Journal
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Waiting at the Manger
Christmas is nearly upon us; I can feel in my bones that we Christians have extra work to do in 2021. Raise the hashtag #2021BeNotAfraid. Seek the positive, the reminders of God in the world. Tell people why you still have hope.
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Creativity in Quarantine
I would love to say that I am #StayingAtHome, but I found this situation more complicated—and emotionally loaded. When we first arrived in Peru, we were staying in a hotel. This was where we were when, halfway into our trip, a quarantine and curfew were set; all of the stores closed. Any place that we…
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Imagine Success
2020 is young, and sweet progress is being made. I’ve written 10,000 words towards my first novella of the year. I am hoping for four of them. As I wade through the tale of Isolde and Gareth, I can’t help reflecting on how my writing process has changed since I began. It’s more mature; for…
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Thoughts on the Louvre
I mourn that I was unable to see all the works in the Louvre and appreciate them. It would require a lifetime studying each piece from every possible angle. I would have to make my home in the halls of the museum: each piece of art offers hours of contemplation. I cannot live in the…
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The Lady of Paris
Yesterday, the Eiffel Tower stood before me. All my life, I had wanted to meet her in person, wanted it desperately; I pined for it, as if anxious she would one day walk away. I feared she would vanish to a different spot if I kept her waiting, for no lady likes to wait. But…
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The 2019 Reading List
In this post, I spoke about my New Year’s Resolution: to read 30 classic novels—or at least attempt to read them—in order to work through my bookshelf. Collecting books is a beautiful thing, but that’s only half the fun; the magic is in reading them! I said I would post my reading list when it…
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l’automne
Your bookshelves are empty. Outside, the leaves fall. We’re waiting through The saddest autumn of all. Your piano is sleeping— Too great for my hands. Still, I will play ‘Til my heart understands. I took home your paper To sketch out your face, But you have a smile That art can’t replace. The trees out…
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Selfie at a Mirror
I’m learning to draw. It’s helped me a lot with my poetry and music. This is my first mirror self portrait. I’ll try again in a month. I’m happy with this, so I thought I’d share! Also—embrace the curves. :)
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Life & Flowers
I stepped out today to find all of my flowers had bloomed. Gathering some into a vase, I realized why it’s important to wait for certain things—and to appreciate what’s going on during the wait, even in moments when it seems no change is happening. The flowers are stunning, aren’t they? If I had rushed…
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A Night of Mist and Questioning
I walk in mist One chilly night, When sorrow-clouds Eclipse the light. They fill my lungs In every breath With loaded air Tasting of death. The street lights wonder, “Who is she?”— They’ve never seen The likes of me. Behind their thick Church-veil of cloud, The stars, too, gossip— Not aloud. The cobblestones Beneath my…
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The Grudge
What am I going to do when the season ends and my flowers begin to die? How will I cope when I go outside in the morning and, instead of seeing a new darling has bloomed, I find the stalks becoming dry and crinkly—these gentle plants that brought butterflies and bees and joy to my…
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The Breath
In Hozier’s Work Song, I noticed a point in the beginning when the chorus catches a breath. It’s difficult to hear if you are caught in the beauty of the song, but now that I’ve heard it, I think it’s one of the loveliest moments. Have you ever thought of the pause before a note?…
Mariella Hunt & the Tearoom 