Today was a nice day for porch sitting and since it was Sunday. There is no heavy work to be done outside of feeding chores. I have been trying to be sure I make use of every opportunity to sit a spell. Even if it means a lap quilt wrapped around me and a mug of tea to ward off the cool stubborn winds of Winter. But today I hadn't a need for any of those things, for it is in the high 60's. Sunny, with blue skies in every direction I looked. Not many will gaze upon the sky to see the subtle shading it offers throughout the year. Most glances upward are for checking out whether there are any clouds ~ is rain on the way, will it be sunny?
For as long as I can remember I've searched the skies, judging their color. Yes, I know it is blue for the most part, except for the gray colored skies of Winter. But it shows varying shades of blue throughout the year, giving us a full spectrum of blue. My husband doesn't always see the variations and shakes his head when I call out a specific name of blue for the day. But he's learning to "really see" the sky. When he takes the time to be still and open his eyes to take it in. Each phase of color will tell you something about the natural world around us, if we take the time to consider it's message.
Today, we were given what I term washed denim blue. It's a color seen in the changing skies from Winter to Spring. The blue gray of winter is softened with the higher latitude of sunlight. Giving a warm, sun drenched blue, soft in intensity, with a light scattering of see through clouds. Looking just like a favorite pair of comfy denim jeans, showing the wear in little patches of thin fabric. Regardless of how they look, we wear them because they feel good. Yep! that is what I had overhead as I lounged on the porch. A perfect time to spend reading and writing.
So I gathered up my favorite purple pen, paper and settled in. I have been sending notes of encouragement to my Mom, who is staying at a rehab facility while recovering from back surgery. She and daddy were in an automobile accident back in the middle of January. Where she received 2 critical spinal fractures. I spent 10 days by her bedside, while Lon held down the farm in my absence. Thank you, Baby! One would never plan for times such as those, but they happen none the less. Disappointment set in when she learned she would not be able to go home after surgery. Learning to walk and move safely around with a back brace on was needed first. She had been receiving cards during her hospital stay. So I thought something with more than just a quick greeting would give her the chance to escape mentally the boundaries set upon her. So, I decided to write about the happenings here on the farm. Trying to describe word pictures for her to see. Walking her through my week, day by day with little messages of love and encouragement mixed in. I've yet to send one with less than 7 pages tucked in the envelope. I'm not sure who benefits more, me or her. In the writing I am reminded of the blessings I have enjoyed and have the pleasure of sharing my corner of the world with my mom in an unhurried manner.
Hand written letters in years past were the norm, instead of the oddity they are today. As a society most have rushed into what is seen as a convenience of instant messaging through emails, texting, and voice mail. Even to the point of giving special occasion cards by hand, rather than putting a stamp on them and mailing. To me these are not a signal that I have been on any one's mind for very long. Yes, they get the information past to the recipient, but they are impersonal forms of communication. I love getting mail, especially personal mail. I'm not talking about the multitude of junk mail or bills we find waiting for us in the mailbox. I mean "this is just for you" mail. I have a friend who is the best at sending cards to everyone she knows that needs a little encouragement. Or a reminder that she loves them and is praying for them. I believe we all would be a lot happier if we received hand written tokens of love more frequently. Boxes of inexpensive cards can be found at the nearest discount store, a book of stamps has risen in price over the years, but the cost is still minimal. Taking the time to write a brief note instead of just signing your name carries such a wealth of love in it. I would challenge you to take the time to try it. It will brighten some one's day I can assure you. If you doubt me, send me your address and I'll drop you a line. Then you will be smiling when you reach into the mailbox instead of dreading what you will find. Writing to mom has inspired me to do more of it and to take the time to stick a stamp on a card and mail to my family and friends more often.
Amber ~ says "do I look slimer from this angle?"
On the farm front, we are still WAITING for babies. Can you tell I'm getting a little impatient? Having had 2 to give birth almost 6 weeks ago, has me ready for some more cuties to arrive. Our closes candidate is Amber, who gave birth on February 13th of last year. She has already bagged up in preparation for nursing little ones. But I have her due date down for latter in the month. I think it would be neat to have her do a repeat performance on the same date this year, though I'm not sure she agrees with me. Last year she birth twins as she had her previous 2 times. From the grandeur of her statue I'd say we could probably count on twins again this year.
Comfy in my denim blue day,
Deborah
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