I've been missing my daughter lately even more than usual. Perhaps the thought of Mother's Day approaching has something to do with it. One of my favorite mother's days was the year we went to the movies together. I can't remember the movie, but I recall that we had someone take our picture in the parking lot. We have had some wonderful times together! There comes a time when she must spread her wings and fly.
This morning, I awoke with her on my mind. (Did anyone watch Grey's Anatomy this week? The scene with Callie's dad was written by a parent for sure.) I got my breakfast ready and set my teacup on the table. As I turned the sun was shining on the cup casting a shadow. My daughter gave me this cup that I love. The inscription is Woman of Valor. I love that thought that I am a woman of valor. Yet I know that the shadow is cast and she has already gone beyond where I have gone. She is casting her own shadow now. So if you're reading this, Amber, Happy Mother's day(2 weeks early) from one woman of valor to another. I love you.

People movies

Do you remember the movie Notting Hill? I DVR'd it several weeks ago. Today I had planned to go to the gym, mail a package, run some errands etc. I did the first two, met my hubby for lunch and it started to snow, sleet, rain- take your pick. So I did something I haven't done in ages. I headed right back home, grabbed my favorite throw blanket along with the remote and spent the next two hours remembering how much I love "people" movies. You know the kind of movies where there is no great plot or fantastic action- just people and a lot of heart. Of course, this one qualifies as a romantic film as well. If you read this , leave a comment, share your favorite "people" movie. I'm trying to think of others. Perhaps that will be food for another post.

Green Thumb

I got the inspiration for this post from http://photophoenix.wordpress.com/2009/04/13/seeds/

You will find a beautiful pic of seed growth and a frantic post from a less than green thumb mother- check it out.

My photo above began as a spindly little plant last fall. For years I have wanted to grow plants and flowers, but something always happened to them. One time I planted a few marigolds along the outside walk and a friend's child trampled them all. Another indoor ivy got knocked over and destroyed. This pattern caused me to give up any hope of possessing a green thumb. Several years passed. My children grew up and had children. Then one day my son brought me some plants and hanging baskets to our camper for my birthday. My neighbor, whose yard was filled with flowers, gave me tips on nursing them daily. Oila! The flowers thrived under my touch. With new-found confidence I decided to try planting various containers at home with flowers. Not only did they live, the flowers burst forth into beauty. The next year I planted even more, a mini-garden on my terrace.

As winter approached, the thought that maybe, just maybe, I could try an indoor plant, surfaced. I was driving home on a cold windy day when i noticed a yard sale sign which said Plants For Sale. I turned around and bought three. The woman was moving and needed to part with them. I tenderly cared for the vine above with much love and prayer. Soon it needed a bigger pot and then another. I carefully gave instructions to my husband as I prepared to go on a trip for two weeks. Alas when I got back, brown leaves met me. I was heartbroken. This time I would not give up. I picked off all the dead leaves and placed it in the sun. Much to my delight, the plant rebounded. Today it is gorgeous and ready for a bigger pot. I love this process. There is much to be learned from a tiny vine. I plan to start from seeds in a few days indoors to ready for the spring.

The Four Challenge

"April hath put a spirit of youth in everything."

This is April in northern Maine where I reside. Hope is peering out from under the snow whispering that spring will arrive as it does every year. I couldn't bring myself to post a flower picture. It seemed outside of the ryhthm of my life.

Signposts

The spring conference was an amazing experience. I had mentioned in a previous post about signposts for this meeting. The theme was "And a Highway shall be There." There were signs all over the main room where we gathered. The sign above was outside directing us through the pouring rain. I have never experienced anything like this conference. I ended up speaking in the morning session and then two back- to- back workshops. There wasn't a minute to catch my breath, but everything simply flowed. I am noticing signs everywhere now and I want to pay attention to those strategically placed in my life. I love the thought that in the midst of the deserts, hills, and valleys of my life, if I will turn my eyes to the Lord, a highway shall be there, right there in the midst for me to walk on. That was the truth this past weekend.

March Bookclub

This was the scene at my kitchen table last week as we finished our March bookclub. Adriana Trigiani's new book "Very Valentine" was our read and the consensus was all postive. The various books on the table are either ones that we have read and wanted to share with each other or possiblities for next month. Our pick for April is Kristin Hannah's True Colors. We chose this for a couple of reasons: it was recommended and each of us read her last book and loved it.

Normally we try to choose books that can be purchased in paperback or secondhand. The exception to the rule are authors we have read in the past and loved.

I look forward to this gathering each month. This is our fourth year and although our group has dwindled to 3 members, there is no shortage of enthusiasm or conversation.