Life in Lakeside

October 8 - Harvest/Closing down the year

Submitted by tamara.harpster on Wed, 10/07/2020 - 19:58

This very strange year is getting closer to its end. As part of the yearly cycle this time of year is associated with harvest, preparing for winter and holiday celebrations. The days are cooler, animals growing fatter as they prepare for the winter months while farmers bring crops in and prepare their fields for a time of rest.

Closeup of top of pumpkin, with stem centered in picture

Changes for Posting

Submitted by tamara.harpster on Wed, 08/19/2020 - 11:59

Several years ago, I started writing and posting an article every two weeks. It was a challenge to myself to see if I could keep to a schedule for writing. I am amazed to look back and see almost four years of posts, almost all of them written every two weeks in spite of challenges in my life and at my day job.

August 12- Hot Summer Days

Submitted by tamara.harpster on Wed, 08/12/2020 - 20:48

August has started, the last bit of summer, the ‘Sunday afternoon’ of the season. This year all of the months seem more like Monday’s that won’t quit, repeating some kind of bad news day, after day after day.  A Sunday afternoon would be welcome at this point, a break from the grind of daily routines.

A view of beach from the water, people floating in the water and many beach umbrellas in background

July 16 - Grab Bag of Pictures, Life's Blessings

Submitted by tamara.harpster on Wed, 07/15/2020 - 21:02

Like many others, I have been reading more books during this time of uncertainty. After reading a book about someone’s search for faith, it mentioned the idea of recognizing the blessings in our life, including ordinary events and items. With this thought in mind, I decided to try and find the blessings I my life throughout my day. As I go through my day, when I have a moment of anxiety or depressed thoughts I take a moment to be mindful of the blessings in my life.

July 2 - Fourth of July, Stories

Submitted by tamara.harpster on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 20:23

I hope that everyone is doing well as we move into a new month. In the US it is time to celebrate the anniversary of our founding, the Fourth of July. It seems a bit odd to think about celebrating, yet it sounds like a welcome break from the current world events. In the meantime, I continue to observe and make connections about things happening in my life. I have two stories for this article, so pull up a chair and set a while. I’ve got the kettle on for a cup of tea, or a Keurig for those who prefer coffee. ;-)

May 31 2020 - Health Thoughts for Healthy Living

Submitted by tamara.harpster on Sun, 05/31/2020 - 19:51

For the last few years I have been working to incorporate the following into my life. With the events of the last few days, it seems appropriate to share my thoughts about these guidelines for living a healthier life.

Just for Today

  • I will not get angry
  • I will not worry
  • I will be filled with gratitude
  • I will show devotion to my duties
  • I will be kind to others and myself.

Here are my thoughts for each part of this verse.

May 8, 2020 - Abundance

Submitted by tamara.harpster on Fri, 05/08/2020 - 19:20

View of reservoir and hill behind it

Every few weeks I write down topics for my blog articles and share them with my son. He uses the topics as guides for taking pictures which I pay him for.  When I write, I may follow the topic but it depends on my mood and events in my life at the time. This week’s topic is abundance and I’ve been struggling with what I could write about this topic.

April 23, 2020 - Childhood and Peace

Submitted by tamara.harpster on Thu, 04/23/2020 - 18:55

Wall mural of flowers, hummingbird on brick wall

As I write this blog, I find myself attempting to write an entry that deals with normal events, such as the harbingers of spring, small celebrations and other activities that I took for a granted just a little over a month ago. Yet in the background, the presence of this virus, the changes in my life are still there and I have struggled with a post this time.

Winter Solstice

Submitted by tamara.harpster on Wed, 12/18/2019 - 20:37

The year is drawing to a close, the nights growing ever longer as the days grow shorter. The winter solstice is almost upon us, just one of many holidays people celebrate this time of year. These celebrations, Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve are examples of diversity while sharing the goals of celebrating light, hope and kindness during a dark time of the year.

Birthday Thoughts

Submitted by tamara.harpster on Wed, 12/04/2019 - 20:18

The topics for my blogs are planned out in advance, with a faint hope that I might work ahead instead of scribbling something out the night before. My son and I are collaborating on topics and this week he suggested the theme of birthday, specifically my birthday.

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