Making it real

Dear Sonja,

  When we were out for coffee the other day you asked how I was doing with living alone.  That day, and the days previous, I was doing fine.  This afternoon when I came home, still not feeling 100% I felt at loose ends.  So many things have changed, so many things to think about.  The only thing for it was start in the kitchen.  It was a rush of comfort to see the apple peel curling away, to smell the cinnamon, to feel the rough edges of the oats and grit of the brown sugar.  Now I know where I am, and everything's okay.  Thanks so much for asking.

All my best,
Kate

Rich

Dear Sonja,

  I hope your winter garden is as full of diamonds as mine is, and I hope you feel as rich as I do.

All my best,

Kate

Winter Sunset



Tulelake Sunset

Dear Cal,

  I have stacks of postcards to write.  I don't know how far I'll get this evening, but the trick is to do the first one then, in theory, the second one should be easier.  A good long Christmas time followed by days and days of mild, barely winter weather has made the early darkness so much easier to bear.  I love this sunset picture--my mother left their dinner cooking on the stove, put on her coat and went outside to capture it.  I think everyone should do that more often; it can change a person's outlook.

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

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

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

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

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

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