Tuesday, November 15, 2016

The last tree in our yard to shed its leaves is a Norway maple that turns bright gold in November. Its shining beauty greets me every morning. And when the wind blows, it sings a joyous song. 

The woods are especially beautiful now. Spending time among the trees, rocks, and water helps me to remember that the world is good. Yes, life brings disappointment and hardship, but there is always joy and goodness to be found. Cultivating a spirit of reverence and gratitude for all of life gives me the courage to face whatever lies ahead with trust and optimism rather than bitterness and despair. God provides a surplus of grace--plenty to share with everyone I meet.

What is grace? It is unmerited love; it is help and hope for the day.







 

November is a month of celebrations at our house. Emmeline's sixteenth birthday was last Friday. Her older siblings took the day off of work so they could be with her. We gave her gifts, chocolate cake, and lots of love.


I haven't done any knitting at all this autumn and very little reading. I am, however, very busy with  mothering and homemaking, which are two things I love even more. So, today I packed up my knitting project (from the summer) and put it away for another time.

 
November is a month of storm clouds, lavender sunsets, and milk-glass moons. 

The other day around 4 o'clock in the afternoon, this sharp-shinned hawk landed in our tree. The moon was already rising in the sky.


 



















Emmeline and I did the hard work of preparing the garden beds for winter. I am waiting for the rain to stop so I can finish mulching the roses. Then, anytime after that, it can snow. : ) In Finland, some of my favorite bloggers already have snow!

12 comments:

  1. It is lovely to get this peaceful note from you. I sat on a windy hillside today and typed a letter to you on my phone, but had to leave before I had finished it. I hope all is well there. Many hugs my dear Susanest.

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    1. Thank you for leaving me this lovely note.♥ I will look forward to your letter when it is finished!

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  2. you captured the moon beautifully and you know what? the knitting will be there when you are ready for it :)

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    1. Thank you, Karen! Yes, it's true: the knitting will be there!

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  3. You've made me realize that I should get outside tomorrow and get done whatever I need to, because it'll be much colder next week, I think!

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    1. My mom (who lives in upstate New York) said they are expected 7-14 inches of snow this weekend! Is that crazy or what??

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  4. Happy Birthday to Miss Emmeline! Your woods are so, so pretty, and such a lovely place to walk with the girls. I heard an owl the other night. They seem to come and go here, but for some reason I always think they just belong in October and November.
    I'm thinking of you - keeping you an yours in prayer. Looking forward to Happy Holidays. :-)

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    1. I love owls, but in all my years of bird watching I've only seen them a few times. I love them! You are lucky to have them nearby.

      You are always in my thoughts, Liz!♥

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  5. Happy Birthday to Miss Emmeline! Your woods are so, so pretty, and such a lovely place to walk with the girls. I heard an owl the other night. They seem to come and go here, but for some reason I always think they just belong in October and November.
    I'm thinking of you - keeping you an yours in prayer. Looking forward to Happy Holidays. :-)

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    1. I love owls, but in all my years of bird watching I've only seen them a few times. I love them! You are lucky to have them nearby.

      You are always in my thoughts, Liz!♥

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  6. Oh, Susan! Thanks for sharing those blogs. I need those so badly right now. Your photos, your words, and your wisdom are beautiful. Happy sweet sixteen to your girl! I have seen so much good in the world in the past week--it's very encouraging!

    Brandy
    impossibleway.livejournal.com

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  7. Thank you, Brandy. I'm glad you like the blogs--they are some of my favorites. I have a deep affection for Finland.♥

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