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The Ginkgoes
“Would you like to join me?” I asked my husband. He was startled. He had plans, and I wanted to drive 131 miles one way to see some trees.
“A ginkgo?” he echoed. “Is this a joke?”
“They are golden,” I replied. “And Blandy has one of the largest, if not THE largest, grove of ginkgoes in North America.” He said he would let me know.
Continue reading “The Ginkgoes”
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Spending Our Days
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour, and that one, is what we are doing. A schedule defends from chaos and whim. It is a net for catching days. It is a scaffolding on which a worker can stand and labor with both hands at sections of time.” – Annie Dillard, The Writing … Continue reading Spending Our Days
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Open to this New Day
In the gift of this new day, in the gift of the present moment, in the gift of time and eternity intertwined, let us be grateful, let us be attentive, let us be open to what has never happened before, in the gift of this new day, in the gift of the present moment, in the gift of time and eternity intertwined. ~ J. Philip … Continue reading Open to this New Day
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April Notes: Dwell in Possibility
Routines can be deadening, but the possibilities of today are unlimited. The invitation is always there for us to engage in life in our best possible way. Continue reading April Notes: Dwell in Possibility
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Walking in Beauty
A Navajo Blessing…. In beauty I walkWith beauty before me I walkWith beauty behind me I walkWith beauty above me I walkWith beauty around me I walkIt has become beauty againIt has become beauty againIt has become beauty againIt has become beauty again. Photos from Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, Virginia, April 2024. Continue reading Walking in Beauty
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Family Lessons
Taking time to listen and learn from my mom is a great gift to me in this season of life. There are so many details about our family that I never knew, or perhaps I just missed along the way. Continue reading Family Lessons
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February Notes
Enjoy these notes from my February journal as I reflect on the birthdays of our children in the month ahead and offer some quotes for your reflection interspersed with photos from a recent walk in Bryan Park in Richmond, Virginia. Continue reading February Notes
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Falling in Love Again
The author rediscovers her love for stitching as she unpacks old supplies and starts a new project. The activity brings back memories of family and friends who shared her passion. She finds joy and renewal in stitching, realizing it defines her. The simple act of creating through stitching becomes soulful and lifegiving. Continue reading Falling in Love Again
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I Kept Walking
In the midst of professional upheaval, the writer reflects on the profound impact of the many changes at work. Despite the challenges, they find solace in their newfound love for walking, which brings them clarity, strength, and a fresh perspective on life’s trials. The journey of change has become a source of gratitude and resilience. Continue reading I Kept Walking
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January Notes
The post captures the beauty of Pony Pasture Park in Richmond, Virginia, in December 2023. It reflects on the allure of new beginnings and the opportunity to embrace change. With quotes from Oprah Winfrey, C.S. Lewis, and others, it encourages seizing each day as a fresh start and emphasizes the magic of new beginnings. Continue reading January Notes
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Walking in December
Amidst the quiet days of December, the author finds joy in nature’s gifts – from winter landscapes to shared walks with family. Each step brings healing, reflection, and a deep sense of gratitude, echoing John Muir’s belief that in nature, one receives more than sought. Continue reading Walking in December
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Relationships Matter
Bella was the primary caregiver for her husband for the last 10 years of his life. A shut-in, he was highly dependent on Bella for day to day care, doctor’s visits, stimulation, and all the things that many of us take for granted. But Bella loved him and was devoted to him and shaped her days by his routine. With the passing of time the rhythm of getting together with friends and family faded away Continue reading Relationships Matter
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Slow Time
In the early days of married life my husband, Burt, and I would go for drives on our days off. We would pack a picnic and meander down the road to visit an apple orchard, or see sailboats, or explore an antique shop, or rediscover a spot my husband remembered from year’s past. It was a welcome ending to our week. Continue reading Slow Time
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Keep the Home Fires Burning
In all the homes my husband, Burt, and I have shared a central piece has been a fire place or wood stove. Even if a home had a gas insert when we moved in, high on the priority list was removing the gas insert and replacing it with a wood stove. Over the years as storms have passed through collecting and splitting the wood has … Continue reading Keep the Home Fires Burning
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It Trees Could Talk
My dad and step-mom used to have a weekly ritual of driving through Memorial Park Cemetery on Poplar Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee and identifying what they would call, “The Tree of the Week.” Continue reading It Trees Could Talk
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Making Room
When you recover or discover
Continue reading Making Room
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The Fullness of Time
Some wonder if it is too late to live a meaningful life, while others feel life’s responsibilities stand in the way of living the life they want. Continue reading The Fullness of Time
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Seven sisters and a Circle of Cedar
Seven Visitation Sisters were summoned to a devastated city in 1866 to pray. It was a request made by then Bishop John McGill. Continue reading Seven sisters and a Circle of Cedar
October Notes
It has been a full month. I went to Mississippi to see my mom for a few days and celebrate her 93rd birthday. In that time, I recorded an oral history–asking about her childhood, young adulthood, midlife, and the present.
Continue reading “October Notes”
Welcome Home
Sarah’s Journey
Welcome Home.
Two words. Three syllables. And more meaning than one could ever imagine.
Continue reading “Welcome Home”
Work Matters
Work influences self-worth and belonging, fostering purpose and community in meaningful ways. Continue reading Work Matters
A Visit
Going back through time listening to her stories grateful to be here Continue reading A Visit
The Hertz Rental
Let me tell you about my time at the Hertz rental on Getwell Road. I went this morning at nine to pick up my car to drive south to see my momma. The lobby was crowded with people waiting for Ubers and talk of how to make some extra cash. “You don’t transport people. You do food.” The wise one held court as she counseled … Continue reading The Hertz Rental
Florence Brooks 