Savouring January - Day 17 - Feel

Today I feel the quiet Joy of contentment. 

It’s a snow day so my cute hubby 

has been working from our kitchen table 

and I’ve been baking Grandma’s Honey-Oatmeal bread 

and working on our Epiphany letter.

Blessed be.

#SavouringJanuary2018

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Savouring January - Day 4 - Dream

My new air fryer cooks up grilled ham and Swiss sandwiches 

(with a sprinkling of poppy seeds like Moma used to make) 

like a dream! 

 A perfect lunch on this cold, blustery day.

It's based on a recipe from l-o-n-g ago when I was a little girl. 

Back then the local gas company would put on a cooking show 

and hand out little books with recipes in it, 

including the ones they had just demonstrated. 

The original recipe called for making a spread 

of mustard, butter, grated onion and poppy seeds. 

Today I just smear both insides of my bread with a little mayo,

 top that with a thin layer of yellow mustard, 

and sprinkle both sides generously with poppy seeds. 

As you probably can imagine, 

the poppy seeds add a bit of yummy crunch. 

Delish!

#SavouringJanuary2018

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Remembrance - Day 29 of 40

I read recently that the cave of our heart is our soul 

and I do so love the song by that name 

by John Michael Talbot. 

.          *             .

Both of these women loved me in that tenderest of places... deeply and well. ❤️

Remembrance - Day 28 of 40

The Light of compassion 

on the first Sunday of Advent. 

💕

.           *           .

Remembrance - Day 16 of 40

Two dear shelters in the storm 

where who I truly am was encouraged, nourished 

and loved. 

💕

.     .     .     .     .

Timely Message from Archangel Haniel

yes

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Breathe September 2017 :: Day 14 - Scent

Rose reminds me of my dear grandmother. 

#BreatheSeptember2017

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Evidence of Where I Came - 2017 edition

. gingham because it reminds me of my Moma and Grandma, and black and white in 

particular because that was the color of my dress when Grandma made smocked dresses 

for all of her granddaughters. In doing a quick count, I think she made about 18 of them.

. a yellow rose, one of dozens given to me by my dear husband, because I love him, roses,
and the land of my birth.

. Grandma used to give us holy cards for special occasions and I chose this one of 

St. Joseph in honor of my Daddy, his namesake. My brother was named after him and we 

girls were often fondly referred to by our first name followed by "Jo," which is part of most 

of our middle names.

. a journal because I do so love to write and because I have no doubts that I would Not be 

where I am today without this constant, faithful companion, always there to catch my 

thoughts, feelings, tears, fears, joys, and dreams.

. my Grace cross speaks to my cherished faith and honors the gift of my family by 

marriage

. a rose quartz heart to remind me of all of the love in my life - both given and received

. the small metal filigree case holds the rosary my confirmation sponsor, a beloved teacher, 

gave to me on that special day.

. the little decoupaged plaque of a girl sharing a picnic tea with her doll is inscribed on the 

back in my Grandma's beautiful cursive handwriting: "Debbie, 1972"

. the pink bookmark reminds me that Debbie means "Seeking One." Smiling big because 

nothing could be farther from the truth.

. a sweet pillow case delicately embroidered for me with a little lamb reminds me of how 

wonderful it was to grow up on a farm.

. and, of course, my constant crutch companions, Bert and Ernie, who have been standing 

by and supporting me for decades.

Blessed be.

💕

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Gathering of Spirits

"I hear the voice of my Grandmothers calling me....

...Listen, listen."

~song lyrics by Sandy Vaughn

This isn't the version I know but it's similar.

💕. 💕. 💕. 💕

Baking is My Therapeutic Love Language

Taking a quiet moment to be fully present in this moment before beginning some lovely 

baking therapy this evening, all while basking in the Light of Love. 

#grounded2017

💕     .       🕯     .       🔶

My bananas were frozen and the recipe I use is my Grandma's. It was the very first thing 

we baked together when I was 9 years old, after putting on our aprons, of course.

Yesterday at work was *tough* and, while today was a lot better, I knew I still needed some 

self-care... and I love to bake so I thought, "hey!" 

I'm not sure I've ever thought of baking as self-care 

before but when done in the right spirit, it so is.

It's also one of my love languages.

I have such fond memories of a dear family friend's mom who, when she would come for 

a visit, would keep a lighted candle when she and her daughter were working in the kitchen. 

I was so enchanted the first time I saw it and how Gramma Underwood (we "adopted" her) 

explained to me that it helped her to remember to pray for those who were on her heart 

that day, especially when preparing for big family meals like Thanksgiving dishes (which 

is usually when she and Grampa were down for a visit).

In November 2015, wanting to feel them close by, I created the collage of the 4 women 

behind my candle. Moma is in the top left, my beloved Banana Bread Grandma in the top 

right, Moma's mom in the bottom left, and hubby's dear Grandma who considered me one 

of her own in the bottom right.

(Have I mentioned yet that hubby affectionately 

calls me "a little old lady magnet?" 

I just smile and nod because I adore grandmother (and grandfather!) 

energy and am so drawn to them)

This evening, I knew I needed to feel them close. Just the simple act of gathering items for 

a little impromptu kitchen altar felt like a gift (the other picture is "Mary, Undoer of Knots) 

and my rock says Peace), as did taking a moment to pause ...

... breathe ... 

.... and gently remind myself that I am not alone. 

While they may be on a different plane, 

we are very much together in spirit. 

I know because seeing their sweet faces 

in the glow of candlelight tells me so.

And sure enough. I am feeling much more

 Grounded and centered, 

and also loved.

Blessed be. 

.           *           .

Passing the Peace

November is the month of Remembrance and just like last year, I'm especially 

remembering, clockwise from top left, my dear Moma, beloved paternal grandmother, 

hubby's precious grandmother (it was love at first sight!), and my maternal grandmother 

(she and I are still finding our way).

May they all Rest In Peace. 

❤️. 🙏🏻. ❤️

Tranquil Tokens

Very kind, deeply touching words 

sweet surprise card

tucked in with my hearts and talisman. 

💕

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Everyday Beauty :: Orange

So my dear goddaughter and I are playing this month, exploring moments of Everyday 

Beauty in our ordinary lives, together. 

When I saw "Orange" come up for today I smiled big, knowing exactly what I wanted t

o capture this quiet, summery-feeling morning. 

My sweet girl made this beautiful cross stitch picture, her very first!, and surprised me 

with it when we were in Texas for her confirmation last month.

I very affectionately call her my Sunshine and what a happy accident to also capture the 

reflection of my love for her as well.

I also posted this photo on my Facebook wall and a friend commented that my phone 

was orange, too. 

While I had noticed, not wanting to take away from her gift, I wasn't going to mention 

it... at first. 

But!  

As soon as I read my friend's comment, I said aloud "it's gingham, too, which reminds me 

of both my Moma and Grandma."  

So now? This simple photo actually has 4 generations reflected in it!  I think my 

goddaughter would really like knowing that so I've shared it with her, too.   And she did!

I do *so* love working with prompts! 

#everydaybeauty

  ❤️

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Writing Letters as a "Be Here" Practice

My grandmother lived on a farm in the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's.  Not only did she love to
write letters, it was the only realistic way of keeping in touch with her two children that
had moved far away along with other relatives and friends. I still fondly remember how
she would gather her extended family in her front room on a Sunday afternoon and
encourage us younger ones to sit still and listen while she read the latest letter she
received to all of us.

Through her, I grew to love to write letters and have always loved receiving snail mail as
well.  As an aside, I so loved it when email arrived because it seemed to revive the practice
of letter writing. While it's not the same as receiving a hand written letter, I've so enjoyed
hearing from those that I wouldn't have otherwise that I'll take it .... in a heartbeat!

I've always known it was the little daily details that I loved the most, both hearing from my
family and friends, but also what I most enjoyed sharing. In the last few years, I've come to
realize that starting a letter with what it looks like outside my window is really a practice in
being right here - aka practicing paying attention and/or mindfulness. It pulls me into the
present moment because I have to stop, notice, and think about how to phrase what I'm
seeing and sensing. It's a gift to me and, from the letters I receive, I know it's a gift to my
reader as well. When I journal (which a lot of times is simply a love letter to myself), I'll start
with the small ordinary details around me to help ground me .  At the minimum I note the
date, time, and temperature outside.

So a small snapshot of what it looks like here in my little corner of the world right now is:

It's dusk as I type this and the chilly, all-day belated March winds of yesterday have finally
settled into a welcomed calm. Two candles have been quietly burning all afternoon, one on
the small end table right here next to me and the other a short distance away with 4 of my
favorite angels gathered around the flame. I find myself grateful for the light as I haven't
gotten up yet to turn on the lights and, she says with a warm grin, aside from the glow of
my computer screen, it's getting pretty dark around here . . .

.           *          .

Good Friday

Baking Hot Cross Buns 

~ 

A Cherished Family Tradition 

.             *            .

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. 

❤️

.             *           .

9 of My Favorite Moments in 2015

1. Time with my sweet Tadd (always)
2. Our St. Augustine beach trip in June
3. Wearing my special necklace made by my sweet girl
4. Warm smiles when I see that my swing is back up thanks to my Daddy
5. Peace has been my gentle word companion and teacher this year
6. Watching and witnessing Little Sister's Fall transformation
7. Daddy & Brenda's visit in October
8. Praying in Color while sitting with my wooden spiral Advent wreath
9. Spending the month of remembrance (November) with 4 dear women who have 

    passed beyond the veil 

.              *            .

Operation Chocolate Chip Cookie

Smiling and remembering 

my dear, beloved Grandma 

as I tell you that, 

between yesterday and today, 

I made 13 dozen plus 3 

chocolate chip cookies.

.             *            .

Thanksgiving Eve

Had some lovely company while baking my Thanksgiving pies. 

(Carmel Apple and Chocolate Pecan)

Smiling softly because I have such fond memories of spending time in each of their warm kitchens where life lessons were sprinkled in with the cooking guidance. Each has passed beyond the veil so while they may not be able to join me physically in my kitchen, I trust (and take deep comfort in knowing) they join me in spirit. 

I'm so grateful that I had my photo collage of them printed earlier this month! Having it close has been a gentle, welcomed visual reminder of these dear women that I love and miss so much and reminding me that they love me . . . still. 

 It's been a most blessed "Gathering of Spirits." 

❤️

.             *            .

Cloud of Witnesses

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