Dec 22, 2022 | Reflections
Image: Barbara Ryther Hope, Faith, Joy, Peace Four small candles The first flame is hopeIt flickers outBut is quickly relit Faith comes to life uncertainly on its tiny wickYet the darkness retreats Joy shares its glowAnd unexpected strengthWith the other two Peace...
Dec 13, 2022 | Reflections
Image: Barbara Ryther A Familiar Story Every year we start the story again. We know this one! The characters are familiar, the plot twists aren’t a surprise anymore. A prophecy! A miraculous pregnancy! A star! Humble shepherds, wise visitors, evil ruler! Flee! We even...
Nov 27, 2022 | Reflections
The “Pie Ladies” of St. George’s Church Feasting on homemade pies on Monday afternoons was a church-sponsored tradition for residents of the former Harbor Home, a small state-run facility in York Harbor, Maine. Here, in a quiet two-story brick...
Nov 15, 2022 | Reflections
Image: Barbara Ryther In the Fall Apples are at their best in the fall… I look for smooth, red skin. No bruises, please. Honey Crisps for eating Macs for sauce Cortlands for crisps or pies. Today is a good day for a crisp. At the farm stand I buy six...
Nov 2, 2022 | Reflections
Image: Barbara Kautz The Lion and the Sparrow At the arc of dawnin that blue and burning placebetween what wasand what is yet to besits a lion. With shoulders like mountainsand flames for eyesthe lion awaits morningas if calling it into being. So, too, awaits the...
Nov 2, 2022 | Reflections, Updates
Image: Barbara Ryther Thoughts from the beach: Grace I’ve been thinking about the most recent Medications post, about how hard it can be to say “I’m sorry” particularly when the world seems unforgiving. To say “I forgive you” is also hard, but for different reasons. ...