November 23
Laura M., age 15, North Carolina
November 23, 1997
Worked from 7-12. Busiest ever. Took a nap. Mowed lawn. Courtney and Liam came and we went 2 Bond Park. Went 2 “Sweet Tea and Grits” with Kathy and saw Mom. Got random X-mas presents and Courtney’s. Came home and ate.
Marcy S., age 47, North Carolina
November 23, 1971
I can’t decide whether I need to keep trying to “think things through” or to stop trying. The latter is something I can’t seem to will to do — it just happens from time to time. So maybe it is necessary to keep seeking new insights — who knows what is going on in our subconscious mind? Insights affect feelings and I guess feelings have a lot to do with being able to relax and trust — so when it seems impossible to stop trying, I’ll plow on. But I always wonder whether this is the leading of the Holy Spirit — or whether He wants me just to be still and wait.
I’m afraid I feel that God can’t heal me until I understand all the whys and wherefores of my fears, hang-ups, etc. etc.
This sounds familiar — I’m forever getting stuck in this rut!
Some insight came a few days ago and I kept putting off thinking about it — now it’s nearly gone. It had something to do with my not wanting to be around people I know — especially in a public place like the grocery store. I don’t mind people as long as I don’t know them and so don’t feel any obligation to speak or carry on a conversation — I often wish I were invisible so that I could just go about my business without anyone noticing me. Is that because I’m so afraid of people’s acceptance? so afraid of not measuring up, of letting them down?
Henry S., age 26, Michigan
November 23, 1887
I got Mr. Morrows’ one horse sleigh this forenoon and drew wood until about 11:30. I have about 4 more cords to get in now and then I will be pretty well fixed for wood. I received a letter from both ma and pa tonight. Called at Neill’s a little while this evening. It is very beautiful out with the moon and stars shining. I almost have the blues tonight, but I guess I can shake them off.
*(R. Henry Scadin Collection, D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville)
Abbie B., age 22, Kansas
November 23, 1871
It was nearly noon when I left Lanes on old Bill— It was cold, When I passed the Hall there was no one there but J. R. He went along to the dugout. I packed some things, gathered others together, then rode to the cabin. No one there, then I thought I would go and see Roses, but I could not get old Bill to ford the river. Then I stayed at the cabin, and J. R. took the horse back to Lanes.
I had covered the coals, so I soon had a good fire. Being hungry, I made coffee and boiled mush—which I ate with much molasses, and considerable relish, having had no dinner. Hunger is a good cook. Philip did not come for some time. He had been hunting. Had shot a turkey which he took to Lanes, was surprised not to find me there. Then he went to the dugout and brought more things down. He wished he had not moved as it made it so inconvenient for me.
*(kansasmemory.org, Kansas State Historical Society, copy and reuse restrictions apply)
Cornelia H., age 26, North Carolina
November 23, 1862
Very late when I woke this morning so we had late breakfast. Cool but little frost. I went to the mill this morning to look into some of George’s boxes but the key would not fit to the box lock. Charlie, Pinck & Zona went with me. The children would bring the old rocking chair to the house, the chair Matt Smith broke several years ago. It has never been entirely repaired yet. They think as much of it as though it was a mohair seated one. It is now nearly 12 o’clock, dinner will soon be on. I wish Mr. Henry would come today. I will look for him this evening. I dreamed he came last night. I want to see him. Atheline is cracking the children some walnuts now. I must stop & help them eat, which I did & picked some for Zona & Willie. I have read the book of Leviticus in the bible today & some of Numbers. I am reading my bible through for the third time in my life. I am also reading Josephus’ complete work of the bible. It is very interesting. Mr. Gallion came home this evening, left Mr. Henry at Spartanburg last Thursday. Mr. Henry went down to Pa’s that day. He will be home in a few days. Gallion brought home the wheat, also a bale of thread. I am glad to see the thread as we need some. Mr. Boyd came this evening. I hope he will finish the loom before he leaves. Quite cool tonight. I am writing on my lap. This last, the children all asleep at 7 o’clock now.
*(Fear in North Carolina: The Civil War Journals and Letters of the Henry Family, Eds. Karen L. Clinard and Richard Russell, used with permission.)
Samuel P., age 34, London
November 23, 1667
Up, and to the office, where all the morning, and at noon home to dinner, and all the afternoon also busy till late preparing things to fortify myself and fellows against the Parliament; and particularly myself against what I fear is thought, that I have suppressed the Order of the Board by which the discharging the great ships off at Chatham by tickets was directed; whereas, indeed, there was no such Order. So home at night to supper and to bed.
*(The Diary of Samuel Pepys M.A. F.R.S., edited by Henry B. Wheatley F.S.A., London, George Bell & Sons York St. Covent Garden, Cambridge Deighton Bell & Co., 1893.)