Madeline L’Engle in her book WinterSong writes, “As we move into Advent we are called to listen, something we seldom take time to do in this frenetic world of overactivity. But waiting for birth, waiting for death—these are listening times, when the normal distractions of life have lost their power to take us away from …
Continue reading ‘Tis the Season: Eight Devotionals, Poetry, and Picture Books for Christmas
Last week, I visited a cemetery. It was my second cemetery in two days—because that’s where you go to meet new people. My passion for cemeteries began many summers ago alongside my grandmother with a penchant for genealogy. I wasn’t here to locate a long-lost family grave, though. I was here for a nature walk …
Just kidding. This is a one-off post to share some of the travel tips from my experience planning for and embarking on a trip around Great Britain in Spring 2025. While I may share other travel-related tips in the future, I remain your short story, essay-writing poet. UK Electronic Travel Authorisation The UK started requiring …
We soar above the foam-lapped shores and wind-wrinkled water Into blue autumn skies and brilliant sunshine. As we rise above the clouds, the sun smiths the ocean Into beaten metal that gleams against the shore. The coast becomes a distant curve, ribboned by white beaches. The clouds roll by in piled white and hide the …
The birds are just waking up In the dark of predawn As we head to the airport To fly with the sun. And when I come back from Dropping the travelers off, I meet a small earthworm Who’s just taking off. As I walk to my door, The crickets are choiring, The birds are conspiring, …
I will have a garden, Even if it’s small, Will till the ground That winter hardens Until my plants grow tall. I will grow a garden, Even when it’s hard, And raise my seeds And weed these weeds In my little yard. I will give my garden: What it blooms and bears This year—and bear …
Continue reading Southern Diamonds—Seven: “I Will Have a Garden”
The treetops are black, Backlit by purple-white lightning That ripples across the night. Then comes low, distant thunder, As if the night is mumbling, Clearing its throat with its rumbling. A chime clangs in the dark Like a ship’s bell in a storm, Heralding something, perhaps to warn. The treetops are black, Backlit by purple-white …
When you think the day is Almost over, Go outside onto your porch. You’ll find there’s more That’s yet to come Once you slow to watch the sun As it sets in radiant seconds That spin into minutes and send Clouds along so fast It’s almost in time-lapse. Only when you slow to porch speed …
Here are four new books to add to your family library this Easter. They celebrate the warmth of spring and the joy of the Resurrection. If you missed it last year, be sure to check out my 2024 Easter book roundup as well. Seven Little Ducklings / Annette LeBlanc Cate—In addition to cute illustrations, lyrical …
Continue reading Celebrating Spring and the Resurrection in Easter Picture Books
Blackberry brambles bud At the edge of the woods, And up from the grass Miniature primroses Unfurl butter-pale petals. Every evening this spring Seems to hold surprises— At the edges of wild and at The tips of our toes From the path to entice us. Do you also find surprises around every corner in springtime? …
