Category Archives: smile

Apr16

Life to the Soul

Posted on by
Standard
Life to the Soul

Mother nature has a way of slowing life down, if attention is given to her. In the midst of busy days of culinary work, writing, and book events I stop to breathe and ponder the small creatures in my world. A small bird feeder sets outside my atelier window. As I word process today, the songbirds come savor the seedy suet. Sparrows, finches, and wrens alike share the provisions mostly without a fuss with each other. Last week we had a pair of Eastern bluebirds visit, my first time to witness this species at our in-town feeders. This past weekend while preparing for a book event, Dean found a swallowtail butterfly in our basement. We think a caterpillar morphed into this beautiful butterfly while housed on one of our perennials over the winter. Dean released it to the outdoors as the weather is warming up consistently each day. Our grandsons bring smiles to our faces and warm my soul with flowers. God’s handiwork is to be marveled. It really is the small things that bring life to the soul.

“But now ask the beasts and let them teach you; and the birds of the heavens and let them tell you. Or speak to the earth and let it teach you; and let the fish of the sea declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?” ~ Job 12: 7 – 10

Feb16

The Key to the Heart

Posted on by
Standard
The Key to the Heart

“Memories are the key not to the past, but to the future.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom

This mild winter day my husband and I went for an adventure to the countryside. We drove to Franklin County, Missouri where my paternal grandfather was raised and where early childhood memories have taken my mind these past few days. I have been remembering early experiences and words. Some are so vivid from my mother, father, siblings, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. I have gone back to photographs in an effort to see the fine details of their faces, their expressions, and mannerisms as well. But also, the memories and photographs capture a time capsule of more innocent times. I think for most people, many childhood memories represent a less intense and stressful time in life. For others, some childhood memories are of trauma, things a child should never experience. I am blessed to have had the influence of a village of good people during my formative years. I was probably a little bit sheltered as a child. But then again, I was working in a field every Saturday starting at age eight. Some people would say that was cruel. No, it was hard work and the way of life living on a farm and being a part of a farm family. I was also ready to retire early, at least from full-time work. My body and mind needed to slow down. Presently, I work hard on a part-time basis at my culinary and writing endeavors no matter the income, or lack of. The road to my future is influenced by my memories, but also by what I choose to fill my mind with. Like an empty jar. Are lovely words and thoughts being poured into it? Am I sharing a smile with all? My great-grandson sure knows how to smile!

“Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody’s heart.” ~ Anthony J. D’Angelo