Thursday, March 28, 2019

Showing up

What are you reading these days?
Lately, I've experienced an influx of those in my sphere of influence who are getting some hard health news.

Cancer.

What a scary word.

Breast cancer
Liver cancer
Multiple Myeloma

Again. Scary words.
I came upon this book about a woman who was diagnosed and how her friends came alongside her during her battle. Such wise words inside.
Our first inclination when a friend gets some hard news is to want to fix it. But, before you go telling someone what they should do, stop and think for a moment.

This isn't your battle. It's theirs. They get to make ALL the decisions on how to proceed. Our job is to be a supportive friend. 
We are privileged to walk with them and just listen.

It's about that old saying..we have two ears and one mouth. Wise wise words. 

Monday, March 25, 2019

Ambling through the village

Giggling. I heard it, but couldn't find the source.
I looked to the left. Then the right. Nothing.

More giggles.
"Up here. We're up here!"
It took me a moment, but there they were. Two girls. Up in a tree! I totally wasn't expecting that!
And wow, they were WAY UP there!
We had ourselves a good little chat and then in motherly fashion, I told them to be careful. 
They promised, "We will." And then off we went on our merry way.

That moment. I loved it. The innocence of climbing a tree on a perfectly sunny day. Two friends. Risking life and limb for a birds eye view!
I much prefer to have my feet firmly planted on the ground!
This was our walk up to Chawton House from the Jane Austen museum.
The Great House was owned by Jane Austen's brother, Edward. Jane spent lots and lots of time here.
There is a church on the property.
I love to wander through old churches. I think about those who gathered and what their stories were.
This is a statue of Jane Austen as you enter the graveyard. Jane is not buried here, but in Winchester Cathedral.
However, her mother and sister are.
Jane died quite young. I'm sure it must have been so difficult for both mother and sister to carry on without Jane. 
I loved capturing dreaming spires while on holiday.
The windows and doors always intrigued me.
    And of course, I never missed a chance for tea and scones!

Monday, March 11, 2019

Table

I love to write. No surprise there.

Being able to see Jane Austen's writing desk gave me such joy. I snapped many photos and just stood and stared for a long while.

How difficult it must have been to write with a quill pen. How labor intensive. And look at the small surface she had to work on.
Made me realize how convenient I have it to just sit at my computer and tap out words so easily on a surface that is at least triple the size. 
As I near the finish of a writing entry, I wonder if she ever felt the same emotions I do. Is it good enough? Will anyone read this besides me?
Yes, Jane. You are well read. A much beloved author. 

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Happy thoughts

We're getting another round of snow. What else is new!
I'm going to Italy. Okay, not literally. But, I'm sure having fun clicking through photos of our holiday a few years back. Here's a few for you to enjoy.
The start of a lovely day.
I remember this photo completely. I couldn't understand a word they were saying. I don't speak Italian. But you can certainly smile in any language. A lovely, sunny day in Cinque Terre. A wonderful memory.
Hubby and I. We were hiking and met a mother/daughter from the same state we are from. It's a small world after all.
We hiked from town to town. Not for the faint of heart. We came across some rough terrain. It wasn't easy, but I'm so glad we did it.
Ice cream helped! We found a little cafe along the way. A serendipitous moment. Oh, the happy memories.

If you ever get the chance to wander to Italy, be sure to stop at Cinque Terre. I want to go back.