All Good Gifts

Spring has been seeping in, putting a new layer of color all over all our doings. I have been trying not to be too Busy and Important and Grown-Up to notice it!

Saturday, March 14 brought us a classic Blacksburg treat: A free production of The Velveteen Rabbit at the local antique theater! Since it was at 2pm (right in the middle of Adele's nap), Miles and I made it a date by ourselves.

At the meet-the-actors session before the show, we learned that one of the actors is a talented ballet and tap dancer. Miles was impressed, and after the show, during the Q&A with the cast, he raised his hand and asked his question with boldness and clarity. "How much do I have to practice to become a really good dancer?" I was so proud.

The answer, if you're interested, from this young man was: As much as you're enjoying practicing. If you are enjoying it, you can never practice too much!

The actor approached Miles after the show and had an encouraging chat with him about doing what he loves, no matter what. I snapped a picture of Miles with his new hero.

Sometimes the sky seems to be raining gifts.

Like this crocus, that I noticed in a friend's yard, when we were on our way to Pub Theology at the London Underground Pub. Like the stories that Rev. Emily told us about the struggles she'd been having in her advocacy for needy community members, and the way we were all able to encourage each other in our varied Lenten journeys. The gifts are coming thick and fast; I have to remember to keep up with my gratitude journal so they leave some kind of wholesome residue. 

Here, Miles has a serious moment on Saint Patrick's Day, during an emergency readiness drill for which Jon was volunteering. The bow tie doesn't quite fit. 

I rage and storm against Daylight Savings Time (and I really do think it's unhealthy!) but I had to admit it had one positive side effect: I got to leave my evening MA class, which meets from 5-8, and still see some light in the sky last week: 

Evenings are starting to resemble their summer descendants. 

I have been busy, and a little under the weather, and sometimes I'm not ready for the burst of enthusiasm from the kids at the end of the day. But sometimes, it's the tonic I need. 

Here is my card from Miles, which he gave me for no occasion at all. And, this is how he looked when he gave it to me, wearing a pair of glasses fashioned from pipe cleaner. 

Here is how Adele looked when I found my old cassette of the Godspell soundtrack and loaded it into her cassette player in the playroom. She's been going on my recent Godspell kick with me. God Save the People and We Beseech Thee are her favorites.

She sings along really earnestly when she thinks I'm not in the room. <3 nbsp="" p="">
This past weekend seems to have been the tipping point for the flowers. They are here, friends! And so is Spring.

Sunday's gifts included a resurrection garden craft, made at church.

Watering the garden with Baden's support

There's grass seed, which has fallen to the ground and died, in the dirt (as per last week's gospel lesson).

The seeds will sprout by Easter. We are leaning into it! Lent grows old.

At home, the kids enjoyed some more independent play in the yard. The parents enjoyed getting the house somewhat clean at the same time.

Miles has to re-build his outside house, from time to time. 

Sunday night took us for a ride! to Starbucks to drop Papa off to let him get some work done.

Miles doesn't mind not being in the stroller if he has his trusty steed, Gorse-Gorse.

He looked so delightful I had to get a picture.

More and more I am using my lunch break to take care of my body and soul. On sunny days, this sends me walking to the duck pond.

That there is a gift. 

On rainy or cold days, I stick to yoga in the office. On Friday, my office mate joined me. We pulled down the shade, put on some gentle music and just turned on, tuned in and dropped out for a while. 

I could never have anticipated that I'd have company in my office yoga. Many thanks to the one Giver for all these. And for the sky this morning! Well done.