-
Surprise!
Parents all over Benton county gave a victorious shout this morning. For the first time in my memory, AYSO soccer was canceled. Those of you that have braved the ice, wind and rain to support your kids, even smiling and cheering through the pain, can appreciate this. A reprieve. Today there will be no bundling up, no slicing bags of oranges for the team, no lugging chairs and water across soggy fields.
The sun is shining brightly outside, though cold winds blow, and I can’t help but rejoice in my warm, dry living room. It’s not that I don’t love seeing my children enjoy themselves. I love to encourage them. It’s just that I wish I could do that while still being able to feel my toes.
Next week we will be found out on the field again and we will love every minute of it. This week, we thank God that He gave us a break!
-
Spring
Spring is bursting into life here on the little farm. We had a beautiful weekend, temperatures in the seventies. True to western Oregon springs, it is raining again and quite chilly. Regardless, I am inspired by the fragrant blossoms sprouting from many of my favorite plants.
I love the Flowering Red Current that my family gave me, years ago, for Mother’s Day. With little to no care it explodes with color every spring. What a blessing.
I also love the Camilla that grows half way up my towering old farmhouse. My grandfather grew Camillas. He would take me out before dinner to pick just the right blossoms. Then we would present them to my grandmother as she cooked away on one of her marvelous meals.
Another favorite is the Bleeding Heart. I’m not sure why I love this plant, the name makes me a little sad, but it’s so lovely. The heart-shaped blossoms hang down from their stems in neat little lines.
I sincerely hope that you all are finding time to enjoy your favorite gifts of spring. -
Writing Contests
Monday evening, I received my feedback from the Genesis Contest. Some good comments, some not so flattering. Overall, I loved it. Entering a contest has been one of the best things I have done on this writing journey. The comments from the three judges where like a series of light bulb moments. You know what I mean, your tripping along, doing what you think is your best, then, BAM, you realize there has been a simple problem holding you back. Now I am much more clear on my strengths and weakness. I know which areas I need to study more, and which areas I can have a measured amount of confidence in. Thanks judges! If any of you readers are also writers, I would encourage you to submit your work to a good contest.
So what does that mean for the book I’m working on now? After much thought, I have decided to go a different way with the first two chapters, starting the story in a different place, with slightly different circumstances. Wow, I like this new beginning so much better than the 1st or 2nd attempt.
I’m entering another contest in June. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Enjoy the weekend. It’s suppose to be sunny, and in the seventies here in Oregon.
Christina
-
Busy Weekend
We had a busy weekend. Boy kiddo #1 (13) had his second beef weigh in for the year. He is raising two steers to show in the county fair. Joe weighed in at 776 pounds and Moe weighed 714 pounds. They are well on their way!Girl kiddo #3 (8) and girl kiddo #4 (6.9) are on the same soccer team. They had their first game of the spring season Saturday morning. The weather was yucky, but the girls didn’t mind a bit. Kiddo #3 scored two goals, and kiddo #4 loved being on defense. Kiddo #1 also had a game around noon.
Saturday evening we went out to Blodgett and participated in a community fundraiser. It was a potluck, each serving cost .10, followed by a desert auction. The proceeds went to the Bill Ayers Memorial Scholarship. It was great to see people we hadn’t seen for awhile and spend time with Grandma and Peepaw.
After a great sermon on Sunday, we took three of the kids to Paul’s Place for lunch (kiddo #1 was at a youth group activity). Sunday was the last day for Paul’s Place. After twenty-something years Paul decided to through in the towel. It was packed, like the entire town of Philomath had shown up for the event. It took over an hour to get our food, but we didn’t care. Brownies were passed out to the customers, making boy kiddo #2 (11) very happy. What a great time! Congratulations Paul!
Have a great week,
Christina
