The Piano

The camera caught him in a reflective moment, sitting in front of the piano which was in his childhood home. In a way, this piano was central to life in that home. His dad was a musician who practiced and taught in the room by the piano. We are incredibly blessed to have it in our home now. The first time I sat down to play it after it was in our living room, I was startled by the intensity of feelings which rose inside me. I couldn't believe how lucky I was. Having the piano here is a gift. I can hardly wait until my hand has healed and Art's hip as well. His surgery to replace the damaged right hip is coming up soon. We've looked forward to it for so long. Now, next Tuesday it is going to happen. We both have good feelings about it. At the same time we are buoyed up by the faith and prayers of loved ones. When recovery is well on its way, I am imagining him sitting nearby to listen as I play some of his favorite hymns on this beautiful piano.

"Steph cam here"

I am always glad when Stephanie comes here. Her little note on our dry erase message board by the front door gave me a flashback to my own childhood when the phrase 'Kilroy was here' was often seen. It was sort of the graffiti of the 40's. Kilroy was a World WarII character. Just for fun go to: http://www.kilroywashere.org/001-Pages/01-0KilroyLegends.html
But back to the present: I left Steph's message there for a long time and it gave me a chuckle each time I walked by.

What a Woman!

This is a photo of Marsha, my absolutely favorite daughter-in-law. She is energetic, wise, accomplishes her goals, is spiritual, kind and generous. I love the way she mothers our grandchildren with a balance between being strong and firm and also nurturing and understanding. Marrying her was the best gift Chris could have given us. Happy Birthday, Marsha. You have so many good qualities I admire. I am remembering many special times we have had together and all the laughs and shared tears. Thanks for once in a while letting me be a small part of your school papers. Love you lots! Maybe you would like to listen to the song "Miracle" on my playlist. I think it was written about Celine Dion's little baby. On Mothers Day I listened to it and cried. Happy tears.

Calling Home

While I was in England and Wales, each phone booth I saw was like a connection to home. I knew that given time, I could enter, use my international calling card and like magic, Art or one of our children would be there on the line with me, available to talk. Linking the telephone and prayer as a metaphor has been used so often it might be called a cliche. I prefer to think of it as a truism. During those moments of uncertainty, crisis, or even pure joy, it is wonderful to be able, in an instant, to make a connection with a loving God.

Hebrew Alphabet

Some years ago, after viewing on television the results of another in a long line of horrific events in Jerusalem, I sent away for this quilt kit. For me, quilting, along with most other forms of handwork, is a way to comfort myself in a troubled world. That's one reason why being unable to use my left hand has been a trial to my patience. It has been a temporary loss of several activities which release my tension in a constructive way. Making the quilt was symbolic of my hope that someday Israel will be a peaceful homeland for all who live there. In the meantime, I suppose my energy is best spent in making this place more peaceful. In finding new ways to seek comfort. Or maybe the old ways will be enough, like saying prayers and reading scriptures. And remembering this quote from Rabindranath Tagore: Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings while the dawn is still dark.

London Times...(and I don't mean the newspaper)

Photos taken on the fly while touring London on the top level of a bus are often not quite squared up. The tops of buildings are the images you snatch with the camera, and at that, the very top was often cut off. This is also true of the ones (at least mine) taken from a boat on the Thames.

When not focusing on images, there was a certain unreal feeling. It was hard to take in the reality that I was actually seeing London, really walking on the streets I had heard about ever since I could remember. Travel serves a dual purpose for me. It opens my eyes, in a way nothing else can, to the joy of iving in the now moment and it serves to remind me that there is beauty no matter where you go. We, who live under the same sky, are very much alike, no matter our location.

Brittany in the Almond Tree

She is a climber, so it is not surprising that on the day of the Easter egg hunt a year ago this is the place she chose to go. I have been pleased to be a part of Brittany's circle of family and friends. I have watched as she has used her considerable talents to improve and grow in skills and character. Keep on climbing Brittany. Don't let the challenges of life hold you back! The sky's the limit! Remember that no matter where you are or where I am, I will always be praying for you and cheering you on.