Solomon

 

 

 

Solomon is 14. At almost 6'2" and 196 pounds, he is a gentle giant.

He is usually surrounded by a group of people. I picked him up after the Homecoming bonfire last night, and he was with one guy friend, and six girls surrounded them. Come to think of it, it could have been the girls in the above summer photo!

He is always the last one out of the locker room after practice. His brother reports that Sol likes to talk to his buddies instead of getting dressed to leave.

As Sol climbed into the van, he saw his football coach. Solly screamed across the parking lot, "I LOVE YOU COACH DAVIS!!!!!!!!!!!!".  "I love you too, son."  was the reply.

One of Sol's friends was volunteering in the school office. She overheard a conversation among some teachers, and reported to Sol:  "I think your English teacher has a crush on you."   Oh, that made us laugh. She is older and quite dramatic. Sol says she is crazy, but we like crazy.

I would say Solomon has transitioned beautifully to life in PA.  Of course, he is looking forward to the day we have property on which he can roam, but overall he seems very happy.

I am thankful for his sweet heart and loving attitude.

Tidbits

--Max is playing Varsity soccer. He hasn't played soccer for a few years, as he chose football in AR. This is a level of soccer I have not seen before, truly amazing. He scored his first Varsity goal last night, and it was a HEADER! (obviously, this is when a player hits it in with his head) I did not get to see it, but Clay's description was very exciting. Max also had two assists. I love the soccer families. They have been fun and welcoming!

--Solomon has made a lot of friends and is a social butterfly. He is enjoying football, eating, and Algebra, in that order.

--Elliot was elected to Student Government by his classmates. He was also voted as Team Captain. In November, we will start going to meetings for People-To-People, and hopefully he'll travel with them to Europe in June. He has many friends and has the top grade in Science class.

--Annabelle is taking a 5 week gymnastics class and is counting the days until she can return to Martial Arts. She kicks and punches her way across the living room, shouting, "HI-YA!!" the entire path. She is also playing soccer, which is mostly in the rain. In her spare time, she is studying Mandarin on the Rosetta Stone program that Daddy bought for her. She looks VERY proud when she pronounces the phrase correctly and she gets a bell sound for a reward. I had been told by many adoptive parents that learning Chinese would be very important...and I see what it does to her pride. Truly cool and touching.

--Clay is very happy with this company. His boss is supportive and an extremely kind gentleman. Funny, we couldn't wait to meet him, based on what we had read. He does not disappoint. In October, Clay is traveling to Europe to visit some steel mills...Dresden (best art museum in the world), Slovania, and some other places. No wives allowed, or I would totally try to work that situation!!

--I remain in awe of the gentle manners of Pennsylvanians. The historic district in which I walk is fabulous. My new friends are gracious and kind. It rains a lot. My neighbors say that a huge treat is coming in the way of the jewel-toned trees. Apparently, the trees along the river become quite gorgeous, and the colors reflect in the water. So amazing.

My nephew Adam is on my mind daily. There is a cutting sting about suicide. At least now, in the first few months after his passing, the emotions come quickly when we speak or think of him. It is hard to sort out feelings and work through them and let them go. Why oh why? There seems to be no solution to feeling ill about it. One hopes that time does take away the sting of death.

I love you all and hope today is glorious for you! I am off to vaccuum three sets of stairs. A stairway is assigned to each son, but with their schedules, Mama is picking up the slack. Geez, sorry so long!! xoxoxox

River Love

“The river and the garden have been the foundations of my economy here. Of the two I have liked the river best. It is wonderful to have the duty of being on the river the first and last thing every day. I have loved it even in the rain. Sometimes I have loved it most in the rain.”
― Wendell Berry, Jayber Crow

I walk along the banks of the Allegheny almost every morning. It is always a few degrees cooler there. I see mink swimming across, and bald eagles soar above in the blue sky. I pinch myself. Really? This is my reality? Not sure I could enjoy it more any place else. It is such a mighty but peaceful river. I love the balance of the two. There are benches on the bridge overlooking the water. I sit and think and feel balanced and refreshed. Really?  Thank you, Lord, for the unexpected blessing of THIS river. I am entranced.

my girly corner

 

(packing up some of my vintage necklaces, December, 2011)


I had a little corner in my Arkansas house where all my girly stuff was arranged. It was fun getting dressed for work. I miss my corner and look forward to owning a home, with a corner, so I can get all my stuff arranged and accessible. Condo living has been great, but looking forward to finding a place to call home.  :) 

La Pieta

There is a secret about my little town that I should not reveal, but since you all are so far away, I am going to reveal it:  The Goodwill Store here is amazing.  This town has a lot of elderly people, and it seems when they clean out their closets..kabam! Great stuff gets donated.  I am talking classic clothing, fun funky furniture, and glassware galore.

My friend Selina (formerly of Arkansas, now in North Carolina) has inspired me. She has a business where she takes one person's "junk" and turns it into a "treasure".  Here is my $1.79 junk-to-treasure.

But first, something about me you may not know:  I LOVE works by Michelangelo.  One of my favorites is his sculpture, La Pieta.  Since I first saw it, I have been blown away by the awe that he created that out of stone, with his tools, using his hands.  Here it is. It is life-sized. Pieta is Italian for "pity". It was carved in 1498 and 1499, out of marble. It is noted for the youthfulness of Mary's face, which the sculptor said could only be given by God to a pure woman. True, no?

This blue ceramic piece brought to mind La Pieta, but represents a happier time, for sure. It is about 12 inches tall. It was the color of denim. Notice how her shawl drapes, and how the baby blanket drapes perfectly over the baby, showing his sweet little head.

A little gray paint, channelling my inner Selina, and Voila!!  A lovely Pieta-like Christmas decoration. I will put it with some Mercury glass my sister gave me, and it will bring me joy this Christmas.

My Kids and Transition

The start of school is always an exciting, nerve-wracking, and busy time for us. Since we moved here in March, it is not ALL new, but it felt kinda new as we bought supplies, went to an open house at the the elementary school, and navigated 3-a-day soccer practices for Max, 2-a-day football practices for Sol and Elliot, and nursed some stitches on Annabelle.  (She snagged her finger on a mail box as she rode her bike. Ouch!).

I literally could not sleep the night before school. I was very nervous for them.  For the first time ever, we walked to the bus stops and off they went. Max and Annabelle on one bus, Sol and Elliot on another.  In the past I have taken them to school, but now, it is just too convenient to avoid the bus.

After a few days of adjustment, they all seem happy.

Last night was one of those Mom moments when I felt so very happy, satisfied and relieved.  Annabelle was reading a book.  Elliot was reading a book on his Kindle.  Solomon was beside me doing Algebra, which I ENJOY very much.  Max was on the other side of me talking.

THIS is the picture of WE DID IT!  We left Arkansas (with mixed emotions in our family). We survived two months in a hotel near Chicago with TONS of homework. We moved to PA on a hope and a prayer (and after much research).

THEY did it.  Yes, they miss friends in Arkansas and the football success and all the extras a rich school system can provide.  But all-in-all, my babies kept trying and trusted us that it would all work. And it has.

When we find a house, it will be the missing puzzle piece. I know there is a plan. We patiently await.  In the meantime, sometimes I get teary-eyed when I think of  what we have put them through, and Dear Lord, I pray they are as happy as they appear.

The Newspaper.

Over the last month, these photos have appeared on the front page of the Sports section. In a smallish town of 10,000,  people are starting to notice, and comment, and ask funny questions, like:  "Who do you know at the newspaper?".  I promise I don't have any relatives there, but I can say, they sure know how to make a child happy.  Thanks, Times-Observer!  I am now a big fan!!

Solomon receiving pass from Tristan.

Annabelle against girls who look tall to me. :)













 

Max at his scrimmage last night.



Refreshed Eyes

This is not the best photo, but I saw this side table in Country Living. She cut up one of those old paint-by-numbers paintings, glued it on the drawer fronts, and Ouila!  A neat side table.

It reminded me of this prominent red barn, of which I am fond. This sits down a long lane, in front of my parents' home. My maternal Grandma Naomi used to joke with my serious father, "Which do you think came first, Clark, the barn or the house?".  He would politely chuckle, probably knowing he would hear that joke many more times. It was cute. (photo taken by my talented sis)

So imagine my joy when I found these two beauties for 70 cents a piece at an estate sale! I was thrilled and the worker asked what I would do with them.  She looked appalled and said, "You know they are hand-painted, right?"  Yes.  "You know someone took a long time to paint this?"  Yes.    I looked at them with refreshed eyes and said, "I love them just as they are." 

 

End of Summer

The end of summer for the locusts children is drawing near. It has truly been a challenge to keep enough food in the house for 3 teenaged boys and a little 8-year-old girl who likes to eat like they do. (Our youngest son is actually 12, but most of the time, he is more mature than the others, so I count him as a teenager! lol)

We have had a wonderful summer!!  We spent several weeks in our home in Arkansas, some time in Indiana on my parents' farm, and have enjoyed our new PA town VERY much.  There is a lot to do here and the weather seems to always cooperate.  After 5 years in the oven of the mid-south, these lower temps and humidity feel fabulous.

I have to say, this has been our smoothest transition out of all of our moves. Max is playing soccer.  Sol and Elliot are playing football. Little Annabelle is taking classes in Martial Arts and is playing soccer.  It is fun to meet people who are open and friendly. I can't say ENOUGH about the people of PA.

My neighbor from Africa, Sidonine, and I, are coaching the Under-10 soccer team for girls. Practice has been a lot of fun!  Games start tomorrow, and at some point, our Max will ref one of our games.  The Varsity and JV soccer players are required to do this, and Max was smiling at the thought of reffing his sister!  Ha!  Hope I don't get a technical  (or a yellow card, as they call it in soccer).

Annabelle got 5 stitches in her finger the other day, after snagging it on a metal mailbox while riding her bike. Bless her heart. She cried because she was the only one of our children who had not had stitches, and she wanted to keep it that way. :(

I am looking forward to some time to myself next week, but not really looking forward to all the challenges of a school year with 4 kids. 

Happy end of Summer time to you!  I wonder what you have planned for the Fall? 

Thoughts on a Sunday afternoon.

It is Sunday afternoon, one of my favorite times of the week due to its sheer peacefulness.
The rain falling outside is welcome.  It seems more like a mist, with drops filling every bit of air..and it falls softly. It reminds me of the soft snow that fell during our first weekend here in northwestern PA.  It is in great contrast to the skies in Arkansas which dropped angry rain, with harsh winds and gully-washers, as we called them. It would be dry for weeks, then an urgent rain came so fast and hard that the moisture could not soak into the ground quickly enough.  I will never forget watching 21 twisters on the radar screen as the weatherman cautioned to take cover. I hoped none would touch down, but one finally did, in Joplin, Missouri. You know the rest of that story. :(

 I admired noticed Clay's calm during those storms. He had the mindset to relax and doze, while I had my plan playing over and over in my head of my path for rescuing the children. We are Mama Bears, aren't we?

I certainly feel more calm here, and searching for a home has been divine.

Finally, we have begun looking at properties in person. This condo is lovely and we are very happy in it. However, we do have longings. I for a garden. Sol for four-wheeler rides with the wind in his hair. Elliot to sit on a swing and read while petting his dog. Max loves being close to his friends in town, but I am sure he could get lost in the woods looking for birds. And Annabelle, she is always restless to EXPLORE.

Of course, you know, the historic homes call to me. The battle in my mind is to be practical, prepare for aging, etc. but then my heart shouts..."WAIT!! You are not in a wheelchair YET!  Live beautifully!!".   I have to say, just walking through these homes is a privilege. I have seen chandeliers this week that I have never seen, even in an antique shop or museum!

At one of the homes was a lovely caretaker named Pete. He was so kind, a gentle man pruning and mowing and waving as we left. Some times I meet people and I wish I could be friends with them forever. Do you ever get that feeling?


I will leave you with some photos of homes we visited. It will give you a glimpse of what makes my heart sing. Love you all!

Autobiography of Billy Graham

The book I read each night is "The Autobiography of Billy Graham". I found it at the Portage Goodwill when we were living in Indiana this past winter. it will put you to sleep if you don't drink coffee while reading! Jk.

I have long admired Rev. Graham, because to my knowledge, there has been no breech in his integrity. To be a religious figure in the public eye is very difficult. To maintain this level since 1949 is admirable. His personality reminds me of Jimmy Carter.

Which brings me to his wife, Ruth. Rev. Graham would be gone for weeks/months at a time, away from the children. Ruth and her family raised the children. I don't think this represents a character flaw in Rev. Graham, but is rather a sign of the times in regard to parenting.

The most surprising thing I have learned is that Rev. Graham felt undereducated, under socialized, not eloquent enough, etc. I find his humility precious. He considered going back to his dad's dairy farm when he felt like a failure.

So, when I shared Mrs.Graham's poem, please don't think I am crying, alone, lol. On the contrary. This feels like the best summer ever. Love you all!!

The Heart Will Adjust

Many of you are in the same boat as I, that is, your husband works a lot, or you move around every few years, and perhaps you have even "given up" your career to support his. We know the rewards of mothering. I am not negating our choices.  Perhaps life is not what we imagined all those years ago.

When I read this poem about being a supportive wife, it touched my heart.  See if you like it. And then see who the author is! She had to say many good-byes to her husband as he built his career and supported their family.

Love
without clinging;
cry--
if you must--
but privately cry;
the heart will adjust
to the newness of loving
in practical ways:
cleaning
and cooking
and sorting out clothes,
all say, "I love you",
when lovingly done.


So--
love
without clinging,
cry--
if you must--
but privately cry;
the heart will adjust
to the length of his stride,
the song he is singing,
the trail he must ride,
the tensions that make him
the man that he is,
the world he must face,
the life that is his.

So--
love
without clinging,
cry--
if you must--
but privately cry;
the heart will adjust
to being the heart,
not the forefront of his life,
a part of himself,
not the object--
his wife.

So--
love!


Written by Mrs. Ruth Bell Graham, wife of evangelist Rev. Billy Graham, when they were newlyweds.

All Things Produce

We left my favorite computer in Arkansas. I have been blogging on my son's, which has a different operating system, and I did not enjoy it at all.  My sweet husband just bought  a new family computer so now I can blog endlessly. Also, probably his biggest motivator, is our daughter wants to study Mandarin, and this computer will work best with her Rosetta Stone Language lessons.  So, there you go. A boring update on WHY  I will be blogging MORE.  Yay!!

Here is what has been on my mind lately:  AMAZEMENT.  I am amazed at the number of local farmer's markets, strawberry patches, vineyards and wineries, etc. It seems we are surrounded by all things PRODUCE.

Of course, I must mention the weather that supports this produce. We have 3-4 days of soft sunshine, with highs in the 80s, then will have a lovely soft downpour, gently drenching the soil. IN SHORT, this is a gardener's delight. I should also mention there is a gentle breeze blowing most days. I find the weather to be perfect.

While walking through a greenhouse yesterday, my heart longed to garden. During the last five years in Arkansas, I did not garden successfully. I tried, but the weather was always a hindrance.

I really look forward to purchasing a home and getting my hands dirty. Condo living is fabulous and so easy, but my heart is in the soil.

I hope you have a wonderful week, and thank you sooo  much for reading my thoughts, and for commenting when you do.  Much love!

Heaven

The thought has been in my mind for a long time that my idea of Heaven would be streets lined, not with gold, but with historic homes. I just love they way they look, the way they make me feel.

And so it seems, I now live in Heaven on Earth.

This town has over 600 historic structures. It feels like a privilege to drive or walk these streets every day.

I do hope to live in one in the future, but we shall see.

In the mean time, I am delighted to just "be" in Warren, Pennsylvania.

It is just lovely.

Maxwell Clay

When I went to get Max from the high school yesterday, you can imagine my surprise when a teacher came out with him. This is a first. Part of me, I hate to admit, thought, "Oh dear, surely he is not in trouble.". Thankfully, Max has never really been in trouble. His first and only detention was in middle school because he couldn't stop giggling at a funny friend. I laughed when he told me. :)

The teacher said he wanted to meet me, actually he said, "I couldn't wait to meet you and tell you how wonderful your son is!".

He spoke for a few minutes and said he was really impressed with Max, what a gentleman he is, how spiritual, and that he doesn't meet kids like Max very often.

My kids don't like for me to blog about them, but I wanted to share this blessing with you. We are so thankful for Maxwell, and pray he continues making the great choices that he does.

My New Love

Midwesterners are used to flat lands, field after tillable field flattened by a legendary glacier that pushed its way down from the Great White North. The flat corn fields were annoying to me when I was young and stupid. Not being able to see for miles resulted in me feeling smothered and contained. I wanted to see and travel beyond that tall corn.

Now that I have travelled, when I am back home, that tall corn feels like quilts surrounding me. I get the fact that this is gold to the farmers. It keeps their bills paid, their homes heated, and food on the table. The fields in bloom are lovely!

Funny how perspective changes!

And along those lines, if someone had told me that at the age of 46, I would fall head over heels in love with a river, I might have thought he was crazy!

Living in this company condo is temporary, until we buy a home, but I sure wish this view was forever. One lovely aspect is that on a sunny day, the water ripples and shines like a beautifully cut diamond.

 If I look out the window early in the morning, I have the satisfying privilege of watching a geese family come floating down the river.  Have you ever watched this?  One adult goose in the front, one adult goose in the back, and a gaggle of fuzzy babies between them. They hold their long necks up regally, and seem to float effortlessly with the current.  IT IS SO VERY SOOTHING to watch. I really think it makes my normal blood pressure plummet to all-time lows.

There is also a local mama duck who walks on the river-side sidewalk out my window. She has at least 12 babies, and there might be more. It is difficult to distinguish how many from a distance. She looks very proud as she takes them to the quiet water under the bridge for swim lessons. They swim in an oval, then get out to rest on the ledge by the water.  They are adorable!

My neighbor promises that soon we'll be able to see bald eagles over the river. Oh, JOY!

The Allegheny is a lovely green color as it meanders through this town. It looks very clean.

Life is a blessing and I am thankful for this newfound love in my life. New love is refreshing and invigorating.  I wish a new love in your life, also, but if you appreciate the old steady-Eddie, like a cornfield, sometimes that feels good, too.

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there is in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.



If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.



Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the whole world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.  Be  yourself. Especially, do not feign affection.  Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.



Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.



Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.



Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of live, keep peace in your soul.



With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.




Written by Max Ehrmann, c. 1920, Terre Haute, Indiana.  He was a DePauw University graduate, which is in my home town of Greencastle, Indiana. This is old but good, and I am a bit sad that writings like this are not presented to our youth on a regular basis.

FYI-  "Desiderata" means "desired things" in Latin.  :)

Richard's Lovely Farm

Farm. The word conjures up great feelings for me. Gardening, birds, wildlife, creeks, sunshine and snow. The list goes on forever. The children feel the same way, so we are on a quest to find the perfect hobby farm for us. It must include some adorable outbuildings.

Our neck of the woods has a lot of these properties, but currently, none are on the market. You see, when a farmer owns a lovely piece of land with adorable outbuildings, only death will part him from it. He is loyal to his land. He loves it more than any earthly things, sometimes even more than people. He will speak of his cattle as if they are his children. His greatest wealth is in the sunsets and the beaver dams. He knows of the fox and the falcons. He follows their lives with close attention. He knows of their offspring and their habits. It is an enviable lifestyle, in my opinion.

So the kids and I drive the country roads as a hobby, as we are in between sports and have a lot of spare time in the evenings. We scouted out an old wonderful property that appeared abandoned. Hundred-year-old dilapidated house. Two small CUTE corncribs. Chicken coup that hasn't been used in a long time. Barn in great shape. Beaver dams and a lovely fox running through the meadow. It was PERFECT.

On our drive-bys, it appeared to be abandoned, until one Saturday afternoon. A truck was parked by the barn, and there was a man in the corncrib, picking up cans.

They BEGGED me to stop and talk to them. By golly, there were a lot of life lessons in my response. I could be shy, which is my tendency. I could be respectful of his quiet time on the farm. I could I could I could find every excuse not to stop. But I wanted to show the kids is it good to be assertive, to talk to strangers and see how they respond, to take a chance.

I parked the van and walked up the hill. The old guy with the long white beard saw me and shouted, "NO! I am not selling you my farm!!!". I laughed out loud. How in the heck did he know? And it seemed kind of rude, like he wanted me to go away. But as I got closer, he smiled and I smiled, and he came out of the corn crib.

He told me the story of how he used to drive by this farm as a child, going to visit his aunt and uncle up the road. He loved this farm. As an adult, in 1969, he was finally able to buy it...a life-long dream come true!! He wanted the beaver to come and they did, after 30 years. He helps them build dams by leaving trees for them. His cattle used to be very happy there, and he would come every morning to break the ice for them. He has falcons and a falconer who comes to tag them. One of his baby falcons that flew the nest made it all the way to a life in Florida!

I tried to walk away several times, but he kept talking. He talked for about 40 minutes. The similarities to my farmer-father were striking. I really wish they could meet.

His coat was held together by a large safety pin, because it is his all-time favorite jacket. He has new ones in his closet. Just doesn't care for them.

Richard was a delight, and he told me of a farm that might be for sale up the road. "Now if you buy it", he said, "come tell me 'cause I want to be the first to tell everyone about our new neighbor, Kate". Haha! That made him laugh. Oh, he was precious.

He sells blueberries here in town, so I hope I get to be his customer. Funny how life is so entertaining sometimes!!

The Rim

For at least two years, Annabelle has been working to whistle. She is very determined and accomplishes every thing she tries, except whistling. When we went to South Dakota a couple of summers ago, the kids were introduced to fishing by their grandfather. The boys threw rocks and talked and dilly-dallied as they relaxed around the pond. Annabelle stood quietly and focused, and pulled in a huge fish, much to her brothers' dismay. But I digress. So she excitedly came to me last night, saying, "Mommy! Mommy! I whistled. I did it! I did it!" In the background came a deep teen voice, "But you can't touch the rim." And so the world keeps turning in the life of a little sister of three brothers. Their words keep her working and motivated. I imagine that if it is physically possible, someday she will touch that rim.

Plaid Fedoras and Aqua Bicycles

Hello dear reader/friend!! There is a lot to be written about our journey, but with the snowstorm ablaze outside, I must go shoe shopping. Here is a glimpse of our new town, my neighbor. Please try to envision. Elderly. He lives in the high-rise condos across the parking lot from us. Tan, trim white beard, constantly wearing a fedora. His fedoras are usually constructed of some wonderful wool plaid fabric. My favorite, so far, is the pastel plaid. When he wears the pastel plaid fedora, and rides his bright aqua blue bicycle to the grocery story, I watch and smile. He has a basket on the front, OF COURSE, in which to put his groceries. He's not even FRENCH, and he is so cool. His wife is equally elderly and equally lovely. He smiles, and waves, but I haven't had the chance to speak with them yet. I did hear him telling our mutual neighbor that they were going to an antique auction. Loving my little town...more soon. xoxoxoxo