Count It All Joy

Count it all joy.  I love those words from the apostle Paul.  This weekend, joy looked like:

Mom's face when Joel walked into the kitchen on Thursday.  Our family--I repeat OUR FAMILY--kept a secret (amazing!), and Mom was overwhelmed.  Thank you, Joel, for flying in from Phoenix and making us all very happy!

Hanging out with my sister Em and her family--love you all!

Having Ben around, learning new board games, critiquing old episodes of "Parks and Recreation", admitting, finally, that Leslie Nope DOES act like an 8 year old (but I will still like her) and laughing, laughing, laughing together. . .

Hearing from Maria that her Texas Thanksgiving was wonderful, filled with hiking, good food and the warmth of new friends. . .

And finally, introducing Allie to his first U.S. Thanksgiving feast and telling him about the leftover meal that would follow just 3 hours later. . ."You're kidding, right?"  "No, I am not."

All joy.

a poem, maybe 2

poetry in Iowa  3/29/11

earth's dirt-smudged cheeks
covered with graying stubble
awaiting spring's rain



Flight 1570 to Seattle  11/2/11

He pulls the lavatory door open
Startled, sees himself in the mirror
A moment of recognition, wide-eyed
The door closes