A solitary cup

When I found myself alone... it was tea for one.
Add a journal, a pen and a reading book and that is happy company.

Manuela's Rocket Pesto

As we looked at my overflowing Rocket bushes, my sister said that we should make Rocket Pesto and I said 'yes, you should'... and a few minutes later she came indoors with a big bowl of fresh Rocket.



Process about 4 cups of chopped rocket, 3/4 cup of pine nuts, 1 clove garlic and about 1/4 cup of olive oil (enough to loosen and thicken mixture) and then stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan (we didn't have enough so she added some grated Gruyere - which I love). Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice and salt (to taste) and a little grind of pepper.

This is more of a guideline because then we tasted and added a little more cheese and salt and then it was pretty perfect. If its too thick add a little more olive oil etc. Really easy... I just stood and tasted. Delicious with roast chicken.

Whatever the season, Thanks

"The unthankful heart discovers no mercies;
but let the thankful heart sweep through the day
and, as the magnet finds the iron,
so it will find, in every hour,
some heavenly blessings!"

~ Henry Ward Beecher


Whatever the season of life.. give thanks...

for piles of laundry because you have a family

the locking of hands on a slow walk

for a sister's loyalty

seeing my great-grandfather's cavern... a shelter when working the fields far from home



her hot chocolate-rimmed mouth

smiles and other extra-ordinary moments in a ordinary day

a procession of tutu's running out of class

a sore back from mountains of weeding

his white-haired crown of wisdom telling me what a great man his brother was... reminding me to redeem the time

sun-ripened tomatoes



the wondrous beauty of a new baby girl in the family

old warm slippers on a frosty morning

the gleaming floorboards laid by his own hands

yes, thank You.

Beati Pacifici

She throws herself across the bed and says that she is finally seeing change. Hope .



We've been praying and trusting. Broken people do say broken things and like so much shattered glass, the shards pierce like a sword. It's child-like things but the hurt is real to her. The foundation is important and must be laid. We must learn to forgive or we will bear the brokenness too and like a stone in the shoe, our walk is compromised. She is learning on the playground. Where games and dust and words advance. So small to learn such a big truth - that forgiveness frees and allows you to bless - to give the gift of peace. We have been coming back to this time and again lately. But today she sees a cloud of hope approaching.

I remind her... always remember, 'Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God'. Bless not curse. Beautiful and full are the Peacemakers and that Jesus led the way in this truth. He made peace between us and God. And in His footsteps we must follow...

'Hey Mama, what blessing did He receive for the gift he gave?' she asks. I catch her precious face in the mirror, squinting up with question and I slip in next to her.
'Us', I whisper.
Her eyes widen with understanding.
I understand. Such a cost.
With nothing to recommend us but Him. Yes, us.

As much as it depends on you, live at peace with all men.

A little harvesting

Wondering through the vegetable patch, searching for dinner.




"God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures"
~ Francis Bacon

A table well set

She fluttered through the garden looking for things to put in her basket to bring beauty to our table. Then she set about laying the table with her own style.



'So mama, what do you think?' I think it's generous and beautiful, baby girl.

Weekend grazing

Weekends are for slowing down and drinking in the beauty... the farmer's cows milling about and grazing in the fields next door.