Where Angels Dwell

It is not known precisely where angels dwell -
whether in the air, the void, or the planets.
It has not been God's pleasure
that we should be informed of their abode.
Voltaire

However you celebrate the holiday season, please take a moment to give thanks for the angels in your life. We are each blessed in so many, countless ways. In this most magical time of year, I'm wishing you every comfort and joy.

A Line of Gold

There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself.

John Gregory Brown

Life's About To Get Lovelier

A small but oh-so-significant explanation of why it's been so quiet around here this summer. We are expecting our little sweetheart in February 2011.

I think I need to stock up on onesies, receiving blankets, and memory cards. Lots and lots of memory cards.

It's Always You

Whatever a sun will always sing is you.
e.e. cummings

Give Me Liberty

One of the things I love most about living in Richmond is its remarkable sense of history. Richmond is one of the oldest American cities, having been settled in 1607, long before we formally declared independence from Great Britain.

At the Second Virginia Convention of 1775, in the presence of over 100 of Colonial Virginia's leaders, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee and Peyton Randolph, Patrick Henry passionately defended liberty with his "Liberty or Death" speech. His fiery speech in support of delivering Virginia militia to the Revolutionary War prompted delegates to shout "give me liberty, or give me death!" and swayed the vote. Patrick Henry's timely resolutions passed by a narrow margin and the American Revolution began the following month when shots were fired at Lexington and Concord.

Reenactments are performed on Sundays from May through September at Richmond's historic St. John's Episcopal Church. Professional actors in authentic 1770s attire engage in the debates and arguments of the Second Virginia Convention. Their performance is powerful and moving, and it stirs American patriotism in the most dramatic way. It's humbling to sit in the original location of the convention, in this simple yet awe-inspiring church, in the same pews where the giants of our infant country sat and debated its course.

Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace - but there is no peace. ... Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Patrick Henry, Second Virginia Convention of 1775

As we celebrate our freedom, I'm proud to remember the pioneers who came before us, and those who continue the fight for us today. Happy 4th of July!

Wanderlust

Every summer, when the sun gets warmer, the breeze blows a bit faster and the fireflies flirt with little lanterns, I am overcome by wanderlust. The need to explore is so strong within me. If you feel the same way, consider a weekend visit to Mount Victoria in tranquil Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This charming bed & breakfast is the perfect home base for wandering, but with all the comforts of home. More comforts than home, actually, unless it's common in your house to have a gourmet breakfast on the veranda and homemade chocolate cake in the afternoon.

Innkeepers Chris and Lisa are newlyweds and undeniably romantic. Imagine my delight when I saw my favorite, favorite love poem framed on the front porch.

If you go, ask for the Mazaret Suite. And if you bring back a piece of that chocolate cake, I'll be forever yours.