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