Sometimes Life is like a Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, a friend of a blog writer became ill. 
So ill, in fact, that she died.

The writer was heartbroken, having lost her dear friend, whom she had known and loved for many years. 
The writer did not have enough words to describe the vast hole her friend's departure left in her life.
But her heartbreak could not compare to that of her friend's husband and children. 

The husband is a knight in shining armor, as gallant and kind as they come. 
He grieved for several years. 

Then one day, his doctor said, " I have a prescription for you.  I am giving you the name of someone I think you will like. 
Call her."

Hesitating at first, and praying a lot, he called her. 
They talked.

He learned that she was a loving wife and mother for many years who had lost her husband to the same dreadful disease. 
Her heart had been broken, and her life had been hard. 

She is elegant, graceful, wise and loving. 

They are a perfect match.

The wedding was yesterday. 
Two hearts, two families who have endured so much, are now one.

Friends came from near and far.  So much was felt and expressed at that glorious celebration. 
There was love and honor for the lost loved spouses, for the children and grandchildren. 
And for the life companion each one has now found in the other. 

And, of course, words of thanks for their mutual doctor, who brought them together.
Doctors' orders were followed here.

The blog writer, though missing her friend still, was very happy. 
And she is certain her friend would be, too.

"I waited and waited and waited for God. 
At last He looked; finally He listened.
He lifted me out of the ditch,
pulled me from the deep mud.
He stood me up on a solid rock
to make sure I wouldn't slip.
He taught me how to sing the latest God-song,
a praise song to our God. 
More and more people are seeing this;
they enter the mystery,
abandoning themselves to God."

Psalm 40:1-3 from The Message
selection from wedding program

A River of Water

An early evening stroll in the neighborhood made us realize again just how hot it was.  The heat radiated off the concrete and we kept to the shade at the sides of the road.  Rain had not made an appearance for several days and there were deep grooves in the ground between the curb and sidewalk.

Then suddenly, a stream of water was headed our way, running downhill from somewhere up the street.

Our parched street was transformed into a water park!

Running, splashing, laughing! 

We were all 4-years-old.

The source of the water is a mystery; perhaps it came from a draining swimming pool.  To us, it was a like a mountain stream and that's the way we want to think of it.

Jesus said, ".....Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst - not ever.  The  water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life."  John 4:14

Happy Independence Day!

On the weekend of July 4th, 1976, we pulled into our new home town of Dallas, TX.  We drove a UHaul truck from Miami, FL into a kind of summer heat I had never before experienced.  I was accustomed to the wilting humidity of south Florida but this was something different.  Imagine standing in front of a blow dryer set on high....

My kitchen comes close to that first Texas summer experience.

Within a few days, we had found an apartment and connected with Dallas Theological Seminary where Larry would soon be consumed by the demands of a rigorous program. 

But first things first!  This was 1976, the bicentennial  celebration of our country's birth.  We had fireworks to see!  And so we did, at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park.

Since then, we've been blessed with many more celebrations on the 4th of July. We will celebrate again today, with heartfelt thanks to those who have made eating watermelon and watching fireworks symbols of freedom.

Galatians 5:1  "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."

Let's see, this year it is....

thirty seven

37

THIRTY SEVEN years of marriage!

A long marriage is a blessing.
For some of us, it takes a long time to learn how to be married. 
I am one of those.

"Love is patient and kind..."
 
Here is the proof.

He pulled to the side of the road so I could take this photo, warning, "Stay out of the tall grass so you don't get chiggers!"

Now that is love that "cares more for others than for self."


Happy Anniversary, Honey!!

Scones with Fresh Raspberries

She popped a red raspberry into her mouth. 

Her eyes widened as she said,

"Yum!  Raspberries taste like.............candy!!"

Four year old Piper is in training as my kitchen helper.  I came across an easy recipe for Raspberry-Orange Scones.  It is fun and simple to make, and delicious. 

By the time we slid them into the oven,  flour was everywhere, and more raspberries were in the tummy than in the scones, but isn't that the way it is supposed to work?

Raspberry-Orange Scones

2 1/4 cups packaged biscuit mix

1/2 cup milk

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon orange peel, finely shredded

1/2 cup fresh raspberries (I would throw in a few more)

1/4 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 400 F.  In a large bowl, stir together biscuit mix, milk, egg and orange peel until a soft dough forms.  Gently fold in raspberries.  Place dough onto a lightly floured surface.  Gently knead about 10 times or until smooth.  Form dough into a 6-inch circle.  Cut into 6 wedges.  Arrange wedges on an ungreased baking sheet.  Sprinkle with sugar and bake 12 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.  Serves 6.

The scones are delicious right out of the oven.  But a favorite variation is to break a scone into a bowl with fresh raspberries, and pour a little heavy cream over all (as seen above.)

Everything Looks Different.....

through the lens of my camera. 

Though I've always loved photography, nothing prepared me for the grip it has had on me for the last three years.  The digital world has lured me into the pleasure of learning how to create an image, and now I see them everywhere. 

This gorgeous chandelier sparkles in the morning light streaming through the window in my friend's dining room.

The ordinary, in reality, is quite extraordinary.

"People are like stained glass windows; they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness set in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light within."



— Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Spring Shows Up

Spring finally made it through security and showed up yesterday.

She had a little trouble being restricted to 3oz of liquid in a zip lock bag.  You know, Spring is all about exuberance, extravagance and excess in color and fragrance.  Pack lightly?  Please.  She didn't forget her blow dryer, either, for what she calls "the tornado affect."

Welcome, Spring.  We're ready for you.

"Spring is nature's way of saying, Let's party!"

— Robin P. Williams

Winter tries to Spring

Winter packed its bags on Friday, all set for a Saturday departure. 

Spring was due to arrive the next day, and Winter didn't want to get in the way. 

But Spring must have gotten detained in security.

So, Winter decided to hang around a few more days and throw a farewell bash.

.

A Cheerful Look

Months ago, when I first considered starting a blog, I knew one of my main challenges would be maintaining momentum. 

I cringed when I noticed my last posting was written in February. 

But life happens, as I know it does for you.  Even so, I am determined to create a better system.  Any suggestions?

Here is the latest example of how family needs can put everything on hold.

Early last week, granddaughter Piper went into the hospital, in the wee hours of the morning, with a respiratory infection and low oxygen levels.  She seemed to snap out of it and went home.   You can barely see the celebratory balloons tied to her stroller.

A few hours later, she was back in the ER.  Diagnosis: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) or as her grandfather calls it, Really Serious Virus.

Glitter, glue, stickers and scissors were the most help in enduring the constant stream of medical personnel, treatments and tests.  But I must not forget to mention the almost hypnotic affect of the Sprouts network on the hospital television.

She's a crafty little thing!  And the more glitter, the better!

Aunt Claudia came by one evening to snap up some bubbles.

We all celebrated at the end of the week when she was able to go home.  In the above photo, you can see her projects proudly displayed along the window sill.  The delicate treasures required some creative packing!

Grateful for medical care; even more grateful when she doesn't need it.


A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
Proverbs 15:30

Remembering

We didn't get it.  Not one single flake.  The predicted modest snowfall bypassed the metroplex and trailed down south.

So, in honor of today's weather forecast, I present an image from ten days ago.

Only a person who dreads the relentless heat of our August days would revel in a day like the one shown here.  This is me, driving down my street at 5pm.

It was sweet while it lasted and I was hoping for a return engagement. 

It was not to be. 

Now, I am going to turn on the Winter Olympics and get my fix long distance.

Though Vancouver is having a little trouble with that snow, aren't they?

The Heart of Love

My favorite one hit the floor this morning.

I was being so careful,

handling it gently like the treasure it is,

when it slipped from my grasp.

I felt it happening,

my fingers struggled to stop it,

but failed.

Not only is it the most exquisite Valentine's Day cookie I have ever seen, it was lovingly crafted by one so dear to my heart. 

But you know, the cookie, though broken,  

is still beautiful.

Still a treasure.

Made in love.

Be loved today.

Because you are.

"Nothing fazes us because Jesus loves us.  I'm absolutely convinced that nothing.....can get between us and God's love because of the way Jesus our Master has embraced us."

Romans 8, The Message

Winter Wallop

Winter gave us a big fat kiss on the cheek yesterday. 

The official record at the Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport was set today at 12+ inches in a 24 hour period.

Branches broke, the crepe myrtles sagged. 

I dashed into my car, camera in tow, before the beautiful whiteness transformed into drab slush.  It was a trick getting up my driveway and on the road, but the city was a feast for these eyes.

A Happy Birthday

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares."


— Henri J.M. Nouwen (The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey)

This quote describes my friend, Jan.  My life is richer because she was born, and because she has joined in my journey, and allowed me to be with her. 
 
Jan loves life and embraces it with arms wide open.  Beautiful, stylish and creative, her warm and giving heart draws people like a magnet.  Did I also mention that she has a terrific sense of humor, loves roses and chocolate, and coffee?  If she knew you, having coffee with you would be one of her favorite things to do.

That is just the way she is.

I am thankful to be her friend.
 
Happy birthday, Jan!

The Gift of Time

My sister gave me the best Christmas gift ever.  And it came early, too.   I had a big problem and she helped me take care of it. 

On the weekend before Christmas, she gave me the gift of time. 

Let me tell you what happened.

I barely noticed when it first started a few weeks ago.  The little winged moth seemed nothing more than an innocent traveler  passing through.  Now I think he was the scout, looking for a comfy place to take up residence, to invite his family and friends and populate.

My problem was pantry moths.  Have you ever heard of them?  Let me tell you, they are no fable.  They do exist. 

We declared war.  On the Saturday before Christmas, there was no peace in my kitchen.  Out went everthing in my pantry that was not in a can or hard plastic container.  We scrubbed the walls and shelves, wiped down everything we put back. 

Now look! 

Claudia is the best sister in the world!  Let the baking begin....

My Mother's Point of View

My sister and I went to upstate NY to check on my mother and aunt last week.  They are 80 and 88.

Aunt Aileen and  Mom, May 2009

Vascular dementia has its grip on my mother, and my aunt's heart is getting a little tired.  For now, they still live together, but those days are numbered. 

When I was last there in May for my mother's 80th birthday, I was able to take some sweet portraits of her.  This trip I decided to concentrate on "a day in the life" set, which I'll be processing soon.

One of my favorite images is of the view out Mom's bedroom window.  Every night, when she goes to bed, she opens the blinds in her room.   In the morning, the neighboring building and trees are the first things she sees.  In the summer, the trees are leafy green, blazing orange and yellow in fall, and majestically bare in the winter.  Mom loves that view.  She lies in bed, taking it all in before getting up to start her day. 

This image was taken from her bedroom window the morning of the day I returned home.  On this day at least, Mom and I were seeing eye to eye.

Giving Thanks

Welcome to my home!

My plan for today, "be thankful in everything..."

I have a very long list.

Many Thanksgiving blessings to you!

A Girl and Her Grandfather

God himself has said,
I will not in any way fail you
nor give you up
nor leave you without support. 
I will not,
I will not,
I will not in any degree leave you helpess,
nor forsake you,
nor let you down,
or relax My hold on you. 

Assuredly not! 

Hebrews 13:5b
Amplified Version

Moving On Part 2

We've  moved.

It is a relief to be at this point in the process, even though I'm still settling in and trying to make my new location feel as homey as my old office.  It was small but cozy, and I miss it.  No window in that old office, either, but even for this lover of light, it felt OK.  Now I have a beautiful north facing window, in a larger room, and I'm working on making it home. 

The day of the move was as you would imagine.  The flood of boxes and furniture came,  looking for a place to rest.  But when the granddaughter of one of my collegues showed up, suddenly everything became a lot more fun.

Sadly, Mary Anne had to go home, and I was left to go it alone. 

But it's  been a week now, and I can truly say that it is becoming more like home every day. 

The Hope Center

Moving On

 It was time.  In fact, past time.  I was finally forced to clean out my desk this week.

For the last 12 months,  Exchanged Life Ministries Texas has been gearing up for relocation.   After nine years in a strip center, in a declining area with increasing crime, we will be moving next week to The Hope Center, a glorious building designed for organizations such as ours. 

Cleaning out my desk was like going on an archeological dig.  For a time, I shared my office with a friend.  So when I came upon some of her things, it was a sweet discovery, bringing back warm memories of our times together.  Other found objects were a mystery.  Why are there pieces of broken bowl in a small, square Pottery Barn box?  Perhaps I planned to use them as an object lesson, but I simply can't remember.  And there was a clock that used to sit on a table across the room from me.  It was consigned to that deep drawer when I could no longer read the numbers from that distance. 

But then I happened upon a true treasure.

Another person might call it a fossil, as it is at least, several years old.  A hopeless chocoholic, I switched brands a long time ago.


No, I didn't eat it.

Show and Tell

"It is by chance we met . .

By choice we became friends."

 
Last night I had dinner with Deb.  This woman is a most marvelously talented writer, educator and business woman, generous of heart, stylish and creative to the core.  Most of all, she is my friend. 

Many years ago, we met as young mothers at a Bible Study Fellowship class.  She loves to give me credit for sparking a creative fire that transformed her into a one of the most stylish women I know.  We share a love for color and fashion, and a determination to avoid the "matronly" look, even as the years carry us along. 

Though she moved to another city, I have never lost my friend.  Deb has the gift of pursuit, and she has held fast to me.  Our children have grown up, our bodies have changed, our lives are different.  I love her dearly and was so happy to have dinner with her last night when she dashed into town.

Here she is showing me one of her new accessories.  We do love our show n' tell.