Sunday afternoon walk and my heart
by Elouise
Spring air hangs breathless and damp
Broken by chirping bird songs
And children’s muffled voices
Clouds roll in silent and gray
Saturated with sprinkles
Gathering for a shower
The gathering shower turned into a ferocious thunder and lightning storm–over 500 lightning strikes last night in Philly! I slept through every moment of it. Astonishing. Today the storm is over the Atlantic, and blustery wind has moved in. Temperatures drop by the hour.
Nonetheless, beautiful green leaves, colorful flowering trees and shrubs, and small wildflowers are taking over! No turning back the clock.
During the last month I rearranged my daily routines to support what my heart wants and needs. Sometimes it’s as simple as postponing grocery shopping. Other times, it’s not so easy. Like staying home from church two of the last four Sundays after waking up with an unsteady heartbeat and the weakness that comes with it.
On the other hand, during the same time frame I visited with two of my woman friends, talked with at least two others on the phone, had email correspondence with a few others, enjoyed tea and conversation with our next-door neighbors, walked regularly with D, talked with our son and daughter via phone, and played with Smudge.
I’ve also posted from time to time, enjoyed hearing from some of you, and saw others peeking out from your gravatars!
So here’s to a thoughtful Holy Week, listening to all nature sing on and off-key, and staying in touch with ourselves and with the Great Shepherd of the sheep. Much we need Thy tender care.
Elouise♥
©Elouise Renich Fraser, 15 April 2019
Photo of Center City, Philadelphia; taken by Bill Cannon; found at fineartamerica.com
Photo of Smudge playing hide and seek, taken by me!
Telling the Truth 
We miss you, too, Elouise, when you can’t be here on Sunday mornings! I always ask the Lord to bless you with who and what you need while you are taking care at home. I received 5 tornado warnings in the night and 2 severe storm alerts – and then the storm arrived – white lightning! Very dramatic and fierce! After all that, I’m glad for a semi-quiet Monday (thus far) here at church. Thank you for catching us up, and for the sweet photo of Sir Smudge!
LikeLike
Hi, Debbie. After reading your comment, I’m happy I didn’t wake up! And surprised David didn’t either. I think Smudge slept right through it as well. Thanks for your kind words about Sunday morning services. David always fills me in, which is better than nothing. I’m also grateful for a church that doesn’t take attendance or lay guilt trips on members! 🙂
LikeLike
Smudge looks pretty cheeky, certainly a pretty pussy cat.
That spot in Philly looks delightful, I went to the place you took the pic from but couldn’t find it so I have no idea when in Philly it is. Do you know Elouise?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I don’t know the year this photo (fairly recent, I’m guessing) was taken. The statue was first loaned to the city by its designer, Robert Indiana, for two years beginning in 1976, the Bicentennial year. At that time the park was called the John F. Kennedy Plaza. Now it’s called Love Park, and the art work is a permanent feature. This is just one more reason you need to come back to Philly! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person