Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I still haven’t wrapped my brain around the idea that this is Holy Week, what with the holiday and all. I keep expecting to have more time. I woke up with a start this morning, “Oh no, I forgot to leave out the loot!” The Leprechaun is no longer a mystery in our home, but tradition is tradition. And as you have probably already gathered, we’re big on tradition around here. Needless to say, I did some scrambling before I dashed out the door for a meeting.
Holy week brings a great deal of activity on its own; having St. Patrick’s on top of it has sunk my questionable game low enough that I handed the boy his treat and gave him a hug without any pretense of magic. For his part, he didn’t build a trap this year either. We’ve moved on a bit, I guess. It’s bittersweet. But the day isn’t over and there is still magic to be had.
I tell you, I’m not liking all these major holidays squished together. Seems like it was just St. Valentine’s a month ago and now, Easter on Sunday? Bah. It has me running and I tend to get forgetful at this pace. Which is why I even forgot to mention, last Friday, that I was planning to take Holy Week off. However, I’m glad I forgot, because it gives me a chance to say a few things before I leave for the week.
I have say, the biggest reward of blogging is the amazing relationships I’ve established with some you. So much happens “off-line” via email and phone calls—and it’s provided an opportunity to dig deeper than the comment section allows. I’ve really enjoyed the process. While I expect you all to be creative and generous souls, because you are, I am always so touched by your generosity.
Friday, we came home to a HUGE box we weren’t expecting. And you know, good things come in small packages, but boxes rarely contain bad news! If you’re not expecting it, I think it might be even better. Who doesn’t love a sweet surprise?
Inside, was ball after ball of color! Wendee Shulsen of Hazel Knits, had sent the boy a treasure trove of yarn. I would be remiss to not point out how soft and truly lovely this yarn is! It makes a girl want to learn to knit. Included with all the color, came the most amazing card (that we read to Grammie and Poppie on the phone, Wendee!!) describing Wendee’s process of selecting and dying yarns for Hazel Knits.
Now, I’ve had the chance to get to know Wendee through email over the past few months. And I have discovered her to be a giving and thoughtful soul. But this box was just so. . . special. What Wendee didn’t know, was she spoke magical words to the boy. Words about “trial and error” and “making mistakes” and seeing her work as an “invention”. These are all lessons that, as a parent, I take great pains to preach; especially to a child who claims “being an inventor” as his life’s goal. It’s never easy to see our mistakes and learn from them. We want instant success, right? However, owning our mistakes is part of the creative process. And we never really know where that journey will take us if we are unwilling to risk a few failures along the way. In part, these are lessons learned best by doing. Yet, having other voices speak wisdom is so helpful; especially if that other voice is kindred inventor!
So, he notices, Wendee. He does. And so does his mother. I never cease to be astounded by the beauty the Universe offers up to us on a daily basis. For the beauty that you have brought into our lives, Wendee, “THANK YOU!”
And with that, I am taking this week off… officially. I wish each of you a blessed week. I hope that it is filled with magic and hope and beauty and love. May you find rest and comfort. But most of all, may you know peace.
🙂 i wanna hear about the loot & trap tradition!!
happy Holy Week!!
(pretty yarn!)
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Well, let’s see. Since he was very small, he would build a leprechaun trap. And then, of course, the leprechaun wouldn’t get trapped, but would leave something behind, like a small shoe. Then there would be “footsteps” leading away from the trap to someplace in the house where I’d hang something to represent the rainbow. Beneath it, I would leave loot (chocolate coins or some sort of candy) from the wee folk. 😀 ~W
Just a quick note to let you know I’m thinking of you on St. Pat’s! I’ve got you and this day roped together in my brain, which is actually quite nice since it affords me at least one chance a year to remember to say hello. Hope you’re well – and blessings this Holy Week (which has come way too early, as has daylight savings…).
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Blessings to you, Aims… or is that Rev. Aims now. 😀 Thank you for thinking about me. ~~W
Have a wonderfully happy week yourself!! My, how I’ll miss you…but, I think it’s so nice to take the time off. I would like to take the time and decorate the mantle for Easter, but heavens, I don’t know if I’m going to do it this year…these sqooshed holidays are taking it out of me as well…
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Oh, I know… I’m just so swamped with Holy Week stuff. Although, at the moment I’m in bed with a bad back. If it doesn’t clear up soon, I’m grounded. OY! Anyhow, have a terrific week… see you soon. ~W
Oh, enjoy your week off! And BW is so lucky to get such a cool gift both in the yarn AND the words of wisdom in his “language”… very cool 😀
And I completely forgot about St. Pat’s Day… not good considering my internship is at a Catholic high school whose mascot is the “Fightin’ Irish”… lemme tell ya, they don’t play around about that “wear green” thing 🙂
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Just as long as you didn’t wear Orange, you should be OK! 😀 ~W
Yes, dear…take a rest. I hope it involves some netflix and some chocolate and some Spring.
Don’t we all need those words of encouragement? Of inspiration? In our language? Way to go Friend Wendee- nice job.
Peace to you!
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It was a lovely gesture! Have a great week and enjoy your last few days on the road. 😀 ~W
Totally cool. Have a good week off!
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I’m going to try. At the moment, I’m laid up with a wrenched back, so we shall see. ~W
What a fabulous and thoughtful gift! I don’t ever remember Holy Week falling at St. Patrick’s day time. This is so freakishly early for Palm Sunday/Easter. Whoa–what next, Christmas in October? Hmmm….I guess it’s already like that now, isn’t it? Enjoy your week off, dear.
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That’s because, Margaret, it’s never happened in our lifetimes! The last time St. Patrick had his feast day during Holy Week was in 1940. Fortunately, it’s a once in a life time event—as it won’t happen again until 2160. Have a great week, see you on the flip side. 😀 ~W
I’m sliding in under the wire here to wish you a quiet and peaceful week. Thanks for your prayers for my dad. Things are good.
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Oh, good, Mary!! I’m still praying. Blessings on your week. I know it’s hard to be sick at a time like this. Healing vibes coming your direction. ~W
What a thoughtful, extra cool gift!
I hope the week is filled with joy for you, IZ and the BW 🙂
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Thank you! Happy Easter! ~W
That is one serious good box of goodies 🙂
have a wonderful week off. Enjoy your family!
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Oh, thanks so much. Have a lovely holiday. ~W
I have to say, that was indeed so thoughtful. Such amazing colors and combinations. What a wonderful way to greet Easter…
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This week has been so relaxing, I’m seriously considering extending my leave of absence. 😀 ~W
I found your blog through Liza Lee Miller’s. I am so glad I did! Holy Week snuck up on me, too. My son has been home all week with chicken pox. We ha d to miss Plam Sunday service and, just yesterday, I thought, wow! This is Holy Week and where has it gone? I know it’s only Wednesday, but, I feel like it’s gone. Anyway, I will be back to read more next week!
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Oh, I’m glad you did too! I do hope you come back. I’m just answering comments now (Sat), but I’ll be back around to check out your blog in the next week. Blessings to you. And Happy Easter. ~W
A STASH! Somebody sent you (okay, BW, but yours by extension, right??) a STASH! Lucky ducky. Now whatcha gonna make? Raehan needs a tummy cozy…looks like you might have enough if you stretch it.
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I have NO idea what the boy will do with it all. Guess we wait and see. 😀 ~W