There were children playing in the dirt at the apartments on Tallent Street tonight. That's how his email began. If you're a regular here, you know I love children, and so you probably assume my first thought was of my own two grandsons and their dirt playing. I sure do love that! But it wasn't. You see, I'd been on Tallent Street, too, although somehow I missed seeing the children playing in the dirt. I did, however, see the diaper-clad toddler with her head full of blonde ringlets. I saw the parent (or was she a grandparent?) trying to keep up with said toddler and another young child. I saw a man planting tomatoes in a small container—and hoping his potted hydrangeas weren't too ... Keep Reading...
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Celebrate Motherhood with a Baby Sprinkle (aka Shower Lite)
When I received the invitation, I suspected guests would be in for a treat... We were! The food-laden table was a treat for both taste buds and eyes! But the biggest treat was sitting in a room of about 20 women—most of whom I'd just met—and praying for my precious young neighbor as she awaited the birth of her third child. Women... A few single; most married. Some mothers (and grandmothers!); others not. A beautiful mix of "ages and stages" ... praying for our friend. I trust she's enjoying reading the notes we all wrote to her offering love and encouragement and "been there" wisdom. Mine was a variation of a previous Mother's Day post... MOTHERHOOD: The Mother ... Keep Reading...
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Weekend Wondering… What song’s in your head?
My goodness how I've missed being here! Four whole weeks have passed—all packed with lots of crazy-busy goodness I hope to share with you soon. Only today did I put away my Easter bunnies. How's that for keepin' it real? But just because the bunnies are back in their hiding places, doesn't mean Easter is over. In fact, in my world Easter is never over! Easter is a year-round celebration of love and sacrifice and resurrection. Still... I've been surprised by the song that has stayed in my head for the past 2-3 weeks. Weeks! That's never happened before. I've been waking up to one phrase of one song every day—and hearing it in my head during quiet moments—and letting it lull me to ... Keep Reading...
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The Way of the Cross
Weeks ago I was touched by a prayer, its words penned and lifted by my friend, Reverend Andrew Whaley, pastor of First Presbyterian Church here in Jefferson City, Tennessee. He's younger than my children... and wise beyond his years. I've been waiting until today—the beginning of Holy Week—to share its beauty with you. May you be blessed, encouraged, and challenged by its truths even as I continue to be. The way of the cross looks treacherous, its shadow foreboding, its call fraught with danger. And yet, precious Jesus, we have the audacity to hang it here in your house of worship so that we cannot divert our gaze away. In a world that tells us to pump up our ego, this ... Keep Reading...
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A Place at the Table
Within walking distance of my old house is a beautiful old church, its members part of our community since before its official founding in 1867. The church stands stately just a couple of blocks up the hill from the Mossy Creek Historic District we're working so hard to revive. Unlike some churches of longstanding, this church makes intentional efforts to be welcoming... even if all that's needed is a quiet place to sit and reflect or pray. But a few weeks ago—in the middle of cold, snowy weather—neighbors around the church received their invitation. Their invitation to the table. Every family living within a mile radius of the church was ... Keep Reading...
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A New Day for the Historic Mossy Creek District
You've heard the saying... The devil is in the detail. A few short blocks down the hill from my old house is the historic district of our small town. It's full of architectural detail! Unfortunately, there's also a whole lot of What the devil happened... and why? Our once-bustling downtown, graced with stately old buildings, was pushed aside by false illusions of progress. Back in the 1950s, a new four-lane highway was added on the south side of town—and one by one, downtown businesses were drawn away. Don't blame me! I didn't live here when the downhill spiral began... It's really quite a painful sight... It is in dialogue with pain ... Keep Reading...
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Little Blossoms on the First Day of Spring
Hurray! Spring has officially arrived! Here's a little nudge to get myself started down the right path as this new season lies ahead. You're welcome to join me! Only a Little Blossom by Charlotte A. Perry It was only a little blossom, Just the faintest blush of bloom, But it brought a glimpse of sunshine To a dismal, darkened room. It was only a glad "Good Morning," As he passed along the way, But it spread the morning's glory Over the livelong day. New life, new beginnings, new opportunities! What does the arrival of Spring mean to you? ... Keep Reading...
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Easter’s on its way…
Two and a half weeks until Easter I don't know your plans, but Renaissance Man and I are looking forward to having far-away family not so far away for a change! Even though my days between now and then are cram-packed busy, the recent Lenten Roses blooming in the garden helped me start getting in the mood for Easter. It seemed the perfect time to trade out the casual Winter tablescape for something a little more Spring-like. Lace and flowers and bird nests. Simple—and purple. And chippy paint. It lifted my spirits. I hope it lifts yours, too! Want more Easter tablescape inspiration? HERE you go! I'm so glad you stopped by! Have a wonderful rest of your ... Keep Reading...
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Weekend Wondering…
Isn't it interesting how something so simple can bring back a memory? That's what happened the other day when I took this picture of a Shagbark Hickory tree at the farm. Oh, how I love the gorgeous Winter-turning-to-Spring blue skies in East Tennessee! I started wondering... Whatever happened to Adrian? It was 1994, and the elementary students were given the assignment: Write a poem about a feeling. Examples were given: love, joy... ... and the children began to write. All except Adrian. He wanted no part of that "mushy" stuff. No feeling poem for him! At the time, Renaissance Man and I volunteered at our daughters' school, and we happened to be there to ... Keep Reading...
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Reaching…
This was my calendar page for the month of February. The month filled with ice, snow, cold—and grey skies. I reached... but nothing changed. And so I turned the calendar page to March—and left "reaching for the sunshine" behind. Over the weekend, East Tennessee was blessed with beautiful sun-filled days. Although stuck inside working on taxes, I felt my spirits lift as a neighbor cranked up his chain saw to trim trees. It sounded like Springtime! But this morning I woke to rain—and a week-long forecast for more—and I had to remind myself of the weekend's blessing. While out running errands, I didn't even notice the tiny reprieve in the rain until something ... Keep Reading...
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Weekend Wondering… A conversation with myself
Writer's block. I rarely have it. In fact, I usually have so many topics I want to write about that I have trouble deciding where to begin. THAT's when I get blocked! But lately... Oh, I still have a ridiculously long list of topics to tackle, but lately I've had trouble getting motivated. My four-year blog anniversary quietly came and went (last Summer!), and I barely gave it a second thought. I certainly could write about my incredible journey in Blogland—because it has been incredible! I've met new friends... and discovered new things about myself. I've played in the dishes, restored vintage linens, created inspiration boards, written several series, and shared hope and second chances through ... Keep Reading...
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Digging into the Blogger’s Tool Box
When I first started blogging almost 5 years ago, I barely knew how to crop a picture (much less take a decent one). I certainly had no idea how pixel size translated into what I'd see on my computer screen... or how to "make pics talk" by adding text to them. I also had no clue what a URL was. NOTE: If you aren't a blogger—or aren't the least bit curious about the "behind the scenes" of blogging—then feel free to take a pass on this post. Otherwise, let's press on together... Before we take that first step, though, I should mention that I do my blogging on a Mac, but most (all?) of the software I'll be mentioning is compatible with Windows as well. Fortunately, by personality—and usually by necessity—I'm a ... Keep Reading...
