violets

The violets by my backdoor are green and still going strong. I hope they make it and bloom in the spring.

Grace and Peace,

Jane

vine on my house

"The earth is the Lord's

and everything in it,

the world,

and all who live in it;

for He founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the waters."

Psalm 24:1-2

"They (the disciples) were terrified
and asked each other,
'Who is this?
Even the wind
and the waves obey him!'"
Mark 4:41

Grace and Peace,

Jane

another one

My Mom and I went to another funeral today. I really didn't want to go, but it was a blessing to me.

"E'en down to old age all my people shall prove
my sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
and when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
like lambs they shall still in my bosom be borne."
-from the hymn How Firm a Foundation.

Grace and Peace,
Jane

another succulent

"Though He brings grief,

He will show compassion,

so great is His unfailing love."

Lamentations 3:24

Today is the 2nd anniversary of my Dad's death. He's been on my mind this week especially because I have been painting the spare bedroom. My Dad and I were painting partners. Any time I had a project he would come over with donuts and patience to help me.

This is the first painting project I've tackled since he died. It's been a time of remembrance. I have felt like he is remembering me and I am remembering him. It's been good.

Grace and Peace,

Jane

onion

My onion sprouted some greens. This encourages me and makes me smile.

Grace and Peace,
Jane

russian sage

I love this quote from a women homesteader. It speaks to my heart and why I think creativity is important to every day mundane living.

"I made quilts as fast as I could to keep my family warm....and as pretty as I could to keep my heart from breaking."

Grace and Peace,

Jane

red berries by my front door

Today I'm thankful for girlfriends who lift my spirits and warm my heart!

"Let us be grateful for people
who make us happy;
they are the charming gardeners
who make our souls blossom."
-Marcel Proust

Grace and Peace,
Jane

vine on my house

"Perhaps I am a bear, or some hibernating animal underneath,

for the instinct to be half asleep all winter is so strong in me."

-Ann Morrow Lindbergh

Grace and Peace,

Jane

boxwood

It's always nice to see some green in this bleak time of year. This boxwood was peeking out on the side of my driveway...right before it was blasted with snow from the snowblower. But I know it's still green even though I can't see it now.

Grace and Peace,

Jane

in my alley garden

"When Jesus spoke again to the people,

he said,

'I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me

will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.'"

John 8:12

Grace and Peace,

Jane

succulent

The holidays are over and the tree is by the curb. The visitors are all back home and I can't find snacks anywhere. I think I am experiencing holiday withdrawal!

I took some photos of Jamie's new succulent plant and enjoyed it's translucent tips.

Grace and Peace,

Jane

bush along side my driveway

It's been a lovely holiday season. Lots of time visiting friends and family, eating, working on puzzles, reading, wondering what day it is. One of the books I read was Holy the Firm by Annie Dillard. I didn't understand all the book, but I did love this sentence:

"Like a rug or wrap rolling unformed up a loom, the day discovers itself, like the poem."

I just like it.
Grace and Peace,
Jane