Blessed Be

Sweet hubby keeps gas in my car. 

#blessedbe 

❤️

.            *           .

It's a Party!

We celebrated our 2 nieces (ages 3 and 5) January birthdays today! Yay! 

I enjoyed cross stitching these sweet little bear ballerinas 

and had a grand time dressing up their gift bags with them. 

And boy, oh boy!, did they both enjoy

the pink kiddie cameras tucked inside.

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Home

.            *           .

Morning, Mary

Quiet Light

Faithful presence 

Rinses, refreshes

Reassures.

Blessed.

(and grateful)

❤️

.             *          .

Rest for the Weary Heart

Quiet companions encourage rest, deep breaths, and being right here.

.            *             .

Simple Supper

Soul sustenance 

.            *           .

Abiding Pilgrim

Had my annual (routine) mammogram this morning and, on a whim, I took this wise book 

with me. Between it and the very kind woman who registered me again this year (she 

remembered me!), both were very good, soothing company, their presence alone easing and 

calming nerves that just naturally arise, even when all is well. 

It was such a lovely, unexpected gift to share my word, Abide, with dear Miss Stephanie. 

Not only did she instantly resonate with it, she also said some kind words, blessing and 

affirming me.  

While sometimes far and very few between, today I am deeply grateful - again and again! - 

for those dear, soft lights that were there along my cancer journey trail (and other paths since) 

quietly encouraging me by their prayerful presence to Trust and Hope even when I was 

running on empty.  And in those moments when I just couldn't?  They were right there, 

allowing me to borrow their faith. 

.            *             .

Good Night, Sun

.           *             .

Abiding Love

Just now settling in with yesterday's mail and I'm awe-struck at how perfect 

both of these thoughtful post cards are!

The wise, perfectly-timed-for-me words on the left 

are from a kind-hearted former Love Notes partner 

who, even tho she doesn't have to, 

continues to bless me by including me 

when she sends out notes to her current partner each new round. 

The one on the right is the first of three from my brand new partner 

who I don't know so couldn't have known 

that my word for this year is Abide. 

It took my breath to read the "Abiding Love" caption 

and I love the picture of the woman Peacefully sitting, 

head back and closed eyed, in her rocking chair, 

tucked up under a beautiful quilt with Blues and Stars!! 

Feeling incredibly grateful by this unexpected gift 

of assurance and affirmation. 

My heart is full as I sleepily tippy toe off 

to tuck up into bed with a book this Sunday evening. 

❤️

.           *           .

Morning Snow

Spending a few moments enjoying the snow this morning. 

The lively song and dance of our wind chimes 

tells me it won't be long before our light dusting of white is gone.

Making a cup of hot chai latte tea, 

looking out, 

fondly remembering, 

and smiling contentedly. 

Life is good. 

❤️

.           *            .

January Abiding

Even on cold, gray, and wet January days 

the stark beauty 

of quietly Abiding in your life just as it is 

(and just as you are) 

all while trusting that in this moment?

It is Enough. 

❤️

.            *             .

Heart Anchor

Cheerful little heart anchor, happy to companion me 

wherever I sit in the office, quietly, steadily, faithfully reminding me 

that I am more than who I am at work. 

Smiling softly because I didn't realize just how much 

she helps to center and ground me 

until last week when she wasn't in the cabinet 

waiting for me two mornings in a row. 

❤️

.           *            .

In the Company of Angels

Grateful for some quiet morning time.

.            *           .

Sunday Afternoon Treat

A cup of hot cocoa 

with dollops of marshmallow creme

and a pina colada cupcake.

Yummy!

.             *            .

Trust (in) Grace

The core values that light my way.

#livingbrave

.          *           .

Study Buddies

Working on Brene Brown's "Living Brave" homework 

at hubby's church while he catches up on Treasurer tasks.

.             *             .

Close to the Bone :: Jean Shinoda Bolen

Deeply grateful on this rainy morning 

for the Peace and solace I am finding

 as I Abide in the great wisdom and healing affirmation 

tucked in these pages. 

(Happy 75th Birthday, Moma!)

❤️

.            *           .

Seeing Double

A few weeks ago 

I discovered that 

Little Sister 

(also fondly known as Miss Pretty)

 is actually twins! 

 I've been driving past her for 11-1/2 years 

and I just recently looked at her base. 

❤️❤️

.            *           .

Morning Wisdom

Reading about Angels and Prayer

and holding a couple of dear ones in my heart

❤️

.            *          .

Abide . . . and rest

.            *           .

Eventide

So love how at Eventide

another ring of angels appears.

.             *             .

Nativity Surprise

Who says a chicken can't be part of a manger scene?

(See him on the roof?)

.             *               .

Today's Truth

It's been a long week.

This morning I felt tired and weary

and grief.

It's the first real day of practicing choosing

*where* I want to

Abide.

I'm so grateful for Liz Lamoreux's example

and gentle encouragement

to take selfies as a way of finding 

myself

in my day and in my life,

especially when I'm feeling a little lost

and lonely.

Remember to Abide with intention, dear heart. 

.     *     .

As I was creating the photo above,

I looked up and saw this . . .

So love how another circle of angels 

gather at eventide.

.           *             .

Joyful Mail

Happy mail with my word, Abide, on it

from a very special friend. 

.            *            .

Epiphany Blessings :: Abiding in a Moma's Love

Taking an intentional moment to bask 

(and Abide) 

(and trust) 

in my Moma's love on this Epiphany morning. 

❤️ 

She died 19 years ago today 

and, as my aunt commented then, 

it still brings me Peace 

to picture her dancing along behind the wise men 

(and women)

as they followed the star.

.            *              .

She's 3!!

Our sweet niece is 3 today!

I wanted to take a picture of hubby and me 

to send to her mama 

so she could show it to our girl.

This is the photo I sent.

Wanna see what a big silly I'm married to?

Hold up 3 fingers for me.

Not right there!

Not in front of your face!

Not in front of my face!

Truth be told?

I wouldn't have him any other way!

.              *              .

Gentle Evening Abiding

Gently Abiding in

the sheltering presence of

my sweet friend named

Beary Star

as a wave of grief begins to wash over me.

Not too unexpected, really, 

my supervisor's last day was Thursday

so there are changes going on at work.

And my Moma died on Epiphany

nineteen years ago.

(How on earth can that be?)

May she rest in Peace.

.              *             .

A Bath Ritual for the New Year

Had the most lovely New Year's bath this morning, courtesy of Deborah at La Padre. Her thoughtful kit, containing everything I needed, was the first gift I received this year and I've 

been looking forward to it ever since. 

I still remember how deeply touched I was by the personal ritual she created for me last summer. It was incredibly perfect and is one of my most treasured moments of 2015. 

❤️

.             *              .

Epiphany

For years I have been slipping off to this sweet little parish church every now and then for Saturday evening mass. Having discovered their beautiful nativity scene early on, visiting it is one of my very favorite Christmas traditions. It's quiet reverence always touches me. 

Happy Epiphany! 

(In his sermon tonight, the deacon said that epiphany means truth. I *really* liked that.)

.             *              .

Abiding and Basking in Grandma's Love

Today's candlelight and toast 

are accompanied by 

tea in a mug 

that once belonged to hubby's dear grandma. 

Abiding (and basking) this morning 

in the treasured knowledge that, 

from the moment of our first hug, 

she considered me one of her own 

and I took deep delight in calling her mine as well. 

All in the presence of Grace. 

Always Grace. 

❤️

.             *           .

Abide :: Contentedly

Contentedly Abiding 

this evening

in the pleasure 

of a new "Cinnamon Frosting" scented candle

 while enjoying 

the company of this sweet lovely 

created by a dear friend.

.            *             .