Love… One Sip At A Time // A Valentine Tea Party
I started hosting tea parties in an older home propped as pretty as you please on the corner of a quiet street. A family of four in a two-bedroom, one-bath home made for a tight fit, and tea parties felt downright snug, but no one would change a thing. Some teas were scripture-based, and others celebrated holidays, but every time, the room filled with the scent of scones, floral tea, and...
“A” for Advent
I thought leading our Sunday C4 Group in Advent for the next four Sundays was "Plan B", but now I'm convinced it was God's "Plan A" all along.AnticipationCelebrationReflectionStillnessSimplicityEven those of us with the best of intentions in keeping Christ as our focus can subtly, but oh so easily, get sucked down the drain of commercialism, unfortunately.Celebrating Advent with our group...
Self-Sufficiency Clad in a Yellow Frock Dress
A yellow frock dress, blond curls, a matching bow, and the face of an angel.This adorable four-year old and her mother came in this morning just as the service was about to begin. Before making their way down the lengthy staircase to find a seat, the mother peered over the top step, and promptly reached for the tiny tot's hand. It took just a steady step or two before the toddler gained a...
Are You a Fan of Look Homeward Angel?
If so, I think you will truly appreciate the following glimpses found inside this story-filled home described in Thomas Wolfe's classic novel, "Look Homeward, Angel":You'll notice the apartment building to the immediate right. The city has progressed but has thankfully left a small area of land intact for this wonderful site. There is also an adjacent building which houses many artifacts as...
The Making of an Extraordinary Weekend
Much like our getaway weekend, I'll keep this short and sweet.As many of you know, Brian and I celebrated our 20th year wedding anniversary last week. We could have escaped to many places for this momentous occasion, but we chose instead to celebrate it in our favorite mountain cabin, tucked away in the Saluda NC mountains.Highlights included:A yummy (and beautiful) birthday cake from...
Writing Opens Doors, Part 2
(Part 1)Recently, I discovered two tools that not only help to raise my awareness to the nuances of life, but also bump up the fun factor by quite a bit.First, "The Writer's Notebook", by Ralph Fletcher. Although his target audience is school-aged children, the practical ideas collected in this book can be utilized by all writers, regardless of age or experience. One particular excerpt sums...
To Tour or Not to Tour?
That is not the question. Visiting Carl Sandburg's home last October was the highlight of our trip, so it came as no surprise to Brian when we began making plans for this month's getaway to the mountains, I went in search of another author's home to tour. Enter Thomas Wolfe. I'd read bits and pieces about him over the past few years, but nothing more. However, I was hooked by one visit to his...
Feelings Can Fool Us
It doesn’t feel like the season for:Roasted marshmallowsApple ciderKaleidoscope leaves (and the raking that follows)Cool breezesPecansAn abundance of candy in fun-size packsCharlie Brown and the Great PumpkinColorful mumsPumpkinsIndian cornMountain tripsFresh apples (especially Honey Crisp!)Long sleeves and weathered jeansWarm fuzzy sweatersBut it is that season, according to the trusted...
Honoring a Life Well-Lived
We celebrated Alberta Scott, my paternal grandmother's, life yesterday morning at her church, Fairforest Baptist. Years ago, she had chosen her music and Scripture verses. It was simple, yet very meaningful. I couldn't have agreed with the pastor more when, at the end of the service, he said with every confidence that the first words she heard were "Well done, my good and faithful servant."...
Cathy Baker
Join the Creative Pauses Facebook Community
I Recommend Fistbump Media!
