George's Baptism

Today was little George's baptism. We are honored to be his Godparents. Trying to decide on a gift for such a momentous occasion is not easy. The idea of a vessel came to me, along with a vague idea of a Scripture verse. I began a hunt and at the first shop, right near my house, found an amazing, aged, 20" diameter, hand carved, well used, wooden bowl. I loved it but was not immediately convinced that this was "it." B. and I shopped around near and far and the more we shopped the clearer it became that the first vessel had indeed been "the one." The next day I returned to the little shop near my house and brought home the giant old bowl. It felt totally right. Last night I poured out some verse and today the large vessel was accompanied by this poem, read by his mom to the gathered friends and family.


Your Vessel

I am a humble vessel
aged and well used,
here from a distant land,
by the name of India.
I was of service to a man
for rice and such necessities.
Journeyed now to Amherst
George’s vessel I shall be.
Sticky grain may not fill me up,
a vessel of toys I may be or
some other precious commodity.
Though one day perhaps
you may knead bread with me
or toss within my handsome walls
some garden greens so sweet.
However I might serve you,
it need not trouble me
I only ask to journey on
and your useful vessel be.

2 Timothy 2:21
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from evil things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

What's my excuse?

Wow..my last post on this blog was July 4th. That's bad! I do post more regularly on Terra Nova Design if you want to click over there but still.... I should have posted on here a few times over the summer. What's my excuse? Well, around mid-July I began helping Jess & Ben pack and get set for their move to their first house! Once they officially bought it and over the month of August we began daily work (in between our jobs) on their house. We did a lot of cleaning and demo and tons of painting. Then there was the clearing of over grown land and the beginnings of new gardens. Yeah...that is where the summer went. They are still building a dormer and doing many different projects but they are living there now and we are all busy with work and teaching so the progress is slow but sure. It will be a great little place with a wonderful view (!) when they are done. Here's a shot of them and their place. They are standing in what will soon be the study/art room, sticking their heads above the old roof line. In this location now there is a big dormer which will have a 6' wide west facing window. Also is a picture of my own stream and garden here at Sweetside. Yes, the stream is "done." There's always more that can be done but it looks just the way I dreamed it.