The Grandmother Turtle
MOSEYING ACROSS THE FOOTBRIDGE AT THE CHURCH O’ THE PINES, I CAME UPON OLD TURTLE—GRANDMOTHER TURTLE—just awakening from a long winter’s nap.
MOSEYING ACROSS THE FOOTBRIDGE AT THE CHURCH O’ THE PINES, I CAME UPON OLD TURTLE—GRANDMOTHER TURTLE—just awakening from a long winter’s nap.
HERE AT THE CHURCH O THE PINES WE HAVE A SMALL STONEWALL. It is our humble attempt to emulate the great cathedrals and stone edifices of worship in Europe, with their ‘flying buttresses’ and soaring bell towers.
IN A HIDDEN GROVE, SHINING IN THE LATE AFTERNOON LIGHT, young pines grow beneath old ones at the Church O’ The Pines. In the words of a Navajo ( Dine’) prayer:
IT IS A GLORIOUS DAY AT THE CHURCH O’ THE PINES, AND WE ARE REMINDED THAT, even in a world bruised by worry and anxiety, it is all right to enjoy the sunrise.
WOODS LORE: One of the earliest signs of returning life in the Spring woods—Scarlet Cups, a bright red fungus particular to this time of year, growing out of old sticks in the leaf mould.
This little stream is special to me. In fact, I wrote a song about it—Little Stream, in the EarthSongs collection.
A CHURCH O’ THE PINES GALLERY… As we await the emergence of Spring wildflowers, a stroll after snowmelt reveals a favorite sitting spot in the sun;
OUT ON THE FATHER OF WATERS for the first paddle of the year. Skirting the ice shelves, dodging a few ‘bergs,’ unintentionally scaring the Bluebills and Goldeneyes, listening to the whistle of their wings.
HERE AT THE CHURCH O’ THE PINES, IT IS NOT ENTIRELY CLEAR THAT ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION distinguish the Sabbath Day from other days. They seem to treat pretty much every day as simply a Good Day to be alive. In that spirit, we post this Church Bulletin on a Thursday and hope that you, our adjunct congregation,
BONSAI OF THE DAY: This little tree shares my writing space today, keeping me company.