Most of the blossoms which were on my neighbor’s tulip tree yesterday are now on the ground. Yesterday’s rain brought them down, as I knew it would but that’s okay; it left a beautiful memory. As I look at its green leaves this summer, with no sign of a purple bloom, I’ll remember it has the potential of being the first huge, lovely bouquet of springtime.
Jane brought her skate key to yesterday’s critique. For her and for us, that key opened the door to childhood memories of flying down the sidewalks of the past. 
The story she read to us went right along with this thought. Jane enjoys antiques, especially pottery. Some of the pieces have chips or cracks or may be a little less than perfect, and I think she likes these more than she does the perfect pieces. She compared the pottery to life. We too encounter hard bumps, frightening falls, rough treatment. And, through time, our bright outlook may dim to a soft patina. Each of us has a story or provenance and, to the Master Potter, we are priceless treasures. He renews us and understands our imperfections.
We were delighted to welcome a new cozy critter, Carolyn to our group. Carolyn writes and illustrates children’s books. Her current work in progress is called Silly Snake. She brought a couple of the illustrations she’s working on. Carolyn’s first published book is In the Hay Meadows. Her second (which I could not resist buying) is Dancing on the Pond. “Carolyn will fit right in the with Cozy Critters,” Jane had said. “She likes to laugh too.” And, you know what? She does! She is a delightful addition and we’re blessed.
Jane also wrote “Pay Your Life Forward”. She remembers a quote from Mr. Rogers’ mother on his television program, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. “Look for the helpers,” she said. When tragedy happens, look for those who run to help, not those who run away. Try to be one of those people who help, not hurt, who make life better. We all thought of the firemen who ran into the Twin Towers during the horror of September 11, 2001. Most people were running away but the firemen were running to help.
Nancy arranged her schedule so she got to be with us and we heard more of what is going on in her busy life. Living Life Unedited is her podcast. This year she is highlighting an attribute of God both on her podcast and on her blog. She and her husband Rick are working on a future book about marriage. This will join her already-published book, The Grace Impact. Added to her talents is being an experienced public speaker. But, you know the story I’d really like to hear or read? It’s the story behind her antique grand piano. This story would go right along with Jane’s about having a life provenance and cherished imperfections.
Determination is one of the many attributes of Peg, my friend and neighbor. At first, she had a problem downloading the audible version of my book, Grave Shift. She, however, did not give up until she succeeded. She likes the book and especially enjoys the voice of Michelle Babb, narrator. In addition to listening to audio books, Peg has been reading. She has discovered author author Miranda James who writes a Southern Ladies series as well as a Cat in the Stacks series. Ever the prolific reader with the keen eye, she let us in on what she especially likes about each of the books.
Helen brought a delicious fruit and nut snack yesterday. It was a chilly, rainy day and the snack was just right with cups of hot Folgers coffee. As I predicted, Helen has another writing victory in a story sold to Vision magazine.
Inspiring, informative and thoroughly enjoyable.
Thank you, Josephine.