Weary Beauty

Old and banged up. 

Rusted and worn. 

Still sharing a weary kind of beauty, 

appreciated by some, cast off by others. 

The original function of these watering cans is long in the 

past. No longer do they tote an early morning drink for 

the roses. Never again will one be used to rinse mud 

from toddler toes or to bathe a wiggling pup. 

Leaky seams, missing spout heads, 

and split handles prevent that. 

But position one just so in a springtime planter, 

and you have something unique.

So much to ponder there, friends.

The kindness of flowers in a time of grief is another ponder-worthy topic. 

The gentle joy a vase of blooms lends to a house of sorrow far outweighs the cost. 

I'm beyond thankful for this version of generosity. 

My January newsletter is up on Substack. 

Click the link to take a peek. 

A Messy Advent

The Advent season arrives on time, no matter the state of my readiness. 

I can't beg for just one more week tacked on the end 

of November--seven more days to declutter a pantry, 

lose the Thanksgiving pounds, and pen a 

comprehensive Christmas list. 

Instead, the season of celebrating the Incarnation rolls in, 

garbed in royal dignity, to adorn our humble home--

unconcerned with the state of my dining room table. 

The Spirit of Christmas, made manifest in a lowly manger, 

is not bothered by the chaos. 

So I'll stop to worship in the 

midst of real life, light the candle of HOPE, and 

gaze into the mystery of 

Emmanuel--

God with us. 

Invite Him into the middle of your mess and 

discover the real miracle of Christmas. 

 

Every Fleeting Moment

 

The next few weeks are lining up with genuine autumn events

and a few end-of-summer happenings. 

It's a busy season, but I wanted to share 

some fall photos and updates.

We have piles of logs for campfires, fuel for flame-gazing 

ponderings and pulling stories from deep coat pockets--

the kind rarely shared and told in hushed tones. 

It's almost board game time. I recognize the hands in this photo, 

the shapes of people I love who can no longer navigate an evening 

of dice, cards, or laughter. It's a lesson--savor every fleeting moment.

The Heavenly Blue morning glory vine has become a magnificent 

monster. She's wrapped herself around an entire 

section of fence and roamed to the top of the greenhouse. 

When the blues reach their peak at the end of October, 

they'll put on a show to remember all the bleak 

winter days to come. 

The delicate backyard beauty of a spider's art, laced with 

autumn dew--another snapshot of everyday wonder. 

The sun is setting earlier and earlier on the fall season 

of 2025. I'm ready to begin letting this year go. 

Is it the same for you?