Things I Love: Dishes
There are quite a few dishes at Talarico House. Being a girl who loves to cook, loves to feed people, and likes dishes, this is only natural.
I came home from the United Methodist Women pre-owned sale with two huge boxes and this platter balanced on top. Pablo looked up and sighed. “Please tell me that is not two boxes of dishes that look like that.”
Lucky for him, it was just the platter. I hadn’t pulled it down for a while, but tonight it was just the thing. This dish does make me smile.
This Moment
Playing along with Soule Mama. One image from the week, no words.
A Box of Last Year
All year (when I remembered), I slipped little memories into a box. I included a letter recapping 2012 and a copy of my resolutions.
It was a fairly happy box with a healthy dose of random joy. “No one expects mangoes to fly past their faces!”
I slipped everything into an envelope in the keepsake folder. The box is ready for a new year full if memories. I wrote another letter, made new (and continuing) resolutions.
For 2014 I hope to grow joy, presence, grace, and balance. What is growing in you?
2014 – Adventure Time!
In an effort to explore our little corner of the world, I put together some Adventure Envelopes. Each one has a destination we can drive to within 90 minutes. Some are bookstores, some are museums or art galleries. Some are parks. I tagged the ones that involve a little more financial planning so I can pull those out of the drawing pool if need be.
I have a few more envelopes in mind. One is a super-special overnight to NYC. The bears are excited about the prospect of doing more things outside of the house. I am excited about not having to come up with ideas on an early Saturday morning.
Wishing you all your own adventures this year!
Overheard: A Christmas Medley
My small nephew is here with his mum for a visit. He is busy and noisy and silly and fun. This morning I woke up to him singing:
Go tell it on the mountain
Go tell it on the mountain
Go tell it on the mountain
The old grey goose is dead!
Almost Done
After a brief detour through bad math, the binding is halfway done. Now all I need is a good podcast or four to get me through the hand sewing.
I might just keep it!
I Was Just Knitting a Minute Ago
The smallest bear asked to use the sewing machine today. Now we’re well in to a table runner that promises to be rather lovely.
Tink, Tink
I knit an entire inch past where the heel should start. Tinking back now, taking out each stitch carefully. If only words could be unspoken so easily, actions undone.
It is meditative, this stitch by stitch unmaking.
Second Day of Christmas
The People Who Walked in Darkness
I have missed my Auntie and my friend so much this year. Everything Advent and Christmas reminded me of them, bringing smiles and tears all at once. I am happy to have many good memories of the lights they were in my world.
All of the songs and words this week tell the story of the light coming into the world to dwell among us. To comfort us and be with us.
Our choir in the frozen tundra spent several weeks trying to learn a complicated rhythm, singing “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” We couldn’t quite get the feel of it and often laughed ourselves silly. For years afterwards, when that phrase came up, it would send my friend and me into fits of giggles.
Last night, as I read our closing prayer, those words were right in the middle of it. Right where I’d read through three or four times without even seeing it. Not seeing it at all until the carols were almost all sung and the descants had rung full over the congregation. Full in my heart and empty without her voice filling the chancel. Not seeing it until I’d wrapped myself up in Christmas and missing. Words that made me giggle with her made me weep last night. Weep and smile and miss even more.
Merry Christmas! The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. It is my turn to be light now.
Naming Mountains 