Photo: Gulls, Santa Rosa Beach

In Which Mr. A. Plans a Surprise

On Saturday, Mr. A. took us for a drive, but he wouldn't tell us where we were ultimately destined. After breakfast in St. Charles, we took the ferry over to Brussels Island in the Mississippi. The island seemed enchanted with its rolling cornfields and little farms tucked away from the road. It was like revisiting the past or being in another country. I wanted to stay on the island forever.

But Mr. A. said no, he had other places to go and things for us to see.

We circled back and took another ferry off the island.

And then we were at Eckert's Orchard.

We rode the hayride out to the trees. Apples lay thick in the shade. Apples, everywhere! We stomped on apples that had wandered into the path. Crunch! We tossed a few into the neighboring field. Kerplunk! One precocious youngster with a keen aim tossed an apple in Mr. A.'s direction and it landed squarely on his foot! Owwch! We probably tasted as many apples as we took away: Tart Jonathans and mellow Red and Golden Delicious. Crisp apples on a crisp day, with a cloudless azure sky and the company of those I love: could anything be more perfect?

Photo:  Jonathans

"Much madness is divinest sense to a discerning eye"

I'm trying to write a paper from my Biblical Interpretation class, but it isn't going well at all. In fact, it is already 3 weeks late. This is the admission of a woman who has never been late turning in an assignment in her life.

It is difficult not to feel like a complete failure as a person, much less as a student. I can't blame my tardiness on any good reason. It's true that I've been spending a significant amount of time with Mr. A; that is a good reason. I spend a little bit of time every day gazing at the ring on my finger; that is less of a good reason, but still a reason. I spend a lot of time with nothing on my mind at all, as though my rational processes had entirely ceased! It is as though I couldn't formulate an argument to save my life!

The amusing thing is that people still mistake me for a deep thinker, including Mr. A. Just because I have a pensive expression on my face doesn't mean I'm thinking great profundities. I might be composing nonsensical poetry.

I asked Mr. A. how he felt about being the main cause of my madness.

"I like it just fine. Thanks," he said.

He says he doesn't mind if I'm crazy as long as I am crazy about him.

Quite sensible, that man. At least I'll be getting an A in his class.

"Yes!"

One month ago today, Mr. A. asked me to be his wife, and I said yes. Actually, I was so surprised, I didn't say anything at first. The question, while all along anticipated, came at a most unexpected moment: after church on a Sunday night. I didn't think Mr. A. could surprise me, because from the the first time we met and visited at a church conference, we knew we would be getting married. It was a matter of when, not if. In fact, on our first official date, we were discussing the details of the wedding! But surprise me he did. I was teary and speechless; all I could do was nod my head.

"I'm taking that as a yes," he said.

"Yes, yes!" I said at last.

Image: The Ring

Lilacs in May II

Remember the Lilacs in May? Here is part two: a picture of the lovely ladies with their bouquets! (Thanks to the Bride for sharing this image.)

Sewing for weddings is such a delight. Once I finish sewing for my own wedding in March, I am planning to start accepting custom orders on a regular basis.

So if you're planning a wedding after next April and are looking for custom bridesmaids' gowns, or even a custom bridal gown, do let me know.

At the Cathedral

Our plans to visit the Greek festival didn't pan out. Apparently everyone in the City had come out to enjoy a gyro on balmy Saturday afternoon. The lines were miles long. We could have been in Greece by the time we got through the lines.

So instead we went to the Cathedral Basilica to be awed by the scintillations of millions of mosaics. And we had the place pretty much to ourselves. For moments like this one wherein my fiancé caught me in a thoughtful pose.

Yes, besides studies at seminary, my summer has entailed a lot of sightseeing around the City, dining out, and a whirlwind romance with a wonderful man.

There's an engagement ring on my finger and a wedding coming in March.

I hope to be sharing more snippets from our story as time permits.

Blessings, all!




Photo: "The Thinker, Revisited" by J.A.A.

Sonnet XXVI from the Portuguese

I lived with visions for my company
Instead of men and women, years ago,
And found them gentle mates, nor thought to know
A sweeter music than they played to me.
But soon their trailing purple was not free
Of this world's dust, their lutes did silent grow,
And I myself grew faint and blind below
Their vanishing eyes.  Then thou didst come--to be,
Beloved, what they seemed.  Their shining fronts,
Their songs, their splendours, (better, yet the same,
As river-water hallowed into fonts)
Met in thee, and from out thee overcame
My soul with satisfaction of all wants:
Because God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame. 

~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Re-Christening

Devoted readers will notice the recent re-christening of this blog. As noted in a previous post, I am rather taken with the kyrielle form in poetry. I am also captivated by the recurring mercies of God and the way in which our vocations, the things we do in response to a sense of calling, are part of worship of the Creator.

You may notice the content of this blog taking a decidedly theological/philosophical turn, as I am now attending seminary, but I hope to balance things out with creative projects and pictures.

Thank you for your continued interest and blessings to you all!