Outrageous Grace

This song has been around for a while, but it is so appropriate for the tumultuous times in which we find ourselves.  Be comforted and encouraged:

connoisseurs

“Cats are connoisseurs of comfort.” James Herriot

RAIN

Delicate jewels that fall to earth, Cleansing, healing; Bringing new birth. Liquid refreshment That makes everyone smile; Running for shelter To rest for a while.   Living renewal that makes us clean; Lifting, cheering; Comfort unseen. Soothing revival That encourages all; Strength for weary souls so that we stand tall.   Heavenly food given to

HAPPINESS INSIDE

When it gets cold, We need ways to get warm; That make us feel cozy And safe from a storm,   With sweaters and blankets, Hot coffee and such; Conversation and stories; A friendly touch.   When the wind howls Piling snow into drifts, We’ll seek refuge inside, With mugs that we lift,   Buttered

SOUP

In mid summer, when the temperature soars, salad is so delicious! But now, the thermometer can’t seem to get above 40F and really seems to like plummeting into the 20’s.  Salad?  No, thank you:  Too chilling. It’s soup season:  Hot, warming, comfort food in a bowl. There are so many variations:  Made from broth, thick

PUT TO BED

Today was more like winter than mid fall:  Cold, windy and wet.  I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it freezes tonight…or snows…or both.   Thankfully, my “yarden” is all put to bed.  The hoses are picked up, drained and hung; more delicate bulbs have been dug and put into a box.   Some things

SNUGGLED IN

Howling wind Pushes against the house, Bangs the shutters Sending chills down our spines.   Crackling flames Join in a happy dance As they warm us, Making all feel cozy.

SALUTE TO CHOCOLATE

I’m a chocolate lover; dark, please.  Here is my musing about it:   Chocolate Holds me close, Overcoming tensions; Comforting distress; Offering solace Like a blanket that is wrapped Around the shoulders of my soul; Tasty, sweet Elation.

SUNSHINE THROUGH THE WINDOW

The sun is far enough south now; it shines through my livingroom and dining room windows. It’s warmth enfolds me:  Body, soul and spirit in a delicious embrace. I especially love sunshine through a window in the middle of winter:  The icy, cold world is held at bay, while I snuggle in warmth and light. 

BEAN SOUP

Bean soup is one of those things that gets whatever I take a notion to put into it.  Tonight’s has black, pinto and white northern beans, kamut, lentils, cilanthro, cumin, bay leaf, a somewhat finely chopped carrot, onion, lots of garlic and a pinch of salt…oh yeah, and about half of a jalapeno pepper that