Christmas Thoughts

The magic begins with a baby, of course. And finishes with redemption. How can anyone not love Christmas!?
Christmas Night

The night is cold. The air clean
and clear. Spiraling stars fling
soft halos that illumine
the hills. There’s a quickening
in my soul: a listening,
not with ears—lingering
echoes from an ancient year—
I can still hear angels sing!

Something about Babies

There is nothing quite so thrilling as holding a newborn baby in my arms. The bonus blessing is when I am holding a member of my own posterity. Besides the miracle of birth in general, that awesome recognition that signifies hope and love and endless possibilities; there is the great light of familial bond in her eyes. I feel she is "recognizing" me back. I don't ever remember not being baby-hungry. Doesn't matter that I'm an old lady or that I could never keep up with the demands of a toddler full-time, any more. Doesn't matter that I am well satisfied with my life in its present season and enjoying other pursuits. Doesn't matter that the world is a scary place that may not be safe or sane for another generation. I simply ADORE a new baby. And this little Lucy-doll is pure magic.

Written in Stone

When Steven first took photographs of some cherubs in the cathedral at Passau, I was skeptical of their value. But after praying and pondering some time about what I should paint for the Springville Museum's Spiritual and Religious Exhibit, I woke up one morning with the answer: paint a cherub. This piece I did in pastel, since I was limited in time by then. It turned out well, and was accepted in the exhibit! Getting into this venue is not easy; I have been very pleased and gratified. The exhibit is really wonderful. It's a joy to be in the same show as other artists of such renown. Steve and I had a lovely evening going to the preview/reception for exhibiting artists. "Written in Stone" will be on exhibit there through December.

Spiritual Tsunamis

I've been feeling the pain of Indonesian parents who were unable to "hang on" to their children when a tsunami wave engulfed them. Children were literally swept away out of the arms of their parents. It made me think. If the families had been on higher ground in the first place, the wave could not have reached them. The implications are obvious. If we stand in Holy Places, and heed the warnings of prophets to keep on "higher ground"--higher standards, holy habits, etc. then when the wave hits we will be safe. No matter how tightly we try to "hold on" to our children, if we are in the flood, the force of that environment can sweep them away. Any compromise that places us in harms way is more risk than we can afford. OH, BE WISE! What can I say more?

Grandma Date

One of the best parts of being a grandma is to spend time with the children doing the things we kids like best. Here is a minute from last Friday, when Shannon's girls came to play. We had to create something "Halloween" so we made salt clay bugs. Of course, Emily can't possibly make anything ugly. And you'll notice Alyssa's holding a paintbrush in both hands. Sarah can't stop grinning--and like her grandma, she is very comfortable in front of a camera. :)

Ruffled Feathers

My adult student, Vickie, likes to paint images from photos taken by her son. He's done some wonderful things with close-ups. Mostly, I like landscapes, as you know. But when I saw this pelican, I was smitten. We had a great time together as we worked on this painting. But as I've pondered the bird, more profound things have crossed my mind. Isn't it interesting how we, too, can be at our most appealing when we're not at our best? Stress makes us vulnerable to kindness as much as its opposite. When we are confident and productive, we tend to be independent and on the giving side. But isn't it nice to know somebody who needs us? Next time your "feathers are ruffled," consider the possibility that it's your turn to receive. And that is not a bad thing.

Wyoming Interlude

Lovely weather made our trip especially nice. The kids and Grandpa spent hours at the park. The birthday party was fun. But mostly, I loved seeing Whitney and Sarah together. It's a special relationship that continues to flourish. I remember developing that kind of closeness with some of my cousins; we still count each other as best friends. I'm so glad these girls have each other. Of course, Grandpa and Brian are special buddies, too. And that may be the most wonderful thing of all.