Contemplating Peace

"First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. During this beautiful season when we celebrate harvest and Thanksgiving, I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.
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My heart hurts for the people of Boston and for the participants in the Boston Marathon. My niece ran in the marathon. She is a very good runner, and she finished shortly after the winners in the race, about three hours. She was participating with friends, and we thought that she might have waited at the finish line for some of the slower ones to complete the run. We were terrified when we couldn't reach her.

As it turned out, she had gathered her things and was on the subway, two stops away when the explosion occurred. She was evacuated from the subway when authorities closed the lines, and it took some time for her to reach her hotel where she could contact our family. It took a while longer before my heart came out of my throat enough for me to swallow. Prayers of praise are still flying to heaven. We continue to pray for the victims and the entire city of Boston.

I was beginning to set my table when the horrific news came flying over the air waves. I had grabbed some Murano type rose bowls, and I kept thinking that they reminded me of the way Earth looks from space as astronauts orbit the world...serene, peaceful...a melange of glorious colors. What has happened to that world? When I heard the news, I wept and prayed 2 Chronicles 7:14 -

" if my people, who are called by my name,

will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,

then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." NIV

These are the thoughts, the emotions, the pain, and the prayers that led me to share a simple, hopeful design with you this week.

These are Murano knock-offs, purchased inexpensively at one of my favorite local florists.

The soft green Williams-Sonoma Hemstitched tablecloth, an eBay find, reminded me of the greening of Spring lawns and long awaited foliage.

The Bormioli glass chargers, a Gordman's find, repeated the rich color of the rose bowls and brought to mind tropical oceans. The brown handled flatware was a Horchow's Click-Tock Sale find. Tip: Signing up for email lists with you favorite stores can sometimes lead to wonderful savings on great products. The email offerings are often specifically for their email customers. The bargains will not be available in the stores or on their websites. You can always hit delete if you don't have time to explore, but it might be worth your time to take a peak.

The Coalport Athlone Brown reminded me of good earth, turned and ready to receive tender summer flowers.

La rim shot.

The hemstitched "Antique" (color name) napkin and the Pier One napkin ring pull even more colors from the rose bowls.

The Vietri recycled glass goblet lends another "water" touch to the table.

Peaceful...like we pray for our land and our people.

I'll invite the Garden Friends, who have time to share lunch, to join me after our Bible study tomorrow.

Let me know if you happen to pass my way. You are always welcome to join us as we study the Word and then for food and precious soul lifting fellowship. We'll continue to pray for our long distance neighbors in Boston.

Wednesday is the 57th edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "Let's Dish". I'm excited to be a charter member. Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable for Tutorials, Tips, & Tidbits. Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!

Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme, "Tablescape Thursday." Hop on over and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 10:00 AM on Thursdays. You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.

April...ours has run the gamut in just over a week. Last week I noticed that my peonies were poking their heads up through the earth, and today our city awoke to an ice storm. Fingers crossed for my favorite peonies and hydrangeas. How about you? With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS. Hope to see you there!

You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube. I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen. You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site. The girl can really write! Her latest CD is called "The Tag Hollow Sessions"" It is available on iTunes or through her website. I hope that you'll give her music a chance. I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!