Cousins around the World

Cousins in Central Asia

http://thetravelingstams.wordpress.com/

Cousins in Columbia

http://colombiacarters.blogspot.com/

Pigeon Killer

The Aftermath

We spotted another Cooper's Hawk or Sharp-shinned Hawk today. We watched it up close for quite some time. It was intimidating and i got some good pictures.

Mississippi Mud

I went on a semi-silent retreat with my dear friend this weekend at Visions of Peace. http://www.visionofpeacehermitages.org/hermitages.html

I was here a year ago and it seems like it's been 5 years. Thankfully.

I wrote many haiku (what is plural?), dozed in the warm winter sun, listened, read, pleaded with God, and was. Wonderfully necessary.

This is taken from the hermitage notebook.

"May prayerful peace flow outward

from here,

touching with grace all those

whom I love

and the earth as well...

Lord, may my prayer be one with

that of all persons

who throughout this earth

are in solitude and

stillness,

forming a luminous and silent

hymn of glory to you."

Mississippi River Trash

Softened by water,

sharp edges are taken off.

I want to be this.

Dear Friend

Sturdy Woody Stems

Railway Hobo

Holding Out

The sun recharges

all in the forest right now,

especially me.

Although i strongly dislike geese,

their endless and undulating

V-formation

thrilled me just now.

The noisy organization

of so many large birds

can inspire.

"Let us be united;

Let us speak in harmony;

Let our minds apprehend alike,

Common be our prayer;

Common be the end of our assembly;

Common be our resolution;

Common be our deliberations.

Alike be our feelings;

Unified be our hearts;

Common be our intentions;

Perfect be our unity."

-From the Rig Veda

And if you believe (as i do)

that Truth has been revealed to you,

pray that this Truth you know will envelope others.

Too many wars have been fought.

Happy Snow Dogs (and people!)

The snowflakes were so distinct this morning...the first time the kids really noticed their shapes. Another beautiful example of God's creativity.

Saying Goodbye

We did that today.
Our friends are moving back to Lebanon tomorrow.
We hope and pray for their best...

Smile

Judy has officially reached 100 pounds! Tullaia and Judy both smile for the camera. Tullaia is the one missing her 2 front teeth.

A Bit Of Spring On a Snowy Day

We received our first seed catalog today! Justin hopes to fix the grow light so we can start stuff inside soon.
http://www.seedsavers.org/
I like snow but i like green better.

Confluence

On Sunday we took a day trip to Confluence State Park. It is where the Missouri River meets up with the Mississippi. We were also fortunate to pick up Eric on the way and explore Papa's North City/County/Alton territory a bit.
The point where we are standing here was extremely muddy and boots come highly recommended!