Drawing

Sometimes I have a bit of time to sit at work.It is at those times that I grab a piece of paper and some kind of writing utensil. Friday's sit with our three year old class during rest time produced this drawing. I think I connected with my dad in a whole new way. Ha ha! I was thinking about him as I drew and it shows in the result.

September gives and takes. Change is in the air, and there is very often an element that feels bittersweet. Sweet and sad, fresh and fragile... September has brought life, and whisked life away. It brings bright sunshine, blue skies, and a new spark of energy, and also the warning of the winter to come.  Half summer, half autumn, totally beautiful.

September

As September slips away, I am once again grateful, not only for all it has given, but that which it has taken as well, because in the losing there is often great gain.

My heart is fuller for the gift of children. September made me a mom, blessed me with two beautiful grandchildren, and gave me a second son in law.

September left us grieving us on 9-11, and my heart aching as it ushered my dad into eternity in 2009. It also left it softer and more tender. More aware.

How does a heart that has never grieved find compassion for the hurting? How does a soul who has never been ill find love and understanding for those who are sick?

September has brought both heartache and pain, and joy and gladness, and I am forever grateful.

Farewell to another sweet September...

Labor Day

I am writing in my sleep. If I slur my words, you will know why.

Today was Labor Day. We have been known, in years long gone, to have giant holiday picnics. Today we didn't. Instead we accepted the invitation of friends and went to a picnic instead. It was nice to sit and relax, visit with friends, and enjoy a day out.

Today it is September. Sweet, and sometimes sad, September. A month of memories. I find myself looking forward to a much anticipated cross country flight and a visit with my friend Wanda, another almost cross country flight to Minnesota where my little

grandson waits, and I find myself looking back on sweet memories of my daddy. September 28 is my own special day of remembrance. I call it "Wear Dad's Shirt Day" and I will pull that old flannel shirt of Dad's out of my closet, put it on, and remember my dad. Perhaps I'd better pack it in my suitcase just in case I'm still in Minnesota or on my way home when "Wear Dad's Shirt Day" comes along. I'd hate to miss it.

Farewell Another September

Another September slips away...

I have the hardest time letting go of September. I want to keep it here, to savor its sunny days and blue, cloud-dotted skies. I want to breathe deep September mornings, to soak in its fresh, autumn flavored afternoons, and stare into its star-studded midnight skies. I want to stretch Septembers days another two or three weeks longer. Is that okay?

When I was a little girl, September marked the end of summer. It meant new school clothes, a bag of fresh school supplies, and an appointment with the bus stop each morning. Late September of 1981 brought someone brand new into my life. A tiny, little boy made his way into our world and changed our names to "Mom" and "Dad". He brought love, laughter, and a new perspective on life. Four years ago, as September slipped away, so did the greatest man in my life, and we said farewell to Dad. And then, last year, September once again brought us someone new, a "not-so-tiny" little boy named Jacob who brought our then grandchild total to five.

Of all the months throughout the year, if I was to pick a favorite, it would have to be September. It is a month of starts and finishes, hellos and goodbyes. It comes with falling temperatures, changing colors, and layered clothing. I've traded my summer footwear for shoes and socks, pulled sweatshirts out of hiding, and tossed an extra blanket over myself at night. Chili cook-offs are gearing up, apples are making their way into pies, and pumpkins are showing up on front porches. How could I not love September?

I tried a new recipe tonight. Made that Pecan Pie Bread Pudding. My family says it's yummy. I'm sticking to my gluten free-ness  though. I'm two weeks in. I had one of my gluten free Snickerdoodles piled high with whipped cream instead and it was pretty yummy too.