The Honeybee's Lifestyle

Category: LIFESTYLE

  • To Have or To Listen?

    Hello Honeybees,

     

     

    I admit it I have been seriously slacking in taking the time to read. Taking the time to actually sit down with a REAL book in my hand.

    I love to read, always have thanks to my mother. I’m fortunate enough to have passed the love of books down to one of my sons. But finding, NO making, the time to sit still and read a book has been really hard for me lately. Whether it’s an actual book or an ebook sitting still is rough.

    I prefer an actual book to an ebook but lately I’ve been listening to books. I use the Libby app. It’s a free app that lets you check out books as long as you have a valid library card, from any library system that is participating. You can check out a book electronically to read or to listen. I don’t have the space in my home to store a lot of books so Libby is a good option for me.

    I read my forever First Lady’s, Becoming Michelle Obama when it first hit the shelves but I also wanted to hear her read it. I wanted to hear the emotion in her voice on certain parts. The book itself was a long read and the audio was a long listen, but I did it and I’m glad I did. It was worth it. Hearing the author read their words is a worthwhile  experience.

    Not every book is available on audio which is the biggest drawback. Also just like the regular library your book may not be available. You can put it on hold and it will pop into your “shelf” when it’s available. You have 21 days to listen. I like to listen when I’m cooking or cleaning and when I at work, especially when I’m working with numbers.

     

    I am challenging myself to read or listen to at least 24 books this year. So far I’m at 3! Some have been short but that’s okay, I’m expanding my genres this year to include a little of everything. Follow me on IG to keep up. Also, if a book really moves me I’ll do a review here on the blog.

    Drop me some suggestions of a few good books in the comments and I’ll add them to my library.

    Beewisdom- “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King

  • Planting Patience

    Hello Honeybees,

     

     

    I’m finally getting back into the swing of things. I took a much needed blogging break during the month of December and the first of January. Partly because life was super busy and partly because I didn’t feel very creative. I felt a little sad and relieved that I didn’t HAVE to create content. No pressure. I enjoy blogging more when the creativity flows naturally. It just feels right.

     

    As time passed I started to get a little worried. I had topics to blog about but the words were just not there. I didn’t want to force it, in reality I couldn’t force it. I realized that I had to be patient with myself. I gave myself grace.

    Patience is something that I have always struggled with. I use to pray for patience until someone brought it to my attention that in order for God to grant me patience I would have to be in situations that required….you guessed it patience.

     

    One way that I have been dealing with my lack of patience is with plants. Thanks to Carmeon Hamilton I have more plants in my home than ever before AND I’m keeping them alive (insert a praise dance here).

    The first plant I bought last year didn’t make it because I was over watering it. I was trying to rush the process. I have since learned to take my time with my plants, giving them what they need when they need it. I have actually been able to propagate clippings from another plant. I can’t make them grow faster but I can make sure that they are healthy. They have to take their time and I have to let them.

     

    The same way that I nurture my plants growth I also have to nurture my growth. Some things can’t be rushed. I have to let the creativity flow when it flows and be ready to catch it. I also have to put myself in creative situations. I have to be around people that stir my creativity.

     

    My plants are teaching me patience.

     

    Who or what is teaching you patience?

    Beewisdom- Nature does not hurry yet everything is accomplished. Nature Hills Nursery

  • Thank You

    Hello Honeybees,

    Quick question….. When do you put up your Christmas tree? Growing up we didn’t put up our tree until December 15th. Not sure why but that was the date. As I got older and was able to decorate myself I would put up the tree on December 1st. When I started having kids I moved to the day after Thanksgiving. This year I’m shooting for the day before Thanksgiving, if not it will definitely be the day after.

    I like for Thanksgiving to have its own special place. For me Thanksgiving is not about the “story” of the pilgrims breaking bread with the Indians, but about breaking bread with my family and friends. To me it’s about who made the mac & cheese and who is getting their first shot at making a real dish for everyone to judge. It’s family coming together when it’s not a funeral. It’s about meeting new boyfriends & girlfriends, wondering if they will make it till Christmas.

    It’s about being grateful for where we are right now and what we have come through so far this year. It’s remembering those we have lost and being thankful for the impact that they had on our lives.

    I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Last year I was just recovering from my second major surgery in 3 months. Now I am healthy, happy and whole. My oldest is slowly finding his way in life. My youngest is excelling in college away from home. My family loves and supports me and my friends are truly the bomb.

    I am also thankful for you. Yes YOU!! You didn’t have to stop by my little piece of the internet but you did and for that I say THANK YOU. To put some action behind my words I am doing a giveaway. For anyone that signs up for the blog (enter your email address under the Follow Blog via Email box) you will be entered to win a $50 Target gift card and a box of Merci chocolates. If you have already signed up (via email), then you will automatically be entered. Just a small token of my appreciation for you.

    What are you thankful for?

    Beewisdom-Silent gratitude isn’t very much use to anyone. -Gertrude Stein