Runner Ducklings

Today's Joy: New Life & Renewal.

These adorable Runner ducklings were born Friday, Reader! I got out to see them today and scooped them up for this fun shot in a flower pot. Soooo cute ! They were quacking the whole time.

After an amazing church service this morning (more on this tomorrow), I decided to spend my first day off in two weeks doing something fun. I grabbed my camera and went out to our family farm to shoot the ducklings and anything else that caught my eye. It turned into a sort of farm retrospective. Will have more of those shots for you in the next few days. I love it when creativity expands the way we see the world around us. Was fascinated to view the farm, where I spent my later childhood years riding horses, through the lens of my camera--and through the lens of an adult perspective. Those places and things we hold dear acquire new, subtle layers of meaning on top of our youthful perceptions. Our notions of home become so much richer.

Those 10 acres mean even more now as I appreciate all the time and effort invested there. The farm is a living, growing testament to the life my family has cultivated here. God has been so generous to us. Even in times of tragedy and sorrow, the familiar rhythm of life here has formed the backdrop of how we live. It is simultaneously a comforting reminder of family traditions and an evolving vehicle through which we move forward. How blessed are those who have such a place to turn to, watching life renew itself each season.

Where in your life do you find renewal, Reader? What keeps you mindful of what's important while you are out meeting new challenges?

Today's Joy: Kicking Off Horse Show Season.
This past weekend, my family took their carts, horses & ponies out for their first show of the 2010 season. At 33, I'm really enjoying watching my aunts & uncle shine up their harness, clip their ponies and don their best show outfits to go have a ball with their friends.

For many years, they worked hard, playing grooms, coaches and cheerleaders at every county fair & 4-H horse show my brother, cousins & I attended. They gave up many weekends and plunked down a veritable fortune to turn us out respectably. And they were always there with encouraging words, tissues, hoof black and safety pins. Showing horses was an integral part of my childhood and one of my fondest memories.

Now that we're all grown, I love to see them showing for their own enjoyment. Aunt came home Sunday with 2 blue ribbons, which are now prominently displayed on the shade of a living room lamp. While I'm no longer showing, myself, I'm delighted to tag along and take photos of the family & our friends doing what they love most. Stay tuned, Reader. I'm sure there will be many wonderful show highlights to post this season!



Photos: Girl at Horse Show and Red Boots, taken at the Fox Valley Saddle Association, Plato Center, IL, 2008.

Today's Joy: Spring Traditions.

Spring is in the air today, Reader, and it was a glorious 75 degrees outside when I left work. I drove the truck home with the windows down and my hair blowing in my eyes. Mary Chapin Carpenter sang about taking chances on the radio while I flew down back country roads. There's nothing like that first drive on a warm spring afternoon.

Tonight, my family is gathered together and we're dyeing Easter eggs. I missed doing this last year (was in Dallas) so it's nice to be back again and sharing the same tradition we all loved as children. Easter and spring and the feel of warm air on your skin for the first time in many months--isn't it wonderful how the little rituals of this green season make us feel renewed?