one, two...and seven gals

time

It is time to update, I know.

I feel caught in a phase of life in which there is not great demands upon me, but always events and people to keep the pace of life quite full and rapid.

But it is good. I am learning to value how others think about things. How they respond to life and what their experience has taught them about living wisely and truly and honestly. Learning to listen to their dreams, their goals, can be very rewarding.

Today I went out to a little gazebo that Mr. Russell kindly allows us students to frequent. I sat there near the zinnias and the bumblebees, and I read an inspiring book and journaled. That was just a delightful and encouraging way to spend a day off.

Tonight I am thinking about my former students in Virginia...if any of you read this, I hope you are having a very good beginning to your school year. =) And that you are reading good books.

Time to go to bed. Tomorrow morning I am picking up a friend at the Erie Train Station...and I'd like to be there in time to watch the train roll in.

Good night!

thankful thursday

Today I am thankful for...

...a good day in the bookstore and working with staff here at FB

...two friends who stopped by the bookstore to shop and talk

...a quiet morning break

...fresh rain-washed earth this morning

...i ran credit card sales with no bloopers!

...the chance to help with some prep for Teachers Week handouts

...a cappucino

...cheerful people who taught me the routine of dish-washing =)

big sister, little sister

my refuge

I love Scottish castles. Mysterious, ancient, secure, and romantic, they speak of the long ago.

I can picture a kilted laird, his dirk in hand, standing on the ramparts of the castle and ready to protect the frightened villagers who shelter within the castle's walls. I see a clan of men ready to do battle while the bagpipes ring a battle cry over the mountainside. I can imagine arrow and sword as powerless against the massive stone fortress.

Psalms 18 tells me that I have a refuge far more secure and impressive.

When encompassed by Saul and his armies, David writes:

O Lord, You are my Rock, a firm Foundation when life shifts beneath me.

You are my Fortress against attack,

A Shield and Protection from the enemy of my soul,

My Deliverer from all evils, within and without.

God, You are my keen and firm Strength, in You I trust and rely.

You are indeed the Horn and the Seal of my salvation,

A High Tower whereunto I continually resort in my time of need.

I will call upon You, O Lord, whom I love devotedly;

Your praise will be my battle cry.

So shall I be saved.

Psalm 18:2,3 (a paraphrase)

family picnic

Cousins on the boat ride to a Minnesota island

Erika, Caitlin, and Chelsea

Myself and Grandma

Us girls-the cousins-and Grandma

Dad and Mom

Thankful Thursday

Today I thank God for...

...Health and strength for a new day

...His presence wherever I am

...The gift of music

...Waking up to a powerful thunderstorm

...Egg salad

...Friends who are only a phone call, email or text away!

...Memories to treasure

...A Christian heritage

...Pencils and notebook paper, hands down my favorite writing material

...Smell of fresh paint

...Little people