our favorite event...

The morning was simply made for sitting in the park... sunshine, crisp air and a soft steady wisp of a breeze. Green danced in the light. Being at the front of the line was the only reason we sat, but the enjoyment of just being makes me wonder why we never take the time to just... be. I cannot get enough of this weather... I cannot keep from breathing it all in.

Two and a half hours. We talked and read and laughed and planned while the line grew long behind us. Past the tennis courts and probably around the corner.  Eleven o'clock and the activity began. Covers pulled back to reveal treasure, and the steady forward movement of the line.  At eleven-thirty the end of the line bought their tickets and joined the fun.

I snapped my photos and chose my bowl quickly, knowing almost instantly it was the one...

and then found my boys in the crowd, already filling their bowls with steamy soup.  Creamy chowders of shrimp, crab and conch. Broths chock full of herbs and noodles. And even a chili or two! All donated by the community, all to be a part of this amazing event.

The basic premise is simple: 

Potters, crafters, educators, students and volunteers work with the community to create handcrafted bowls. 

Local restaurants donate soup and bread to serve. 

Guests are invited on the 4th Saturday of January to a simple meal of soup and bread.  

  In exchange for a cash donation, guests are asked

to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the 'empty bowls' in the world.

And if the day wasn't bright enough, there was a Chalk Art Festival and a serendipitous visit with my forever friend! Walking and talking with Eric and her daughter, we laughed the morning into afternoon as we strolled Fifth Avenue and admired the art...

The fourth Saturday in January is always, always, beautiful...

hello there...

her day{s}

Her birthday comes quickly... but this year I was ready. 

Gifts chosen, plans made... only waiting on her.  Nineteen?  My breath catches at the thought. Still.

There has been a lot of growing in these last twelve months.  Many tough moments, but the oh-so-many bright-moment try to outshine them, as they always do.  And it is in the tough where lessons are learned... as long as you can muster up the courage.

She was celebrated twice... quietly over Chinese food and frozen yogurt, and then, finally, with candles and cake. Her favorite. Red velvet and white checkerboard.  When she said red velvet, I waited... and then I laughed because I knew what she was going add even before she looked at me from under her long lashes and asked checkerboard?  I cannot resist her when she is smiling real and true.

Just a few more months and she should be on her way... to her real life, to her dream. I hope and I pray and make that wish when she blows out her candles in one whooshing breath.

Happy birthday, my angel...

faith wrapped 'round...

The afternoon sun slides across the yard and its glistening light falls.over me.
Warm. Lovely. Healing.
Today was a tough one. The appointment was supposed to be quick, and even with an added unscheduled procedure, it should have been. Only... God had a plan to show Himself, to make me lean on Him, to fit pieces of a puzzle together and reveal his picture, crystal clear.

Two hours later, shaken but surely ok, the tears fell.
Tears of tension and relief and okay-ness... but oh, they come in a mess. A quick cry out for prayer in the midst of it all was immediately answered... and later revealed yet another layer to our friendship. I could say funny how it all lines up and fits together when all the pieces are shown, but I don't. Because it is all grace. All grace.  And while I waited to feel the grace to cover me, my faith kept me together in the balance... believing that I would hold together and that all would work out, without seeing the pieces that were laid beyond my sight...