In the thick of it

Dear Laurel,

   This week is like a grand houseparty for my family--a visitor from the other side of the world, two grown up kids back from far away, and the one who has been here all along leaving for England while everyone else is still here.  Even though Christmas Eve is still to come it feels like we must have passed it days ago--with good food, Grandpa's prayers at the table, games, and stories from all the worldwide experiences, everyday has been a high point.    The midnight Christmas Eve service will be the diamond in the crown, though, with songs of joy and quiet thanks for the Unspeakable Gift.  Wishing you the dearest of Christmas blessings~

All my best,
Kate

Christmas is creeping in

Dear Cal,

   I'm in the mode, and Christmas has been quietly creeping into my world--into my office, my house, and my soul.  I've taken the slow but steady approach and am quite happy about it.  Tonight I finished dressing the tree and packed the boxes back into the garage.  While I was working with the ornaments I felt that wonderful, growing excitement that I think everyone wants to feel.  Now from where I sit I can see the nativity figures set out among my books--my statement that Christ came for real people living real lives.  Thanks for the card, I'll be sending mine soon.

All my best,
Kate

I'm not there yet

Dear Sonja,

  Do you feel pushed this year?  I can't believe the feeling of Christmas pressure that caught me by surprise this evening.  The first card of the season arrived in my mailbox today.  The neighbors on both sides have their outdoor lights up and shining brightly. The ads are talking hurry, hurry and won't last long!  Stop. It's only December 1st, I just turned my calendar today. I'm not behind, and I haven't missed anything. I had to take half a second to refocus.  My method of peaceful preparation is simply different than theirs.  If that pressure tries to bite you just tell it no.  See you soon!

All my best,
Kate

A beautiful way of seeing

Dear Laurel,

  I smiled the whole way through this short video--couldn't help it, because he's right. I loved the colors and the questions and the ideas.  I think you'll love it, too.  (I found the link at CuriousAcorn.)

All my best,
Kate

Hospitality

The Rune of Hospitality

I saw a stranger yestreen;

I put food in the eating place;

Drink in the drinking place;

Music in the listening place;

And, in the sacred name of the Triune,

He blessed myself and my house,

My cattle and my dear ones.

And the lark said in her song,

Often, often, often,

Goes the Christ in the strangers guise,

Often, often, often,

Goes the Christ in the strangers guise.

Dear Sarah,

  My copy of this Rune of Hospitality has been on my kitchen wall since I bought it at St. Margaret's in London in 1979.  When I got home from that trip I immediately went looking through my collection of vintage picture frames and found the perfect thing with a bit of blue and gilt around the edges; it fits in where ever I live.  This little card doesn't hang as art in my kitchen. It's a life directive for me, not my guests, so I always put it out of the way in my workspace (glad for the glass that protects it).   It has become part of how I think.  Glad to share my secret, thanks for asking.

All my best,
Kate

Thanksgiving

Wishing you a day filled with peace and with gratitude for blessings past, present, and yet to come.

All my best,
Kate

Lemon Pie

Dear Friends,

I made this pie to celebrate what would have been my father's 80th birthday.  He died so long ago that I can't even begin to imagine him in old age.  In our family we remember our dearly loveds on their birthdays by doing something they enjoyed or by preparing their favorite food.  It's a wonderful way to keep the good memories flowing, and to teach the young ones about those who are already gone.  I emphasize the idea of good memories.  The story of life with my father is not an easy one.  We lived through a kind of hardship that most people could not, and did not begin to understand. When I was in college he asked me to forgive him for being the kind of father he'd been.  I agreed; I knew there was no other way for me to live.  When I said yes I had no idea of the journey ahead.  I didn't realize that I'd have to forgive him over and over again--every time I remembered or thought of the bad times, I'd have to return to my commitment to forgive and then say yes, again. I do not regret the commitment or the hard work of it.  I'm able to enjoy the memories of the good things, I've been able to tell my kids an honest but healthy version of the real story, and best of all when my dad died we were friends.  I was pleased to honor my father on his birthday, and I look forward to seeing him in heaven where all things will be made new.

All my best,
Kate

Yes, of course!

Dear Laurel,

   It's hard to put a finger on those magical ingredients that go into the moment when a friend (of any age) unabashedly asks for something.  I love it!  Could I have more dessert with whipped cream?  Could I come over and have some of that pie you're baking?  I need some creative input with my project, could I come over and show it to you?  I need to bake some cakes, could I come bake in your kitchen?  Seriously, I can't measure how that warms my heart.  Is there any better gift than the confidence and trust of friendship?  I am thankful that I have that kind of friendship with you. So I have to ask, when can I come to your house for coffee?

All my best,
Kate

A winter luxury

Dear Sonja,

  I love to hear about the small luxuries people allow themselves--especially from people who live a simple lifestyle and their idea of luxury has nothing to do with a trip to Saks Fifth Avenue.  This is a good one:  My friend and her husband put a hot tub in their small, one-car garage so they can enjoy a hot soak in all kinds of wild weather.  When it snows they open the garage door so can lean back and take it all in--hot water and snow, who cares what the neighbors think.  Perfect!  I just checked with her, and if we get the predicted snow this weekend they'll be opening that big door.  What are you going to do for yourself this winter?

All my best,
Kate

Transition

Dear Laurel,

  Sometimes I wonder if we are the first generation to struggle so hard with the transition of aging and everything that comes with it.  People are talking about it everywhere I go.  It seems that it's a surprise no one was expecting--at least we didn't expect it to feel like this.  Culturally we're caught between those who worked in one job for a lifetime and those who expect to change careers at least five times, parenting is over, and relationships have changed--it's no wonder we feel a nagging unrest.  My grandparents told me all about life and growing older, but they didn't mention this in between part that has us on the road to somewhere we've never been before.  Maybe we're the first ones, or maybe we're just learning to talk about it.

All my best,
Kate

James 3:17

The Message (MSG)

^17-18Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

Morning light

Dear Sonja,

Today I'm grateful for the early morning light and for colors that change by the minute.  Sometimes as the dark part of the year comes I forget to look for light in the most logical places.  The cold air I brought back into the house has already started to dissipate, but I'm hoping I'll carry the light with me all day long.

All my best,
Kate

They'll be home for Christmas!

Home from the Land of Far Away

Dear Cal,

  They're all coming!  I'm marking dates on the calendar for trips to the airport in December--who cares about the traffic jams and crowds, bring it on!  We're still waiting on the train reservation news from the grandparents.  It's been several years since we were all in the same place at the same time. The anticipation is delicious.  From here even the challenges look good.  And... it's the grandparents who are hoping that we'll get snowed in like we did the last time they were here for Christmas.  Funny!

All my best,
Kate

Their own story

Dear Sonja,

  Remember when the three looked like this? Happy times.  While I was taking all those pictures over all those years I never imagined how important this record would be--to them, as teen agers and now as adults. They have memorized every picture. When they come home on various occasions it's not unusual to find them cozied up with the stack of albums, drawn into their own story.  The pictures have helped to give them a good sense of who they are--more than worth the cost of film developing.

All my best,
Kate

Quilt time

Quilt time on the couch

Dear Sonja,

  Today I enjoyed some quilt time.  I rarely indulge in the luxury of sleeping during the day.  But this rainy afternoon, after a heartwarming morning at church I bundled myself into my quilt--the one with my name on it-- and allowed myself the pleasure of slipping away for a while.  I wasn't gone long, but it was wonderful. I am so grateful for the peace and safety of home, for quietness of spirit, and for the ability to rest.  I hope your Sunday was restful, too.

All my best,

Kate

Open table

Dear Laurel,

  Something fun happening here! Last summer I posted (to my base of nearly 200 carefully screened) Facebook friends that I was making ice cream... a handful of friends chimed in and said they wanted some, and a party was born.  Yesterday one of those guests posted (to her nearly 200 carefully screened Facebook friends) that she was making soup and bread and would have space for 7 guests for dinner.  Four people said they'd like to come.  What a fun group it turned out to be--an unusual mix of people who came ready for good food and good conversation. Now the eldest of those guests, a woman in her 70's says she's going to give it a try. I'll be planning an open table dinner soon, too. Maybe you'll come!

All my best,
Kate

My kind

Dear Cal,

  This afternoon I visited the open studios of several artists--painters, a jewelry maker, glass artist, and a blacksmith.  I was with my kind of people... the kind that are charged up about the work they do with their hands.  We've talked about this before; the something that all artists have in common once they've put in their time.  They have a respectful confidence in their materials and in their process.  Does that make sense? It's hard to capture the idea in words. Every bit of knowledge and experience serve as building blocks for what comes nexts.  I had a wonderful time, you would have enjoyed it, too.

All my best,
Kate

A new word

Lilac buds ready to bloom in October

Dear Sonja,

  My mixed up little lilac is ready to bloom again--I think I like its tenacity.  It bloomed in August, too.  It was strangely wonderful to be surprised by that sweet scent in the relative warmth of summer, and now we're ready to do it again.  I looked it up and learned that the word is remontant, as in remontant flowering.  It is not uncommon for shrub-like plants that normally bloom in the spring to jump to life in the fall.  There's something about fall weather that awakens blooms that were set early in the spring.  I think there must be a life lesson here, either for those who bloom unexpectedly or for those who are surprised by sudden beauty.  What do you think? (Smile)  See you on Tuesday.

All my best,
Kate

So much alike

Dear Laurel,

  I'm in an unsettled frame of mind today.  I'm circling a big thought, walking around it trying to gain perspective; poking it and then backing up to see if it makes any difference.  So far it's not working.  Yesterday I came across the blog of the woman I wanted to be.  I dreamed of that life--not fancy, not wealthy, but sure in my place of service and calling.  I clicked on the amazon.com link and saw the book she wrote 10 years ago, about the same time I was writing a proposal for the same kind of book.  She was deeply influenced by the same people who influenced me; last weekend we cooked from the same cookbook. We are so much a like, but different in our experience.  More than anything I am startled to see this glimpse into her world; circumstances changed my life and opportunities so dramatically that I had no choice but to pursue my calling in a different way.  Startled, and maybe a little wistful. I'm sure you'll be hearing about this for a while, thanks for bearing with me.

All my best,
Kate

Purposeful beauty

Fall Walk

Dear Laurel,

  It's not very often that I get to walk in the early part of the day, but I was able to this morning.  It was as quiet as the far reaches of the city can be, overcast, and a bit crisp.  Seeing the effect of the wide range of flaming colors I was taken aback at the skill it takes to create a landscape that serves a purpose. Walking through the carefully designed colorscape around the retirement community and hospital and then through the natural looking wooded setting of a neighborhood park I saw beauty that was purposefully arranged for enjoyment--all designed for calm, quiet, and joy.  Amazing and wonderful.  I hope we can walk together soon.

All my best,
Kate

A good way to give

---

Dear Friends,
  On the the approach to Christmas a couple of years ago our family of friends decided to take a different path.  I called a family meeting after church one Sunday; we gathered around a table in a very cold room and I brought out the World Vision Gift Catalog.  It took a minute and half for everyone to wholeheartedly agree to pool our resources to bless people around the world instead of drawing names for presents we didn't need.  That room warmed up instantly! It has given our friendship a deeper dynamic as we've considered our gifts and the impact they will have on people in desperate need.  Goats, chickens, mosquito nets, seeds and tools...would you be willing to try something new?

All my best,
Kate

Postcards

Refrigerator door

 

Dear Cal,

  I added a new card to the collection the other day.  Vera sent it from Pennsylvania--pretty picture but they missed the fall colors by about two weeks.  You have to admit that my small collection is somewhat impressive--oh come on,  you know it is!  Oman, Italy, England, and three states in this picture.  I love being remembered by someone off seeing the sights of the world. 

All my best,
Kate

A good plan

Butternut squash for roasting

 Dear Laurel,

Remember when I decided to try to invite people for dinner twice a month?  It was one of the best decisions I've made.  As with anything else, the more you do it the easier it gets.  There've been some tricks to learn about having company on work nights, but mostly I've had to learn to keep it in mind all the time so I can invite someone when the opportunity arises.  This plan has been so good for me and I'm happy to see people enjoying themselves at my table.  The greatest compliment is when I hear that one of my guests has in turn invited someone to their home.  Got to go get the sqaush in the oven.

All my best,
Kate

Octoberish

Fairy Laundry  

Dear Sonja,

It must be October--beautiful, sparkling fairy laundry festooned across the most surprising spaces.  I hope there were wonders in your yard this morning, too.

All my best,
Kate

In the face of uncertainty

Apple Crisp in the making

Dear Friends,

  Now that it is dark and rainy again, and now that I've just come through a week with two funerals, life is looking somewhat diminished and certainly uncertain.  They in all their wisdom say that we should eat dessert first in the face of uncertainty.  I've changed my mind on that score and have decided that one of the best things you can do is to gather your friends around your table.  Comfort, conversation, company--it encourages the soul and strengthens bonds.  You'll feel better the next day, I promise.  Apple crisp tonight, pot roast in the slow cooker tomorrow morning, potatoes, carrots and salad after work.  Not hard.  Who cares if the mantel is dusty?  If it worries you, turn the lights down and light a few candles.

All my best,
Kate

Never easy

 Cemetery ~ Austin, Nevada

Dear Laurel,

   Two funerals this week--they were very different even though they were much the same. One for a woman of advanced age, the other for a woman who seemingly should have had decades still ahead of her.  Both had vibrant faith in God, both made a significant difference in the lives of others, both were dearly loved.  The grief for the first tempered by the experience of long life, the grief for the other like a jagged tear through the fabric of the lives around her.  Sad and exhausting. It is never easy, but heaven seems close.

All my best,
Kate

Neighbors

Multnomah Falls

Dear Sonja,

Earlier this week a nearly reclusive neighbor called and left a quick message: "I need help, call me."  She'd been in a serious accident, totalled her car, was banged up and badly shaken. She needed to tell someone. And she needed access to a car so she could charge her phone. (Doesn't own a wall charger.) She agreed to let us park one of our cars in her driveway, and we gave her the key. She has gone back to quiet. We  leave notes and home baked treats in the car for her, and sometimes there's a note for us. It's a privilege to help in a way that really matters to her.

All my best,
Kate

Breakfast at midnight

Dear Cal,

You were right, that was us.  We were at Denny's eating breakfast in the middle of the night.  Don't know how it was in your family, but in mine the best listening and talking happens away from home. I don't understand it, but take a kid out in a car, or out to eat and it's like putting a quarter in the slot--the words, the tears, the ideas, the dreams, the fears, the silence, the laughter, it just comes pouring out.  It's worth way more than the price of gas, or coffee, or breakfast at midnight.  The pancakes weren't so good but the rest of it was.

All my best,
Kate

Good bye for now

Dear Laurel,

Isn't good bye the hardest thing we ever say, and isn't that the time so many pull away?  Day before yesterday my eldest went to a hospice facility to be with her friend Karen while Karen's mother was in her final hours here.  I am so proud of her for intentionally stepping into that hard place, for being present with her friend, and for putting her hands on that mom and saying, "Good bye for now."  The promise of heaven is so sure and so sweet, and the courageous love of a friend is beautiful.

All my best,

Kate

A change of light

Dear Sonja,

Have you noticed how the light has changed?  With the angle of light changing daily and the filter of smoke from the wildfires the world looks very different than it did a month ago.  Today I moved my tomato pots so they could get every single minute of sun--I had to move them a distance of six feet!  This change of season gives us all a chance for a new perspective on many things, starting with the way we actually see our surroundings.  The gentle afternoon sunlight on these nectarines stopped me mid-heartbeat.

All my best,

Kate



Kindred Spirits

Dear Laurel,
   I'm thinking big thoughts today.  Two of them.  First, that kindred spirits come in all ages, shapes, and sizes. Many times in my life I've had that kindred spirit kind of connection to much older people, but now that I'm older I have the joy of relating closely to someone who is much younger.  My second thought is, that it is a wise parent who holds the affections of their child with a grip loose enough to allow for good, meaningful relationships with other adults.   I need to remember to thank this young one's mother.

All my best,
Kate

Friends

Balls from Wrinkled Imagination

Dear Friends,
   In the last eight days I spent time with six different friends.  Six of them, all from different parts of my life.  After spending a great deal of time alone I'm amazed at how energized, comforted, and inspired I feel after hours of conversation that quickly moved from the mundane to the profound.  In each case a sense of trust opened the door for transparent talk and thinking.  Make the effort, take the time, reconnect because life is, for the most part, not what we expected.  We need to be together.

All my best,
Kate

Unexpected sweetness



Pike Place Market - Seattle

Dear Sonja,
   For all of its hardship life does have many moments of surprising sweetness.  In a flash (this morning) I took a chance and introduced myself to a stranger and was immediately rewarded with a liberal dose of genuine kindness.   What that man said brought a surge unexpected joy that relieved me of a weight of sadness that I'd been carrying for some time.  I guess you always need to be ready to catch the sweetness because you never know when it will show up.  Talk to you soon.

All my best,
Kate

An invitation

Dear Sonja,
  I received the postcard from Betty inviting me to join the ensemble.  She says that practice starts on Wednesday, September 14th, time TBA.  She didn't mention the place.  I can't tell you how much I miss the singing, it's almost like I've forgotten how.  I feel like the time to sing is coming, but it isn't here yet.  What I want to say is Bless. Her. Beautiful. Heart.  She doesn't give up in calling me back.  I hope you will join them though.

All my best,
Kate

Something about September

Chai Tea Fairy Cakes

Dear Laurel,
  Have you noticed anything different about this September?  It seems like older people, the kind with college age kids (and older) are re-setting their thinking... re-evaluating... looking around for their friends... getting ready....  Maybe it's left over from the years of starting school, or maybe it's more like the squirrels stocking up for winter.  I like it better than the January resolution ritual--this is much more relational, and the weather's better.  Hoping to meet for coffee soon.

All my best,
Kate

Nearly perfect

Cascade Locks

Dear Carol,

 This has been a very nearly perfect day, I wish you could be here.  I know that your eyes, your skin, and your very breath are hungry for water, and green, and gentle temperatures.  There is a warmish east wind blowing, but we are in the shelter of the building sharing some lunch outside.  You would be happy with the prices--you know I'm laughing. Lunch to share comes at a very reasonable cost and allows us to sit in this beautiful place for as long as we like as there are few other customers.  It is soothing to the soul.

All my best,

Kate

Welcome

The porch at El Tovar

Dear Sonja,
  I thought you'd enjoy the quiet welcome of these rocking chairs. I think more of us need quiet welcomes that ask nothing of us except to come and be. 

All my best,
Kate

What is it about a clothesline?

Dear Laurel,
   Not long ago someone sent me a photo of a full clothesline and asked if I knew why that kind of scene is so comforting to her.  Not exactly sure except to say that I love clotheslines, too.  I love the feel of the pins in my hand, the smell of clean damp laundry, and the sense of place. I've taken pics of clotheslines from here to Timbuktu.  Did your grandmother teach you the secret of hanging clothes the right way? Don't let the unmentionables show!

All my best,
Kate

In the mail



Mather Point - Grand Canyon

Dear Rebekah,
  Thanks so much for the real letter--it feels like such a privilege to get a real, hand addressed envelope in the mail.  I'll put your new address in my book and will send a postcard off this week. I remember the mad dash to the mailboxes when I was in college; however it comes it's always a real boost to know that someone's thinking of you.  Be watching for the Grand Canyon, I was there in the springtime.  Hope to see you at Christmas.

All my best,
Kate

Glad to be at home

Home

Dear Friends,

Peter is home on a short leave.  Seeing that USMC uniform slung on the back of a dining room chair gives some of the difficult world situations a seat at our table.  He is as glad to be here as we are to have him.  He grinned, touched and tapped everything in sight, "Just wanna to make sure it's real."  It's wonderful to have our boy/man where I can see him, and at the same time I think of the grieving family not far from here.

All my best,
Kate