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The Homestead in October
We love sharing the Homestead with our friends, especially friends who have not visited before. This week we had friends from Gastonia, NC, Southern California, and Richmond share the week here with us. Thanks David and Patty, Bob and Judy, and Jeff and Denise for making this week so special for us. Enjoy the photos.
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James at One Month
James, You are so big. You had your one-month check-up today and you were 8 pounds and 13 ounces. When you were born, you were 6 pounds. So, in one month, you have increased your weight by 46%. Think about that. You came two weeks early. So, if I do my math right, in one month you gained almost 50% of the weight you gained in a little over 8 months. Your mom deserves most of the credit. She has been so diligent in making sure you get all of the nutrients you need for a great start to grow up healthy and strong. In addition, your mom and dad…
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The Football Field Meltdown
My first semester of college was a major transition for me. In addition to happily adjusting to indoor plumbing, I had to adapt socially and academically to my new environment. And although I did not know or care about Phi Beta Kappa when I matriculated to Randolph-Macon College, I would realize its significance later when I narrowly missed graduating with that honor. It was not my nemesis, freshman physics, that kept me from that honor. It would be another freshman class – one that to this day, as a writer, I wish I could take over again. Although my course load was light during my first semester with Pre-calculus, French, English and…
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We are Salt
Poem inspired by Bible Study Group
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Two Thriller Novels – A Review
When I included the category “Curated – books” for this blog, I envisioned book reviews on books like David Brooks’ The Second Mountain and Scott Peck’s The Road Less Traveled, or even Jeanette Walls’ The Glass Castle, all of which I will summarize and review one day. I never thought I would include a review of a murder mystery or spy thriller. It has been a long time since I’ve picked up a mystery/thriller to read for pure entertainment. The last such book may have been a John Grisham novel years ago. While visiting Jack’s in-laws, the Holloways a weekend ago at their beach house in Sandbridge, Virginia, I noticed…
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James – Week Two
James, You are so small. And you appeared so fragile, causing my heart to race from nervousness when you were first placed into my waiting arms for the first time. However, once I got past the thought of dropping you, I focused on your delicate facial features, your breathing, and the little noises you made. And I felt the heat from your little body. I hope you keep that heat with you your entire life – the heat of energy and passion, to fuel you to do good in the world. Our week with you in Maine and Boston is nearing its end. When Lizzy and I arrived at Boston…
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Life of The Beloved
Reading a post on instagram this morning reminded me of Henri Nouwen's book "Life of the Beloved". We are "like bread at the table, taken, blessed, broken, and given." If we cannot accept and love ourselves as broken, yet chosen, how can we love others? And suffering, although an unpleasant and painful wilderness, is the journey most of us require to develop perseverance, empathy, gratitude, and love.
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Becoming a Grandpa
On Sunday, September 20th at 8:40 a.m. James Crawford Donovan Franklin entered into this world and I became a grandpa. Born two weeks early, he was on the light side at 6 pounds and 2 ounces, but was healthy with a full set of lungs! Elizabeth and I leave for Boston tomorrow and will hold and cuddle sweet baby James for the first time. The journey for Bridget and Davis to parenthood has been long. They have been through a lot to become parents, which makes James’ arrival even more special. I do not know how I will feel tomorrow when I hold James for the first time in my…
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A COVID Wedding
When the pandemic began back in February/March, a lot of activities, events and special celebrations were either cancelled or postponed. One of those special events that got postponed was a wedding we were supposed to attend back in April. Back in March, when the new date was announced – September 25th, we were hopeful that COVID-19 would be in our rearview mirror. Obviously, that did not happen. So, as September 25th approached, Ann and John Kent, the mother and father of the bride, had a difficult decision to make. Postpone again, downsize the invitee list, make it virtual, totally cancel, or move forward as planned – while taking precautions. They…
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Bryce-Zion, Day 9, Sept. 13
After another wonderful breakfast at Red Mountain, I participated in another guided morning hike arranged by the resort. We hiked almost 6 miles, which included hiking through the desert, into some small lush canyons, and along a ridge that included a cave. As the hike was guided, I learned a lot about the local geology and plant life. Because these small canyons are the only watering spots for the local wildlife, they close down these canyons to hikers during birthing season so that the local wildlife have a place to birth and raise their young. Our two days at Red Mountain Resort have been nice. I would definitely recommend this…
