A friend and I traveled to southern California (So Cal, as the locals say) several weeks ago. Her son and his wife live in a wonderful loft apartment in downtown Los Angeles. The loft is full of charming touches, so well designed and furnished by this young couple...definitely with an artistic eye.

Norwegian Americans love to celebrate...their heritage on Syttende Mai. Falling on the 17th of May each year, Norwegians celebrate the signing of the Norwegian Constitution with parades full of Norskes in their native dress (bunads), many flags flying, and lots of good food!

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. A day filled with mixed emotions. Feelings of love, gratitude, and pleasure as I spend time with my sons, yet mixed with feelings of grief and longing for my mother, who died as the result of a car accident almost 19 years ago. 

I love to read recipes...and read books by people who are lovers of food. There's just something wonderful that happens around a table and I love to read the stories by those who feel the same way.

Home alone on Saturday, I was happy to get a call from a friend inviting me to visit the tulip fields with her daughter and grandsons. Though the morning had been overcast and chilly, the sun had broken through the clouds in the early afternoon. Hoping that by arriving late in the afternoon the crowds would be dissipating, we ventured north towards Skagit Valley.

Have you ever experienced times in your life when God seems strangely silent? You pray and wait and watch...looking for an inkling that He is working, yet you see no change. Your faith is stretched as never before and all you can do is cling to the promises of God...a God you know to be faithful.

Do you remember way last summer when I mentioned that our church was searching for a new Pastor since our former, beloved, Pastor of 16 years had resigned? The search is still in process! Recently we invited a young Pastor and his wife, and baby son, to come out West for an interview.

When the skies seem grey and filled with rain for days on end, the thought of escaping  to find some sunny weather is enticing. And if you throw in a sandy beach and warm water, I'm all in! 

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I wanted to add just a little touch of red throughout the main living areas of our home. My mother always added a little special decor for each major holiday so I guess I'm carrying on her tradition. Mom just added simple things...not much glitz and glamour. You can go crazy with themed decor with stores like Michael's or Hobby Lobby nearby, but that's just not my style. As you can see in the photo above, I just added some primroses to a bowl for a little color.

Venturing out for an evening at the theatre is one of my favorite things to do, especially in the winter. There is just something so wonderful about seeing the actors live on stage, displaying their talents, 

Spending a few days in the mountains was a balm for my soul. After the busyness of the Christmas season, the slow pace of life was so welcome. And...there was snow...lots and lots of snow! 

This Christmas season began with a fun party at my cousin's family home. Besides the fun of just getting a group of gals together, we had a project to complete...Wreath making 101!

As I was thinking about the Advent season this year, I saw a Christmas card that highlighted the words from a favorite Christmas Carol, O Holy Night. The words...a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices...just seemed to leap off the card and resonated with me. After the recent shootings in Paris, Colorado, and California, the world feels weary, broken, hopeless.

Last Thursday, I shared a devotional at an early morning women's group I attend once a month. Two friends of mine formed the group several years ago, reaching out primarily to business women,  looking for an opportunity to share faith and life together before the start of the work day. From the very first meeting, these women were open, authentic, trust worthy, and intent about living a life that reflects faith in Jesus Christ. 

With Halloween just around the corner, I finally ventured out to a local pumpkin patch to gather some pumpkins. I must admit sometimes I am tempted to just pick up a few pumpkins from one of the grocery markets, but then I remember all the trips over the years to a local farm and I just have to go...schlepping through the mud and straw to find that perfect pumpkin...or two or three!