It’s been a long, dreary spring. We had snow on the ground yesterday. More coming next week. When the planet itself wraps you up in gray, the light has to come from other places. And earthly angels—one of my favorite sources. So reading the words sent by friends, talking to the kids on the phone—and getting surprises in the mail, these have been my vacations in joy and hope lately.
Remember the New Year’s concept of choosing a sort of by-word for the coming year? Well, my buddy Sharon liked the concept and drew together a group of good friends; together, we chose our words, and in the process, I was introduced to three good woman I wish were not so far away. Someone expressed worry that we’d just forget the words as life unfolds, so Sharon secretly made us these, to keep our minds on our business:
Then I was introduced to Heidi, in South Africa, by Linda, who is also in South Africa – and a fellow homeschooler. Both women are wonderful (and are also in my arts blog roll). I joined in a giveaway, which I lost, and this was my consolation prize (if you can believe it);
All of these wonderful things: this lovely rose/melon yarn, the gorgeous fuzzy variegated – I’d tell you weight and type of fiber, but I am not that educated yet. A large piece of bear-making fabric, honey brown, three wooden butterflies.
All wrapped up in a package PLASTERED in roses! South African stamps. Coming to my house. Amazing.
Sorry about the depth of field. Our natural light these days is definitely snow-tinged and uncooperative.
But best of all was getting to know Heidi, who I am going to keep for a very, very long time.
Then, one gray day while I was out buying pasture fertilizer and groceries (yummm), these came for me. From my beautiful sister, who felt like sending spring joy to someone – and I was the one. In a house that is nothing but a mound of confusion, where Easter decorations are hidden in some cabinet somewhere behind a box springs and two bins of clean laundry, these flowers opened a conduit that cut through the heavy skies and let light fall directly on my table (and the paint samples and G’s computer . . ).
Loved the color. The vase she sent was so bright, and worked so well with the bowl Chaz found on sale and brought home. And then this morning, the kids (those we can reach) came over for our traditional Easter breakfast (thank you Mama, and Nana before her). And hours of General Conference, which is my favorite thing. And during which I think I have ascertained that i do NOT have a gift for needle felting. So it has been a lovely Easter—full of the sweet spirit that comes of gratitude, and the great blessing of family.
Hoping you and yours found your spots of light today, and had your eyes full of color, and your ears full of truth and the greatest of loves. We send you our love today, and our hopes for your hearts’ joy. And for sisters and friends – those temporal angels – to come along, just when you think you are too tired to keep your eyes open another minute.
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