Breath of Spring

“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” ~C.S. Lewis

I had a similar picture a few posts ago... these are the books I have read since then.

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The weather is just delicious; I feel as if we are in May or June, rather than March.  Not only is the sun warm, but the breezes are warm as well, the ground soft, the air loaded with scents.  The birds are continuously calling and chirping—many have come back early.  The robins are back in earnest, already serenading us with their morning and evening melodies.  Various grackles and black birds are hopping and chirping, the cardinals are calling happily back and forth—such a cheery sound!—and I have even seen a finch or two, swooping about and enjoying the air.

I am outside as much as possible now, thoroughly ready to be out in the weather again.  I have been walking Silas these days, and enjoying it immensely.  There was a white fog yesterday morning (I like fog, and as I am in the middle of reading ‘The Tiger in the Smoke’ it is quite pertinent) . . . you couldn’t see more than a block, and the old Victorian houses were even more delightful in the mist.  I love walking around our really old houses here in town, the ones with towers and finials, and long history.

Every afternoon these days we sit out on our balcony deck to soak up the sunshine; I’ve already had to resort to brimmed hats to keep from getting sunburn!  A few of these days have gone up to eighty (I can hardly believe it!)  but the nights are still cool enough for sweatshirts and things.  It is my very favorite type of weather, I think.  I am so thankful for this breath of spring!  I needed it desperately.  It has given me new energy, not only physically (although that did feel good) but also mentally.  And being so often in my own head, this is important!

Here are some pictures from our last several days.  As you can probably tell, Katie and family are staying with us at present, until their new home is available.  So the days are busier (and perhaps a bit louder) but very pleasant, and I am so enjoying my sister's company—especially during the afternoon quietude, with news from Bree and all that.  It is splendid to craft and sew together again.  And I can always use a few irresistible baby-faces around! 

{sweet face}

I’m dreaming of spring and summer activities, flowers and leafy trees (here's a bit of spring-like eye candy if you feel so inclined); . . .  reading, writing a little, and the usual housekeeping and cooking for quite a few people.  I am also practicing for my piano recital in April and a choir concert in about a week.  It is my first choir concert ever, and I can’t wait! 

gluten-free brownie ... and mod podge.  Hooray and hooray

 sketching birds I've seen recently...

Katie, tea, and buttons.

Ben, I miss you!  Have an amazing time, and learn a ton, but I can’t wait to get my comical side-kick back again. ;)  Looking forward to seeing you and the friends in a few days!

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