What’s in Our Back Yard

I have become very fond of Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Prince George's County Maryland by the DC/MD line. I think I recommended it to just about every one of my local friends and relatives. It has been a great open & natural space for a few festivals this year, but it is even more special to me on typical days when it is quiet. I'm always in awe of the ducks, geese, the occasional crane, the kayakers and canoers, the blue sky and its border-a colorful array of trees. The river is different each time, but it always sparkles and ripples and carries the ducks and geese. This time an algae-covered beachy area had appeared, and a multitude of ducks sat sunbathing and keeping company. They were quacking about something or other.

Normally the kids and I go only so far on the Anacostia Trail. Saturday, however, we went as far as we could and discovered a whole new park area. Pristine and beautiful--like something from one of those childhood books that depicted the new suburbs of the 1960s minus the houses and people. By that I mean we saw beautiful rolling hills, grassy expanses, open sky, and the roads we saw at first glance appeared to be footpaths until we noticed a stop sign. No one was around, and we played and wandered, marvelling at the trees with their fruit and bushes with their berries and pretty leaves. It was easy to image that I'd been carried off to the countryside.

Sunday afternoon we returned there with my older son, and we went even further. We climbed a hill leading to a ballfield, and we discovered not one but three ball fields and a great expanse of surrounding trees, open sky, no buildings--just nature. Hardly anyone was to be found. One small group of about 4 people were grilling. It was so quiet. On the way back we saw an older gentleman carrying golf clubs and a ball.

I hope the area remains unspoiled and that it will be a spectacular display of God's artistry to the next newcomer. Our only disappointment was that the seasonal pontoon boatrides are over. We'd hoped to catch the 5PM river tour, and I admit I wasn't confident enough to rent one of the available paddle or row boats.

For Tammy, Jonathan and Dad

I learned firsthand about stormy seasons in 2007. I witnessed in others and received for myself the grace and strength that the Holy Spirit lends us in our trials. My friend Tammy, my son Jonathan, and my dad Tony all exhibited the comfort and peace that passes understanding as they passed through storms and moved on to rest in glory. They blessed me, and this song is for them and our Lord:

http://fileserver.onnuritv.com/File2/Files/twinyj/06._Still.mp3 (Please download via the link.)

Hide me now, under Your wings
Cover me, within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

Find rest my soul, in Christ alone
Know His power, in quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

Find rest my soul, in Christ alone
Know His power, in quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

Too Good Not to Share

Speaking of tea, I had a loooong-anticipated girls' day out with my mom and sister on Monday. We ate at Bob Evan's (delicious and overly filling!) and shopped around out in Laurel, but what made our day was finding this little shop on the way home. I highly recommend it for a quick getaway from busyness.

Smile Herb Shop is in an historic house on quaint Berwyn Road (right off very busy Route 1 in College Park). It sort of beckons you. There's a sign that says "If you can't stop in, smile as you ride past." Well I couldn't help but turn at the corner, park and trek back. The front yard has a water work and some sort of herb garden. There's a front porch with sale items to browse, and inside on the ground floor is a tea shop including samples to taste. I saw cute ceramic pots, colorful glazed tea cups, loose teas, honey, and some other intriguing items to keep customers returning.

Just as we said goodbye and thought we were done, we realized there's a stairway leading to another level of shopping areas. One room held supplies such as a vat of shea butter for those who make products.

I lingered in a room filled with handmade fragrant soaps, scented oils and burners, candles, essential body oils, delicate earrings, lip balm, unique skirts and whatever else. It is a lovely place to browse, and the staff were friendly, nonintrusive, and quite helpful to us newcomers.

What Autumn Brings

Autumn is here. Once again, I get to wake up feeling extra snug and cozy in my bed. I love the crisp mornings that help lend some briskness to my steps. Now if only I could get downtown a little earlier. Marriage and motherhood has slowed me down in the mornings. No matter how extra early I rise, I seem to leave about the same time. The times that I do manage to get a head start, it is almost inevitable I have to turn loop back because we left the lunchbox or else I have to stop because the gas tank is on empty or if it isn't that, then the Metro has stalled. Oh well.

But back to Autumn: I was just thinking how it is time for chai tea again. Also, my daughter and I will probably bake cookies soon.

Night and Day

Sometimes I am really thankful that God made night and day. I mean, when we have pain, fatigue or maybe tension in relationships, a restful night makes a big difference. We wake up and most times the weight has been lifted and we have what it takes to make it another day. For those of us who have a very heavy burden like a lingering illness, we trust that God renews our inner spirit daily and gives us strength for each day. Also, when the physical becomes way too much or we're simply worn out, then he promises to give us rest in his glory.

Three Generations

I still have the same admiration that I held for my mom since I was a little girl. I used to feel proud and happy to see her prepare for a long-deserved infrequent evening out. She is not the fancy type, but she is a natural beauty, and I liked to see her with her earrings, eye makeup, and heels. Those childhood days are long gone. I'm 40 now, but as Mom is getting ready this evening, I feel the same as I used to. She's still lovely with natural grace.

We had a great time today at Port Towns Day 2008. I had the company of my mom and little Monte. Live reggae music, kebabs, local artisans, moon bounces and the backdrop of the Anacostia River and surrounding grassy area. Lots of geese, seagulls, ducks. Children having a great time, adults smiling and enjoying the outdoors.

I hope to enjoy more outdoor festivals with Monte. I want him to have good memories of growing up in this area.

A Snapshot of My Life as Mom

I’m such a mom. My kids made sure I knew it yesterday evening. I was sooo kaput after work, and I was ready to disappear into some room. That didn’t happen though. It seemed that everytime I sat down, one or the other of the three would ask me a question:

“Mom—do you want to see the shoes that I think are perfect for my birthday?” “Mom—put on my movie!” “Mom—what’s for dinner? You’re not cooking any sides with the chicken?” (sorry—thankfully hubby took over for me) “Mom—you didn’t look at the shoes yet!” “Mom—I pooped!” “Mom—I need something to drink. And my movie didn’t start!” It was truly a restless evening, which was not about me at all but at the same time was all about me.

Maybe I need to work on my household management skills, in particular, delegation. Yeah, that sounds good. (I need a plan.)

Tonight will be different. I decided that I will attend the kickoff bible study at Capital Christian Fellowship where we’re to delve into 2 Corinthians. This is new for me. I haven’t attended a group session for my whole adult life. I’m looking forward to it! (Evidently, God saw fit to give me renewed fervor. I’m still amazed at how he’s changing me.)
As much as I was overwhelmed with mommyhood yesterday evening, I appreciate every minute of it (after a night’s sleep). I love my family, and I prefer to have activity and life in the house--just let me catch my breath.

I won’t go on and on, but I have to say my littlest one, aged 3, was so grumpy last night. He was a little congested and very sleepy. In the end, he fell asleep next to me on the couch, looking very much like a giant baby. His teenage brother and sister laughed at his red pajama short-shorts. He’s got to be 3 ½ feet tall by now, and he’s heavy, but I lifted him and carried him over my shoulder. It is such a sweet moment to put the sheet over him, kiss his cheek, and say a prayer with him (even though last night he was so moody he asked me to be quiet—and quickly fell asleep).