a moment

I was just stopping by the information counter to pick up a map, and my new necklace, the one with the little door, caught the volunteer's eye. She admired it from the distance across the counter, but I could tell she was intrigued... and so I removed it from around my neck, so she could really see it. I could tell the instance it hit her heart... the connection... the almost tears that welled in her eyes. She did not share her story, but it was there... oh, I could feel it. She asked me how she could find one, and after our chatting, I headed off to find my son, wandering the visitor's center. In gift shop, there she was again... she walked by me and kind of squeezed my arm a little. This woman has been on my mind... I hope that what is behind her next open door brings her joy...

following the moon

An ordinary Saturday morning...
waking up in the dark...
getting ready to head out with Laura for volunteering...
waking a sleeping boy, who wanted to join us.

We spotted the moon...
hovering low behind the treeline...
full and bright...
and beautiful.

Around the bend...
there it was again...
unhidden...
spectacular.

Parked in the chilly car...
windows open, chatting quietly...
sipping warm chocolate, and nibbling muffins...
a momma and her kids... following the moon.

precious moment

The purpose of life is life.
Karl Langerfeld

Last night I stepped out my little comfort zone... and was so pleased with the outcome. A new young couple in our church just added to their family, and I actually called the hospital (yes, really) and was able to stop by and hold their precious baby. Precious. New. Beautiful... the privilege of holding a miracle in my very own hands. Oh, the way he stretched and snuggled... how he fit just right so close to my heart, and stole it away when his tiny hand curled around my finger. Laura admired from a distance, but Camden put his hand out and let the little one grab hold... and then his heart was stolen away, as quickly as mine had been. I could tell, the way he would continue to lean in, and occasionally touch the baby's little face with one outstretched index finger. Life... a beautiful gift. A mystery worth solving... a risk worth taking. I am learning, still... everyday... that when I stretch out the borders of my own life, the blessings are abundant.

still celebrating

Here is is, January eighth... and yes, my Christmas tree is still up... along with all of my other decorations. We even turned the lights on the other night, which was probably a big mistake- it looked so beautiful, and this tree which I have not loved as I have so many others, stole my heart. Colorful twinkling lights... throwing sparkling reflections on our precious ornaments... maybe I needed these quiet moments more than I knew. A few more days until I can even think about getting it all put away, so I may as well enjoy. And, sometimes when you still have your tree up, there are great perks... like this little treasure I found on the kitchen counter after work yesterday...

Crazy, I know, but this little gift sent me screaming with joy into the other room where my husband was just quietly reading. I really wanted these measuring cups... I had seen them at the store, and thought that they were beautiful, and fun! But I was not going to spend that much for silly measuring cups, even at 30% off... even though they would look pretty in the drawer... and collapse and leave the drawer maybe a little more tidy. And then, there they were, on my kitchen counter... expertly wrapped by the man who shares his life with me... and who sometimes knows me better than I know myself. How I love these after Christmas finds... tucked away in the closet behind the shoes... or on top of a cabinet, just out of sight... like the Easter eggs you come across in July. Little celebrations that brighten an ordinary day... and bring laughter and joy to my heart.