faces

an afternoon

around the table,

drawing,

talking,

laughing,

grumbling,

encouraging,

erasing,

redrawing,

more talking

and laughing

and praising.

drops

Many people I know are at a funeral today

a mother, youngish, my age.

Children the ages of mine.

Husband the age of mine.

And, although I hardly know this family

my thoughts are full of them today,

and this woman-wife-mom

who knows no more grief,

the tears left for those left behind.

And I listen to the laughter and the chatter

and sit at the table drawing pictures with my children.

evening light on hydrangea

same design, different subjects

Monday morning quiet.

A homeschool veteran spent a morning with me and I feel blessed.

Blessed by reassurance.

Blessed by the beauty of being able to teach our children.

Blessed by letting them play and learn through play.

Blessed,

Simply blessed.

Same design, different subjects.

Solomon asked for wisdom.

So should we pray first for our children's wisdom

after which more may be added unto them.

hairy woodpecker

The Hairy woodpecker is a regular at our feeder, along with its smaller cousin the Downy. These two look very much alike except that the Hairy is larger and has a longer beak. The longer beak enables it to drum holes into live wood, whereas the Downy with a shorter beak prefers the softer, dead limbs. They coexist happily because they do not compete for feeding spots.

still mild, still blooming

The weather is still pleasant.

Even after frequent frost

the roses and the 2nd chance pansies

are still blooming.

remembrance day at the war memorial museum

There is something huge about looking into the eyes of an elderly veteran, chest pinned full of medals,a now frail man deserving of our thanks.

Dressed up for the occasion, my little boys, oblivious to the moment, are scuffling under an army jeep, bored and eager to go away. They've had enough and are disappointed in not seeing the planes as they thunder overhead. Their big sister was singing with the choir but we couldn't spot her. Speeches are long and difficult to hear. I feel myself getting frazzled and wonder why this isn't having the impact I thought it should. Admittedly disappointed that I didn't get some photos of the Lancaster in the air.

I've had enough and will try instead to hold the thanks in my heart.

As we drive home Norah wonders, "why don't we have remembrance day every day?"

Freedom, one of those blessings to give thanks for every day!