more, I love seeing your lovely face show up on my screen! Hope you're doing well, friend ...
Growing up in Colorado, I always loved snow days because they freed me up to putter around. Such joy in cleaning closets and caring for my nest. Plus, slipper socks are the best! Loved this reminder, Linda, of the simple joys! : )
ReplyDeleteThose snow days are comin' down the pike, friend! It won't be long til we're hunkering under those quilts with steaming mugs of hot chocolate!
DeleteYay!
Linda, What a beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard the word "putter" since my Nana. She always used to say that she was "puttering about". You brought back such sweet memories.
Next week will end a three year season of my life that I will treasure, when my daughter, son-in-law and now 19 month old granddaughter lived with us. In trying to make myself feel better about them leaving (and who am I kidding anyway, lol.)one of the things I have missed doing is just being alone in the house and puttering during the morning hours. Funny, I never thought I would miss puttering, but with two families living in small quarters, it hasn't been easy to keep anything clutter-free and so I just gave up. lol.
Thank you for reminding me about the joys of puttering. :-)
Gosh, I hope that doesn't mean I'm the same age as your Nana!
DeleteAnway ... I'm glad the post brought sweet memories back to you. And I hear your mixed bittersweet feelings about your kids coming and going. Yes, I absolutely resonate with what you're saying.
Enjoy the quiet, Karen ... you've earned it.
Feathering your nest.. I like that! You have such a beautiful, gentle way of phrasing things! <3 - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
ReplyDeleteYou're sweet!
DeleteAs much as I can complain about the winter months, I also kinda love them for the way I feel they bring more puttering kind of days.
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you, friend. xoxo
Oh I always always smile bright when you come to call, Beth. Hope all is well with you and yours ... the blogging world still misses your delightful presence.
DeleteYes, we do.
Good morning, got a chance to catch up on you on the loft: I am so there with you in the puttering department. I look up and wonder where the time has gone, but everything is in its place and for at least a few minutes everything is alright with the world. How did those snickers get in that corner, why is this towel off the rack and were these socks always on the bathroom floor? Hubby's home and puttering begins again.
ReplyDeleteIt's endless, isn't it, Christine ... but yet so very life-giving.
DeleteGo figure, huh?
I really enjoy an occasional rainy day at home as well. Your created verb feathering made me smile. Sounds like my mom
ReplyDeleteI'll take that as a lovely compliment, Somer!
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I love puttering too, Linda. My favorite time is when I get an unexpected 20 or 30 minutes to tidy up when the house is empty for a little while. It might not sound relaxing, but it's fun to see how much I can do before everyone gets back. :-) I also enjoy seeing how a topic like this can spark this kind of conversation!
ReplyDeleteThanks for wrapping up the weekend with us, Lois! Yep, I agree ... it's these kind of posts that seem to capture the most attention, maybe because they're practical? They hit home?
DeleteWhatever, I'm grateful for the dialogue and can only pray that some one or two will have been encouraged in the midst of the chatter.
sometimes puttering around is just what we need.
ReplyDeleteAin't that the truth ...
DeleteI'm generally happiest when I am puttering at home, and that solitude and silence restores me as well.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes. We're in good company, aren't we ... His.
DeleteAnd those who feed off of peace, order, and serenity.
I have to admit I experienced extreme jealousy. I'm not so childish that I cannot be happy for you - but I am just childish enough to wish it was me puttering around! Blessings!
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Oh Carol ... I'm sorry. Your feelings are not childish at all, but most certainly understandable during what sounds to be a busy season for you.
DeleteMay you experience His grace and pleasure in the busyness of life's demands. Blessings ...
I love this one, Linda! I like to putter also and for so long I never seemed to have the time till retirement!!
ReplyDeletePutter away, my friend! You deserve every serendipitous moment coming to you ...
DeleteI could have written this article. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Lana ... don't you just LOVE when that happens. I'm so glad you found us!
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