May 28

One of the highlights of Heidi's ordination day was the celebration at her house that afternoon. This event was made even more memorable by the raging storm that tore through the Goshen area right before the party began.

The winds howled, rain poured,

joy, laughter swirled around you;

overflowing cup.

~ Twilla

May 27

The gifts of working
while laughing, giving comfort
receiving refuge

~ Heidi, May 19, 2012

May 26

Remembering Heidi's ordination, the last Sunday of May, 2011.

Anointing

Your newly-ordained

fingers traced your sacred print

on my brow and soul.

~ Twilla

May 24

Birds flock to feeder

zooming in and zipping out,

filling us with song.

~ Twilla

May 22

melancholic change
years blur, time speeds like freight train
seeking perspective

~ Maria

And then found my perspective in a haiku from Heidi...

Time flies by and by
Bunk beds, boyfriends, jobs, babies
Time leaves many gifts.

~ Heidi, May 19, 2012

May 21

Impending changes

rattle my innermost calm.

I take a deep breath.

~ Twilla

May 18

Dance of pain and joy

Celtic knots, over, under

Such sacred tangle

~ Jan

May 17

Birds flock to feeder

zooming in and zipping out,

filling us with song.

~ Twilla

May 16

Wasn't sure which one said it better... so we'll offer both!

Brightest of dogwoods
Shine white on dreary canvas
Illumination...

or

A lovely dogwood
Fluorescent white against green
Brightness on dark day

~ Maria

May 14

God's voice in the woods

Trillium trios, red buds

Bird song, flight and call

Listen! Water flows,

Rhythm in ocean waves, tides

Tunes in the rivers

~ Jan

May 13

Spring's slow emergence

embodies healing journey,

hope subtle, yet sure.

~ Twilla

May 12

More Mother's Day reflections:

 God hath summoned her
Sweet harmony, angel hymns
Called her home with song

Perpetual light
Shine on saints, eternal rest
Mercy, peace to us

Mother's Day brings pain
Missing you: Martha, Heidi
Memories remain, enough?

~ Jan

my friend, too soon gone
Mom to three lively fellows
you are remembered

~ Maria

Mother's Day

Today I miss Heidi, a most-wonderful companion in the earliest years of my mothering journey. Her wisdom, courage, and care travel with me. 

A Consolation

No matter the realm,

we are all wrapped in the arms

of Mothering Love.

~ Twilla

Photo: Heidi and Theo, December 2008

May 9

River's endless flow:

Steady. Reflective. Haven.

Soul-restoring gift.

~ Twilla

May 8

Reflection on painting...

Brushstrokes spread color
Wet and lustery it moves
I crack a smile

~ Maria

May 5

Living with questions

in the absence of answers;

confounds and comforts.

~ Twilla

May 4

Freeze warning tonight
Cold breath zapping tenderness
I am sore afraid

~ Maria

May 3

Haiku inspired by a group art project at a women's retreat...

Clips, snips of color.
Red lips go chat, smile, ask.
This faithful remnant.

~ Maria

May 2

Parenting: a dance.
Sometimes fluid, sometimes flat.
 -- oft stepping on toes

~ Maria

May 1

Easter Hope, knit us,

hopelessly fragmented, frayed,

into a new whole.

~ Twilla