Sister Moon

Peeking in on a chilly January night

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November Remembrance - Day 1 of 40

Gina Pender was a very devout soul

and friend of our family. 

She strongly believed in and 

talked often about the importance of prayer 

- hers, mine and others.

There was never any doubt in my mind

that she was constantly praying for me. 

She was my encourager to continue praying 

even while I was struggling with bone cancer

and grieving the end of my parents' marriage.

A true light of Hope at a time 

when things were really, *really* dark.

She also made it possible for me to have

some of the actual holy water from the 

Our Lady of Lourdes shrine in France.

(I later passed the remaining water

to my younger cousin, 

who eventually died from cancer.)

Cathy Smith is a dear friend and sister

who I have laughed with, cried with,

and shared hearts with for 

more than 12 years.

Both of these precious women have 

been vessels to and for me...

in different capacities.

The first, passed beyond the veil, 

a vessel of prayer.

The second, still gratefully here, 

a vessel of empathy.

Both cherished vessels of love.

Blessed be.

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Dreaming Ahead

Guess who's already dreaming about the Annual Fall Ball?

🍁  .  🍂  .  🌻  .  🌾

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Sisterly Synchronicity

Yesterday's mail held the wonderful surprise 

of a new "fridge friend." 

I'm still smiling this morning, 

so touched by my sister's thoughtfulness 

and treasuring this sweet memento of their recent visit. 

🌻  .   💚  .   🌻

The timing was also a gift... 

the day after my vulnerable post about one sister, 

this wonderful surprise from another sister 

was tucked in our mailbox. 

Before taking a photo, 

I held it up next to my silk sunflowers 

as a secret reminder to myself 

to keep my face turned towards Grace, 

practice remembering that I am Enough, 

and to go where the love is. 

Yes.

🌻  .   💚  .   🌻

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Sisters Hemmed in by Grace

We had a lovely visit with my sister, her hubby, and their 6-year-old granddaughter 

yesterday and this morning as they were driving thru town.  We moved here almost

30 years ago and this was her very first time here. 

At my request, we took this one of she and I last night, hemmed in by Mama Grace, 

angels, *and* twinkle lights. 

 ❤️😉

May they all continue to watch over, guide, and bless us and our family, especially 

as the children of my sibs are beginning to move out of their nests and form families 

of their own, just as it's meant to be.

(Growing old isn't always so easy or graceful, is it? ❤️)

It was such a delight to get to spend some time connecting with her, always my girl, 

away from all of that and in the comforting warmth of my home. It meant a lot to be 

able to return some of the thoughtful hospitality that she has always so willingly 

offered to us over the years during our trips back there.

Blessed Be.

❤️

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Happy Birthday Tree Love

Lookie at the birthday love that arrived today's mail!! 

My dear artist sister-friend, 

who has been hearing me speak fondly of them for almost 9 years now, 

painted a picture of my beloved 4 Sisters for me! 

Plus! 

The Dogwood Twins are there too 

and, just like in real life, 

are standing a little ways from their big sisters, 

down on the right.

And!

It brought *such* delight 

to notice that all of their shadows 

are angel wings!

Her sweet thoughtfulness couldn't be more perfect! 

Blessed be. 

💕💕💕

#ABirthdayGiftIsNeverEverLate

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Happy Birthday, Aimee!!

Today is my first baby sister's birthday! 

She and I are 10 years apart and she's always been such a dear. 

This photo is from our trip back 17 years ago 

for her wedding and she's holding the cross stitch picture

that I made for her. 

Whenever we go back for a visit, she makes every effort 

to be there with us as much as she possibly can 

and brings her three sweet daughters with her. 

This touches my heart so much 

and whenever I thank her, 

she always smiles fondly 

and tells me she wants her girls to know 

and love me, too. 

Blessed be. 

Love you, sister! 

❤️. 🎂. 🌺. 😘

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Happy Birthday, Susie!

Happy Birthday to my sister, Susie! 

 Wishing her all of the very best on this, 

the day we get to celebrate her

and hoping her special day is awesome 

and filled to the brim with love. 

💕

Smiling big because we're standing at her kitchen sink 

in June of 1999 when we went back for my Grandmother's funeral.

That means she's been making 

her fabulously famous and very yummy French toast 

for us for 18 years...at least!

🎉. ❤️ . 🕯. 🎈. 🎂

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Good and welcomed company . . .

. . . on this chilly, blustery March-like-a-Lion morning!

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Birthday Blessings to my Baby Sister

We're in my Dad's kitchen and she's pregnant with her first daughter.

Moma and Sister came to visit one year for Easter. 

She had been on crutches and didn't need them anymore

so she brought them to me.

This is us in the airport.

(So, *so* delighted that Moma thought to take this picture!)

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Butterfly Birthday Blessings

Today is my sister, Lisa's 50th birthday and, as I think of her, 

I am sending many wonderful birthday blessings her way. 

💕

Smiling fondly, I took a moment to raise my butterfly sister mug 

in her honor and offered a toast to her good health. 

I live several states away and it would be lovely 

if we could gather together once in awhile

and share a warm cup of our Moma's hot chocolate in person.

💕

Last year, I sent all of my sisters a mug on their birthday. 

All but one (they were discontinued before I finished, darn it!),

have a butterfly similar to mine on them and a word. 

Lisa's butterfly is purple and her word is "Blessed." 

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August Break :: Today is . . .

Making yogurt in my new toy.

Catching up with a dear sister.

Late Sunday lunch 

while watching rain showers

after a much-needed nap.

Quiet Abidin' at home.

#augustbreak2016

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August Break :: Love is . . .

. . . a cheerful Christmas tree spatula. 

Thoughtful sisterly surprise 

sent to assist with my holiday baking. 

And years later?  

It still brings oodles of happy sighs 

while stirring up all sorts of yummy treats. 

💕

#augustbreak2016

(Love is also playing with my new electric pressure cooker. 😉)

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August Break :: Sweetness

Summer Soul Sister

Silently, Softly Strengthens

#augustbreak2016 

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A Map to Here

A Map [to] Here

As I read the prompt, I really liked the idea of a map honoring how I came to be here... to be me... in the form of a photo collage. <3

The 4 photos in the upper left, clockwise: 

1.  an Easter picture of my family from 1975; 

2.  my Daddy hugging me good-bye as hubby and I were leaving to come home; 

3.  sweet hubby and I in one of our very favorite places; 

4.  a photo of the love that was shared between my Moma and I (a hard relationship 

     that one, a story needing a map all on it's own).

The 4 photos in the upper right, clockwise:

1.  the statue of Mary at our church that I love to stop by and say hello to 

     (she has been a very real and comforting presence for me since I was a wee one); 

2.  a recent photo reminding me to bloom where I am planted, even when my particular 

     flower looks and stands different from all of those around me; 

3.  the porch swing I gifted myself by allowing my Daddy to take the time to put it back 

     up for me on his recent, short visit here; 

4.  2 sweet trees that I've fondly nicknamed Grace and Mercy which I've become quite fond 

     of as I followed them last fall, taking a photo a week to watch their transformation 

     and to remind me of my own.  While it may be slow, metamorphosis does happen and in 

     the end?  It is quite beautiful.

The 4 photos in the bottom left are gentle reminders of what grounds me right now:

1.  Moonshine (which has since morphed into "Moonlight"), Be Here, Simple Beauty, 

     Peace and Grace all my Core Desired Feelings and the painting of my favorite lighthouse 

     reminds me that they are my guiding lights. 

2.  four sweet angels were a Christmas gift from my hubby and are gathered around a sweet 

     red oil lamp bought at a favorite place not far from here.  This tableau reminds me of my 

     word for this year, Abide, and nudges me to pay attention to where and in who's care I am 

     placing myself.  

3.  my "Be Still, Deb" playlist, many of the songs also reminding me to Abide.  

     Hands down, my favorite one right now is "Abide with Me" by MP Jones.

The bottom right is a favorite selfie.

Yes.  

This is the map... 

my way to and back home to me. 

#timetotellit

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Week 8 :: Beginning to Let Go

And so Little Sister's releasing begins. 

(It feels holy somehow 

to continue to stay with her 

thru this process as well)

 ❤️

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Thankful Tuesday

Today I am thankful for:

1.  This little lovely, a delightful surprise just waiting for me to come get the mail.

2.  Conversation with a wise, dear friend this morning, big-sister heart to big-sister heart.

3.  Room, permission, and kind support affirming me exactly where I am.  

4.  Mild, beautifully sunny spring day.

5.  Reaching out to ask for something I wanted and happily receiving a yes.

6.  Enjoyed watching "Dancing With the Stars" 10th anniversary show.

7.  Remembering how deeply inspired I've been by some of the contestants.  (Amy Purdy)

8.  Resting and relaxing in a picked up house.

9.  Being able to support and love a dear sister in a time of a health concern.

10.  Quiet day at work to piddle and putter when it was hard to concentrate.

11.  Reaching out for help again and leaving it be while I sleep tonight.

12.  While uncomfy, tears so close to the surface .... 

        ....there was a time when tears didn't come at all.    

13.  Simple supper made with leftovers and pantry ingredients.

14.  Soreness in neck and shoulders from new crutches has greatly subsided.

15.  Feeling sleepy before heading for bed.

16.  Rediscovering a cd on mothering at just the right time.

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TBT :: Red Gingham Christmas

Remembering 

with great fondness 

how Moma used to make us 

matching Christmas 

dresses and shirts.

I don't remember helping to sew these 

but I might have. . 

I do remember 

standing at the fabric cutting tables 

in TG&Y 

as the salesman was helping Moma 

figure out how much fabric to buy 

for our long, dark green dresses. 

I was so impressed that 

he was offering her a deal 

because she was buying so much fabric.

She was very beautiful and talented.

I was so very proud to be her daughter

and I still am.

Miss her, too.

.         *         .

InstaAdvent 26 :: Christmas Celebration

All 5 of us on the love seat together

was one of my very favorite moments 

of last night's Christmas Eve gathering.

(When hubby said K has her tongue sticking out!

Her mama said, that's how we know she's happy!)

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Blessing Basking ~ Day 23

Today I am grateful for some time 

to combine two things I love ~ 

mandala-making 

while listening to a story 

intended to reclaim and honor the voice 

(and reputation) of women.

.   *   .

If you're curious, Heather Plett's
mandala course info can be found here.

Ronna Detrick's beautiful story
about Eve
that I was listening to this morning
can be found here.

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