Category: Musings on Life and Beauty

There she goes!

Musings on Life and Beauty

My little one conquered the stairs in one great climb.
(Note:  the pictures aren’t great, but all that matters to me is that I witnessed it and was able to get pictures at all!)












Then she was on her way down the hall to the toy room and all the big kids (her fan club).

Watching children grow is bittersweet.  I was at once filled with happiness for her independence, satisfaction with her growth, and sadness that in 2 minutes I watched a part of my precious baby disappear – forever.  That familiar heart-clenching ache and tears stinging my eyes were a silent salute to all that growth entails, the beginnings and the endings, and as much as I’d like it all to just pause , I know that the best course is to gather yet another moment into my heart and adjust.  It’s what mothers do.

Hopeful Homemaker

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Cherry Harvest

Musings on Life and Beauty



It’s no secret that I love my cherry trees.  I love watching them change with the seasons and wait anxiously for the beautiful red cherries to appear.


This year our harvest is much smaller than last year.  Where last year there were large groups of cherries, this year we have only a few here and there.  Still, my heart fills grateful for the cherries we have.  Our livelihood doesn’t depend on our trees; they are icing on the cake, something that makes life rich and full.  Our needs are being met, and God still blesses us with cherries!  Instead of canning and making jam, this year we’ll choose one special dish to prepare.


The most interesting thing of all has been our second tree.  The one that’s not as pretty, the one I don’t expect too much from.  Most of our cherries are on this “less productive” tree.   The “better” tree is almost entirely barren of fruit.  Just when I thought I had them figured out, God reminds me that everything can bring forth fruit in its own time.

I love the spiritual tutoring that comes with everyday life.  I learned a lot today.

Jennifer

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Interesting Memorabilia

Musings on Life and Beauty

My grandpa is a veteran of World War II.  His experiences are among my favorite family stories.

While staying at his home last week, I noticed an interesting book on his shelf.


It’s an untranslated copy, in German, printed in Germany.


Hitler’s picture at the front of the book:


The swastika on the front cover.


I love books.  They represent so many positive things to me.  It was interesting to hold this book in my hands, finger the yellowing pages and consider the ugliness that permeates this book.  It seems like such a curious piece of memorabilia to keep from the war.    Until you see what’s just inside the cover:

A picture of my great-uncle, my grandpa’s brother-in-law, sharing his opinion of the book and its author.


Here is the inscription.


Uncle Harry was a  photographer.  When he joined the army, he was assigned to Germany and was a photographer there as well.  My grandpa was in the Navy, stationed in the Pacific.  Harry sent this book home for Grandpa.

Just what was the “best possible use” for such propaganda?


With an addition like that, how could you NOT keep the book?  As for me, I love the handwriting, Harry’s signature, the thought of these two men sharing this memory, the picture of my uncle looking so young.  It’s a little piece of family history as well as a token from the war.


After sitting with my Grandpa to ask him about it, it’s become a memory for me as well.  I don’t know where the book will end up someday, but I wanted to preserve it for myself.

Hopeful Homemaker

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