• About
  • Affliate Disclaimer

By Quiet Waters

~ Pausing by quiet waters in this full hard good life

By Quiet Waters

Category Archives: Life Long Learner

Strategy and Post Traumatic Growth

12 Thursday Jun 2025

Posted by By Quiet Waters in Life Long Learner, One Life

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

emdr, mental health, post traumatic growth, therapy, trauma

Last week I experienced a very low week. It felt as though depression was flooding in, but as I did some reflection, I found not depression, but loneliness and restlessness. It did not make sense.

Why the loneliness? Why the restlessness?

Next, I am a part of a business coaching cohort, called Strategy, hosted by Leslie Burris. And this group, and the coaching by Leslie, is so very good. I’m being able to put in place many of the ideas and suggestions presented for my quilting business. But I’m also feeling like outside of the quilting business I just don’t know if I have anything to offer. Everyone in the cohort seems so very far ahead of me.

This was really troubling me and I brought it up in therapy. I am so thankful that while I have completed the EMDR treatment, I’m still meeting with the therapist a couple times a month. After I shared what I was feeling and experiencing the therapist told me that I am now experiencing Post Traumatic Growth. Goodness, there is even a “trauma” name for what comes next, insert nervous laugh.

So here I am, celebrating in a strange way that I felt another emotion, loneliness. That I was able to do self-reflection and identify the feelings and communicate about them with my therapist. As someone who didn’t really feel for a very long time, this is good progress. And it is an indicator of the opportunity to press in and grow further out of trauma. So here I go, forward.

I’m sharing my journey here, partly as a way of journaling because I tend to not journal about what I am really experiencing. And also, because, most of us are like the rest of us. And what I am experiencing after trauma, maybe someone else is too.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
Like Loading...

Grand Canyon, Sponsorship Saturday

11 Saturday Jul 2015

Posted by By Quiet Waters in Compassion International, Education, Gratitude, Joy, Letter Writing, Life Long Learner, One Life, Parenting, teens, Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Child Sponsorship, Letter Writing

Grand Canyon

For this Sponsorship Saturday post I am excited to share that in June we were blessed by the opportunity to take a trip to the Grand Canyon.  What started out as a plan to take another trip with my youngest daughter while her older teen sisters were away, turned into an exciting opportunity to wait and take all the girls to Grand Canyon.  I was so excited about this trip, as I’ve wanted to see the Grand Canyon for as long as I can remember.  Life has not ever had me anywhere near that part of the United States, until now.  After playing with google maps for several days, I decided that “now is the time.”

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
Like Loading...

Pursuing a Dream

20 Monday Apr 2015

Posted by By Quiet Waters in Education, Life Long Learner, Uncategorized

≈ 7 Comments

Quite a few years ago I was a single mom and a college student.  It was hard, and my GPA certainly shows that I might not have been studying as much as needed.  But I did try.  A few less years ago I got married to a good man and gained another daughter, then we added 3 more.  All the changes filled my life to the brim and I left school.

For some time now I’ve longed to go back and finish what I started, and maybe be ready to launch a “career” as my youngest daughters launch from the nest.  The request has been made more than once, but each time, it just wasn’t “right.”

Well seasons change and guess what I’m doing this summer, among many other things???  You got it!  I’ve registered as a student at the local community college and enrolled in one online class for the summer.  I’m going to try to knock out some of those less desirable classes first, with hopefully stellar grades to show for the years of learning as a homeschool mom.  This summer I plan to get up earlier than my usual early, that’s when I plan to fit in my studies, in the wee early mornings.

It is exciting to see that the credits are still on my account, but it is necessary for me to petition for them to be “active” again.  Twenty years is a long time for college credits to have been sitting incomplete.  Pray with me?  That the faculty member who receives the petition will grant favor to a woman who took time off to raise a family and is back to knock it out of the park now?  I speak somewhat boldly, despite the fact that my knees are knocking and there’s a tightness in my neck and shoulders.  It’s more than a bit “scary” to be headed back to school as a grandmother!

So, I’m realizing my dream of going back to school, to finish my degree.  What are you dreaming of?  Does this summer look like a good time to dust off that dream and turn it into reality?

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
Like Loading...

Measurements Help ~ Mr Gallon

02 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by By Quiet Waters in Life Long Learner, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

This was one of the most popular posts on my blog back when I was hosted on blogspot!  It used to crack me up that whenever I looked at the stats, there was Mr Gallon, right on top.

Have you ever met this guy?  We discovered him maybe 5 years ago when Mae was deep in the learning to exchange cups for pints for quarts for gallons in all those challenging math word problems.  Then it was Petal Rose’s turn, then Chica’s.

Since the kitchen remodel I’ve thought about consulting Mr Gallon a few times, so I decided to print a new Mr Gallon to slip onto one of the inside cabinet doors.  And since I’m doing that, I’m also refreshing this post to share good ol’ Mr Gallon with new and old readers.

Originally, I found Mr Gallon here.

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
Like Loading...

A Valentines Remembrance Swap!

13 Tuesday Jan 2015

Posted by By Quiet Waters in Craft Projects, Gratitude, Joy, Life Long Learner, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

A Valentine RemembranceCommunity is life giving and invigorating, challenging and inspiring.  I’ve been a quiet part of the Simple Woman’s community for years.  It has been inspiring, life giving and encouraging to me.

This year, as part of my goals (NOURISH) I am stepping out a bit more intentionally to be an active part of community, in real life and online.  So, may I invite you to join me?  To have a little intentional friendship fun this Valentines, make a new acquaintance and maybe a new friend?

The Simple Woman has invited bloggers to her Valentines Remembrance Swap.  Here are the nitty gritty details:

valentines remembrance swapJust go to The Simple Woman’s blog!

*January 22nd-sign-ups closed
*January 23rd-Matching begins
*January 26th– Watch for email with your swap partner’s info
*February 13th-ALL swap packages MUST BE RECEIVED”
If you if this sounds fun to you, I hope you’ll join Peggy over at The Simple Woman.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
Like Loading...

Simple Goals January 2015

01 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by By Quiet Waters in goals, Joy, Life Long Learner, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Happy New Year, 2015!

Over the past couple of years I have learned something about myself, big year long goals really fizzle out over the course of just a few months.  With a hubby working on the road, life seems to take many turns and I find myself flexing and shifting right along.  This past year I found that setting a few simple goals, and maybe a couple short term goals works best.

What I have worked through and found for the first half of 2015 is pretty simple.

*In terms of my health – MOVE, SLEEP, EAT

Be 20 pounds lighter by December 2015

MOVE 10 miles a week, SLEEP (Rest my body)

Eat (Nourish)

I am also adding a change to monitoring my INR and going back to an anticoagulant clinic.

*Education –

A photography course in January, then practice through the spring.

Spiritual Disciplines –

Continue  memorizing James 1

Also, the section a month Scripture Memory Plan and the Salvation Basics Memory plan from Kathy Howard’s Free Discipleship Tools.

I am also very excited to be planning to Read through the Bible with She Reads Truth community.

Monthly Reading across genres.

This month, January, I am planning to read:

#OwnYourLifeBookOwn Your Life (Sally Clarkson), Fringe Hours (Jessica Turner), Mothering From Scratch (Means & Helgemo), The Hobbit (JRR Tolkien)

There are two audiobooks on my iphone right now, The Snow Queen and The Life of Pi.

Life of Pi

One overnight trip with each of my immediate family.  (Hubby and 3 youngest daughters)  I was able to do this in 2014 and what a joy and blessing it was to me personally, and to the relationships.

 

So that’s it.  Just some simple goals  and a lot of joy facing the new year!

How about you?  Are you goal setting?

fyi, I edited this post some after reading this piece by Mary Bacon

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
Like Loading...

Winter Break Projects

27 Saturday Dec 2014

Posted by By Quiet Waters in Craft Projects, Joy, Life Long Learner, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Winter break projects are something I’ve been really looking forward to.  This fall was a big change, not more or less busy, but more out of the house.  We are much more accustomed to being home, working a little here and there on creative projects than we have been able to do in this season.  And part of our home is still under remodel construction, displaying items and creating some clutter in other parts of the house.  But, over the next nine days I am hoping for the restoration and joy that creative endeavors provide each of us!

Here are a few fun things I found while searching for a couple of quick to knit items.

Travel Mug cozies

Winter cozies

Tardis cozy!

I haven’t really found a pattern that I want to dig into, but I am planning to finally put the finishing touches on a cousin quilt.  Maybe by New Year’s Day it will be ready for gifting it to the precious little, but not so little, one to whom it belongs.  Then I might be able to choose a pattern and pull out my knitting needles.

Cousin Quilt

And then there is the playhouse table cloth that I started for the same little one.  It had to be set aside when my temporary work space exploded with the Christmas tree & packages.

How about you all?  Any exciting or quieting creative endeavors that you want to share?  I do hope there is time for rest, reflection and creative enjoyment for you in the quieter days of this season.

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
Like Loading...

If You Don’t Have a Joyous God

21 Sunday Dec 2014

Posted by By Quiet Waters in Celebrations, Gratitude, Joy, Life Long Learner, One Life, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

This week we will be joining with extended family to celebrate the life of a kind, funny, Jesus loving uncle, father, grandfather.  The sharing of this video is so timely for me, so maybe for you too?  My Uncle Paul was one of the funniest and kindest men I’ve ever know.  His ability to correct me without making me feel demeaned is something I remember from my rebellious youth.  Thinking about it now, I imagine that Uncle Paul could see that there was more behind my deviant behavior.  His humor lightened the mood wherever he was.  It is with a grateful heart that I remember Uncle Paul, and the joy he shared so generously, as we head off to celebrate his life.

Please take a brief 5 minutes and reflect with me on Joy.

“If you don’t have a joyous God, you better run for cover.”  Dallas Willard

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
Like Loading...

This Moment ~ Practice Time

21 Friday Nov 2014

Posted by By Quiet Waters in Gratitude, Life Long Learner, Parenting, teens, Uncategorized, {This Moment}

≈ Leave a comment

{this moment} ~ A weekly stop. A single photo – or two – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment that I have been given. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

practice time

dream realized

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
Like Loading...

Grocery University ~ Graduated!

19 Wednesday Nov 2014

Posted by By Quiet Waters in Life Long Learner, Menu Planning, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

As usual, I am a little behind the curve, ha!  During our fall break road trip I downloaded and listened to Grocery University by Carrie Isaac.  This audio course has been around for some time and has even been re-released by Money Saving Mom, but as I said, I finally got around to listening this fall.

As a seasoned mom and homemaker, I have practiced many of the things shared in Grocery University .  But I was encouraged and inspired as the miles clicked by and I listened.  It is good to have a refresher from time to time.  And in the past year, as life has gotten a little more complicated, meal planning, coupon clipping and deal shopping has definitely taken a back seat!  I was inspired upon arriving home to pull out the coupon box and step back into more intentional meal planning and coupon shopping.

Another benefit to listening to the audio course during that road trip, my 15 year old sitting next to me listening in.  We had some good discussion about what refreshed me and what she learned.  Seeing as she already is a coupon clipper and uses swagbucks, she was able to make some good connections.  She is well on her way to learning the ins and outs of frugal living and managing her money.

Isaac recently sold the rights to Grocery University to Money Saving Mom.  If you are interested in purchasing Grocery University, you can do so below.

Grocery University

 

 

 

 

 

 

Affiliate links are included in this post.  If you sign up for swagbucks or purchase Grocery University through By Quiet Waters, I receive small compensation or bonus swagbucks.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads
Like Loading...
← Older posts
h

Recent Posts

  • A Few Favorite Things, Dec 2025
  • It Won’t Always Be This Way
  • Strategy and Post Traumatic Growth
  • Panto of the Month Promotion over at Colorado Beauty Quilts!
  • Bumps in the Road

Recent Comments

By Quiet Waters's avatarMichelle on The Light Shines in the D…
Hannah H.'s avatarHannah H. on The Light Shines in the D…
By Quiet Waters's avatarMichelle on Home Visit in Singuil El …
By Quiet Waters's avatarMichelle on Home Visit in Singuil El …
Terri's avatarTerri on Home Visit in Singuil El …

Archives

  • December 2025
  • November 2025
  • June 2025
  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • November 2016
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • August 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • February 2010

Categories

  • Books and Thoughts on Books
  • British Columbia Adventures
  • Canada
  • Celebrations
  • Colorado Springs
  • Compassion International
  • Craft Projects
  • Education
  • El Salvador
  • Favorite Things
  • Garden and Home
  • giveaways
  • goals
  • grandparenting
  • Gratitude
  • Heart Valve Disease
  • history
  • Homeschooling
  • Joy
  • Letter Writing
  • Life Long Learner
  • Menu Planning
  • Nature Study
  • One Life
  • Open Heart Surgery
  • Parenting
  • Recipes
  • Soups
  • teens
  • toddler activities
  • Traveling
  • Truth
  • Uncategorized
  • {This Moment}

Meta

  • Create account
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com
img_9720

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • By Quiet Waters
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • By Quiet Waters
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d