New Life in February

It's been awhile since my last posting, but I have an excellent excuse. On February 1 we celebrated, and continue to celebrate, the birth of our third grandson. He was born at home, as planned, and arrived safe and sound amid much prayer and support from family. No, we didn't actually see his birth, but we were downstairs and heard his first cry. Another thing, besides the amazing miracle of birth, is that he looks so much like our son, and I feel transported back to 1973.

With this precious one's birth, we add another February birthday to our roster, giving us an additional reason, besides Valentine's Day, to love February. Our part of the country has been experiencing unseasonably warm weather and a few brave crocuses and lilac buds have appeared. I know spring is a ways off, but for our family, we witnessed the miracle of life coming in the winter.

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone and please, if you can,
give your loved ones big hugs today.

Colors and Textures of Nature

I didn't realize the extent to which colors and textures affect my moods; specifically the colors and textures of nature. When we re-decorated our family room recently, we chose neutral colors for the tile floor, area rug, and furniture: taupe, brown, and olive green, like the earth. Then I added reds, gold, and hints of orange to accent with pillows, pictures, and other pieces. Looking at the room, I see the colors of autumn, my favorite season of the year. Now I spend more time there, reading, studying, watching t.v., and spending time with family.

Whenever possible, I introduce some facet of nature into our home with pictures and prints of birds, flowers, and outside scenes. Since childhood, I have drawn energy and a sense of peace from God's beautiful world. Our father took my brother and me to the beach, and we camped in the Columbia Gorge, the Oregon Cascades, and Crater and Diamond Lake areas. Those happy times and memories remain with me to this day.

My husband and I just returned from Central Oregon: the land of ponderosa pine, mountains, and lakes. Of course it's winter and the colors are muted, the landscape is softened, and quieted with a blanket of snow. I loved every moment of our vacation as I soaked in the tranquility for six days. Bringing this feeling home, with a cup of tea beside me and a warmed spirit inside, I'll spend the next days recording my feelings in poetry and prose.