Six

A Fresh Change

It's time to pass my grandmother's rocking chair on to someone else. Later this year another great-grandchild will be rocked in it. Knowing that would make her happy. To replace it, our Eames fiberglass arm shell chair has found a new home in Sister's room. I like it with a quilt tossed over the arm.

Two Views of the Smith-Corona

Heaven help us, we've had all manner of shuffling furniture and modobjects about this week. The professor has been busy plotting a furniture trade, and there have been other items pulled out to pass along to new owners. It always feels nice to open up a bit of attic space. One morning I spotted the old portable Smith-Corona typewriter sitting quietly in the corner, almost as if it were waiting patiently for something... anything. Seeing it there made me smile.

Grace for the Overwhelmed

It's time for the teacher's appreciation luncheon at school. I'm in charge... and overwhelmed.

But, this is where I find grace...

My mother helps me plan the menu and grocery shop. She even cooks and chops all the chicken for me. I have a quiet Saturday afternoon to make the main dish ahead of time. Friends offer freezer space. Another friend offers to keep Sister the day of the luncheon. And, so many other mothers volunteer to help with the food and the serving.

Yes, this is grace. God tenderly and graciously provides while comforting my overwhelmed heart.

Rejoice in Him

For our heart rejoices in Him,

because we trust in His holy name.

Psalm 33:21

Breakfast With Friends

And, the birds joined us too!

The Birds and Me

When the professor and I were first married we lived in a darling, old second floor flat in Columbus, Ohio. We loved that little apartment with its arched doorway and charming details. The creaky, hardwood floors and huge steel casement windows were drafty in winter. The inside of our windows used to ice over on really cold nights! I had never seen that before... and haven't since.
From our happy little nest we took our southern selves to visit exciting, new-to-us places like Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Wheeling, West Virginia, to Chicago, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. We explored our own city too, and scoured yard sales and visited junk stores. It was a simple, happy time.
We hung a bird feeder outside our dining room window and kept it full. The birds came often and we enjoyed watching them. The professor was always careful to place sunflower seeds on the windowsill, which the cardinals loved. I remembered that today when I was refilling the same old bird feeder we've always had. And so, I left some seeds on the sill once more {and Sister promptly came along behind me and started brushing them to the ground}. Perhaps in the morning the birds and squirrels will peak in at me and we'll have breakfast together just as we did in Ohio. I will have tea and toast and honey.

Sweet Five

Tonight the professor and I discussed birthday gifts. He turns six next week. And, he's so excited. I feel wistful. I love five. And, I love him being five. While he savors chocolate ice cream cones I'm going to savor his fiveness, because it's just so very sweet.

Busy Little Hands

Pegs in, pegs out... wax on, wax off. Battleship has kept her happily occupied for two days and counting! When she grows tired of fighting battles at sea there will always be dandelions to pick and Band-aids to unwrap. It is, after all, perfectly acceptable to accessorize with Hello Kitty bandages if you are 21 months old. Or, if you are the said tot's mother. Band-aids for everyone! That is her philosophy. {Insert wry smile here}.

Grace Upon Grace

To be able to taste and see His goodness... to be transported by the view in wonder, love, and praise... to worship the Giver and not the gifts... this is grace upon grace.

Rest in Him

And He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

Outside Looking In

Cold night. It's nice to be on the inside.