Craft and Reflection

Prayer, meditation, and craft.
Slow my heart and ease my
weary mind.

My favorite power of the
gentle arts is the slowing of time.

Although, May skipped away
gleefully, I was able to accomplish
much.  

As found:

Saudades de Pais.  A longing so soulful for my parents.

Mother

My mother was accomplished.
Fearless. Honorable.  Faithful.

She sheared wool and spun wool.
She baked bread in a "pizza-type" oven, wood,
no thermostat.   She could feel the right
temperature.

Sewed, embroidered, cross-stitched ,crocheted,
and knitted like a master. Homemaker extraordinaire.

Her thumb was GREEN. Collected seeds and cuttings
made up her garden.  Gardening in urban
environments before it was fashionable.

Strong. She loved us.  Five children all born
at home with a midwife.
Mother cared for my father and sister until
their passing.

Weeds were transformed into exquisite bouquets.

She shared her faith and wisdom with us.
A survivor we all turned to her for strength.

If Roses Grow in Heaven Lord


If roses grow in Heaven Lord 
Please pick a bunch for me.
Place them in my Mother's arms
and tell her they're from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her,
and when she turns to smile,
Place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for a while.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it everyday,
But there is an ache within my heart
That will never go away.

Everyday is Shiny and New

They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.

                                                          Lamentations 3:23
                                                          American Standard Bible

Diego and Frida

 “I drank to drown my sorrows, 
but the damned things learned how to swim.”
                                                 Frida Kahlo            

Caravan Dreams

Always something wonderful at Matilda's Mouse.

Note from Uncle Joe

It's weird how one link can take
you on a journey.
Uncle Joe sent me this link.
A photo of Julie Arkell, because it
reminded him of my style.  I had only
this week discovered her, too.

Julie is the one pictured on the left.
Google her.  Sincerely, my brother
knows my style so well.  Most
days I dress in business attire.
Not the attire of a hippie chick with
her soul lightly veiled by lace
and denim. 

Here's the link to the lovely
blog Ooh la Lapin.

I wish I had understood it was
okay to have worked as an artist or
a teacher, like I wanted.
It's never too late.

It's wonderful to share
a lifetime with a sibling.
Uncle Joe has stopped counting
birthdays so when I turn 50
later this year we will be fraternal twins.


The wilderness and the solitary place
shall be glad for them;
and the desert shall rejoice,
and blossom as the rose. Isaiah 35:1