“We make plans and God laughs.” I seriously said that aloud earlier this week, on Monday in fact. Like a “bring it on” idiot. Plans change. Sometimes fast. Thankful it’s just flu, and nothing worse. My Grandpa will still turn 98 tomorrow, just without us there in person. We’ll be there in spirit, and keep our germs at home. We have everything we need and will all be A OK soon. I boarded the dog anyway. That too is for the best. Funny thing is, in 20/20 hindsight, I scheduled more things this week than I’ve attempted all in a row for awhile. When first my youngest son was sick on Sunday, I started rescheduling, canceling and shuffling things around. The things meant most to happen did – like helping K3 finger paint, getting groceries (more jello), and visiting fast with friends. My oldest son knew I planned to call both boys off school today, so he diligently worked ahead. I had hoped he’d dodged this bug, but the 8th grader has it now. “Confirmed” like on MythBusters. Quarantined too. That’s what’s happening at my house. Happy Friday and wishing good health to you!
house
The peace rose planted by my front door has one bloom and sixteen buds. SIXTEEN! I can’t quite believe it! I chose this rose bush the first spring we lived here, way back in 2002, because the house I grew up in had a peace rose planted there. At my childhood home there were roses in an array of colors planted to the left of the front walk: red, coral, white, yellow, even a blue rose (really lavender), and peace. It was this peace rose, and its amazing beauty that comes in varying shades of yellow with white edges and a hint of pink blush, that was the only rose my dad commented on every time it bloomed.
“To shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
—Luke 1:79
Before walking Blue this morning, I read this passage of scripture along with a devotion dated July 7. I loved the whole message, but my favorite part was the reference to a “path of peace.” Upon our return home, the dog and me, I photographed the peace rose bush planted to the left of the front walk at the house where I’m the mom. Then I stepped upon the butterfly adorned welcome mat that my sister insisted upon and walked through the front door into home. I’m always thankful for found moments of quiet, calm and peace, since with two growing up fast boys there are many times that noise, chaos and commotion reign. I love those zany times too. I do!
July 9, 2013
my morning playlist
I was standing in the kitchen, listening to Miranda Lambert’s, “The House That Built Me” when my phone rang. It was my dad. Just checking on me with LOVE. After we said goodbye the song resumed playing. That was a few songs ago. Breakfast is next.
June 28, 2013
“When your life appears to be the most stable and calm, unexpected changes will occur.”
~ quote from the book, “Understanding and Sharing” chapter 7, page 141
I’ve just begun to sort through the boxes that hold the remnants from my childhood bedroom. It was February of 1994 when I packed up my basement bedroom at 21 Jones Place. I remember the date because that’s when my parents moved to their dream house, a new construction built just for them. Today I removed a slim spiral bound notebook from one of the boxes. It’s an odd size, 7 3/4” x 5”. On the cardboard cover I’d written, “Ceramics” and my maiden name, “Janean Thompson.” On page one, opposite from the quote shared above, the upper right hand corner of my notes declare, “1-30-90.” That’d be from second semester of my freshman year in college. Eons ago. Light years. More than two decades in calendar reality, not based on dramatic storytelling time. Of course I found this quote today, “6-16-13.” One of many notes I’ve uncovered this morning that I left for my future self. That’d be me. The woman I am now. The mother of two boys, ages 13 and so close to 10, who sees photographs of that teenage girl with the mane of long brown hair and smile so bright, and wonders, “Who was she? Where did she go? What were her dreams?” My soul whispers in reply, “I’m still here. Look inside.” I’m trying to. My sister’s wise advice is, “Just be you.”
June 16, 2013
kitchen thoughts
blue skies and sunshine today
birdsong too
the boys in my house are still sleeping
even that big dog, Blue
once home from our walk
he fell back asleep
looks like he’s crashed for awhile
I’m putting coffee on and cooking an egg
“blue skies and sunshine”
the title of the painting I did
as part of a public mural
one rectangle among many
to decorate the downtown
I painted within a panoramic rectangle
sized 10’ wide by 3’ tall
while balancing atop scaffolding two stories up
that was a year ago
(yet it seems further away)
today I’m reminiscing
because it’s mural dedication day
complete with blue skies and sunshine
which feels very apropos
June 8, 2013
as of 7:40 a.m. on Saturday morning
mom stuff
my dishes are all done
every last one
even though it won’t last
I’m savoring this job is past
laundry is next
then perhaps I can rest
for that’s the beauty
of Sunday evening
May 26, 2013
side by side
While walking my dog, Blue this morning
I nearly laughed aloud
We walk past this one house
The one with an in-ground pool, slide and gorgeous landscaping
They have a fence, but it’s not that tall (sort of like me)
I spy a mallard pair
Him and Her
Just standing there
The cover is off the pool for the first time this Spring
As the dog and I walk on past, there they go
Jumping in
I smile as they swim side by side
Gliding along the backyard water
That they were lucky enough to find
A lovely l’il morning swim
For them
May 26, 2013
These two canoodling canines sure would make some pretty puppies. Alas, twill never be, ‘cause my boy, Blue, was already “fixed” before Miss Luna moved in to the house on the corner with the fenced yard. He’s a l’il bit older, no comment on wiser, and even without a litter o’pups shared between them, these two purebred dogs are all kinds o’crazy in love with each other. Oh, how they make me smile and laugh with all their carrying on!
March 9, 2013
The broken chair is on the curb.
Garbage day is Monday.
I told my oldest son, “Next time something breaks, just tell me.”
He understood, quite clearly.
This chair is one of six that I bought second hand, for $50 maybe.
I’m not sure of the year, sometime between July ‘95 and January of ‘98 is the best I can do, to pinpoint the timing of the sale.
I brought ‘em home, two by two, in the backseat of the car, on a 52 mile commute.
Honestly, they were a l’il wobbly way back then, but better than the folding chairs we’d been using round a third hand kitchen table.
We still have three o’these chairs left around the house to safely sit in…at least that’s what I sorta think.
March 9, 2013
I’ve stayed out of the boxes of Swiss Rolls in the pantry. They are for the boys of the house. However, this poor l’il Swiss Roll duo traveled round trip, all the way to school and back. It returned home uneaten, due to a fundraiser bake sale. Well, you know I took pity on it, I didn’t wanna waste, and no one else would eat a less than perfect looking one…. So, OK OK, these two I ate! Yum.
March 8, 2013
Turquoise Tangles 