Building Valentines

Today I made a pile of happy little scraps.

Partly because today I am missing the old.

Isn't it funny how we (I?) so easily romanticize what's left behind?

Beauty is here, and now, and also in remembrance of what was good but is gone.

It's good to reflect on past prettiness and it's, I think,
even better to pick up those scraps and stitch a prettier future.

Fourteen Valentine's Days ago we lost our first baby and the devastation was exactly that -- immobilizing, personally tragic and as heartbreaking as anything I ever care to experience again.

I remember dwelling, then, on our marriage vows and the "for better, for worse" part, 

sure that day and the days that followed it qualified as worse.

Before that Valentine's Day I was in love with the holiday, in love with expressions of affection and the celebration of friendships and romance to which the day lends authority.

I tend to wear pink and red year-round.

But on that day, and for a couple of years after that, Valentine's Day had more than a shadow of sadness.

I know that many people struggle with holidays. I didn't really understand it until then, and I would venture to say that while I'm not going to be glad for that loss I can be grateful for the compassion the pain brought me.

Happy Valentine's Day, Friends. 

I hope your roses are red, your future is a patchwork of prettinesses, and your beauty is true.

This one's for my dad

Recently we enjoyed a day with family at the new Matt Court, aka Matthew Knight Arena, to watch the Ducks play basketball.

Laura had the best seat in the house.

My dad asked to review the snapshots before I left for home.

I told him he'd have to check at farmsuite.

So there you go, Dad, I have successfully lured you to my little weblog.

Meanwhile, back at the homestead:

Salvador is sick, the canned ham trailer rejuvenation project is on hold because I can't paint while he's coughing, my quilt tops still need sandwiched (see former excuse), laundry threatens to take over our every waking moment (not necessarily a product of caring for a sick baby, but not helped by that situation either), seeds call out to be started (and will wait for no illness), neighbor children are visiting every day after school (necessitating much cookie baking and Clue playing by all).

It's busy and it's a beautiful thing. Except, you know, for the sickness.

Com'n over here and give me a big smooch!

Happy Valentine's Day.
I know I've been a bit scarce around these parts.

But I really, really think you're sweet.

And I hope your special day is lovely... and filled with love.

My Funny Valentine To You

My father-in-law's barn, as viewed in the winter light through my mother-in-law's kitchen window.

My favorite lighthouse in winter haze just before sunset.

You'll just have to imagine the doilies, ribbon and lace on your funny Valentine from me. The chocolate is virtual. The flowers too.

Happy Valentine's Day, friends. May you experience the hugs of loved ones and the smiles of many, so many that you can't help smiling all day.