sycamores along the seine
magnolia and gentlemen
shiny shoes in cordovan
jacket tweed in blond and fawn
gravel pressed and cobble flat
bon marcher, the breeze begat
a bountiful and healing view
sunny stroll on road and rue.

Beloved,
I pray that all may go well with you
and that you may be in good health,
as it goes well with your soul.
3 John 1:2

image: Seine River Walk by Petek Design

Lynda was Howard Sortland’s wife.
I remember Howard better,
I think because he was especially fond of me.
I remember dancing for him
in the kitchen on Arden Avenue,
dandelion yellow cabinets behind me
as I twirled and stretched.
Howard was a big man ~ tall and broad,
with well-combed gray hair and very large gentle hands.
He’d chuckle and grin as I performed,
his huge hands on his knees,
his heart wide open to me.
I didn’t think to wonder,
basking in his delighted approval,
how many others Howard could fit in his big heart.
Arks-full as it turned out.
I can see now what a blessed and admirable talent it is
to make everyone feel native in your country.
My memory of Lynda, though more pixilated,
is short, round and full of glad greeting.
I see a small square head
(small at least compared to Howard’s)
and appealing squinty eyes.
Lynda gave mom her chili recipe when I was a baby,
and it was the only chili Howard would eat.
It is not fancy or from scratch,
just simple, savory and budget friendly.
It tastes like weekend late afternoons
and family coming over for football or golf or birthdays.
I’m making it today,
and a yellow cake with chocolate frosting for dessert,
thinking of The Sortlands, and of us,
and of so many good gatherings over chili and cake.

The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. Acts 28:2

Mom’s Basic Chili (originally from Lynda Sortland):
1 1/2 lb ground beef
1 med onion, chopped
1 lg (24 oz) can tomato sauce
2 can stewed tomatoes
2 cans chili beans (pinto beans in sauce)
2 Tbs chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
6-8 drops Tabasco
Optional:
2 lbs ground beef for a meatier texture
a gulp of red wine
4-6 shakes of Worcestershire

Saute onions in a couple Tbs of olive oil. Add ground beef and brown. Drain excess grease/fat from the pan. Add can of tomato sauce and one can of water (use tomato sauce can). Add stewed tomatoes and seasonings. Bring to boil, lower heat, and simmer for 45 minutes or longer on low heat, covered, stirring occasionally. Beans can be added at the beginning or last 1/2 hour of simmer.

Some possible toppings: shredded cheese (mexican blends or a sharp), sour cream, green onions chopped, crushed tortilla chips (I like blue corn).

Serve with saltines, fresh bread or corn bread.

image: http://www.bonappetit.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/chili.jpg

meet at noon
happy fling
capellini
lemon zing
pixie cut
peachy lip
delightful play
at chic and hip
ivory trench
purple mum
bite of brie
coco plum
cafe au lait
sparkling tea
perfect quench
you and me

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. – Matthew 18:20

image: http://www.theaprongal.com/2012/07/angel-hair-pasta-with-tomato-cream.html

PS if you’re the least bit hungry, do not google capellini images.

The fort measures (roughly) 10ft x 7ft and is composed of three main areas: nursery, dinosaur room, construction site.

The nursery or “baby room” has a pink and white fleece floor with tied edges. A bookcase and corner chair create one wall support, while a floral deco pillow hides any unsightly detachment with shabby chic warmth. Two babies, Harriet and “baby” are inside, cozy in a red stroller and blue and cream antique quilt.

We chose a green and off white cotton floor for the dinosaur room. The walls, mainly charcoal cushion since we required a substantial material for this mostly freestanding area, are placed at unexpected angles as a modern and practical balance solution. Jumbo T-rex and a large bucket of dinosaurs inhabit the space, though I have discovered miscellaneous guests as the day unfolds. (Dinosaurs are so social).

The construction site, though well intended, fell a little flat. The Tonka mat had to be laid askew with turned up corners due to fort width. It might have been a failed space entirely, but the spirit is in tact due to the XXL bright yellow dump truck with industrial wheels. We’re grateful!

The broadest wall, spanning both nursery and construction site, is the highlight. We covered the wide panel wooden chair with an ivory quilt for the impassable piece, offering a castle-like corner in contrast to the more accessible “peasant” patterns. Next to it, the white metal computer bench draped in purple, teal and blue acts as a tunnel entrance. Only children fit through.

No roof. This is a difficult and understandably disappointing reality, but early on in the process we were faced with a decision: size or ceiling. We chose size. I am resolved this was the best choice for the day knowing that the morning will opportune a roofed redesign to our current walled city.

Three older brothers, an advantage in adventure play, perhaps stunted my fort-building experience. Simply happy to dwell in the results, I was infrequently an architect of our endeavors. The New Year brings new challenges and I am learning, getting better every hour and blessed with a patient and enthusiastic client.

Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. – Haggai 1:8

image: http://howearehungry.wordpress.com/category/illustrations/ ; Fort 1

sweet surprise
the week is near
wrapping presents
arrange the cheer
anticipate
the eve and morn
to celebrate
a Savior born
colored glass
meatballs, quiche
santa songs
noel pastiche
sweep the earth
and set the birch
root beer bottles
go to church
expectation
paramount
ponder these
within thy heart

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. – John 14:2

Inspired by my mother’s wisdom on anticipation (it’s the fountain of youth!) and expectation (He came, He comes, He’s coming).
image: http://www.babble.com/crafts-activities/25-beautiful-diy-advent-calendars/framed-calendar/

The last few days we’ve trimmed the tree
and lined up Santas and copper globes.
We’ve hung the lights and arranged the greens
and tuned the radio to Holiday Classics.
Our golden angel from the 1960s,
with rhinestone tears and netted wings,
is set above the room,
and shiny ornaments reflect upon each other,
telling of travels, happy days and interests.
Thoughtful nooks and tablescapes,
scenes and settings for cheer appear.
And for the first time in my life
the merry mood of Christmas has yet to come.
Holly hardly helps an anxious heart.
I cut out paper strips for garland,
and glue the pinecones into place,
and ponder fearful roads and faith
of kings and shepherds
following a star to a stable.

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. – Luke 1:35

Image: The Road to Bethlehem, painting by Lee Pantas

Hello sweetheart, morning time,
let’s wake and start again.
The night is done, the stars away,
the sun is round the bend.
Darling one, the day is new.
Let’s press a gentle print,
and greet the light with gratitude
our windows rosy tints.
And if some cloudy grays arrive
or weary pages penned,
let’s huddle close, I’m here my dear
to help you clear and mend.

The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. – Romans 13:12

image: A child having breakfast, by Amalia Lindgren.

Grey brown Bunny and green Stegosaurus were an unusual yet true pair. The two were the best of friends and found, unexpectedly, many things in common, such as a love of gardening, funny jokes, and peach ice cream. Though one was rather introverted and the other rather extroverted, they had a kindred sense of humor, and conversed in an open and easy manner about most subjects. They rarely wondered at the other’s meaning or mood, and were comfortable being (necessarily at times) quiet with one another. They also shared a herbivorous appetite, a great convenience not lost on either, particularly bunny, who was a wonderful chef and had longed (before Stegosaurus) for a friend with whom he could dine. One afternoon Bunny invited Stegosaurus over for a salad made fresh from ingredients in his garden. Stegosaurus of course accepted with delight. On his way, he stopped at a nearby spring to fill a medium gourd with cool water for his host and found himself listening (Stegosaurus was an excellent listener) to Mrs. Otter about recent events in the Otter family. This didn’t take too long, and anyway Stegosaurus liked Mrs. Otter’s rolling “r”s when she told stories. Soon he found a good moment to say goodbye and hurried off to Bunny’s. Due to the spring and rolling “r”s, he arrived a little bit late, but that didn’t bother Bunny who knew that though his friend often overestimated the clock, he always spent his time with the best intentions. After a warm welcome and some jokes, Bunny and Stegosaurus decided to eat. Suddenly, while adding the final touches of chive and chopped basil to his beautiful salad, a sinking feeling came over Bunny. He had forgotten plates! Earlier in the week he had leant all his plates to Mrs. Otter who was having a den party for her niece and was short on dishes for the many extended relatives. Oh, how could he serve his beautiful salad to his most important friend with no plates?! He felt flushed and disappointed, his happy plans wilting. Stegosaurus saw the fallen look on his dear friend’s face and asked whatever could be wrong. Bunny explained the problem, but to his surprise Stegosaurus only laughed and smiled. “Bunny,” he said, “I forgot to tell you! Mrs. Otter gave me your plates at the spring. She knows we’re the best of friends and asked if I’d be seeing you soon. I told her I was on my way to our house that very minute and would be happy to deliver them. She stacked them on my back, but your jokes were so funny that they slipped my mind and I suppose they are hidden from view amongst my own plates!” Bunny laughed too, relieved, and stretched high to reach the stack on Stegosaurus’ back. The two friends dished up medium sized portions of salad onto the returned plates and poured cool water into their cups. They laughed and conversed with ease, and after a delicious meal (and a scoop of peach ice cream each), they sat quietly and contently together.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched….but are felt in the heart.” – Helen Keller

If we can’t stop the waters,
and swoop the tiny children
from the beach
away from waves of harm,
what damn difference does it make
to pray and preach
on pain and promise?
Why scribble scribe
on the miracle of mercy
or donate dolls and jackets
when your people are drowning?
Literally drowning.
We send checks to .org
and hope they transform
into bread and vaccine.
We squeeze our lids and call you: GOD!
and try to shake the knowing
that something is very wrong,
at least for the night,
pouting in powerlessness.
Really Lord,
what difference does it make?

You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
– Leviticus 19:34

World Vision International: http://www.wvi.org/
image: http://nydn.us/17MUCFw

Create in me a great room
with open walls
and honey pews.
Creak the floors
in a well weathered way
and build a balcony
for Sunday school
and study.
Paint in a basketball hoop
and roll in a piano
next to signs of service
and tables of quilts.
Pull in a coat rack
with many hangers
and put out cake and coffee.
Provide discerning doors
and let in the light
through sturdy windows
so the whole space
is a place
of glad greeting.

Let mine be a merry, all-receiving heart,
But make it a whole, with light in every part.
– George MacDonald

Inspired by the fellowship of Olivet
Congregational Church, St. Paul MN.
image: http://fluffysheepquilting.blogspot.com/