I've done a little more Christmas decorating, which I'll show you anon. But it's very modest, I warn you. And we haven't even gotten our tree yet! I tell you this so that you can feel smug about your own accomplishments! It's my little task in life, and I embrace it.
Meanwhile, things are still a little off-balance here. Today I went to Home Depot in search of fencing (for pygmy goats! Oh, I have so much to show you!). Yesterday I was in Lowe's for same (couldn't find what I was looking for at first…).
All there are in those two giant stores are people selling generators and people buying generators. That's all. Just a steady stream of generator transactions. It's still a bit of a wasteland, I'm telling you.
But I'll say this: getting a jolt from on high in the form of strange and disrupting weather helps keep things in perspective. My already precarious Christmas preparations were knocked into a real state of chaos, and yet, I have an overwhelming sense of peace.
Neighbor speaks to neighbor of downed trees, worrisome septic issues, and power lines. Children are enchanted to be read to by candlelight (and to miss school!). Those with power offer hot meals and showers to those without, and we've been on the receiving and giving end of each! It's a blessing! It's a blessing to realize that the Chief could fall the whole length of the long staircase and live to laugh about it!
Pink candle it is! Rose, really, for the rose-colored vestments worn only twice a year — for the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete (Rejoice!) Sunday, and Laetare (Rejoice!) Sunday in Lent, the fourth Sunday. Two Masses a year, both in the midst of seasons of penance (hence the purple), both reminding us to rejoice! Even in the midst of our failures, both power and personal. Because we are waiting with certainty for the coming of the One, Jesus, without Whom we simply would not be!
April says
Ahhh, it is hanging. Brilliant. I'm afraid my children would turn it into a swing. Really lovely.