Monthly Archives: August 2011

A purple harvest

Posted on August 30, 2011 by bloomingreverend

The last two weeks of summer vacation are a little dull for my children. I am back to work, as is my husband. Many friends are on vacation and there’s not much to do. My solution?Play with the vegetables in … Continue reading →

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Farewell, my piano friend

Posted on August 28, 2011 by bloomingreverend

I started taking piano lessons when I was seven. Mrs. Luffman was my teacher’s name, and she was a sharp and demanding woman that I came to quite dislike. That wasn’t the only challenge I faced as a new piano student, however. Not … Continue reading →

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The sunny side of the street

Posted on August 26, 2011 by bloomingreverend

The sunflowers in the backyard are blooming! They are such happy flowers, with their round faces that almost seem to smile. And I am so amazed that I actually managed to grow them. Sunflowers are easy to grow, of course. They … Continue reading →

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Learning to stop and smell the roses

Posted on August 25, 2011 by bloomingreverend

When I began my sabbatical four months ago, I was tired. I had been through the wringer looking after my family while my husband went back to school. I had served in the pastorate for fourteen years without much of … Continue reading →

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Back to work: I choose to begin with gratitude

Posted on August 23, 2011 by bloomingreverend

Today is my first day back. My sabbatical has ended–sixteen weeks of rest, gardens, friends and family, vacation and fun. I am ready to begin ministry at the church again and this season is the perfect time for it as the kids … Continue reading →

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5 things I didn’t get to on my sabbatical

Posted on August 21, 2011 by bloomingreverend

I had sixteen weeks of sabbatical and vacation to spend with my theme, ‘Sowing seeds of renewal’. I did a whole lot of gardening, visiting green spaces, reading and enjoying my family and friends. Now that I have just about come to … Continue reading →

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Stuffed vegetables (but not the kind you’re thinking of)

Posted on August 20, 2011 by bloomingreverend

I took a quick trip to IKEA this week. We picked up a few inexpensive things, like napkins and a replacement light fixture for my son’s room (a $10 lamp seemed like a good idea since he broke the last one … Continue reading →

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Memories in my hallway

Posted on August 19, 2011 by bloomingreverend

As I prepare to go back to work after my sabbatical, I am tidying, cleaning and organizing. While all four of my children are away at camp, I have cleaned their rooms. I have steam cleaned carpets. I have sorted kitchen cupboards. I … Continue reading →

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Today I dealt with beans and carrots

Posted on August 17, 2011 by bloomingreverend

Just as I began serving as a congregational minister in Strathroy, an elderly woman in the congregation was dying. She and her husband had both served as elders while they raised their eight children. She was beloved by many and a pillar of the … Continue reading →

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Teddy bear picnic

Posted on August 16, 2011 by bloomingreverend

Well, it wasn’t exactly a picnic. But it was teddy bears. While my four children are away at camp, I am washing all of their linens and duvets and comforters and bedspreads and blankets and pillows and pillowcases (whew!). I’m washing some … Continue reading →

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