Thursday, December 24, 2009

O come...


let us adore Him!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Evergreens and Hollies


I love parties where you actually do something.
 Last week I attended just such an event:
"Deck the Halls" sponsored by Historic Augusta.
Those of us with tickets gathered at 10:00
 at the beautifully restored home of Joseph Lamar.
The front rooms of the house were empty
except for several round tables
skirted in burlap
 and covered with seasonal fresh greenery.


The first table boasted potted paperwhites,
small olive and evergreen trees,
and white hydrangeas.
All in gorgeous aged clay pots.

But in the center of the remaining tables
were large baskets overflowing
with cuttings of fresh evergreens and hollies.
Also on the table
was a soaked oasis in a contatiner
 for each participant.

While sipping Poinsettias (champagne and cranberry juice)
 and meeting new friends
 we created our own arrangements.



We all went home
with individual compositions of fresh greenery
to bring the beauty of the season into our homes!

Monday, December 7, 2009

In Bloom



Camellia sasanqua.


Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Another Moment Captured...


Similar to my previous post,
this shot happened in a instant.
 A cold front had swept in overnight
 and upon waking I noticed heavy evaporation
coming off the creek. As the sun peeked over the eastern end
everything was transformed by the light.
The mist gathered itself
and danced across the surface of the water
as my shutter clicked away.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Reflections


I am incredibly blessed
to have these shining faces around my table.
Each one unique with their own special set of
years, talents, beauty, and troubles.
Each one touches me
in a particular place only they can reach.
Each one brings out a special aspect
only they are able to reveal.
And each one an immortal image bearer.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Late Afternoon Light


Still life in the dining room.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Preparing

“What is asked of us...
is that we break open our blocked caves
 and find each other.
 Nothing less will heal the anguished spirit
 or release the heart to act in love.”
thoughts of Father Tim,
Chapter 4, A Light in the Window
 Jan Karon

As the holidays approach, I find relationships on my mind.  I have been re-reading the Mitford series and having just finished the second book (A Light in the Window), I am struck anew with how we all struggle in our relationships--as evidenced by Father Tim and Cynthia.  We want deep, meaningful relationships that are celebrated by the holidays--a coming together of hearts and minds.  But...our world is broken, and we can't love like we were meant to love...without Christ. I pray that Christ will break the blocked caves, closed doors, and fortified walls of my heart.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Seeing


"We can all see God in
exceptional things,
 but it requires the growth of spiritual discipline
to see God in every detail.
 Never believe
 that the so-called random events of life
are anything less than God's appointed order.
Be ready to discover
 His designs anywhere and everywhere."

November 14,
My Utmost for His Highest,
Oswald Chambers

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Seeing


Fall sunset
on the obelisk chimney of the
 Confederate Powder Works.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

In Bloom


Confederate Rose (Hibiscus mutabilis).
A southern passalong,the Confederate Rose, has been blooming in the Augusta area since the beginning of October. The enormous blossoms look like a cross between a peony and a hibiscus and only last a few days.  Some forms bloom white and turn pink, while others bloom pink and remain pink.

The leaves are large, as are the tight rounded buds that pop up all over the shrub.  Petals are tissue thin, similar to crepe paper, and arranged in a ruffly ballgownish form. Propagate by taking cuttings now and placing them in a bucket of water until spring when you should see some roots, then plant for spectacular fall color and cuttings to share. 

Sunday, November 1, 2009

November?!...


I'm not sure if I'm ready!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

A Treat


Fall eye candy...

Have a fun and safe weekend!

Friday, October 30, 2009

In Bloom...

Mushrooms.

Life from death.


But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;

or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish of the sea inform you.

Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?

In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.

Does not the ear test words
as the tongue tastes food?

Job 12: 7-11

Friday, October 23, 2009

Expectations

“Blessed to be a blessing”.
I often contemplate this thought
and reflect on how I am not living up to it.
In contrast,
last week a dear long-time friend lived out this maxim---
 and completely blessed our family
by allowing us to use her "cabin" for 5 days.
 In a small way I would like to extend that blessing to you by sharing this special place.

This wonderful "cabin" was built in Pennsylavania
 in the late 1800's and moved to this site in Georgia in 2001.
Amazing wide timbers with chinking,
 huge stone fireplaces inside and out,
and cozy rooms...




We had dreamed of quiet, contemplative mornings,
 afternoon reading, and naps
 while the boys were working during the day at the pumpkin patch.



But God had a better plan for us---
the rains fell all week and the pumpkin patch stayed closed.
While we spent the days
 four-wheelin', making fires, visiting friends, playing cards, and having meals
---all together. 
Five days of special memories.

Thank you.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Coweta County Fair


"Where the quarterback dates the homecoming queen---
The truck's a Ford and the tractor's green,
And Amazing Grace is what we sing.
Well there's a county fair every fall
And your friends are there no matter when you call.
Yeah It may not sound like much but it's
Where I'm from"
— jason michael carroll

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Time away


We're off for a week...
 to work at Uncle Bob's Pumpkin Patch.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Freedom.


For worship today,
we attended a beautiful
Kirkin' of the Tartan
at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church.





"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see."

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Finally.


It's always exciting and always welcome---
that first chilly morning. 
We left the windows open last night
and had to pull the quilts up and
... maybe...
slept in just a little longer
 savoring the warmth of the bed and the cool air.
 Soon, the day will give way to the warmth of the sun,
but for now it's an oatmeal morning.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Faces


A kind friend
let me borrow her sweet children
 for an impromptu photo shoot.



Immediately
they became busy doing garden chores...


discussing important matters...


 and introducing me to their
---almost here---
baby brother.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Fall in the South...

Football.


"I was a little different.
 I still say I'm a little different,
because success to me is not having the most money,
or having the biggest car or the biggest house."
Herschel Walker

Saturday, September 26, 2009

A Blaze of Color


Pyracantha cascading down a hill alongside the Calhoun Expressway.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Oops!

I was stunned to realize
it had been more than a week since
my last post. Like everyone else,
school is in full swing for us
and has completely occupied our time.
I'm thankful
that most of that time is spent here
...at home.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Seeing

Sunday Morning at Valle Crucis