Author: Arla

In my corridor of life the doors stand open. If I've met you, I'll likely remember something about you, no matter how short the meeting. I have acquaintances, relatives and experiences... rooms of my life. The doors hang open... in case. Something was shared, now something is treasured or lost, depending on what was said… Continue reading All The Doors

It's a perfect summer morning. With garden work to be done. Fun work. I'm excited about spirea shrubbery. Mom has had white spirea by her front porches for many years and I want to be like my mom in this way as well. Truth is, my spirea ambitions had only gotten me two pink shrubs… Continue reading Summer Morning

It's near to the end of May, already. Every form of new green is unfurled and growing quickly. The garden I have agreed to keep rather than to have it lie fallow, is not planted. I know it is late for garden planting, but I feel that if I must wear shoes and a coat… Continue reading Bits of Opinion, of Garden and Homekeeping

Oh look! There goes the train. Oh look, somebody takes time to create, just for fun. Oh look, this is more than just fun. It's important, healthy, happy relationships for everyone involved. Oh look, let's get on board.

The day began muggy and cloudy. And stayed muggy even after the sun showed up. If that was the only different thing about our day in May, there would be nothing much to ponder tonight. But there are things to ponder. I can't be specific for reasons of privacy. The unexpected incidents by themselves on… Continue reading A Different Sort of Saturday

I have been around to John 10 often in the last couple of years. I know this because of my journal. The big idea from this passage, for me, continues to be the contrast between the thief stuff and having life in abundance. What’s your life like? Your attitude, your general train of thought? What’s… Continue reading Abundant Life

It's that fleeting week in May when the ditches and bogs bloom in golden pools of Marsh Marigold. When we're driving Rt 77 between Hayward and Minong, I always think we should stop and get a picture. But we're habitually focused on our destination and who has time? I put the house plants out on… Continue reading Spring Finches & Marsh Marigold

It finally got warm out. Now we can begin summer. Blossoming and gardening can proceed. Charlotte and children walked with me yesterday. Of course the boys had to ride their bikes out ahead. When we got to our turning around point, they were picking themselves up from a "crash", which obviously hadn't amounted to much.… Continue reading Happy Stuff

If I had a big house with a grand entrance or a great hall I would add one of these to that room so that as you came in you'd see it first thing. On the other hand, I hope that we would just be this to any comers, guest or family member. It's a… Continue reading Enjoyable Work

Tomorrow is another day. New mercy. New energy. I thank God for rest this night.