Love Thursday #9: Grandma at 98

Grandma turns 98 in August. I'm lucky to have her around.

We're throwing her a party at her house which is down the road from the rest home. She and her wheel chair will ride in a van with a lift. Her daddy built the house and many others in the area almost 100 years ago. She's still running things, so we won't be bringing any presents, just a bunch of love.

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Love Thursday #8: Maters

My friends who farm shower me with tomato love: Heirloom, Pineapple, German, Roma, yellow, cherry...

Kristin and Marc Daly's dining room table with bounty from their Albemarle, NC farm.

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Love Thursday #7: Grandma and Grandpa's Farm

Visiting my Dad's parents when I was a kid meant climbing in the hayloft, riding on the back of a tractor, simple meals, and early bedtimes. Years later, I moved into the farmhouse for a time. Even now, I recognize the farm as being the only constant landmark in my life.

The spring pasture and Judge

The now dilapidated barns and silo viewed from the house

viewed from the pasture

The hayfield

rainy day cows

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Grace in Small Things #144 of 365

1. Blowing Bubbles

2. Kristin's Tomato Pie, Mama's basil:

3. Kate's Wannabee sewn and sculpted all by her lonesome:

4. Backyard blooms despite the heat

5.Punkadoo (click to get a better look.)

Love Thursday #6: Watermelon!

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Grace in Small Things #139

1. This cashier

with July 4th Hair.

2.

This girl.

3.

These gals.

4. and this studio

5.

These parents.

Revisiting Max Ehrmann

Because it's still inspiring...

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.


Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.


Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.


Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.


Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.


You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.


Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

Love Thursday #5: Purpley Certain

My friend Hope decided I must have her purpley chair. She and her husband dropped it off at my house Sunday. I christened it with my favorite blue pillow. Then spent the rest of the night walking in and out of the sun room to look at it. I get a little jolt everytime I see it's bright bold poofiness.

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