St. Mary’s Peak

As we debate the merits of city parks with wood chips versus sand, I remember my childhood playground.  This “park” did not have swings, slides, or a splash pad, but climbing up rocks (with or without ropes) and jumping off waterfalls more than compensated.  My current encounters with wildlife consist of spiders, bugs and one neighborhood possum.  Back then no thought was given to such small critters; we were on the lookout for deer, bears, and the occasional moose.  It seems like an ideal way to grow up, scampering up trees and swimming in icy glacial lakes where numbness set in the second a toe hit the water.  However, looking back I can see the true value was in encounters with God’s grace and creation while forming strong friendships on those hiking trails (or more often through the underbrush as we forged our own way).  Today the experiences may be different, but the fostering of lasting relationships can hopefully be replicated.  

Tea Season

Tea Season has begun in earnest, which is San Diego’s version of Fall.  Temperatures are not quite cold enough to warrant scarves and sweaters, but a warm beverage is no longer out of place.  Even in this temperate climate, there are signs that summer is no longer.  The leaves have been talking excitedly as they turn brilliant colors, and their whispers fill the air with a creative energy.  It is hard to remain aloof to artistic suggestions, and taking a hint from the leaves, it might be time to buckle down and create.

2 Years Later...

The shy little caterpillar grew and grew.
And then one day she turned two...

The productivity over the last two years cannot be underestimated. Creating invitations (which is always pure joy) inevitably led to actual parties.  And so the years were tangibly celebrated, though a continuation of such calendar accuracy should not be expected.

Now the coffee shop lifestyle is back bringing hope of forthcoming projects.  Cobbling together sentences with words that are scattered every which way seems daunting, but those words are as beautiful as ever and calling for someone to tidy them up.