There’s Always Beauty
I’m trudging along in my snow boots to attend my office hours with my head down, sighing. It’s one of those days! I’m tired and moody. I need a nap. I notice the snow melting on the fallen leaves. In the early afternoon sun, the snowflakes transform into perfect droplets on a leaf. It’s so […]
A Special Gift from the Local Artist
Local artist and dear friend, Jenny Kelly, delivers a memorial drawing of our sweet cat on Sunday morning. Jenny has a special gift of helping others grieve well–even if it’s something that seems small or unimportant, like a pet. She knows how special this kitty was, especially to our children. She also knows that art […]
“An Ideal Far Beyond Yours”
This morning, I read in Hannah Whitall’s Smith’s, God is Enough, an interesting assignment for the soul. She insists: “Realize to yourself what your ideal shepherd would be–all that you would require from anyone filling such a position of trust and responsibility–and then know that an ideal far beyond yours was in the mind of […]
Almost Lost to Us: The Night Sky and Patient Observation
Last night, our great friend and meteorologist, David, takes us to view the night sky. It occurs to me that my children haven’t been stargazing. Because of light pollution, we find that we never go outside to gaze at the stars (like I did when I was a little girl). Stargazing, for me, ranks right […]
Is There More? Another Great Conversation Technique
This week, I learn another way to communicate well with others. When they share with me, I can simply ask, “Is there more?” They offer more. “Is there more?” They offer more. “Is there more?” Keep asking until they have no more to say. I try it on my youngest as she reports something interesting […]
First Little Snowflake
What a beautiful, snowy little morning! It’s a day of transition: Autumn dissolves into winter, and we can’t wait.
In Praise of Breakfast Casseroles
Last night, we break apart three larger dinner rolls. Then we whisk together six eggs, two cups milk, grated cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (6 pieces) and sausage (4 patties), chopped spinach (2 cups), and salt and pepper. We place the bread at the bottom of a casserole dish and pour our mixture on top. We […]
Your Little Pep Talk
A pep talk is a short speech or piece of writing intended to give others courage and enthusiasm to face the task ahead. I didn’t realize how much I needed a pep talk until I read Catherynn Valente’s pep talk to writers who have signed up for the National Novel Writing Month challenge. She tells […]
Getting Ready to Start
This morning, my youngest crawls into bed to declare that it is time for this day to start. “It’s time! It’s time for this day to start!” I think it’s such a lovely expression.I haven’t thought of starting in terms of a day. It’s true though; we start our day. I think about this new […]
On a Walk Like This
On the walk to school, bright leaves fell around us the entire way. The mile journey felt magical. With our hands raised towards the bright blue sky, adults and children alike twirled to catch the falling leaves in their hands. We knew we’d have a wish granted with every leaf we caught. //www.youtube.com/get_player I caught […]