Steps of Growth
I have a favorite wall in my home. It's in the den, and the whole room, ceiling included, is wrapped in diagonal pine paneling. Now before you feel sorry for me, and my lack of taste at not ripping out what must be horrific wood paneling (70's! What was she thinking?!), please know that we both chose to keep it because we like its really cool vibe and the way it's set off by a wall of windows and cozy fireplace. It feels very cabin-y, and we love it. However, it's really not about the wall itself, but what's on the wall. I had canvases made of some of my favorite photos of our family throughout the years we've been married. They range from our wedding to a professional family photo...
Good Words
I read something last night that really struck me. It was a quote from Chief Joseph of the Nez Percé tribe of Native Americans, at the end of their long effort to fight, then work with the government, to be restored to their land. He said, Good words will not get my people a home where they can live in peace and take care of themselves. I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and broken promises. Good words and broken promises. Are there really any good words if they're not backed by truth? They may sound pretty, they may get our attention and even draw us in, but without truth...they're lies. They're twisted versions of...
Remember
My brother came in town yesterday. I picked him up from the airport and we headed to our folks' house where our other brother, cousin (who's like a sister) and aunt, and their families, were waiting with them. We ate a meal together around the old round farm table that was in my house all my life, but had also been in my dad's and aunt's house, too. They recalled tales of that very table being covered in oil cloth in their youth, and the entire family gathered around it to help make sausage. We laughed as they told us other memories of those years, when money was scarce, but love abundant. Later, after the others had left, it was just us original five. My parents and their children...
Let’s Talk
I was delighted when my daughter called yesterday and my oldest granddaughter cut in and said she wanted to talk to me. I happened to be in the middle of something right then, but I don't get to chat with her as often, since she splits time between her parents, so talking to her is an extra treat and I stopped what I was doing. Typically, when we talk, she tells me what's going on in her six-year-old world in a sort of list fashion, then gets distracted by something (usually her little sister touching something she shouldn't) and that's that. But yesterday was different. She said, "Mimmie, let's talk." And talk she did. She told me how they were learning about gravity, force and...
Out of the Rain
Last night, out here in the country, the winds were howling as I watched a huge storm system roll in. Clouds gathered and thickened at an amazing rate, awash in an ever-deepening charcoal gray. Thunder rumbled and lightening cracked all around and the near-constant birdsong was silenced. I love a good storm. Well, I love a good storm when I'm out of it, amen? And out of it I was last night, cozy with a mug of hot tea in my hand, safe inside a sturdy home. I was warm and protected in its trustworthy walls and wrapped up in my Snuggie (Roll your eyes if you want. Go ahead. I bet I was warmer than you though. Just sayin'.) Have you ever been caught out in a storm though? Once, I was...