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The robin is viewed as the first sign of spring…an especially welcomed sight for Michiganders! This rendition was requested as a gift for someone for whom a robin’s nest has particular meaning. After several years of infertility and struggle, a couple decided to let go of the issue for a season…upon return from a much needed get-away, they came home to find a robin’s nest full of bright blue eggs welcoming them at their doorstep. It was received as a sign–and in about 9 months, they met their new baby boy.

I do believe that our Father can use anyone and anything He chooses to communicate His love and presence. A nest of blue eggs, a magical dragonfly, a scarlet red cardinal…a promise of new life, reassurance, comfort. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” -Hebrews 11:1. Blessings on your day, dear ones…until your hope becomes sight!

I love hydrangeas…all varieties. Some are lacy, white, creamy, or balls of cosmic blue, purple, cotton candy pink, “tinker bell” green, or a combination of all. Many varieties depend on the acidity of the soil. The more acidic the soil, the more likely you are to get bright blue blossoms. The more alkaline the soil, you will see pink. I’ve gardened alongside my parents and grandparents to know that soil preparation is crucial to yielding good results, but I don’t know if another plant “wears” its soil on its sleeve like the hydrangea. I’m in a season of soil preparation…how about you? I suppose it’s better than weeding and pruning, but I’m sure that is soon to follow. Blessings on your day, dear ones as you cultivate. With the right preparation, it’s sure to lead to something beautiful!

It’s a funny thing to watch a flashing bar on a white page before words spill into meaning. Sometimes that bar flashes for such a long time, and other times my voice trails faster through a device’s microphone than the bar can keep up with. I’m pausing today…

After receiving a gift of pencils and sketch paper from my husband at Christmas, I somehow felt given permission to pursue something I love to do–create. There is risk, awe, beauty, joy, hope, and uncertainty in that process. There is a feeling that in the process of creating, the Creator is creating me. It can be exhilarating, but also a bit scary when it seems such new territory. But I am at the hands of a Creator that can be trusted. One who works masterpieces and miracles–who accomplishes work until it is perfected and can be claimed, “finished” or “it is very good!” And then, there is Rest. After 20 penciled designs, one website, one Facebook page, 75 boxes of cards, approx. 64 single packages, stamped gift bags, 15 written blessings and approx. 18 blog posts, 500 business cards, contacts with some local vendors, and a clean house since the 1st of January, I’m going to rest. It is not finished, it may not even be very good, but I trust in my Creator that His work in me will be carried out exactly as He plans and I will be in His hands the entire way. Blessings on your day, dear ones.

Rollercoaster roads dead-end to crystal blue water… gravel, washboard lane edged in coreopsis color, lead to whispering birch-bent creek… pause to look for fish shadows swimming. Make a right turn to follow drift wood sign beckoning, “Paradise This Way.” Fling car door open to race cherub children through snake turns – careful not to trip on tree roots crossing– to key at the fish table, cement pad “home plate”, race against parents won.

So many of these wildlife designs are a nod to childhood memories with most precious people during all seasons in God’s  country of Northern Michigan. Richly blessed – even as a young child I knew – and the very thoughts bring healing peace to my bones. Blessings on your day, dear ones, as you enjoy these special creations. May they bring you rich joy and peace knowing they were sketched in love.

Finches come to the feeders easily, in large numbers, and in several varieties. Put out some thistle seed, and watch. The trick for me as a young girl was trying to distinguish house finches, purple finches,  goldfinches, and whether they were boys or girls. You would think the colorful names they are given would help, but it is not always so easy – especially in early spring when their colors are not so bright. In addition, the purple finch and house finch looks so much alike, I had to look at their tails to tell them apart. For some reason, I always thought the house finch was one of the prettiest.  I even thought that it would make a wonderful pet bird. So many came to our yard, it seemed that just one would not be so hard to catch. Wrong. I’m sure I provided entertainment for the neighbors, though. It’s funny when I think about it now… And I guess I still chase things that were never meant to be caught. What are you chasing today? Is it time to let it go?  So many more finches will come to the feeder. Just put out the seed and wait.