tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69430573599860989982024-03-13T22:43:10.444-07:00Mother Rhonda's StillroomLife between Ordination and Retirement: Poetry, Photos, Prayers, Parishioners, and plenty of other stuff.Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-73970308207633822472013-04-11T15:20:00.000-07:002013-04-11T15:20:16.654-07:00After Easter R & R <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa6OGPWZCZk/UWcxmkIbD4I/AAAAAAAAAFo/jHei7ZvZEJ4/s1600/Chakra+labyrinth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa6OGPWZCZk/UWcxmkIbD4I/AAAAAAAAAFo/jHei7ZvZEJ4/s1600/Chakra+labyrinth.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chakra Labyrinth</td></tr>
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In the days following Easter this year I recovered from the
spiritual/liturgical/emotional marathon by spending some time in physical labor
building a labyrinth, a passion of mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After some thinking and praying about the shape, I decided on building a "Chakra" Labyrinth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a design I had not tried before but was
intriguing to me especially because of the spiral at the center and because it
has a womb like shape.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc2x91utfn4/UWc1aOG1_fI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/J9J-xz4wq4w/s1600/Creation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc2x91utfn4/UWc1aOG1_fI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/J9J-xz4wq4w/s200/Creation.jpg" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creation Sculpture</td></tr>
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I also like the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">"Y" shape that gives the labyrinth its structure. It mirrors the Creation Sculpture of the Spirit throwing stars into the heavens. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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At Crickhollow
there is this large side yard that is perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have loved incorporating trees into my labyrinth in the past and there
is a small grove of older trees in the side yard before you get to the forest
proper.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q03OZ8VwIII/UWcx0xcMlrI/AAAAAAAAAF4/CjJJvtscZOc/s1600/firepit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q03OZ8VwIII/UWcx0xcMlrI/AAAAAAAAAF4/CjJJvtscZOc/s200/firepit.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire Pit</td></tr>
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Day 1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began with
the center that I wanted to be larger than normal and to include a small
firepit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dug down, lined the pit with
gravel and soapstone slabs and surrounded it with large rocks.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBB4uwbV4Dg/UWcyDUnxlNI/AAAAAAAAAGM/lBqX1Klej2Y/s1600/Inner+spiral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBB4uwbV4Dg/UWcyDUnxlNI/AAAAAAAAAGM/lBqX1Klej2Y/s200/Inner+spiral.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Femto Henge and Inner Spiral</td></tr>
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Day 2-3:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I harvested
rocks from the quarry and from my land and began to work the layout with the
trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cleared some mountain laurel to
make way for the paths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to
make the inner spiral about 3 feet from the firepit and dug holes for uprights
to define the spiral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I call this the Femto
Henge (a femto being very small and a henge, of course is standing stones).</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yDpipWM08s/UWcxrIuyOwI/AAAAAAAAAFw/fYWgXy5wj_o/s1600/Beginning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3yDpipWM08s/UWcxrIuyOwI/AAAAAAAAAFw/fYWgXy5wj_o/s200/Beginning.jpg" width="174" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Labyrinth Entrance with <br />Bell and Creation Sculpture<br /></td></tr>
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Day 4:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I brought
stones from my older labyrinth in Goochland, added herbs and plants between some
of the stones, placed the Creation sculpture and a bronze bell at the beginning
and distributed symbols around the outside circle to change the look as you
walk.</div>
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Eventually it will be mulched, but it is done for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Come and walk it!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzxSuJeWCrg/UWcx6TdfvsI/AAAAAAAAAGA/TOo1ESlbUVM/s1600/Labrint2h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzxSuJeWCrg/UWcx6TdfvsI/AAAAAAAAAGA/TOo1ESlbUVM/s400/Labrint2h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Labyrinth</td></tr>
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Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-57913967818838632792012-12-28T05:35:00.003-08:002012-12-28T05:35:51.583-08:00Reflections on the Year 2012<br />
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />From RevGalBlogPals</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">RECYCLE:</span></em></span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em style="font-weight: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">1.
What is some "old news" this year that you'd like to repeat for 2013?<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Mindful eating
(except on the cruise)</span></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em style="font-weight: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">2.
What "new thing" have you started that you want to keep going in
2013?<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Actually taking a
day off and keeping Sabbath.</span></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-style: inherit;">RE-GIFT:</span></span></b></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em style="font-weight: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">3.
What event, experience or gift would you just as soon "Return to
Sender"? Maybe it was a disastrous sermon, a congregational kerfuffle, a
vacation nightmare, or your own mis-step. It can be funny or sad.</span></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> I was very ill in July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I NEVER want to do that again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-style: inherit;">REFLECT:</span></span></b></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em style="font-weight: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">4.
Share the brightest bit of joy that was a part of your year.<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Being on the crew
of the Ladyslipper in June. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the
only all woman crew in the festival and I have wanted to do this for a decade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is a week of hard work poling the boat down the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:personname w:st="on">James</st1:personname> River</st1:place> and is more fun than a
woman my age ought to be having. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
go to </span></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <a href="http://www.vacanals.org/batteau/">http://www.vacanals.org/batteau/</a>
you can find out about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">5. Share a picture
that says far more than words. (You can use it to illustrate one of the above.)</span></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3T2HkAdHfQc/UN2ft5jGmHI/AAAAAAAAAFY/Q7nL3BbD5vw/s1600/Ladyslipper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3T2HkAdHfQc/UN2ft5jGmHI/AAAAAAAAAFY/Q7nL3BbD5vw/s400/Ladyslipper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">BONUS:</span></b></em></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Share a recipe! I'm in the doldrums and need some healthy
eating options for my menu planning. Soup, stew, main dish, side dish or a
healthy dessert - any and all are welcome!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Cassoulet</div>
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1 lb dried white beans (the best beans for this are
flageolet, a dried pale green bean that cook to a creamy consistency)</div>
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1 smoked hock</div>
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1 chopped onion</div>
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3-4 chopped garlic cloves</div>
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4 cups cubed mixed leftover meats</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lamb, turkey,
chicken, ham, pork</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>goose, pheasant
are all good<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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½ lb hot sausage or
polish sausage</div>
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2 c breadcrumbs</div>
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1 stick butter</div>
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“the mouse” </div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1 stick
celery, <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>some parsley, </div>
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1 sage leaf, 1 T rosemary, </div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1 tsp
thyme, 1 tsp oregano, </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 cloves. 1
bay leaf</div>
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Pick over and wash beans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Soak beans overnight in water to cover. Make “the mouse” by laying ½ celery stick on cheesecloth
square.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put herbs and spices on the
celery, lay other half of celery stick on top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fold cheesecloth around bunch of herbs and celery and tie with string
leaving long “tail”. Drain beans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cover
with water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add ham hock, onion, garlic
and “the mouse” to the beans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cook until
beans are nearly tender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove “the
mouse” (this is fun to do when kids are around) and discard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remove ham hock and cut meat from bones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add meat from hock back into pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add mixed leftover meats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saute sausage or slice polish sausage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add to pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cook until beans are tender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put
bean and meaty mixture in a large casserole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cover with buttered bread crumbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bake at 350° until top is golden brown.</div>
Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-53739445086298957262012-12-13T06:35:00.000-08:002012-12-13T06:35:25.465-08:00St Elizabeth in Advent Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-23qe6BrTk5Y/UMnnoc3XOFI/AAAAAAAAAFE/6thcBlS2bxI/s1600/1213120923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-23qe6BrTk5Y/UMnnoc3XOFI/AAAAAAAAAFE/6thcBlS2bxI/s320/1213120923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
OK, they are just Mexican Wedding Cookies, but I put a half of a pecan in the middle and rolled the cookie into a ball around it. They, like Elizabeth, have snow on the roof, but have a little nut inside.Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-89805094776217015192012-10-31T06:08:00.001-07:002012-11-03T20:14:02.054-07:00Triduum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9QBM1d8Gt7g/UJEcJxmemiI/AAAAAAAAAEw/I8kbMRixkns/s1600/2012-10-31_08-27-09_660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9QBM1d8Gt7g/UJEcJxmemiI/AAAAAAAAAEw/I8kbMRixkns/s320/2012-10-31_08-27-09_660.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Today is the beginning of what Sam Portaro refers to as the Autumn Triduum. These three days are set aside for a feast time which reflects the Spring Triduum from Maundy Thursday evening service through the Feast of the Resurrection. The Spring Triduum is about new life...the Autumn is about remembering the dead. Tonight the goulies and ghosties and things that go bump in the night will invade our spaces. It is an ancient practice to keep away the evil spirits that may walk this earth at this thin time. Tomorrow we remember the Saints, holy women and holy men who have shown us Christ in one another, and then on Friday we redundently remember the souls of the faithful departed who are also saints. <br />
<br />
The ancestors called this feast Samhain (pronounced Sowan). They lit fires and moved into a silent reflection on mortality. The lush fruitful garden has been put to bed, we are hopefully saying farewell to ticks, fleas, stinkbugs, and ladybugs, and regretfully saying farewell to geese and remembering the hummingbirds who have already found warmer places to winter over. <br />
<br />
I silently sit by my fire and give thanks for those who have contributed to its making. For Missi who contributed the kindling, for Ben who contibuted the tinder (old WSJs), for the Goochland Rotary club who sells firewood to fund their community outreach, for my dh Bob who split the wood. I give thanks to God for the trees that are our so very renewable resource, and for deliverance from the storm.<br />
<br />
<i>Samhain Fire</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Silence descends<br />
a cloak warming and wrapping<br />
the inner soul's self<br />
<br />
Here are three days<br />
of seeking the heart's desire<br />
and hearth's fire<br />
burning offerings of past pain.<br />
<br />
I offer my self<br />
cleansed on an altar of fire<br />
to face the cold silent season<br />
with warmth and joy.Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-50104558176385963462012-10-30T06:57:00.001-07:002012-10-30T06:57:13.533-07:00SandyWe were blessed here in Central Virginia with a near miss from the huge storm event. No trees down at the rectory, just a lot of needed rain and some wind. We are heading out to Crickhollow later in the week to see if there is any damage out there. We have heard that there was snow out there. I am keeping my friends and family in the hardest hit areas in my prayers.Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-82918950230569373332012-10-13T13:56:00.000-07:002012-10-13T13:56:31.299-07:00Crickhollow Sabbath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdtXz_MpW0A/UHnVPEvDIZI/AAAAAAAAAEg/WGKaMGkqv7Q/s1600/Tree+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdtXz_MpW0A/UHnVPEvDIZI/AAAAAAAAAEg/WGKaMGkqv7Q/s200/Tree+1.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
Keeping sabbath at Crickhollow is different this week because my mom is with me. She is recovering from a pinched nerve that has caused sciatica and she is with me so I can take her to physical therapy. We are learning to get along. She finds it hard to accept my help. Sometimes it is like having a 3 year old who always want's to do it herself. Our relationship changes as we work out our differences. Meanwhile I am enjoying autumn colors in the woods and cool mornings. I love fall. I love the woodsmoke and the mist in the hills in the morning. I love the clear skies at night and the starshow with the near new moon. Thank you God that I still have my mother to work on our relationship. Thank you for a beautiful autumn, for the gift of a hunting hawk in the morning as I sit outside with my coffee, for all of creation that is spread out in its complexity and wonder.Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-69360424555077344372012-09-25T17:56:00.001-07:002012-09-26T15:23:38.607-07:00Mom comes to Crickhollow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2aM6sygqNu0/UGJP9PfxwNI/AAAAAAAAAEM/NvQCrZjZAk4/s1600/moonflower+bud+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2aM6sygqNu0/UGJP9PfxwNI/AAAAAAAAAEM/NvQCrZjZAk4/s200/moonflower+bud+2.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
Yesterday, Harriet, my Atlanta sister-in-law, and my 90 year old mother came for lunch in the country. It was a good visit stretching from lunchtime until evening with time spent in the garden admiring the herbs and flowers and ignoring the weeds. Mom is pretty sharp for a nonagenarian. She wants one of everything for her garden when I get ready to dig up and split some of my plants and she was fascinated by the moonflower vine. We chatted in front of the fire sipping wine and eating pie until the light began to fade, discussing our histories, our relatives, Sunday's sermons in our churches, and what was coming up for us next. After they left for Mom's home I sat outside watching the waxing gibbous moon rise over the trees and waited for my darling husband. As I watched, I saw his truck move very slowly down the drive, occasionally stopping. When he finally parked beside the house he explained that a very large red fox had been walking in front of him all the way down the drive. When he neared the house the fox turned and looked at him then slipped into the forest. He reckoned that what I thought was a young cougar was actually this large red fox. Maybe...or maybe it is a shapechanger. The Cherokee, from whose people I claim some of my genetic makeup, believed that the fox brought healing. As I continue to find limitations in my stamina I am glad to have been blessed with the presence of a fox. Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-17153075663864465212012-09-23T03:45:00.002-07:002012-09-23T03:46:10.277-07:00Bovine Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut8i0lXGUtY/UF7n2ZY4sGI/AAAAAAAAAD8/N1rHGHTiSm8/s1600/Hearing+1+Kings+19v12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut8i0lXGUtY/UF7n2ZY4sGI/AAAAAAAAAD8/N1rHGHTiSm8/s200/Hearing+1+Kings+19v12.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Keeping Sabbath at Crickhollow takes many forms for me. Knitting by a fire, cooking some slow food, swimming, gardening, walking in the woods, or just sitting outside with a glass of wine are all ways of keeping Sabbath, because these solitary moments open me up to the presence of God. I woke up on Friday morning to a sound in the distance that took me back to the Chicago El (no, not the God of Chicago, but their public transport train system). There was often a man under the tracks playing his saxaphone. He would play marvelous jazzy bluesy music that always brought a smile to my face as I walked from the EL station. With my eyes closed I snuggled down in the covers and listened to the distant music, when I realized it was cattle bellowing somewhere off beyond the woods. These cows were pretty good at their mournful music. A little later I sat outside with my morning coffee listening to the music of life around me, birds singing, woodpeckers laughing, dogs barking, and the mournful background of Bovine Blues.Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-5922719504197273172012-09-07T16:41:00.003-07:002012-09-07T16:41:55.606-07:00Crickhollow Retreat<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0IhqQQ_txNw/UEqFwD7lfII/AAAAAAAAADo/R910MCD4L48/s1600/Spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0IhqQQ_txNw/UEqFwD7lfII/AAAAAAAAADo/R910MCD4L48/s200/Spider.jpg" width="126" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The herb lady came to Crickhollow for a 24 hour
retreat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She helped me harvest herbs and
hang them in between meditation and reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While picking herbs we discovered a beautiful zipper spider on the dining
room window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a time of listening
to birdsong, watching lizards, sharing food and dreams, enjoying fire, water, earth, and clean
crisp air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqFIqrJZAy4/UEqFrK7sK5I/AAAAAAAAADg/1pb4PpeMlyY/s1600/Herbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="126" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqFIqrJZAy4/UEqFrK7sK5I/AAAAAAAAADg/1pb4PpeMlyY/s200/Herbs.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-41786009522358363342012-08-28T18:41:00.003-07:002012-08-28T18:41:49.294-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsEMxaRcmZo/UD1wBoqbj6I/AAAAAAAAADQ/Z5OyL-eaFnE/s1600/pickles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nsEMxaRcmZo/UD1wBoqbj6I/AAAAAAAAADQ/Z5OyL-eaFnE/s320/pickles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Watermelon Rind Pickles</b></div>
<b><br /></b>
I always feel so frugal when I make these crisp little pickles. Using the part of the watermelon that usually goes into a landfill or at best into a compost bin satisfies my soul. And they are like candy: sweet, tart, and delicious! When their lids go "pop" it is one of my favorite tunes. As I work on them I pray for the folks on my prayer list, especially my daughter Stefanie who is in the hospital right now 850 miles away. She will be OK, but I still worry and pray. Stef and I used to make gallons of apple butter together when we lived close. I especially miss her when the canning kettle comes out. We connect by phone, facebook and blogs and keep up with what's up with kids, what's on the stove, and what's on the needles/hook. It's not the same as being together, but it is the best we can do right now.Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-4963485631022283462012-08-20T06:46:00.000-07:002012-08-20T06:46:03.186-07:00On The Needles (OTN)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQYJUcO6L4s/UDI6WKMofGI/AAAAAAAAADA/vUGUR7lYcS0/s1600/Shrug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQYJUcO6L4s/UDI6WKMofGI/AAAAAAAAADA/vUGUR7lYcS0/s320/Shrug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">I
am working on the Long Stitch Wrap from </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lacy Little Knits</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> by Iris Schreier</span><b> </b>worked<b> </b>in<b> </b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Schmutzerella Yarns Blinky,
Inky, Pinky, and Clyde, a gift of yarn from my DD Stefanie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I LOVE the colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just scream “fiesta time”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may not have enough yarn, so I think I will
begin working the two front parts of the wrap at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will have a cool neck scarf if there isn’t
enough for the shrug. :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span id="btAsinTitle"></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span id="btAsinTitle"><br /></span></div>
Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-14120393513597983422012-08-16T18:26:00.000-07:002012-08-16T18:26:09.635-07:00Supposing him to be the gardener...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_hiTr0XzHg/UC2dADiDSqI/AAAAAAAAACo/7ppl5ai6A68/s1600/Butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R_hiTr0XzHg/UC2dADiDSqI/AAAAAAAAACo/7ppl5ai6A68/s200/Butterfly.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mF8oIjflL9w/UC2dDIvKLHI/AAAAAAAAACw/FeZFKN2QLBM/s1600/Hummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mF8oIjflL9w/UC2dDIvKLHI/AAAAAAAAACw/FeZFKN2QLBM/s200/Hummer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Today began with tea and ended with wine at Beth's house. Beth is a woman full of spirit. She is an amazing gardener, something I really respect. After all, one of God's first creations was a garden, and of course Mary, supposing him to be the gardener.... Beth also interprets dreams and hears and understands what I don't say when I am talking. We sat on her porch surrounded by plants, hummingbirds, butterflies, goldfinches and the sounds of summer insects in the trees. It was like being surrounded by Eden. Thank you God for the gift of Beth in my life and the gift of sitting outside on a beautiful summer day.Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-48529518717928902302012-08-14T12:19:00.000-07:002012-08-14T12:19:46.640-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.vangoghgallery.com/catalog/images/mid/starry-night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://www.vangoghgallery.com/catalog/images/mid/starry-night.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Crickhollow
Sabbath</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">We
arrived Sunday afternoon having had a wonderful Sunday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually made it through the entire
service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My strength returns a little
more every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The silence here is
wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mieke alerted us to a young
mountain lion in the driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
sleek and beautiful and wondered at the invaders in the glass house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday night Shireen and I went out to watch
the Perseids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were not a lot of
meteors before the sky hazed over, but we saw one very large impressive one,
and several small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was enjoyable just
sitting out in the dark and listening to the night sounds of the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday morning was cooler than it has been in
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob and Shireen left for work
and school and I settled into Sabbath enjoying the cool morning and a cup of
tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleep helped my recovery throughout
the day with naps, and I finished off my Sabbath with water prayer in our
little endless pool and soaking in a hot tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Heavenly!</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-68414004278534693922012-08-10T07:49:00.000-07:002012-08-10T07:51:19.838-07:00Recovery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8P8jNjtX1s/UCUcsYHZiFI/AAAAAAAAACY/H8jUN_nuCPM/s1600/Hearth+AP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8P8jNjtX1s/UCUcsYHZiFI/AAAAAAAAACY/H8jUN_nuCPM/s320/Hearth+AP.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
My life has been on hold since recently fighting a life threatening infection. It started so small. I thought it was a bite, or a pimple, but within hours it began to spread and grow. I began to run a very high temp and my DH took me to the hospital. Before they could figure out what to do my body had gone septic. When a priest calls in another priest to make her last confession, you know she is in trouble. My beloved husband never left my side and prayers supported me from across the country. Well, they brought in an amazing surgeon who cut deep into the by then huge cellulitis and found the pockets of infection that had been hiding from the CT scans. I didn't lose any important body bits and after more than a week on very strong IV antibiotics I was able to go home. This all started July 2nd and I still don't have my stamina back. I am assured that it will come back, though. Meanwhile I rest, pray, write, work part time, and ponder how quickly life can throw a curve ball. Here is a poem I wrote for my surgeon Dr. Charles M. Jones, III.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Potter/Surgeon<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He
stands, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">strong
hands working<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">pushing
wedging <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">as
the raw earth surrenders <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">her
will to his.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He
sits <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">wheel’s
soft nocturne<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">accompanies
his fixed gaze<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">careful
hands touch shape<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">build
graceful curves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">reaching
from earth to heaven<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">and
the Spirit smiles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He
stands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">strong
hands probing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">pushing
finding<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">life
taking infection and disease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">He
sits<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">adagio
for pump and knife<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">in
a sterile field<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">careful
hands touch shape<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">graceful
curves <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">as
sleeping women<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">dream
of lover’s hands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">and
bodies restored<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">and
the Spirit comforts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
is love here<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">in
the shaping of clay and flesh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">in
the songs of whirring wheel and pump<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">in
the strong and tender hands <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">in
the compassionate eyes <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">of
a man who knows <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 14.0pt;">the
indwelling Spirit’s voice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-86911334978368585272011-12-05T05:55:00.000-08:002011-12-05T08:29:36.084-08:00Advent 2<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo_xhe_vwTc/TtzwMCODxQI/AAAAAAAAACQ/lb39mUbfaW8/s1600/Advent%2B2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682680919379657986" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo_xhe_vwTc/TtzwMCODxQI/AAAAAAAAACQ/lb39mUbfaW8/s320/Advent%2B2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I think of <em>Godspell</em> when I get to this point every Advent. That wonderful beginning where the shofar sounds and the clear voice of John comes out of the darkness singing "<em>Prepare ye the way of the Lord</em>." I love this musical. I love the theology of the ordinary people doing ordinary things, and then putting on their happy clothes for the coming of the Messiah. How do we prepare a way in the wilderness of our everyday lives? Do we put on our glad rags? Or do we sigh with impatience and anger at the crowds and commercialism. As someone who once was an engineer I know that a lot of work, thought and planning go into building a road. Work, careful thought and planning should be part of building a way in the wilderness for the coming of the Messiah into our lives.</div>Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-36040338437624562142011-12-02T10:11:00.000-08:002011-12-02T10:27:18.937-08:00Advent<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Mey3HZ4YdA/TtkVx8pt4OI/AAAAAAAAACE/keQ3jUQzZLU/s1600/IMG_5843.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Mey3HZ4YdA/TtkVx8pt4OI/AAAAAAAAACE/keQ3jUQzZLU/s320/IMG_5843.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681596352743465186" /></a><br />Crickhollow Advent<br /><br />Here in the Virginia hill country, we are keeping a quiet and patient Advent. It isn't easy not to be caught up in the crazyness of the season, but pacing ourselves with one candle at a time helps. We are keeping a simple Christmas this year and an intentional Adventtide leading up to it. This will be our first winter at Crickhollow, our home in the forested hills. The rhythms of seasonal change wrap themselves around us. The snakes have gone underground, and the mosquitoes and ticks are gone. The bare trees bring new vistas into our sight. We wear orange vests when we walk in the woods, even though the land is posted. You can't be too careful out here. And so we wait in the dark for the coming of the light. Come Lord Jesus!Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-20962685798442745742011-09-23T13:53:00.000-07:002011-09-23T14:02:16.235-07:00CredoAlthough attending a Credo conference in Florida in September may not have been the best idea (it is hot but at least it is humid) the equinox seemed a good time to look for balance in my life. I have walked the beautiful labyrinths at Duncan Conference Center and listened to great presentations by the Credo faculty. Now the hard work of discernment and setting achievable goals begins...Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-21480923466506737992010-08-25T05:58:00.000-07:002010-08-25T06:00:52.409-07:00Tomato PeachIt seems I only post when it is time to do jams! Oh my gosh, my tomato peach preserve is amazing. Great on toast, and on fish or chicken as a glaze. And it was an accident! (or would that be an act of grace?) The tomato jam wasnt' getting thick enough so I chopped up some peaches and nectarines and put them in...presto, great stuff!Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-89063594827781810302009-07-30T09:15:00.000-07:002009-07-30T09:16:35.864-07:00Preserves and PicklesThe most beautiful deep purple Peach Blueberry preserves and golden watermelon rind pickles are on my shelf. Next cucumber pickles and tomato preserves from the garden. I love summer.Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6943057359986098998.post-24451548376358397702009-07-28T09:39:00.000-07:002009-07-28T09:42:38.331-07:00WelcomeWelcome to my stillroom! Here I will share food, crafts, meditations, photos and whatever else comes to mind. Sit down, have a cup of tea with me as I begin to explore this new experience for me.Rhondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18397207690048429121noreply@blogger.com0