“One day he sprained his ankle in his effort
to avoid stepping on an ant.
Thus lived this just man.”
Les Miserables

“Does not this comprehend all, in fact?  And what is there left to desire beyond it?
A little garden in which to walk,
and immensity in which to dream.
At one’s feet that which can be cultivated and plucked;
overhead that which one can study and meditate upon:
some flowers on earth,
and all the stars in the sky.”  pg 37

“The most beautiful of alters
is the soul of an unhappy creature
consoled and thanking God.”  pg 15

“Be it said in passing, that success is a very hideous thing.
Its false resemblance to merit deceives men.”  pg 34

“He had nothing of the prophet and nothing of the magician about him.
This humble soul loved, and that was all.”  pg 37

“The sadness which reigned everywhere was but an excuse for unfailing kindness.
Love each other;
he declared this to be complete,
desired nothing further,
and that was the whole of his doctrine.”

“When the heart is dry, the eye is dry.” pg 60

Hello, my friends.
How are you today?

I’m having fun carrying my camera around outdoors.

Yesterday, I shared some wild clover from my bouquet, with Grace’s bunny.  She also enjoyed some parsley from the garden.

Every once in a while I take a picture indoors, too.  Because my cats like to pose for me.

The children are on their third day of school.  It is going well.  When they get home they like to swim.

Does anyone want to read Les Miserables with me?

Grace fell in love with the movie a while ago and I finally sat down to watch it with her a few weeks ago.

I was astounded by the story, the music, the messages.

I’m currently on page 64 out of 908.

*It begins with the Bishop, and I have found a new kindred spirit.  I love the Bishop!*

By “reading the book with me” what I mean is this:  You read your copy and I read mine, at our own pace.  If anything strikes you, a quote, an idea, share it with me in the comments at any time and I will respond to you.  Also, I will share quotes as I go along, too.  Thank you, dear reading friends.

Have you seen the movie?  I watched it again with Rich on Friday and he was touched by it, too.

He calls the book a doorstop.

*****

Sarah is feeling a little bit under the weather today so we are cozied up on the couch watching The Little Mermaid.  It has been a bright, cool morning but is starting to heat up.  The sky is blue and cloudless.  I can feel the seasons change, from summer into fall, in the typical New England fashion.  It’s a rich, contemplative time of year, I find myself wandering outside a lot…breathing in the air, looking at everything around me, listening to the cricket’s buzzing sounds, thinking about things or nothings.  Yesterday evening Seth and I took a blanket outside to watch the clouds turn pink.  As soon as we got comfy he popped right back up and asked, “Do you mind if I play catch with myself?”

I have to do a little house cleaning this morning before the children get home from school.  I have started up my school year habit of making everyone’s bed while praying for that person.  (recommended) Rich should be home by 5 and we are hosting a dinner/Bible study evening here later on.

My favorite moment of the week?  Standing in the driveway on the first day of school watching and waiting for Seth’s bus to bring him back home, and then when it came, watching him get off and run to me.  My heart!  I cried a little.  He was dear, and he was back home with mama.

Have a wonderful, blessed day dear ones!  You are loved.

The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never,
I nothing lack if I am his,
And he is mine forever.

Henry Baker, 1868 (old hymn)