Boxes... family... blessings...

Today my family did what families are supposed to do, we helped one of our own. My younger brother has recently accepted a managerial position at a Ruby Tuesday's out of town and had to move. ( Ruby Tuesday's has very good food, including the best salad bar I've ever been to, you might want to check it out at http://www.rubytuesday.com/.)

Yesterday afternoon my sibling received his keys and the word went out that the move was on for today. Dad drove the U Haul, I carried little things, my aunt kept the doorway dry and my older brother and my husband carried all the heavy things.

My younger brother? (This would be me chuckling slightly... he had to work... yup... we moved him without his presence.) I'd like to tell you we didn't do anything silly but, I must confess that in addition to the boxes carefully carried in, his older sister did put two empty Diet Coke bottles in his refrigerator. I laughed when I found them in his old home and figured they needed to move with him.

While we worked, we all laughed and talked. Though moving is not amusing, it sure is a better way to gather family than a funeral. With all my heart, I am so glad to be blessed with kind people who love me. I am so happy to have people to love.

What a blessing it is to have family.

Life is good.

This day and always, I pray for you. That you are blessed. May you have peace in your heart and family to love you.

Tiny tots and grandmas too....

This morning, the Columbus Metro Park's Winter Hike Series began (http://www.metroparks.net/UserUploads/UserDocuments/Winter-Hikes-2010-schedule-rfs.pdf). A newbie, I pulled into Blacklick park a bit before ten and immediately knew that this "event" was unlike any other "hike" I'd been part of. There was a line of cars waiting to park. The lots were marked with three foot florescent yellow signs and I have never seen so many Rangers and Volunteers... ever... anywhere...

I literally laughed outloud and pulled into line. When I passed the Ranger standing in the road, I too rolled down my window and received a map and instructions. With a shake of my head and a grin, I parked my car. I tried to find the "guided" four mile hike but no one seemed to know where that group was. So, I decided to head out on the self guided path.

Hiking solo in a deserted park is not odd; I do not find it lonely. However, hiking alone when most people are with others... that is a different matter. I was hiking rather fast, as I was not wearing an extra layer under my jeans and I find it feels rude to walk too close to couples. (It makes me feel as if I am eavesdropping.) I passed several groups, wishing them a good morning as I did. About ten minutes in, I fell in step with an older woman, who was also hiking by herself. We started chatting and hiked the rest of the path together.

Back at the lodge, Volunteers handed out soup and big containers of hot water stood ready. I happily made myself a cup of instant coffee and snapped a picture of the turtles that stood, snow covered, outside. Bitty toddlers in snowsuits held parents' hands... the crowd was a friendly bunch. I smiled at the hikers who had patches covering their gear from amazing places. Someday... someday... that will be, God willing, me...

The world is a lovely place. Each day a new experience... new people to meet... new places to go... wonders to explore...

Even within our daily routines, there are bits of joy to find... the discovery by my eldest and I that anteaters ride their mother's backs... the happy greeting posted by a fellow hiker on my meetup profile... Good people... a beautiful world... pretty scarves... snow covered turtles... laughter shared between strangers...

Yes... I give thanks... We are blessed...

Welcome home...

Walking through the forest,
my favorite thing to do is look for beautiful flowers and evidence of the creatures that we so rarely see happily ensconced in the suburbs.

With camera in hand,
I lay on the path,
creep nearer to odd objects
and frequently cause my eldest to wonder
if she could steal my camera in my sleep without retribution.

I have always enjoyed imagining who lives inside the nooks, crannies and holes along the way. Wouldn't it be fun, to be shrunk down just for a moment to see what really is down those holes or be able to fly up and peek inside the tree trunk hole?

Now, I don't want to be eaten or harmed,
so on my imaginary journeys,
I seem to always be safe.

This morning I read Hebrew's chapter 11
just like my good pastor has assigned.
(yup... she gives homework...imagine that)

The chapter talks about faith and trusting in what we do not see.

I read and read thinking, "man... yay for these people... apparently they are much more faithful than I am..."
and then... then I saw Abraham's name and laughed! Yup! I laughed because Abraham doubted God's plan for descendants enough to do some seemingly yucky things.
It was then I smiled... I figure if Abraham was listed as faithful and he saw angels who he just couldn't trust their message. Then... well... then if I have just a tiny bit of faith... if I allow God to use me... Ahh... I'll be all right.

So,
today...
May you be blessed with the faith you need for life's adventure.
May a smile find its way to your lips
and may you know you are a treasure.
.. a light...
someone special.

You are loved.

Graham crackers and frosting

After Mass today, a dear friend came home with us.

Her name is Cathy and she is absolutely one of the kindest women you could ever meet.

This morning she taught Sunday School (known affectionately as PSR in Catholic circles) and this afternoon she was volunteering at our parish's "People of God" program for adults with special needs.

Cathy is one of those people who would help you, even if she shouldn't.

Because she is soft spoken, I have seen bossier "Christians" mistakenly believe that she needs them to tell her what to do.

Without a doubt, Cathy is the one to call if there is something to be done.

But, if that is the only time that someone calls, they are missing out on a true friend.

A giver of cards on birthdays,

a baker of the most delicious bread,

an understanding ear to talk to

and a very willing participant in happy adventures,

Cathy is a treasure.

I am glad to call her my friend.

I am sure you know someone like my Cathy.

They bless the world by their very being.

Like the chocolate frosting on graham crackers, they make life special.

I pray that we will always know at least one "Cathy"...

that we remember to call her...

with fun,

not just work.

Everyone needs to relax...

to have that chocolate...

the cup of coffee in the kitchen...

May you be blessed with beautiful friends to accompany you on your adventure!

Now!

Always!

Forever!