I'm a little bit sad that...

I'm a little bit sad that this month of small stones for the river has come to an end.  I missed a few days recently but otherwise was quite diligent in throwing something in, as it were.  The quality varied, and I saw that (and I think it was on one of Kaspa's posts on WOWH that I read this):  focusing on the words really does get in the way, that to focus on feeling the experience one had would best capture the essential spirit of that experience.  And so it was that *not* caring about the wording, yielded (I thought) my best offerings.  These seemed few and far between, but....that's okay.  I want to thank everyone:  especially Fiona and Kaspa, and all the guests who contributed their advice and experience regarding this endeavor.  I found out about this writing challenge through my friend Amy, and am grateful for her help in getting me set up.  I also appreciated the comments I received.  Everyone made such great contributions to the River --- it's been a real inspiration!  I've also very much enjoyed getting the WOWH newsletter.  Thanks to everyone, it's been a wholly worthwhile experience.  I hope to continue with it as I am able.

The indoor "red-berried" Christmas wreath...

The indoor "red-berried" Christmas wreath this month became a Winter wreath, and soon it will become a Valentine's wreath.  It will come down by February's end.  It does it's job and then vacations until December.

A common purpose, a shared...

A common purpose, a shared humanity, is what brings people together.  Unity.

One medium-sized, oddly-shaped clump...

One medium-sized, oddly-shaped clump of snow lay in the middle of the grassy island of a neighborhood street.  The only snow in sight now ~ holding it's place on the green superbly, even valiantly, given the onslaught of steady drizzle.

I am struggling to make my self-imposed...

I am struggling to make my self-imposed small stone deadline because my computer has come down with a lethargy I can only describe as untimely, unwelcome and quite unhelpful.

It was a spring-like day for January...

It was a spring-like day for January:  a welcome respite from the cold.  The snow and ice have been washed away by yesterday's rain, and that is good.  Best to start fresh should a new storm decide to blow in.

Having fun at work...

Having fun at work should be part of the job.

Amid the busy-ness of things...

Amid the busy-ness of things, both important and not ~ I forgot to breathe deeply today.  Now, in the haven of my bed, the day behind me, I reflect on what I missed and sleepily resolve to do better tomorrow.

The lamp's glass shade is...

The lamp's glass shade is comprised of many colored pieces.  The varying shades of purple, red, green and blue are configured as exquisite flower blossoms.  I see this loveliness both morning and night.  

A piece of red velvet...

A piece of red velvet was neatly sewn against the small multi-colored square of flowery fabric.  The materials were stitched together with love.  The end result was a perfect little quilt to add to the dollhouse.

To "properly notice" something, and then...

To "properly notice" something, and then to write about it, is not easy.  At times mindfulness actually does take place, and the resulting description perfectly captures the essence of a particular experience or observation.  But then, there are many more times that the space from which one observes keenly, becomes over-full with debris that occludes the view.

Too much of a good thing...

Too much of a good thing, she knew, would not yield a desirable outcome.  Yet she did not care, for now, in this moment ~ she was blinded by the bliss! 

It's been quite cold lately and we...

It's been quite cold lately, and we haven't even had any snow ~ but I'm thinking of spring.  A nice late April - early May kind of spring.  With the blossoms bursting white, pink and red ~ and the green returning to fill out the view. 

A young wife lost her husband...

A young wife lost her husband yesterday.  Many came to pay their respects.  Though bereaved, she carried herself with a dignified composure well beyond her years.  A life was taken, seemingly too soon.  "God will give me the strength I need," she said with assurance.  Her conviction provided immediate comfort to all.

I take small nibbles...

I take small nibbles of the crisp chocolate chip cookie.  While this method helps me to savor the delicious treat,  it does not mean that I will eat only one.

An actual bookstore is...

An actual bookstore is a rare find nowadays.  You can touch, read and purchase actual books made of paper...and treasure them always. 

The tall trees seem to...

The tall trees seem to have grown high up to the sky, and their bare branches sway gently in the cold winter wind. 

The damp air is cold...

The damp air is cold ~ you feel an iciness in your bones, despite unfreezing temperatures.  The hot water bottle, forlorn and forsaken, is just the thing to conquer this chill. 

The rain is tapping steadily...

The rain is tapping steadily on each window of the house.  The wind must be swirling in every direction.  To have shelter from the elements is no small thing.  Gratitude.

Too much pie is sometimes a bad thing.

a river of stones -- January 9, 2012

He sang this song from his heart:  one could tell.  His voice was sweet, clear and pure.  He was young then, and fit.  Yesterday was his birthday. 

a river of stones -- January 8, 2012

The chocolate truffle is smooth and creamy within, and covered in cocoa powder without.  This handmade delight is one of twelve.  Only eight remain.  They live their short lives in a box adorned by a simple golden bow. 

a river of stones -- January 7, 2012

The mulligatawny soup was, as usual ~ aromatic, delicious, even healing. 
Smooth with a bit of crunch. Perfectly spiced. 
Each spoonful hinting at, but never quite disclosing:  the secret ingredient. 

a river of stones -- January 6, 2012

This was a Starbucks coffee mug ~ a lovely romantic red ~ of decent quality and the last one left.  With a sigh, I put it back on the shelf.  No, I don't need another mug.....today.

a river of stones -- January 5, 2012

Though it's not that late, I feel a tiredness sweeping over me.  My lids are suddenly heavy and my breathing is relaxed.  There is nothing at this moment more important to me than going to sleep.

a river of stones -- January 4, 2012

The house is silent ~ except for the steady hum of the furnace.

a river of stones -- January 3, 2012

click click is the sound
that I hear as I go
back and forth from
one end to the other
slowly, painstakingly
really ever so carefully
trying to not lose my place
click click is the sound
made by my instruments of
dusty rose colored metal
that help me create yet another
half-knit scarf ~

a river of stones -- January 2, 2012

The skies are grey

cold and crisp is the air

nearby chimneys smoke and

the possibility of snow 

threatens and delights simultaneously. 

a river of stones -- January 1, 2012

leafless branches
reaching upwards and around
the telephone wires
sharing personal space
nature's accommodation