Tales of Fantasy

 

 

I missed reading "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,"
when younger.  First published throughout the United Kingdom 
as well as the United States in 1950,  it's the second of
seven tales penned by C.S. Lewis contained in
The Chronicles of Narnia.

Dropping serious hints to my husband Jerry, after seeing a
dress rehearsal of  "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"
presented by The Lawrence County Arts Council,
it's certain that anyone missing stories born of
rich imagination or honest truths is at a loss.
  That includes me!

Literature that breathes promise and
possibility must be shared for its inspiration.  
Thank you Jerry for this beautiful treasure,
a bit too large for my Christmas stocking.

Enjoy scenes from Lawrence County Arts Council's
fall presentation of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"

Congratulations to all involved in making
 this grand presentation so spectacular, at The Pearl:
https://lawrencecountyartscouncil.org/galleryitem/2025lww/      

My Gratitude Journal

Seek First to Understand

 

2022 ushered in our continuing practice of
"The Seven Habits."  The focus during January:  
"Seek first to understand & then be understood." 

That often finds partners working together in class.

Teamwork is one way to come up with solutions.

This group discovered the finer
points of managing budgets & then shopping.

"A" is for Auction---let the bidding began.

Currency earned during the semester was the fuel....

while checkbooks were balanced for transactions.

Something for everyone!

*Building Relationships

*Listening

*Learning

*Quality not Quantity 

The Boys

 

          Brothers

          Those first playmates with

          teasing, laughs, and shelter that

          bridges time with love.

Welcoming

 I've taken to long walks outdoors, whenever possible.

Crisp, cold air or wind are no deterrent for being
"free" from four walls.  Such jaunts are a daily delight. 
Times such as these fill my soul with thankfulness.

The paths are in the city or countryside.  The moments are time
 for conversation with Jerry, for dreaming, or for glimpses
of beautiful surroundings.  Each season has its share of secrets and unblemished elegance; we just have to seek them out.

As December was coming to a close one walk led us past a meadow of undergrowth containing milkweed.  The monarch butterfly feasts upon the leaves of the plant, but not today.  All that remained in the late afternoon is a lone milkweed pod, hidden in the
thicket.  Nonetheless it caught my eye, those silky threads
 and delicate seeds that promise new growth in the
springtime of the coming new year.  

The sight of this humble plant spoke of hope, if one
chooses to imagine it.  Such beauty if we remain
vigilant of our surroundings, may be considered an
assurance of sorts.   For whatever "renewal" lies in 

the days ahead is surely a welcome blessing.

In this new year, may we "light the lives" of others.   

Suddenly You're On the Way

"Be willing to be a beginner every single morning."  

~Meister Eckhart 

 We're often quiet & contemplative when facing
something new.  The unknown exists but can offer

endless possibilities of friendship, discovery, and courage.

  

May discovery

challenge, awe, and joy be yours

in the coming days.

~Rose West

My Gratitude Journal

 

Follow the Leader

"Planet earth is a wonderful place where beautiful creatures live."  

~Maria Powell

 Leaving the YMCA today and who caught my eye, on the drive home?

Mom waddled across the road in front of my car; the sight brought such a feeling of awe at chance

to witness such a lovely raft of ducks!

~Rose West

My Gratitude Journal

Sing A Song!

  "A lesson taught with humor is a lesson retained."  ~The Talmud

Living in the midwest as a Hoosier, this is

a common sight in late July and early August. Much

work goes into producing luscious crops of watermelon.

Spotting the driver with his cache, I'm reminded that songs

and singing with kids is a delightful way to spend time together!

I remember learning this one at around the age of twelve.  How about you?

Plant a watermelon upon my grave,

 let the juice trickle in. 

Steak & fried chicken taste mighty fine but

nothing tastes better than a watermelon vine!

  So plant a watermelon vine upon my grave,

let the juice trickle in.

~Rose West

My Gratitude Journal