Late night musings

I rarely stay up until the wee hours of the morning anymore. Sleep deprivation and my life do not make a pretty combination, and I find myself heading off to bed earlier and earlier during the school week. But, there is something to be said for staying up until that deep, penetrating silence fills the house. As a natural night owl, I have passed on the propensity to my children, but I love it when the hush finally fills the corners of the house. Quiet, rhythmic breathing can be heard in the bedrooms, and my mind is allowed to really, deeply think. I do have plenty of time in my days for complete thoughts; my children know I need some quiet each day, and I know that they need the same. But, there comes a time when I need not only complete thoughts, but the thoughts that come next, and the aha! moments that come after that. When it is quiet, suddenly the solution becomes clear. A little longer, and the inspiration hits. A little longer and the unanswerable questions become bearable. These quiet moments are my gold mine, my fountain of youth, my heaven on earth.

It is approaching the dawn of a new year, and with that comes many hopes and dreams and plans and schemes. But, my heart's desire remains the same: to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. I want to listen in the quiet moments and to quiet myself in the cacophonous ones. I hope to always see and notice the amazing people and things around me. And, I strive to be faithful to complete each day's calling, and to find joy and peace amidst each and every circumstance the Lord sees fit to place in my life.

We are off to the upper regions of California to be cooped up in bliss with our friends. We will be ringing in the new year with card games, movies, long conversations interrupted by eleven beautiful children, hiking in the (forecasted) rain, laughing, and conversing some more. The five-hour drive is the first leg of our summer vacation route, but the scenery in winter will be quite different. Audiobooks will accompany us, helping to pass the time as we eagerly await our reunion. Until we return, I wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Listening to Your Life

"Thou son of the Most High, Prince of Peace, be born again into our world. Wherever there is war in this world, wherever there is pain, wherever there is loneliness, wherever there is no hope, come, thou long-expected one, with healing in thy wings.

Holy Child, whom the shepherds and the kings and the dumb beasts adored, be born again. Wherever there is boredom, wherever there is fear of failure, wherever there is temptation too strong to resist, wherever there is bitterness of heart, come, thou blessed one, with healing in thy wings.

Saviour, be born in each of us who raises his face to thy face, not knowing fully who he is or who thou art, knowing only that thy love is beyond his knowing and that no other has the power to make him whole. Come, Lord Jesus, to each who longs for thee even though he has forgotten thy name. Come quickly. Amen."

Listening to Your Life by Frederick Buechner

Curious about Buechner's other writing? Here are some suggestions:

Godric: A Novel

Telling the Truth : The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale

Beyond Words : Daily Readings in the ABC's of Faith

Telling Secrets ( a memoir)

A big day

I am not sure what constitutes a big day in your house, but around here the day one gets their own library card is a reason for us to celebrate. Our youngest joined the ranks yesterday. With deep concentration, he put his name on the back of the card, and then he shyly placed the card up on the counter, along with the two books he was limited to on his first time as a card-carrying library patron. Once he was done, though, he had a bit of a swagger. Holding the door open for the rest of the family, his smile was as wide as it gets.

A library card is a ticket to unknown, countless adventures. Welcome aboard, son.

Sweet Pea Knits

If you can't resist how cute these are, you could always contact Donna at Sweet Pea Knits and she will make your dreams come true, too. She even accomodates you when your husband says you wear a size five and you haven't been a size five since grade school. Fortunately, my middle child searched my closet and saw a bunch of size nines. They fit perfectly.

Monday's view

Reflections of a Christmas slug

Oh, it has been a deliciously quiet Christmas. (Well, as quiet as life with five children can be.) The rain has continued to pour down on our hillside, bringing middle-of-the-night explosions of thunder and winds that sing loudly while doing laps around the house. It's been a great time to be still, and even a great time to have a small stomach bug (if there ever is a good time.) Probably just a mild case of exhaustion for both of us, my husband and I have enjoyed naps, a horizontal posture for reading, a handful of movies, and snack-like meals.

On Christmas Eve, we always have a meal on the deck (no matter the weather) and it is a simple spread of bread and cheese and apple cider. We read the Christmas story and remember the travails of Joseph and Mary on that important night. After dinner this year, we attended church with my mother at the local Episcopal parish. The service was beautiful, including incense and a wand of colorful ribbons that was waved ceremoniously above the congregation during the processional and the recessional. We are not Episcopalians, but I have a piece of my heart that hungers for the formal ceremony and the refreshment of the liturgy. Candles brought a gentle glow in the dimmed light of the sanctuary, allowing the message from Isaiah 9 ("the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light") to soak into my heart. As one who spent an entire childhood frightened of the dark, and who has experienced a handful of "dark night of the soul" seasons in her life, the message of light illuminating the darkness brings me tears of joy and nights of deep and fearless sleep. We have spent much of our Christmas break with candles and white Christmas lights as our light source. The constant and welcome rain makes it unnaturally dark during the day, and I find the light amidst the darkness to be an invitation to rest and relax.

Christmas day with my family has always been a joy. I appreciate the gratitude my children show for the kind of Christmas giving we do. After the gifts and brunch, we flopped near each other; while the grown-ups napped, children could be found painting craft projects, setting up Papo knights, reading books, listening to new music or writing notes to loved ones on new stationery.

Gifts are important to me; I love giving them, and I love receiving them. This year I received two favorites from my husband. I've wanted to read Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking for awhile, and I was growing weary of the waiting list at the library. After opening it on Christmas morning, I read it in its entirety over the next two days. I will have more to say about this book in the future, but for now, the intensely personal account of family life and the death of her husband is incredibly well-written. You can almost feel the numbness, hear the questions, and sense her urgency on each page.

But, my favorite present from my husband was a pair of homemade socks. I made the gentle suggestion a while ago, showing my husband that Miz Booshay of Quiet Life fame has a little knit shop. Socks made by Miz Booshay? Well, my husband learned that a pair of Sweet Pea Knits socks would float my boat in a big way. Sure 'nuff, I opened them on Christmas morning. Included was a lovely note from Donna; it now hangs next to my computer, reminding me that I have a friend at Quiet Life.

The other all-round favorite was a surprise for our children: a trip to see our newly-moved friends. We will meet halfway between here and there, and we will savor every moment we have together. It's only been four weeks, but we thought that ringing in the new year together was worth the effort. We will be squeezed into three railroad cars that now serve as funky motel rooms. The forecast is rain. There will be three of us sleeping on the floor. Are we thwarted? No way. "We can read aloud, play new music, watch movies, play cards and board games and draw and talk and not sleep a wink." Are we excited? Well, yeah; just a wee bit.

Another favorite discovery this holiday? Soduko puzzles. A great way to keep the brain working when the body needs to be slug-like.

I have several favorite pictures to share, but I haven't had any success posting them tonight. If I come on tomorrow and see twelve posts of a rainbow across the valley, I will know that the blog fairies took a night off. Maybe it will work in the morning.

Merry Christmas!

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone." Isaiah 9

Cafe Improv

Out of eggnog for lattes? Looking for a simpler coffee sensation? Voila:

** One cup of strong French roast coffee, preferrably in a favorite mug (pictured mug courtesy of M-mv's Best and Perfect shop at Cafe Press.)

** One Trader Joe's Peppermint Reception Stick (thin peppermint stick covered in dark chocolate)

** Milk, if desired.

** Whipped cream, if there's any left in the frig.

Stir coffee with stick (but only for a couple of seconds...the stick melts into your coffee....yum!)

If you don't live near a Trader Joe's you could
a) move (my choice) or
b) add a Hershey's Kiss and a peppermint drop of any sort to your hot coffee. Wait for it to melt. Stir. Enjoy.

Tonight

Yes!

Amidst all the Christmas festivities, December 20th is another favorite day for our family. It is the day that the word "yes" shook my world and opened up possibilities that had never before existed. Twenty years ago tonight, my husband and I got engaged. It was the first Friday night of Christmas vacation, and we took our two-week break to plan a wedding and dream about the future. Much has happened in twenty years, and so many dreams we didn't even think of dreaming have come true.

As more storm clouds collect, bringing rain and cold to our hillside, we will cozy up inside and enjoy this season of peace in our family and marriage. I was not known for great decision-making back in 1985, but saying "yes" was, by far, the smartest thing I have ever done.

Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming

Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming
As men of old have sung
It came, a flow'ret bright,
Amid the cold of winter
When half spent was the light.

Isaiah 'twas foretold it

The rose I have in mind,
With Mary we behold it,
The Virgin Mother kind.

To show God's love aright,

She bore to men a Saviour,
When half spent was the night.

O flow'r, whose fragrance tender

With sweetness fills the air,
Dispel in glorious splendour
The darkness ev'ry where.

True man, yet very God,

From sin and death now save us,
And share our ev're load.


15th century, Translated by Theodore Baker

Sunday at home

It is a Sunday at home; three children, one dog, three cats, seven lit candles and one majestic Gregorian Chant Christmas CD are my companions. The rain is pouring down, and the raindrops are huge and heavy; they are making a glorious racket on the skylight in our living room. The remaining oak leaves are surrendering to their inevitable flight, and the bright yellows and dull oranges seem like yesterday's fashions against the steel grey sky. Even as I type, the sky changes from dark grey to a luminous white-grey that call us to remember the blue sky behind the damp wall of cloud. I love rainy days.

A box of Christmas presents arrived from my dear mother-in-law this week. Included in the box was her mother's Book of Common Prayer. It is red leather and has her familiar handwritten notes marking pages for special sections. I will treasure it. Thanks, Margaret!

This morning, I turn to Morning Prayers I for inspiration:

A Collect for Sundays

O God, who makest us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of thy Son our Lord: Grant us this day such blessing through our worship of thee, that the days to come may be spent in thy favor; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen
(Romans 15:13)

Christmas break

There are few sounds I like better than my husband's car coming in the driveway each afternoon, but hearing the car on a Friday that begins Christmas break? A very, very, very, VERY nice sound. The cheers went up, "Dad's home! Let's play football!" So, after a brief latte, a look over what presents the students gave for Christmas, and a quick change of shoes, the gravel driveway football game commenced.


TOUCHDOWN for Daddy's team

Handy hints for anyone with a teacher's name on their gift list: Trader Joe's gift cards are very nice. Homemade almond toffee is very, very nice. Cards that say, "You are an awsome teacher" are great, but try to spell "awesome" correctly next time. It's the thought that counts, right? Mr. Teacher will resist sending it back with red marks on it. What self-control.

For Miz Booshay

When Miz Booshay makes a request, I find it hard to say no. So, here are my two favorite ornaments. Yes, she asked for one. Yes, I have a hard time choosing favorites. If you ask for my 5 (6, 8, 10) favorite books or movies, I will have to choose 6 (7, 9, 11.) My favorite ornament? There are two:



I bought this plate ornament in Halstaat, Austria in 1988 where I was traveling with my husband and some friends. We had done some missionary work in Romania and were there to vacation before returning home. For four years I had wanted to come back to this spot. In 1984, I sat in a little room up on the hill in Halstaat, overlooking the lake that dominates the scenery. I had just finished a summer mission project in Poland, and I was spending some longed-for time writing in my journal. As I wrote, I realized something important...that there was a young man back home whom I hoped someday to call my husband. Four years later, we were there together; seventeen years later, I am remembering Halstaat like it was yesterday.

*side note* About the link for Halstaat: I don't know anything about the person who posted these pictures. They are exactly as I picture the village in my mind, though. If that was your view, wouldn't you dream of the boy back home?



Yes, this is a favorite. My children think this is a ridiculous looking ornament, and I suppose they are right. But, I love it nonetheless. One of my roommates made it for me for Christmas in 1983. The three women I had as roommates then taught me volumes about how to live together in peace. They showed me unconditional love, taught me the value of working hard together, and inspired me with their intellects and their generous spirits. Plus, we had a TON of crazy fun together. The ornament came with several boys attached to it. (Sorry, no explanation will be offered about that; once I got married, those "disappeared.") I keep the angel as a reminder of their long-suffering friendship, their patience and love, and the wholesome fun we had in living together. It makes me smile!

When I did the simple revisions of my blog look, I added a quote at the very bottom of the page. Since most of you won't find your way down to the depths where the quote can be found, I include it here to encourage you:

This benefit of seeing... can come only if you pause a while, extricate yourself from the maddening mob of quick impressions ceaselessly battering our lives, and look thoughtfully at a quiet image... the viewer must be willing to pause, to look again, to meditate.

Dorothea Lange

"Extricate yourself from the maddening mob of quick impressions ceaselessly battering our lives..." -- AMEN!

A misty moonrise

When he has time to read

On November 23rd I posted some pictures that explained how and when I could possibly find time to read in the midst of my life's demands. On Saturday morning, my husband added another picture to the gallery. Pancake cooking is a great chance to read, particularly if you are making pancakes for a hungry bunch of children. Flipping those cakes can take a really long time! Long enough for a few pages of The Language of God.

Recipes added

Just added to A Circle of Quiet Recipes: Manicotti and Taco Soup recipes.

Enjoy.

Homeschool Blog Awards

Many thanks to those who have nominated me for two awards at the Homeschool Blog Awards: Homeschool Arts Blog and Inspirational Homeschool Blog. Many of the favorites in my sidebar are nominees as well. Take a look here to see a complete listing of nominees and to vote. Voting ends on December 26th at Midnight EST.

New Christmas Soundtrack

How do you choose Christmas music? We knew we wanted to add to our collection, but there were so many options. I don't like to have to choose between The Three Tenors and The Manhattan Transfer, but here are the recordings that we are enjoying this season:


The Three Tenors Christmas

Christmastime by Michael W. Smith

Faith by Kenny G


The Gift by Jim Brickman

**Added later**

Our last new purchase arrived today: Winter in New England. Not a Christmas album, but a gentle instrumental CD with piano, string orchestra, flute, cello, sax, penny whistle and bass. It makes for a great accompaniment for quiet work nights, and with Christmas letters and package wrapping added to the usual night work, we've had need for some additions to the late night soundtrack.

Narnia

We were at the midnight showing of Narnia last Thursday night/Friday morning. Having loved the stories for so long, it seemed appropriate to see it at the first possible moment. With the assistance of a very large eggnog latte and a theater coke that cost an arm and a leg, I was even able to stay awake.

We loved the movie. Yes, they made changes, some of which didn't seem at all necesary, but none of them were distracting from the story. I loved how they set the scene for why Edmund was so unhappy. I loved the actors that played the four children. The scenery was breathtaking. I took my younger two yesterday, and there were some spots where I had them hide their eyes and concentrate on chewing Skittles, but it wasn't nearly as scary as I had thought it might be. The worst for me? The scenes in the beginning with the bombing of London and all the children leaving on the train. Those children on the train scenes make me cry. Every time.

Highly recommended.

It's a Red Letter Day

The man of my dreams with his hiking pals

There are two reasons for celebration. Most importantly:

Happy 44th Birthday to the man o' my dreams and the man o' my reality!

Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be... R. Browning

Forty-four years ago today this unique and terrific man was born in Berkeley, California. I can't believe that I have known him for more than half of his life. We met when he was a buff and tan nineteen, and what's amazing is that I only briefly noted his clear blue eyes and sparkling smile. Shouldn't I have known? Shouldn't there have been sparks or fireworks or violin music? It was, after all, the most important meeting of my life. Twenty-four years later, I love and appreciate him more than I ever could have imagined.

Tonight we put aside the labors of our life for a little out-to-dinner celebration for two. The paper grading will have to wait for a few hours, and the children will be happily occupied elsewhere. Happy birthday, love. Today, we all celebrate YOU!

And...

Happy Blog-Anniversary to A Circle of Quiet! What a great year it has been. Little did I know what things I would learn by joining the blogging circles. I have especially appreciated getting acquainted through emails with some of my readers. I guess I didn't realize that anyone would read my writing; I only started because it was a need inside of me. I have been touched by your words of encouragement and your prayers when things were amiss. I have loved and listed your book and music and movie recommendations. I have learned from many of your blogs, and have found the exchange of ideas exhilarating. Mrs. M'mv has referred to her blog readers as the "Best and Perfect Audience." I'm not one to argue unnecessarily with a friend, but I have to think you all would at least tie for such an honor. Maybe a blog reader nomination? If someone gives me the chance, I nominate you as the Most Encouraging Blog Readers. Hands down winners, I am certain. Many thanks.

Here's to another year! But first, a week off. There are packages to mail, letters to write, school routines to maintain. And, my computer time will be taken up with attempting to improve the blog look. I have very specific ideas in mind, but somehow the html isn't obeying. Give me a week and A Circle of Quiet will be stunningly improved.

Again, thanks for your inspiration.

Mom's Two Cents

*I will be keeping this post at the top for a bit. Please look for new posts below. Thanks.*

As I mentioned in my last post, the road to my son's pursuit of Eagle Scout is quickly coming to an end. The road ends at age eighteen, whether or not the goal of Eagle Scout has been achieved. Our son Zack is close to his goal. He has his car wash set and planned for Monday, family and friends are planning on being there to help, and Mom (aka: Yours Truly) will have some taste treats for sale on a side table.

There is a chance, however, that the car wash fund raising will not be adequate for his needs. One thing we have learned in this process is that over-planning is better than any alternatives. With that in mind, I have decided to make an opportunity available here at A Circle of Quiet. I have never had donation buttons, causes or any money making option available here. The amazon.com links I post are for your benefit only; this blog is not, in any way, a money making operation.

But I am excited about the Eagle Scout program, I am thrilled with the project my son has chosen, and I would like to give you a chance to donate to his worthy cause, should you be interested.

What is the project? It is a portion of a walking path that is being created on a picturesque piece of property above our local community college. The land is home to the local astronomical observatory that the Rotary Club has created for the benefit of both our community and those down in the valley who need a darker place for their sky gazing.

Since the observatory has been completed, several scouts have joined in to begin a path around the entire property. Zack's project involves 180 feet of rock path and two new benches. He's had berry bush clearing help from fellow scouts, path leveling help from a neighbor, and bench building and installation with more friends. So far the project looks great.

The delay has been in the funding of the aggregate for the path. This is a difficult time in the construction community. Businesses are working hard to pay their employees and to continue to deliver the same goods and services that have allowed them to make their work successful. In the past they have been able to donate both the rock and the trucking delivery, but that is just not possible for them. How they are being as generous as they are, I do not know, but we are very grateful. The financial need still remaining for Zack's project is $344.00, and we are wondering if anyone out there in the great internet world might be interested in donating to the cause of Boy Scouts, and one hard working lad in particular.

If you would like to make a donation, please click the PayPal "donate" button below. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at the email address on the sidebar.

I will have this post up for a week only, or until the need is met, which ever comes first. Any funds we receive in excess of the need will be donated to the Rotary Club of Cameron Park, California, the generous organization that serves our community in so many ways.

We knew it was coming...

Dancing in an empty house is bittersweet; it's spacious, but...


On August 8th we learned that our very close friends were moving to Oregon. Instead of running for the hills and protecting our vulnerable hearts, we threw ourselves into each other's lives, making the most of the time we had left. We've only been friends for a year, but we somehow managed to become knit together tightly enough that it hurt like crazy to be ripped apart. Last Saturday, we stood on the side of the road and waved them on their way. I felt like Sam at the end of The Return of the King, and Frodo's words to him are good for me, too:

"Do not be too sad, Sam. You cannot always be torn in two. You will have to be one and whole, for many years. You have so much to enjoy and to be, and to do."

We do have much to do and, unlike Sam, we have memories still to come. If dear friends have to move, it's a sweet thing when they move to a town on the route to your summer vacation. Hang on, guys; we'll be on our way before you know it.


Sharing locks of hair


When life shifts, in big and small ways, I head back to familiar things, like a favorite sweater, an old mystery story, or music that has seen us through the years. I also head back to The Book of Common Prayer, the source for inspiration for when my words have changed to groanings. In the service of Compline I find my comfort tonight:

Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We miss you, dear friends. Bunches.


Good-bye hugs

Finally, what we have been, will be, and are currently reading

The stacks

Throughout October and November I gathered together the books that you, my faithful readers, sent in as your current selections (or favorites that had to be listed.) Those posts can be found here:

Part the First
Part the Second
Part the Third
Part the Fourth
Part the Fifth

Finally, I have collected the books that we are reading, together and separately. This reflects a few weeks of reading, as I began this post some three weeks ago.



The Language of God, Ron Julian, David Crabtree, Jack Crabtree

This book will be a blog post of its own very soon. From my husband:
"It is an excellent presentation of common sense principles for understanding how to read the bible." We are using it for a home Sunday School class each week. Written by men who teach at Gutenberg College in Eugene, Oregon.

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, Jane Austen
Missing Susan, Sharyn McCrumb
Touchstone magazine


What Are People For?, Wendell Berry

Weekend Knitting , Melanie Falick. Recommended by Cheeky Mama at I Have to Say. I agree with her assessment; I cannot imagine doing one of these projects in a weekend, but it is an excellent resource. Beautiful photography.

Light from Heaven, Jan Karon


The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana, Umberto Eco

After my weeks-on-end read through The Name of the Rose, I found myself curious about more of Eco's work. This volume is about an antique book dealer who has some sort of stroke that takes away his memory of who he is and anything about his personal life. He can, however, quote prose and poetry, songs and movies. How the brain works (or doesn't) is one of my fascinations, and I am attracted to stories about memory loss. One of my other favorites is The Face of a Stranger by Anne Perry. What I find particularly thought-provoking about both of these stories is that the protagonists learn that they weren't necessarily admirable people. What a rare thing to be able to look at oneself as an outsider. How do they respond? How would I respond? Fascinating.

Rise to Rebellion, Jeff Shaara
Long Spoon Lane, Anne Perry



Biology of Plants, Peter H. Raven, Ray F. Evert, Susan E. Eichhorn

Plutarch Lives, Volume II
The Code of the Woosters, P.G. Wodehouse
Hidden Art of Homemaking, Edith Schaeffer
Stowaway, Karen Hesse
Photography for Dummies, Russell Hart
Creating Web Pages for Dummies, Bud Smith
Exploring Creation with Biology, Jay Wile
Star Wars: Jedi Under Siege
The Tale of Three Trees, Angela Elwell Hunt
The Christmas Stories of George MacDonald
Voyage of the Dawn Treader: Focus on the Family Radio Theatre
Stories by Firelight, Shirley Hughes
If you haven't read Shirley Hughes to your children, you are in for a treat. The Alfie and Annie Rose books are our favorites. The illustrations are charming.

First Things Magazine


Ben Hur, Lew Wallace

What a perfect read-aloud for the Christmas season. We have huddled around the bonfire, curled up on stormy days, and sat by the light of the Christmas tree to hear the next installment.

Different family members are reading Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim's Progress by Oliver Hunkin to my youngest. My oldest is reading The Hobbit to her sister and younger brother. The girls are reading Little Women together.

I'm sure there's more. There are Bob Books, early readers and other picture books in the library basket by the door. There are several Wodehouse volumes around the house in various states of "read-ness", and the Pink (Red/Orange/Violet/Brown/Blue) Fairy Books are regular companions. Tomorrow the list will change, but for now I will leave it at that.

This Tuesday is a big day at our house. It is my husband's 44th birthday, and it is the one year anniversary of A Circle of Quiet. I will look forward to reflecting on the past year; it's been a year to remember!

Happy Sunday, friends.

Finished at last

I finished my chocolate truffle career for this holiday season. Boxes will be heading to a variety of places in Minnesota, Illinois, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia and California.

Note to self: mail quickly or buy bigger jeans.