If the old earth could wash herself and begin again so often and so humbly, why could not a man do the same?
A City of Bells, Elizabeth Goudge
What are motherhood, art, our very life but second chances, beginning again, over and over? ‘Second-chance’ is a term that the book industry labels romances that have the same couple making another attempt at a relationship. This is a very narrow definition. We take second-go-arounds at multiple things DAILY. Our faith walk, being kind, loving on those tough to love, and asking forgiveness over and over again. There are so many wonderful stories and art that when you dig deep, focus on a chance to begin again. I want to focus my attention on a few of these with an expectant heart for what truth the Lord wants to show me. I’m not sure how this will play out as I have so much swirling in my heart. A couple of stories that really jump out to me are Marilla, Matthew, and Anne’s from Anne of Green Gables, Valency from The Blue Castle, Jocelyn from A City of Bells, and Mary from The Scent of Water. All these people have been given a chance to start again or at least begin to truly live. I actually made a huge list of stories from books and films that mean a do-over and fresh mercies to me. I was so surprised by how many of my favorites fall into that category!
2nd ~
my hundredth and one second chance, leaves curl into bud faithfully once again
What is your jam or ‘poetry of life’ currently? A little something bringing you joy and a pause during this can-be-hectic time of year?
~Magazine dates with myself. I take a little cash and go buy a magazine and usually sit by a nature spot (in my car currently 🥶, of course! ) to peruse it. I love the quiet, the pause, and the new freshness of something to look forward to. It’s a wonderful time of contemplation and prayer! 🙏🏻
~Scriptures/poetry/prayer/journaling…my morning routine is such a lovely time to contemplate and set myself on Jesus for the day. A few words of poetry or devotionals plus Scripture under a cozy blanket, mug of coffee, and fairy lights are crucial as I love on/survive 😅the relationships in my life. I journal my way through it all. My favorite poetry currently is Ted Hughes’ Seasons Songs and my friend, Kim’s poetry, not to mention her photography is pure poetry, too. ❣️I have a few new collections I want for Christmas.
Can you spot the kitty cat? 🐈 😂✨New Christmas mug I found for $3! Yay! 😀
~ Reading is always my jam! 💗 Here is a list of some of my autumn reading favorites (September-October-November) with a little snippet to snap review. These are all perfect for curling up with this winter. Something for everyone. I wasn’t able to film a YouTube recap, so I’m wrapping it up here!
Witches by Roald Dahl (sweet, grotesquely funny story of little boy and grandmother who battle evil together!)
Apple Boughby Noel Streatfield (delightful story of the oldest daughter in an extremely artistic family who is finding her place. This was beautiful and deep!)
Kiki’s Delivery Serviceby Eiko Kandano (sweet, comforting, cozy coming of age fantasy story.)
The Language of Spellsby Garrit Weyr (deep story following a family and a dragon through both World Wars – so lovely and thoughtful.)
Thimble Summerby Elizabeth Enright (gorgeous farm family story with beautiful writing!)
The Grey Womanby Elizabeth Gaskell (short, atmospheric story. Ending was a bit rushed, but accessible Victorian literature at its best.)
The Chantry Houseby Charlotte Mary Yonge (longer Victorian literature with a side of ghost. I really enjoyed this one!)
The LostHeiress by Roseann’s M. White (lovely, clean historical romance that had a mysterious twist to it. I really enjoyed this one!)
An Enchantment of Ravensby Margaret Rogerson (amazingly written, gorgeous atmospheric fantasy story with deep themes of the emptiness of immortality and more. Romance wasn’t for me, but overall, I loved this.)
Honey for a Women’s Heartby Gladys M. Hunt (a favorite nonfiction reread that was just what I needed to inspire my reading and my home educating!)
Sylvia’s Loversby Elizabeth Gaskell (gloriously written, heartfelt, heart wrenching story set in an English coastal, whaling village. I’ll read anything Gaskell wrote! She’s my favorite Victorian writer.)
The Mirror VisitorSeries by Christelle Dabos (translated from French – fantasy reread that I love for its beautiful, intriguing setting and main character, Ophelia’s revelations about how we see ourselves. The first two books are my favorites.)
Conscious Creativityby Philippe Stanton (a gorgeous photographer’s art philosophy, prompts, inspiration, and ramblings. So inspiring!)
Amish Quilt Shop Seriesby Isabella Alan (simple and cozy mysteries. When I’m exhausted and need of something light, I enjoy a few cozy, clean mystery authors.)
Full Disclosureby Dee Henderson (Police Detective fiction. This was unique in that Ann, the main investigator was very introverted. A little unrealistic, but I really identified with a lot of her internal processing.)
Jane of Lantern Hillby L.M. Montgomery (I’ve read this multiple times, but this reread was with my four younger children and we all had such a lovely time together. Even my 5 yo listened pretty well!)
Maisie Dobbs Seriesby Jacqueline Winspear (#4 & #5 in this long series of a female private English investigator in the interwar period. I disliked #3 , so was so glad to enjoy these two! Highly recommend the series!)
Chaliceby Robin McKinley (lovely, elemental magic fantasy that enchanted me. Can’t really explain why. A bit darker fantasy, fyi.)
Deerbrookby Harriet Martineau(this was an online buddy read and had some convoluted parts and unloveable characters. However, the philosophical parts were intriguing and the nature writing was amazing. The conversations with my friends made it an interesting read!)
Library 📚 picture book stack! ❣️
~ Walking and nature drives are so wonderful when I take the time. It’s a bit cold for me, but I’m always so rewarded. My hubby is very willing to take back roads and I’m so grateful we live in a beautiful area.
I’ve been thinking randomly about Wonka Vision (from Gene Wilder ‘Charlie and Chocolate Factory’ film) …yes, my brain doesn’t turn off well. 😂 I’m desperate to paint my life with Jesus Vision… seeing all the glorious gifts and beauty around me as Love. And caring enough to share that love, let spill it over and out!
What matters in the deeper experience of contemplation is not the doing and accomplishing. What matters is relationship, the being with. We create holy ground and give birth to Christ in our time not by doing but by believing and by loving the mysterious Infinite One who stirs within. This requires trust that something of great and saving importance is growing and kicking its heels in you.
~Loretta Ross-Gotta
Watch for the Light, p.97
.50 cent notebooks to collage the covers for my SIL’s for Christmas gifts! Did I mention I have 11? SIL’s?! Ha. Better get collaging!
What if, instead of doing something, we were to be something special? Be a womb. Be a dwelling for God. Be surprised.
~Ross-Gotta
Watch for the Light, p. 101
One of my slow Christmas reads for myself this year. We all enjoy this story and the illustrations are just lovely!
We are starting during our Christmas term to use some of the activities in Map Art by Berry & McNeilly as we all are map lovers here. It’s so fun to mix art techniques with imagination. I’m looking forward to the collage maps, especially.
My 12 yo Phoebe’s map ♥️🥰 (used by permission)
They trooped out into the garden and saw the wood all lit up by the westering light as though a thousand candles had been lit upon the trees that stretched their shade deep beyond deep in the dark wood. The water was all aglint too, and the colors of the flowers burned pure and still. The sky was a deep blue-green overhead, and three wild swans were flying upriver to their home. There was no sound in all the world but the beat of the birds’ wings and the soft lapping of the water against the old stone walls. They stood for a moment at the gate at the top of the steps and the peace held them silent.
I’m getting a bit ‘behind’ on my sharing, but it’s ok. I’m not going to rush. Trying to still my heart. Anyway, here’s some inspiration for you! Good things come in twos, right? I’m so grateful for the day of small things to rejoice in.
~ my new Moleskine Daily Pocket Journal, decorating it for the new year. This is my little to-do list, line-a-day, small-slice-of-creativity journal all combined in one. I loved this practice this past year. Gratitude, prayer, check lists! Small enough to be doable daily. Do you keep any sort of daily journal? It’s life giving for me!
~Two books that have been so impactful and important to me this year by John Eldredge. Resilient and Get Your Life Back. Just a covid-cobweb-clear-out for me and a beautiful clarion call to focus on Jesus. What books are challenging you in your faith?
~Two of my favorite films that inspire me creatively! The Ben Stiller version of ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ and Studio Ghibli’s ‘Whisper of the Heart’! 💟❣️💟❣️💟 Do you have any films that get your inspiration flowing?
~I’ve been thinking a lot of home and what I can do to bless those here by being a bit more focused home keeper. Home keeping is something I have to work at and am always learning in. Gladys Taber’s books always come to mind. She was a beautiful writer of domestic memoirs in 1930’s and on. I borrowed again a favorite book from the library called Farmhouse Revival not only because I love a lot of the style in it, but it features Gladys’ home, Stillmeadow. Trying to resurrect some little things I can do to make our home one of joy and comfort. If you are on Instagram, I recommend Shanda’s little slice of life, as she is so inspiring to me in many areas, but especially home keeping!
“I’ll try to give satisfaction, madam,” said Jill as they shook hands, and then she slipped unobtrusively away into the shadows, opening and closing the door so softly that Nadine was hardly aware that she had gone until she found herself alone. “I’ll try to give satisfaction.” It was years since Nadine had heard that old-fashioned remark. Because she had not heard it for so long it struck her as being rather a wonderful phrase. Satisfied. No one ever was. The whole world was crying out with hunger of some sort, physical or spiritual. To try to satisfy. Jill was right. That was all one could do.
How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!
Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.
He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3, CSB
The person who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence indeed is the LORD, is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8, CSB
Not a River
Not like a rolling river,
not like a floating river,
down on my head it comes.
It doesn’t drench me,
it doesn’t quench me,
as long as I am stay warm.
You’re wondering what it is
oh yes, you’re wondering what it is,
It is just the frozen flakes of Joy,
that is what is!
by Ella, my 15 yo daughter 🥰🥹♥️ (used with permission)
Coffee, fairy lights, books, and sunshine ✨
The sweep of this dividing staircase was most beautiful and gracious, and it gave one a feeling of welcome like strong arms held out, the arms of that glowing personality who had welcomed them in. And Ben noticed, though George did not, that the whole structure of the staircase, with the arms held out beneath the upright panel, was like a cross.
Thrift book haul from last week. See anything interesting? I already have Family Under the Bridge but replacing our PB copy with this hard back. 😌♥️
But Sally did not want to be set free for anything, for it was living itself that she enjoyed. She liked lighting a real fire of logs and fir cones, and toasting bread on an old-fashioned toaster. And she liked the lovely curve of an old staircase and the fun of running up and down it. And she vastly preferred writing a letter and walking with it to the post than using the telephone and hearing with horror her voice committing itself to to things she would never have dreamed of doing if she’d had the time to think. “It’s my stupid brain,” she said to herself. “I like the leisurely things, and taking my time about them. That’s partly why I like children so much, I think. They’re never in a hurry to get on to something else.”
Elizabeth Goudge
The Pilgrim’s Inn , p. 12
♥️How is your week? What things in your life need stirring creatively or spiritually? I’m going to be thinking on these things awhile…
I’ve been thinking about home and also how as a Christian, I believe, I’m a traveler passing through…so much for contemplation.
“Jerry and Jose,” she said softly, smiling at them, “And I’m Jill. Three J’s. We’ll be happy.”
And the twins, still most extraordinarily well behaved, smiled back at her. They liked the firm clasp of her hands, her even voice, her steady eyes. They knew instinctively that she would always be the same, not hugging them one moment and scolding them the next, and neither for any apparent reason, but reasonable and even-tempered and to be relied upon like the ground beneath their feet.
Elizabeth Goudge
The Pilgrim’s Inn, p. 88
Goodbye 👋 Autumn MugsWelcome Christmas 🎄 mugs! I’ve lately loved working on my reading journal 📓 ♥️
How are you doing? What is on your mind and heart? ♥️ What’s bringing you joy? 🥹
But December, if you choose, if you allow it, can be the trail through the woods that leads to the light, far off in the distance.
The darkness itself offers the gift. Each day, the darkness comes sooner, comes deeper, comes blacker than ink. It draws us in, into our homes, yes, but more so, into our souls.
It invites us: Light a light. Wrap a blanket. Sit by the fire. Stare into the flames, and onto the last dying embers. Consider the coming of Christmas.
Barbara Mahany
Slowing Time, p. 179
For she had learned to really pray. For the first time in her life she had discovered prayer to be not what it had hitherto been to her “the occupation of the praying mind or the sound of the voice praying,” but a ceaseless offering up of the whole personality, of every thought and word and action, as sacrifice.
Elizabeth Goudge
The Pilgrim’s Inn, p. 43
Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness comes sooner upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light…
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
My Advent journey begins this year by way of a journal. I love and thrive with journals and I’ve decided to journal {paper journal AND here, my online corner) my way through a beloved book, The Pilgrim’s Inn by Elizabeth Goudge, as part of my contemplation and slowing down this season. As a way of intro, let me give you a little background into this favorite Christmastime reread. I’m thrilled to be returning and revisiting well-loved friends in Sally, Hilary, the Eliot children, Jill, and others. It centers around the increasingly frail widowed grandmother matriarch of the Eliot family, Lucilla. Both World Wars have exacted a heavy price on the generations of her family and she is especially concerned for her son, George, and his 5 children. She’s made it her mission to convince her daughter-in-law, the sly, exhausted, beautiful Nadine to move back to the country near her and the family seat, Damerosehay, the faded home that has survived.
Nadine is facing her own demons and an unrequited love affair that almost happened with Lucilla’s grandson while her and her husband were separated, who happens to be Nadine’s great nephew! (I think! It’s been a long time since reading the first book in this trilogy) Lucilla’s grandson, David, is haunted by what he experienced in WWII as a RAF pilot, his father having died in WWI, and now he is now trying to resurrect his London stage acting career. Into these family dynamics, enters a multitude of other characters, especially the wonderful, sweet Sally Adair, with her father, too. We delve deep into the 5 Eliot children’s hearts, especially the oldest, sensitive, beauty seeking Ben. This story displays Goudge’s writing at its best, beautiful and with a sharp-edged mirror inviting the reader to examine their own heart and life. I’m slowly savoring every word and so grateful for the truths straight to my heart.
I plan to share a few quotes and things I’m drawing from this deep, rich well throughout December as an Advent practice.
I’ve created some prompts (listed below) if you want to join in any way in your own journals, blogs, or anywhere. These are fully open to your own special twist or interpretation.
They are words I pulled from my memory of this story and ones tugging at my heart currently.
Journaling is a favorite tactile way to reflect, pray, and process through life. I prefer ink and paper, but slow, quiet online forms of journaling are lovely too, as long as I can balance the scrolling siren call. I’m so grateful for this cozy, lovely way to be creative, record God’s continuous faithfulness, jot down memories , and keep quotes for perusing.
A darling Advent card from my local friend! 🥰
As I write out my thoughts on this book, as well as just general coziness and seasonal delights, I thought I’d bring you along with me to share joy in the mundane.
For some added inspiration, here are a few places to dig into for loveliness. If you enjoy Instagram, I highly recommend perusing CozyKimmi! The blog that I love, currently is Tea & Paper, for lovely poetry.
Here’s the prompts!
Use all of them, some, one, or make your own!
Journal
Light
Pilgrim
Herb
River
Twins
Paint
Poetry
Red
Children
Tea
Secret
Chapel
Grace
Feast
Candlelight
Green
Read
Apron
Forest
Scripture
Vows
Letter
Music
Little bits of Christmas slowly trickling out…next Christmas mugs and books this week…
…she suddenly abandoned herself to joy like bird to the wind, leaped from her bed, her tall body in it’s yellow pajamas like a sword of gold in the sun, flashed into the adjoining bathroom, banged the door, stripped, sprang into the bath, turned on the shower, and broke into a loud uproarious song. ♥️
pg. 3, The Pilgrim’s Inn
Come let us anticipate His coming together and offer our creative hearts as worship!
I can’t begin to describe how much Maud Montgomery’s writing has meant to me over my lifetime. Her writing is truly my kindred spirit! ♥️🌲❄️ Have you read her stories? Her journals or poetry? I highly recommend! If you want a stand alone instead of a series, try Jane of Lantern Hill or The Blue Castle.
I’m hoping to participate in an ‘old-school’ Blogmas. Stay tuned. ♥️🌲❄️
I hope to reread Till We Have Faces in the coming year! I have a lot of Lewis’ stuff to read as he is very cerebral for me and it takes some work to read his nonfiction. My current favorite is The Great Divorce. Have you read a lot of his work? What are your favorites? The Magician’s Nephew is my current Narnia fav.
A.M. Pine - Hearth Ridge Reflections 