Dawn's Early Light

The sun was just peeking over the bluffs this morning as I drove home from taking my daughter to play practice. Though I am more of a night owl, there is something exquisite about this time of day.

The morning is presented to us as a blank canvas; fresh, new, without mistakes...and awaiting the magnificence of color we add throughout our day. It really is a gift and a constant reminder that God hasn't given up on our ability to make something of it.

I passed by the ordinary landmarks I see every day: windmills, ponds, and pastures dotted with Black Angus, and it is as if I'm seeing it all for the first time.

I think of the world rushing by and am thankful that today I can be home to watch over my son. He is fighting off pneumonia and though he is 14 and feeling much better now, I am more comfortable being here to see that he rests and make him soup and hot tea.

Tomorrow the dawn will pass as I ready myself for the day ahead, and when we pull out of the driveway, the sun will be well on its way. So for now I will savor the moment; this peaceful and beautiful entrance.....and be thankful for another shot at it all.

Morning Has Broken

This was the view from my back yard as we were leaving for school yesterday morning. The sun was trying its hardest to break through the clouds as a golden dawn rode low on the prairie horizon. The sky has always fascinated me in its state of constant change, and I never tire of its natural beauty.

Happy Weekend Everyone!

New Arrivals

There's new life in the barnyard.

My son's friend is the proud owner of a dozen baby pigs. We peered beneath the canopy where they were housed with their mamas amongst a soft bed of straw and watched as they clamored over one another; already showing their bold little personalities.

I picked one up and held it next to me, scratching its coarse, bristled coat and felt the instant attraction that must have accompanied Fern when she first held Wilbur.

And though there was no magical spider's web hanging above their pen, it was hard not to feel awe over this new life. With new birth on the farm, spring cannot be too far away.

Welcome to the world, little ones!

Patience

Today was a gift. With temperatures in the upper 60's, it was like coming out of a long, dark tunnel back into the light and warmth.

My dog, G.T. is waiting for spring.
I am there in his vigilant watch......

Crush

Upon opening a wrapper on a piece of Valentine's chocolate, I found the above message. Immediately my thoughts went back to 4th grade.

His name was Jon Nelson and I thought he was the cutest boy I had ever seen. He was completely tow-headed with a spattering of freckles across a button nose. Like me, he was very shy, so even though we sat beside one another at the front of the classroom, we seldom spoke.

I remember helping him make a "light bulb lady" as an art project and sharing a photo album with him that I'd brought from home. And I can still see him and his best friend, Tony (an ornery, exuberant child) in front of the class, sharing the story of drinking pickle juice while on one of their adventures! Funny, the things that stick in our minds.

The summer before my 5th grade year, I moved away.....and I never saw him again. I heard that he got into drugs and turned wild once he got into high school. And my heart broke just a little. Yet, he stayed young in my mind: a 10-year-old wrapped in innocence with bright, blue eyes and a big grin.

He would be 45 years old now. Perhaps a husband and father. Hopefully a loving and caring person who outgrew a teenage rebellion and went on to be a successful, responsible adult. I wonder if he remembers the little brown-eyed girl who sat beside him in 4th grade, trying her best not to let him see how she adored him.

Remember my first crush? How could I forget.
God bless you, Jon. Wherever you may be.

JOY

I read a book many years ago called Joy Begins With You. It is a treasure of wisdom through stories of the everyday; ordinary moments seen in an extraordinary way...and stepping outside of the box to view life as it was meant to be seen.

I watch my teenagers who still enjoy the last physical remnants of their childhood, yet who celebrate their internal youth through laughter, lightness, living. They don't care how they may look to others in their child play, but revel in the wonder of the moment.

Joy is more than being happy in a situation or during a particular time in our lives. It is a state of being; an inner peace and contentment that fills us up so completely that it can't help but burst the seams, spreading to everyone around us. It is seeing the goodness in the world, and choosing to spend our time around positive people and situations. It is turning our backs on gossip and only embracing things that make us better and more loving people. And it is taking the child within us by the hand and allowing it to make play within our hearts.

Circumstances often find us and situations come our way. We can chart our course through still waters, yet find ourselves tossing upon turbulent waves. We cannot choose every situation, but in every situation we can learn.

Choose optimism when a choice is given, find laughter on a cloudy day. Don't wait for flowers to be delivered to your doorstep, but instead go out and pick your own lovely bouquet.

Joy does begin with us. How lucky we are!

Kitty Heart

We call her "Little Bit" because she was born the runt of the litter. She struggled to come into this world, assisted by my husband, and her first few days were tentative. But from the beginning she was a fighter who let it be known that she meant business, especially when it came to food!

She has always carried a little white heart between her eyes and I thought it only fitting that she be displayed on the day we celebrate St. Valentine.

Much love and joy to you all - Happy Valentine's Day!

Ten Months of Memories

On April 3, 2006 a lightning strike took out our computer, leaving us without the internet for nearly a year. At first, I was at a loss; frustrated that I couldn't write from the comfort of my own home and lacking for time when I did have access to a computer. As the months ticked by, my frustration lessened as I focused on all of the wonderful things going on in my life. And it was a blessed few months indeed. This unplanned hiatus was a lovely time, adding to a life already overflowing with joy. Here, my friends, is a glimpse....

A wedding......my stepdaughter, a beautiful bride. Everything in black and white...candles and white lights...

promises...

tears...

laughter...

love.





An 8th grade graduation.
My son, nearly a head taller....his perpetual grin...standing at the podium as Salutatorian.
Voice, strong...values, unwavering.
He's growing up fast...I love him so.







Wasn't it just yesterday she was playing with dolls and pretending to be Wilbur's beloved 'Fern' from Charlotte's Web? She turned 17 in July; a young lady now, front and center surrounded by people who adore her.


Two new sheep - Edwardo and Estavahn.
An FFA project....they cannot be kept.

A summer filled with lessons.
Tolerance
Patience
Understanding
Firmness
Responsibility
Showmanship

Then finally...letting go.







A pair of new contacts and suddenly, his looks have changed.

Where a boy stood just weeks before, a young man emerges.
His smile remains constant, his heart loving.

But how I'd forgotten what pretty eyes he has!











Another town fair. The smell of hamburgers and pork loin. A parade down main street.
Music and laughter. Swings and the Sizzler. And RAIN. Lightning dancing across the sky. Water tower against timber wolf gray. Young hearts jumping puddles and enjoying the coolness against their cheeks. Soaked hair and jeans, but smiles regardless. It's the fair, afterall!





A new baby....
Master Jason Thomas...

A bundle of sweetness and new life.
A grandson.

Tiny hands and feet. Soft cheeks and new love.
A precious gift...a treasure.














A visit back "home".....a place we felt so loved.

Another dance with old friends,

Growing up, growing lovelier.













A beautiful autumn wedding.
Blue skies against golden leaves.

My darling niece, her devoted husband...a time of immense love and joy...a perfect day.

Dancing with my son...
Dancing in life.











Thanksgiving Day, 2006. Gathering at my sister's house...all but six. It's hard to get everyone together at one time! But we learned my brother would be coming home for Christmas, making the trip from Seattle. Another reason to celebrate. Another reason to feel blessed.


And then it was Christmas...our best in many years.
An old-fashioned play and carolers...a tour of a historical hotel.
Visiting homes, a progressive dinner.
Decorating, lights, shopping, wrapping.
Christmas Day at Mom and Dad's......celebration here.
A new stocking to hang this year...



New Year's Eve at my brother's home. Grandchildren celebrating with Nan and Pop....and at the stroke of midnight, a Happy Anniversary to my parents. Fifty-eight years!
Then just before the switch came on, illuminating the computer screen with access to the world, my daughter walked across the gymnasium floor on the arm of a handsome young man: the junior class candidate for Homecoming.

She never fails to amaze me with her class and grace, and her beautiful smile belies the fact that she is nervous to be in front of so many people.


So there it is....my year in review. And though at times it felt like I was missing out on the world as it scooted on by, I realize now that was hardly the case.

There is a lesson learned from everything that happens, and in all that we do. How blessed I am to have had mine so beautifully wrapped.

Back in the Saddle

Like the familiarity of leather beneath the cowboy, I once again take up residence at the keyboard from the haven of my home to put together thoughts of my past and ponderings of my everyday life.

It feels good to be back in a comfortable place, where words can flow upon the screen and photographs tell the stories of the view from my window.

Time is short this evening, but opportunity once again knocks.

Finally.....I am back.