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So much Christmas color this year. . .

Or maybe it’s just that it has been so warm, I’ve been out and about more, enjoying it all. Beckett had the flu, but Brooks, Chelsea and I made it to a balmy evening of Christmas lights at The Gardens on Spring Creek.By Christmas Day Beckett was feeling fine.Note that Brooks is barefoot. On Christmas Day. In Colorado. It was 67 degrees. Yes, I think he was trying to kick his brother. 😉 And no, he was not the only kid there in his PJs. Apparently, it’s a Christmas Day thing.

In addition to the color and the fab (though weird) weather, there’s been so much music this month. I’ve been singing with the worship band once a month for two years now, but this month I’ve been singing almost every week, counting the Christmas choir, and I’m loving it. At home, I’m trying to teach myself bluesy jazz piano, which turns out to be something you can’t really teach yourself, at least I can’t, so I’m hoping to get some help with that. Still. What a joy music is.

Once the Christmas decor is put away, I’ll get my art supplies back out. I’ve been in contact with a friend in France who paints large, gorgeous abstracts, so maybe I’ll try that, inspired by the colors of this glorious season.

I’m not forgetting . . . All . . . The . . . Things . . . of 2025. Too many of my people are hurting right now to forget for even a day. I’m just offering you (and me) a little break from the hard parts. Maybe art or music or time with cute kiddos can help you, too.

I just read a post from Kate Bowler with twelve excellent thought-provoking questions. I won’t list them all, but you can check out her website here. Some of my favorites:

• What surprised you with its goodness this year?
• What did you carry further than you thought you could?
• Who helped you survive this year?
• What is one thing you did this year that your past self would be proud of?
• What did you lose that deserves to be remembered?
• What do you hope to make room for next year–not as a resolution, but as a holy invitation?
• If you could write a blessing for the year ahead, what would it say?

I love these. They could be journal or poetry prompts or springboards for great conversations or simply a means of self-reflection. I hope they spark something in you, as they have in me.

Grace and peace to you and yours, now and in the year to come!

Just got back from Minnesota, where we celebrated Bailey’s high school graduation. Hard to believe I now have an adult granddaughter!

It was a steamy day, but we made the best of it (and sometimes took advantage of the AC inside).

So many memories captured on these walls.

Later, after recuperating, Courtney and Jeremiah took me on a drive along gorgeous green, winding roads with water views that reminded me of New England. Delightful! We stopped in Excelsior as the sun was beginning to set.

The daylilies were blooming near a repurposed trolley selling ice cream, where I couldn’t resist trying “Nicollet Avenue Pothole” –because of the name, of course–deep chocolate ice cream with chunks of fudge, caramel and Heath Bar in it. A bit rich for me, it turned out, but points for trying something new, right?

On Sunday Courtney took me to the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Guess what’s there?

I know! It’s supposed to be at Pemberley with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. 😉 In fact, it was sculpted around 1860 and Jane Austen published Pride and Prejudice in 1813, so slightly anachronistic, but who cares? This is the actual piece that Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennett (2005) admires as part of Mr. Darcy’s collection. It’s stunning. Hard to believe no fabric is involved, only different textures on the marble itself. What a treat to see it up close.

I planned an extra day to catch one of Felicity’s soccer games, but I was too busy watching to get pix of all her best moments . Sorry!

Four days went by fast, but I treasured every bit of it.

Wishing you also precious time with your dear ones! And if ever you can’t be with them, I hope you have lots of great photos to remind you of times shared.

I had adventures with Beckett and Brooks earlier in June, but this post is already long enough. Maybe I’ll write a June Joys – Part 2.

Grace and peace to you, whatever your summer has in store.

The rains have continued, but with plenty of sunny breaks, so everything is very lush and green. Not a bad month for celebrations, including the birthday of many friends and my own. I’ve spent a few Mays in France, a nice venue for an evening with dear ones.

David and I went to the same restaurant in 2014, but my French was so bad back then, I couldn’t even call for a reservation. We simply walked in and hoped for the best, which fortunately worked out, since we got there right at the beginning of lunch service.

Then back to the rental. Be sure to look closely to see David in the mirror on that wretchedly uncomfortable couch.

In 2019, Pascale and Jacky took me on a tour of the Golfe du Morbihan over the week of my birthday. What a treat that was! Click here for the birthday post during that adventure.

This year one of my favorite celebrations was when Beckett “graduated” from kindergarten.

All four (yes, FOUR) classes of kindergarteners walked in wearing shades. Adorable.

Here’s Brooks, ready to celebrate:

Then they recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Beckett had his big moment, saying into the mic: “You may now be seated.” Then songs:

Then the caps went on:

At some point there was a slide show that made me cry when the song “You’ll Be in My Heart” played. It got me thinking of how quickly time passes and of David, of course. What a poignant reminder to appreciate every day and every moment with those we love.

I’m praying for you many beautiful moments with your dear ones and many joyful celebrations together. Grace and peace to you, as always.

What a glorious day it was today, even if a bit bright without sunglasses!

I joined Chelsea, Brian, and the boys for some Easter festivities at a church in Johnstown. It was VERY popular, but everyone was cheerful and patient in all the long lines for the various activities, including a petting zoo.

The bunny was a big favorite.

The Easter egg hunt was genius. Everyone picked up empty plastic eggs, then dumped them in a bin and went and picked up a bag of candy that was the same for everyone. No hand-to-hand combat required to get the good stuff.

I love when I get to spend time with my people. I hope you have a chance to celebrate with those you love. Whether a holiday or not, time together is such a gift and I’m grateful for it.

Today I’m also remembering other Easter seasons in other places, like Santa Fe in 2013, in the Loretto Chapel with the miraculous staircase and this gorgeous statue.

Also Holy Week in La Rochelle in 2014.

Both spent with David, who is still very much missed. So today I am especially grateful for Jesus, who conquered death and paid the price for all of us. A very happy Easter to you and yours!

He is risen!