Around/About: The “When spending is worthwhile” edition
A collection of links I love, sites I like, interesting reads or cool happenings. Tsh Oxenreider aka Simple Mom is one of my friend-heroes... frienderoes? Before you do anything else today, please take time to read her post, "Holiday...
Giving (a piece of) yourself away
One of my favorite things to do is to gift someone I love with something I know they'll love: Surcies, little love gifts, the value of which is seeded in the thoughtfulness of the gift, not its pricetag. It's why giving...
First night, last night
I remember our first night in Germany. I can still smell the cold. Taste the new. Feel equal measure of exhiliaration and intimidation. Hear the wonder. See adventure 'round every bend. That first sleep was met after eyes had been wide and ravenous for near 40...
…hymn of grateful praise…
For the beauty of the earth, A beautiful remembrance for the glory of the skies, Paragliding near Erlangen, Bavaria for the love which from our birth Floral beauty in Dresden over and around us lies; A chapel in the middle of the Alps, somewhere in...
Best, beautiful and bizarre, I LOVE Nativity Sets
When I stumbled across this miniature nativity set, I couldn't help but smile; it was the most original depiction I've ever seen. Smiley wisemen? How can you not smile, too? It's an Alessi Presepe Nativity Set, a high-end Italian manufacturer who fuses art with...
A perfect example of why learning the German language has kicked my trash
An Eierschalensollbruchstellenverursacher. Say that three times fast. Or once slowly. Or at all. Any guesses (without cheating)? I'll give you a hint: you'll find it in the kitchen. ...
The difference between asking how I can pray for you and praying for you
Timing for a girls' weekend couldn't have been more perfect (at what age do I have to call us "ladies"? Never, please?). I was home from Germany for only four weeks and the getaway just happened to coincide. This group picks up right where...
Death and Redemption of a Stepford Mother
A very long time ago, and yet just a blink of the eye, I was the Model Christian Mother. A poster child, if you will, for what you’re supposed to look like if you’re doing all the “right” things as a Christian mom. My car’s radio was tuned only to...