Friday, February 25, 2011

From a Stout Little Light


Hello dear visitor. I'm so happy that you stopped by today. I have been awake for a few hours now. Yes, an early bird morning because of age-related wakefulness. I fell asleep praying, asking God to take my concerns and worries (mostly related to the crazy-busyness of school and Kelli having a touch of the flu) and as I tried to get comfortable (I'm having a bout of the aches and pains) names and faces kept floating through my mind, so I prayed for those names and faces and then I heard my Caretaker say, "You're excused." I take that message to heart and this morning I feel less "fuzzy" and "sidetracked" and TGIF and all that! Isn't "you're excused" a funny little phrase laced with all kinds of different meanings? I'm excused from worrying and fear. Yahoo!
When I got on the scale this morning, the number confirmed my suspicions . . . hmmmmm. Well, I can find some romance in the word STOUT. Just look at the cutie below!

"There was a nice hot singey smell; and at the table, with an iron in her hand stood a very stout short person staring anxiously at Lucie. Her print gown was tucked up, and she was wearing a large apron over her striped petticoat. Her little black nose went sniffle, snuffle, and her eyes went twinkle, twinkle; and underneath her cap -- where Lucie had yellow curls -- that little person had PRICKLES!" ~ Beatrix Potter

Sometimes (even after 400 posts!) I suspect I might have come to the end of my blogging frenzy. Reading blogs, writing my own, finding new blogs, and spending so many happy hours ENJOYING it all, well, sometimes I DO reach the end of it and think to myself, "Self, so now what?" But do you know what happens next? Gumbo Lily enters into lamb season and I get teary about baby lambs and remember that I am a dumb sheep desperately in need of my Shepherd. Or Helen sends me a comment, making another "across the pond" connection of understanding. Lynn posts a Mary Oliver poem I love. Elizabeth shares about helping her friend clean the house before moving to England. Gretchen Joanna shares about teaching a youngster to sew. Kerri tells me about the earthquake in her country and how she's coping. Kari sends me an affirming word. Tina talks about children, daughters specifically, and I connect in a whole-hearted fashion. Leslie is selling her house and I think, "But I like that house. Don't move! (silly me)"
Sue takes bird pictures. Frances sends me a postcard. Flavia gives kindness, Aslaug spreads deep cheer. Deborah feathers her nest for the homecoming of three new daughters from the Philippines. Angela teaches me something new. April posts photos of my precious grands. Veronica calls in from NZ. Jean says hello. Jayne connects. Melissa reaches out. Mags gives a huge helping of sweetness. Floss pops by. Betty mentions a book she loves that I love, too. Brad shares with his mama. Libby Q, Aisling, Angela and her journals, Lisa, back at school and VERY busy, Charlotte, dearest Carolyn, the other Sharon who quilts and loves, Melanie, Mary, SusanB, Millie, Debbie, Laura R and Laura L, Vicki, Sara P. and my other new Sara, Jannelle, Michela, Millie, Connie, Sherry, Sharon, Barbara, Gigi (always so faithful to so many) all ARE THERE for me. I could go on and on and on speaking about newer friends, too and even if nobody wanted to read my little spot on the "interwebs" I still love images and words that keep me thinking and feeling and learning. Please don't YOU stop with your rich offerings of creativity, originality, bright perspectives. I am reading. I am.

Jody taught me about "cuffs" that can be embroidered and sewn. This and a pink baby sweater are my blog inspired makes right now. SO many benefits. I don't think I'll EVER come to the end of this sweet journey.

I'm astounded by the unseen power of fellowship and partnership in life. I love the AUTHOR of all the stories. Words are cool water to a stranger, a stranger that doesn't stay a stranger for long.

I'm very rich with blog relationships and I know you are, too. It's small in the scheme of things (the INTERNET!) but oh so big in the squishy heart areas where miracles happen.

21 comments:

Angela said...

Oh PomPom, what a lovely post! And I love the way that so many of YOUR blogfriends are MINE too - I guess we all gravitate towards likeminded people! But the bit about "nice hot singey smell...short stout person" reminds me that THIS little SSP ought to get off the PC and go work at the ironing board!

have a blessed weekend. Glad you are feeling healthier than you did- still waiting for my sniffles to pass...

love and hugs xx

Anonymous said...

Hi PP, yes it is a great community, isn't it? :) I'm not fat, or stout, I'm well-built...I can just about cope with that! :) xxx

Elizabethd said...

Lovely, lovely.
I echo Angela, I'm always pleased when I see a familiar name in a comments list, and think, yes, we have many of the same friends. Such a nice circle!

Leslie said...

I read your words and your heart shines through. God has given you some very special and unique gifts, some that are very different from my own which is one reason they stand out so to me, I think.
Blessings on your day!

Elderberry-Rob said...

A lovely post and thankyou for showing me lovely books - I had been book starved and now I have new books to read, also I am not scared to draw on them or paint on them any more! Don't ever stop blogging Pom Pom - you bring a little bit of faith, a lot of love and friendship and lots of inspiration to my little corner of the world. Bettyx

A garden just outside Venice said...

I think there's a mistake on your drawing PomPom..why your heart is so small?! It's big, huge, enormous and full of love and kindness!
xxx

Gigi said...

Well, you had me worried for a minute! I thought you were going to leave us -- so glad you're not! This little blog world would be sad and lonely without your shining light, thoughtful words, warmth & goodness. And I doubt you're 'stout' (love that word ;), but if you are, what a nice cosy lap you must make for all those sweet grandbabies ;).
Much affection,
G

magsmcc said...

Please don't be time to stop! This space that is your space is such a special space to live and move and have a being! Stout has only one connotation in Ireland- and I think it's the only one you need, my lovely love! And obviously with 17th March less than three weeks away- what else would we drink???

April said...

I sure hope you pass your doodled in Bibles on to your grandkids. They will love them and be so blessed by your God-inspired thoughts. They have so much to learn from your wisdom, creativity and warm heart! (Me too!)

Gumbo Lily said...

"You're excused." It is good to hear it sometimes, isn't it? I'm glad you were excused from a night of praying for your loved ones.

You are so sweet to consider me one of your bloggy friends. I don't know how I ever came to your blog, but I'm glad I found you Pommie Grammie.

Your cuff is looking really groovy. I love the stitches and the French knots.

God bless you,
Jody

Sue McPeak said...

I'm thinkin' it is time for Spring Break! Ya know, I love the way you give everyone such a sweet pat on the back. We all need that once in awhile. Thanks! I can't even imagine a blogland without PomPom! I'm glad that's not a possiblity! It's TGIF so have a wonderful and restful weekend. Much Love to YOU!
Sue

Helen said...

Dear Pom Pom. Thank you for that. You are right - its all right. Maybe I will carry on after all - its about being part of a community, isn't it, not about having to rack the brain, and make things big, or special, or super-thoughtful, or beat yourself up about anything. Now i'm rambling, aren't I? Its just about being me, and sharing me in all my ordinaryness. Lots of love. x

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Dear Pom Pom, what an encouraging post...so honest and open and just plain beautiful.

I saw your Elizabeth Goudge comment on my blog....will you please send me an email? You can find my email link on my profile page. I have a question for you.

Sara at Much Ado.

melanie said...

I love Miss Tiggywinkle!!! That books was one of my faves as a child, and I aodred the cartoon they made of it, could not get enough of it :) xxx

Left-Handed Housewife said...

I love our bloggy neighborhood. I don't know all of your blog friends, but I know a lot of them, and it's like we're all gathering around a nice cup of coffee or tea (or a glass of stout--exactly, Mags!). I get so much encouragement and joy from your blog. Don't ever change--or go away!

xofrances

GretchenJoanna said...

I think you were writing that post for me in more ways than you realized, as you will see. I am a little late reading it, late enough that it can confirm how I've been feeling this week. Thank you, Dear Pom Pom. :-)

The dB family said...

Oh yes, my dear friend! I could hardly stand taking a blogging break, but I knew I had to if I were to be able to concentrate on the immediate. I would be very sad if you ever came to the end of your blog. I'm so thankful for your blog and the encouragement you send to each of your blogging friends. Praying Kelli is feeling better soon!

Blessings and hugs!
Deborah

MW said...

I heart you so much!! :) You are just the best ever! Have a great rest of your Sunday! See you soon. :)

D. Jean Quarles said...

Such a lovely post. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Beautiful.

Bradley W. Maston said...

Love love love your post. From one stout person to another, I love being stout. It is important. I love you!

Kerri said...

Oh I'm so glad I'm not the only one who sometimes thinks they have got to the end of their blogging days! Just when I think I can't go on, something pops into my pea brain and I'm off and running again. I don't know how you manage to read so many blogs! And send us all so much love as well! Bless you x x

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