Friday: Victoria Chapel

Aaaah, the peace of this tiny chapel -- of the candlelight shining on the chalice, of the crucifix on the wall behind the altar, of voices intoning ancient prayers and holy scriptures, of the tang of the wine when it touches my tongue, and of the grace of God that is nearly palpable -- all in this single-pewed chapel.

B's "Starry Night"

All three boys are taking art classes at Class Day. T worked on some abstract art, and J is studying texture and color. B, however, is obviously learning about Van Gogh, as he brought home his collage version of "Starry Night" today. I think it's a very good job for a second-grader.

I just wish that I was artistic like my own kids -- my brother was a fine arts major, and my mother paints some, and my grandmother was quite talented. Plus all of Keith's side of the family are artists, so our kids come by it genetically. It just skipped me.

Walking to the P.O.

B and I have been walking over to the post office each day to get the mail. It's a short walk, but enough for me with my physical limitations. The past few days have been absolutely stunning, and walking across the meadow to the post office has been pure joy in such beautiful sunshine. Aaaah, I just *knew* I loved Southern California living....

Self-Portrait in the Sun

Late this afternoon after finishing school with my kids, I sat on the porch to grade essays in the warm February sunshine. It isn't often that the weather is warm enough in the mountains this time of year to remove my sweater, so I took full advantage of the beautiful weather. Aaaaahhhh, warmth to my very bones!

Unexpected Laundry

T managed to squeeze black acrylic paint onto his good jeans. Ugh! So after much scrubbing with stain remover, I took it to my laundry room on the front porch, a place I am not usually inhabiting on Mondays. But I do adore my front-loading washer. I'll have to go check to see if it did the job on the jeans, or if they're now relegated to the "play" category....

New Porch Plaque

I finally hung the plaque my brother gave us for Christmas. I love having it hanging on my porch, between the front door and the laundry room door. Very appropriate reminder for a Sunday, right?

"It's a Beautiful Day...

... Don't let it get away."

I sat on the porch steps, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my face while rereading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston for our Logos discussion tomorrow after church. It was a truly gorgeous day after much rain over the first half of the week. And guess what? The clouds heralded yet another storm, and it's raining tonight as I type. Such a lovely day was not long-lived, but all the more precious while it lasted.

Tools of the Trade...

This is part of my desk where I've been spending the vast majority of my time this week. Please note my signature sepia ink, mahogany pen, and other inks and feathered quills in the background. If I have to work, at least I can work with beautiful things that somehow bring me almost as much satisfaction as the work itself.

Proof of a Busy Week

My last few weeks have been crazy-busy, and this week more so than most. My rather full desk diary is proof.

Storm Watch

Well, the local old timers have been spot-on in their forecast for this winter: cold, wet, lots of storms, good amount of snow. Last week we had a blizzard; this week promises another cold storm that's arriving tonight. The wind outside is quite fierce -- it nearly took the front door knob right out of my hand when I came home after the Lenten study tonight. After several years of drought, we greet every raindrop with gratitude, hoping that the copious precipitation will help to save many of the dying oaks in our town. Welcome, rain! Welcome, snow!