Change
I’ve been pouring through family records, noting dates, reading bits of stories in the midst of … Continue reading Change
Tag: family
Family Matters
It was a simple question. “So, how are things?” We had already been talking for quite a while and were getting ready to wrap up our conversation. But I felt a nudge and I asked. That was all it took. Only fifteen more minutes on the phone and in that short amount of time I was given a very realistic and painful picture of her … Continue reading Family Matters
Birthday Love
An early morning waking to paddle on the James, A gift of flowers to pot and place, A cake with candles to celebrate and share, A blessing from a friend to mark the day, What a beautiful morning for a birthday! A perfect match for you, Florence! Wishing you delight, family and friends today, good rest, play, love! (D. Streiker via Facebook) Photos and reflections by … Continue reading Birthday Love
Lake notes
“Not every lake dreams to be an ocean. Blessed are the ones who are happy with whom they are.” ― Mehmet Murat ildan “Looking out over the lake, I felt enveloped in the most peaceful, loving utopia.” ― Laurie Kahn “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul … Continue reading Lake notes
identity
Who am I? I am restless, pacing, wondering, reaching. I want to know who I am. Years of care, love at its best, have been lavished on me and yet, I am trying to slowly sort through these feelings that often lay heavy on me. It’s not that I don’t want to be loved, to be embraced, but sometimes I feel caught by it, overwhelmed … Continue reading identity
My Two Cents on Parenting
I’ll be honest I’m not a big fan of “parenting” books. I’m not even a fan of the word “parenting.” It seems pejorative to me, as if raising children is a “project” that we can master and complete. What mother or father’s task is ever done?
Liturgy of Love
The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread. ~Mother Teresa
Our three-year old travels with her dad two days a week to attend preschool. Each morning as she’s standing by the front door putting on her coat and slipping on her backpack, she calls out “I’m ready to go!” She’ll catch a glimpse of me in the kitchen, “Mom! You tell everyone I’m ready to go.”
Continue reading “Liturgy of Love”A Word for the New Year
I thought it might be inspiring if our family had a word for the new year, something that might define us, guide us, challenge us in our choices and our journey. So, I offered the idea to my clan (1 husband, 3 boys and 2 girls). I explained the intent and their minds began to ponder the possibilities. Continue reading “A Word for the New Year”
Bread
She journeyed 1,000 miles to visit me in the peak of summer when the tomatoes were ripe and full, butter beans popping their hulls, and corn fresh and sweet. I had learned so much from her as a child – how to use my hands, how to sew, cook, wash a dish and set a table. It was a special treat having her for a … Continue reading Bread
Rejoice!
It’s a simple thing. Really. Most nights before we climb the stairs for an evening’s rest we gather together as a family and share our joys. We’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember. And most nights the joys are quite demure – chocolate chip pancakes, a game won, a good test grade, a friend to play. I’m thankful for this moment. … Continue reading Rejoice!
Florence Brooks 