Silence

"May this space, sacred by Your blessings, become for me a waiting room where i shall wait upon You, my Lord, my Beloved, my Friend." (taken from prayer in my hermitage)

I spent a lovely weekend at Visions of Peace atop a bluff above the Mississippi.
www.visionofpeacehermitages.org
It was a necessary time of reflection and solitude.
I read several books two of which were by fellow Dutchman Henri Nouwen. In one he says, "This is a real discipline. It requires choosing for the Light even when there is much darkness to frighten me. Choosing for Life even when the forces of death are so visible, and choosing for the Truth even when I am surrounded by lies."

It was cold, but i sat on the bluff and took in seldom heard sights and sounds. Barred owls hooted day and night. Trains rushed by. Barges crept up and down the Mississippi. Eagles stood watch on the tops of tall trees. Otters ambled about in the icy water. Snowflakes finally fell. I was quiet.

"I thank you, O secret one, for the graces of this time in solitude. Each time I withdraw to be alone, i learn more not to fear being alone." (taken from another prayer)

Escape and Chase

Well, we had our first chinchilla chase this evening. Of course Justin was not here to enjoy it.

It felt like old times as i yelled at the kids. "Stop, over there, stand RIGHT there! No, okay, Shit! Now run, don't let it get through, back away slowly...NOW!!"

One of my first childhood memories involves me, a metal panel, a septic tank, and a large red boar(complete with tusks).

And my Dad yelling, "Stop, over there, stand RIGHT there! No, okay, Shit! Now run, don't let it get through, back away slowly...NOW!!"

For some reason, the pigs always had their recreation on Sundays.

Here is a picture of my Dad and some of his little pigs.

Charli Misty Powell

Our new pet chinchilla. She is like a mix between a rabbit, squirrel, and a tiny kangaroo.
Tullaia wants something small and furry to take care of since her baby brother is not too fond of being cared for anymore. She thought a chinchilla would be nice after a zookeeper friend took us behind the scenes at the zoo.
I told her we would never have one because they are quite a bit more expensive than other small rodents.
But a family on the home school forum was looking for a home for their 4 year old chinchilla. The daughter is going to college. So we got to surprise the kids with a pretty exciting Christmas gift.