When we moved into our home five years ago, an ancient rhododendron featured prominently at the corner of the house, its gnarled branches hanging ominously over the driveway. Gravity and age tugged at its branches, which scraped the windshield of our cars as we pulled in and out; what pale blooms there were peaked quickly. … Continue reading
lines etched in leathery hide concentric circles of memory & loss, of joy & wisdom radiate outward from eye to cheek to bridge of nose and always tugged back to your downward gaze. as if all your lumbering glory your searching thirst and desperate losses & joyful trumpets could be contained in that one single … Continue reading
This past winter, I led a retreat that considered the gifts of winter. This was held in my community and was a wonderful time of quiet and reflection, fitting the season nicely. But here we are in a different season and I’ve been pondering how the season of springtime points to God and his work … Continue reading
I met Lucinda just about a decade ago, when my family was living in rural New Hampshire. I was visiting an even more rural retreat center; she and her husband Mike befriended me during a weekend when I was alone and needed a friend. I don’t remember much about that weekend except that I left … Continue reading
I stand and point down, toward the floor and I breathe. Beginning here, a birth of air and light and I move. The circle widens as I follow the sun clockwise and in harmony. I stumble and pause afraid – to keep moving or to stay still. How will I know? Unbroken, I move again … Continue reading
Now that it’s nearly spring (or mud season, as we call it around here, which may or may not include more snow), I thought I’d come back and finish the list of things that I am learning, which I started midwinter. Thanks, Emily P. Freeman, for the inspiration! 6. In addition to winter being a … Continue reading
gentle white falling, heaven’s soft gift almost covering the land, almost made new and I’m adrift in thoughts of you. every morning, rich foamy delight in a mug, this morning scented cinnamon, gifts of bounty and promise for toil and I’m awash in your friendship. woosh and wings and slack-jawed stare – catch it, catch … Continue reading
Hello, bug. I’m sorry it’s been a while. Last week was rain, and it’s awful hard to pull down the drive backwards when everything is so slick. Seems the cars nowadays just shoot around that corner real quick, and I can say for sure I don’t want to be surprised again – that poor young … Continue reading
An avid reader as a youngster, I quite proudly earned the Girl Scout nickname of Bookworm. Books were a huge part of my childhood landscape. However, my reading ebbed and flowed into adulthood based on things like how many textbooks I was reading or how many children I had at home who needed me. Now … Continue reading
A necessary balance to the shorter and darker days of winter is found in the blazing fireplace, the cheery string of mantle lights and a scented candle, which brighten both space and spirit. Lots of natural light floods the picture window during the cold winter: bare trees, arms outstretched offering only what is necessary, are … Continue reading
