pears

Since I don't like scary things, I have never been a fan of Halloween. But over the years my attitude has improved and I now sorta enjoy wearing my zebra print fuzzy cowboy hat (that I bought at a Jodee messina concert) and I hand out candy and drink wine (which helps my bad attitude). This year I even bought a t-shirt at target that says trick or treat.

We get 150+ trick or treaters so it's crazy! One time I asked a little boy what he was and he said, "a pimp"! ok.....interesting....how do you respond to that??

I am trying to embrace the madness. So, Happy Halloween.

Grace and Peace,

Jane

japanese anemone

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait in expectation."

Psalm 5:3

Grace and Peace,

Jane

marigold

Yesterday at church we sang "In Christ Alone". I love it. I've warned my family that one day I will be raising my hands during this song so don't be shocked!

In Christ alone my hope is found;

He is my light, my strength, my song;

This cornerstone, this solid ground,

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My comforter, my all in all-

Here in the love of Christ I stand.

Grace and Peace,

Jane

cosmos

A beautiful bunch of cosmos grows in front of Jamie's garden plot. I have seen people stop and stare. They were even on the news when there was a feature about community gardens.

Now that we have had frost they are starting to fade. But, seriously, they were something to behold.

Grace and Peace,

Jane

red tomato

Last Saturday we cleaned up our vegetable garden. We had a fun summer learning and are already planning next year. Even though our tomato harvest was a little disappointing, there are some still hanging on to the summer for dear life.

Grace and Peace,

Jane

red

"No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace

As I have seen in one autumnal face."

John Donne (1572-1631)

Grace and Peace,

Jane

fern

"the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous

and His ears are attentive to their prayer"

1 Peter 3:12

Grace and Peace,

Jane

B

A couple days ago, my camera and I went to F. Meijer Gardens in search of fall foliage. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed wandering around taking lots of pictures. This picture of a B is part of a cool sculpture by Jaume Pleusa. This artist makes fascinating sculptures of people made up of letters.

It's Brooks' Birthday today (how can my baby be 23?) so I'm posting this B for him. This sculpture reminded me of Brooks because he loves letters, words, books and ideas. It's a big part of who he is. So, Happy Birthday my dear first born.

Grace and Peace,

Mom/Jane

maple leaf

"He heals the brokenhearted

and binds up their wounds."

Psalm 147:3

Grace and Peace,

Jane

hydrangea leaf

Some of the lyrics of the song "Pink Light" on Laura Veirs cd Saltbreakers have been going through my head. Jamie gave this cd to Mike and I love love it. These words are just true and have gotten me thinking about why people (and I) can be unkind and the results of hurtful words and actions.

Sorry I was cruel

I was protecting myself

drifting along with my swords out flying

tattering my own sails

and I tattered yours, too

took you and wrapped you around me like a spell

o, how now the cold seeps in, o!

o, how now I cast you into the wind.

Grace and Peace,
Jane

cold aster

Yesterday, when I got home from church, I turned the heat on. I know that there's a part of me that feels more righteous the longer I wait to turn on that furnace. But it was 57 degrees in the house and I was cold! I don't know if I hesitate because it feels like I am giving in to fall and eventually winter or that the tough dutch part of me wants to be frugal and hearty. Anyway, our Sunday was warm and happy and somehow it was freeing for me.

Grace and Peace,

Jane

pumpkin

I enjoy the word "autumnal". This time of year, I love saying it and I try to say it as often as I can. I love the autumnal decorations, autumnal foods, and autumnal smells. I love the autumnalness of autumn.

Grace and Peace,

Jane