Category: love

Ten Things of Thankful ~

March 12, 2026

(my back yard cherry blossoms)

https://tenthingsofthankful.blogspot.com/

Hello!😊 

I’m thankful that we still don’t have snow or ice in the courtyard of the little community where I live–just blessed rain–even though the forecasts keep “threatening/warning/teasing”, scaring everyone one I know.  (“Those people” who think I’m bonkers–still wearing shorts & t-shirts and going barefoot.)

The cherry blossoms are hardy and certainly crazy, or merely nonchalant–blooming without a care in the world, despite nights of still-cold-winter…they’re beautiful, with pink that lights the gray.

I’m ever and always grateful for the Lord’s most bountiful provisions–I seem to live the the life of the Bible widow whose oil and flour never ran out: which allows me to cook and bake for friends who still have to work for a living…it makes me so happy.

I’m thankful for the palpable Presence of the Lord–what joy it is to have His companionship, along with His promises and reassurances throughout His Word.

I’m blessed and grateful to also have God’s gift of sisters (though not related).  They’re all doing pretty well this week–other than a virus here and there; one cheerfully half-way through chemo; the others working around our common aches and pains, and annoying stutters of memory.

I’m mostly blown away by how good my life is at this stage–I never believed it would be worth living this long–but my life is full.  The days are no longer so burdened, blackened by depression and anxiety the way they used to be.  Some days are tricky, sure–but most are rich with interests that pass the hours.

It’s been wonderful to let go of the self-imposed obligations of blogging for a bit–I’m thankful for a rest, and the treasure box of quotations I can post while not writing everyday.

I’m very grateful to the blogging world–so many wonderful people mingling for a moment or two.  We can share a laugh, or a prayer need–as though we were simply talking over the fence.

And I mustn’t leave out my caregiver–she continues to be a 5-star shopper, and amazingly fast!  (Her b’day is next week and I’ve planned a little party–with a gift and my delish “Black Magic Chocolate Cake”.  I even found a YouTube of “Happy Birthday” sung in Russian–she’ll be so surprised!)

One last thing: my “furry nieces” downstairs still welcome my daily visits.  They apparently think they’re “guard cats” (or maybe they’re just nosey); perched in the windowsill, they’ve got invisible SWAT gear, lazer glare eyes trained for anyone suspicious.  I didn’t believe it till I heard it myself–Gracie actually growls at potential ne’er-do-well humans–yes, GROWLS, like a dog!

Oh, lest I forget something truly important, their “mom”–my nabe–has just introduced me to microwave popcorn…that’s worth a Gratitude–can I get a Hallelujah? Amen!

See you again soon,

~ Cale💖

 

Let Worries Float Away (6SS)

March 12, 2026

Oh yes, it’s that time again–more 6-sentence stories rolling in from all parts: east & west, north & south!  Get ’em while they’re hot!  Every week our hostess with the mostest, Denise, serves up a fine prompt word, and away we go…frantically carving a story which is only allowed 6 sentences (thus, many of us are grateful for the grace of St Denise…if our sentences “run-on” long, she doesn’t use a red pencil to discipline us).

Here’s the link for info, and to meet the crowd of talented writers–just do it–you, too, can write 6 sentences!  The prompt this week is FLOAT!

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/03/11/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-62/

~♥~

“I’m thinking of changing my name,” Lorelei said, refilling Judd’s coffee cup–he looked at her, wondering what could possibly come next; she smiled like the Cheshire cat and he asked innocently, “first or last”—which made her giggle, “first, silly–remember that guy who sat next to me in English class, never really talked to me, but called me ‘Zelda’–I like the sound…like Zelda Fitzgerald.”

Judd aligned his thoughts carefully; he vaguely recalled the story about her classmate (whom he would never have met, as he was 20 yrs their senior)–a lad naturally smitten with her, but oddly reticent.

“Love, Zelda Fitzgerald was a very unhappy woman–not a good name–Lorelei is the one dearest to my heart, keep it”; a last swallow of coffee, and he stood–“I’ll be back soon, just a couple errands”; he kissed her twice and was out the door before she could request his itinerary.

~~~~~

Richard greeted him warmly at the church office door–“hey, Judd–what brings you to church on a weekday?”–and nodded when Judd asked if he had time to talk.

Judd sat in the offered chair, rubbed the furrows from his brow and began telling the pastor some of his and Lorelei’s history, followed by their recent drive to the entrance of Birchwick Cliff–the warning signs, his concerns about the town’s backstory, Lorelei’s vulnerabilities and fascination with Richard’s experiences; when he paused, sighing, Richard leaned forward to speak:  “Judd, the sensationalism surrounding the town is foolishness and inaccurate–there was no cult behind the misfortunes I wrote about; people who lived there, and others, got caught up in their own suspicions and fears–it can happen in any small town.

“Now, let me float a solution past you: I’d be happy to give you and Lorelei a personal tour, and answer any questions–I’m an open book; there are no ghosts, nor inherent evils–and I’ll check out those signs at the gate…they must be left over from last Halloween’s festivities–if your schedule’s fairly open we can set a date, and lunch is on me.”

~ Cale

“Further On”…

March 11, 2026

I don’t usually do movie reviews, and I’m not a big Bill Murray fan–but this one, “St Vincent” (2014, rated PG) is so good that I’ve watched it repeatedly.  Why?  Because the actor who plays “Oliver” (an “old soul”)–his debut role–absolutely carries, and makes this film fabulous.

Bill plays the curmudgeon, “Vin”, extremely well–so the contrast between Vin and young Oliver is striking, to say the least.  The movie is rough around the edges…but if you stay with it till the end, it’s sure to melt your heart because there’s a message for all of us in it. 

“Saints are human beings”–perhaps when we show respect and love to humans who are unlikeable, we’ll have a positive impact on them…and thus they may become saints, after a fashion.

There’s the gamut of emotions on display in this film–and the music is familiar to most of us.  I particularly like the song, “Further On” (which was new to me)–so I offer it here with scenes from the film, and also the radio/lyric version in case you’re interested.  Hope you enjoy!

~ Cale

St. Vincent is a 2014 American comedy drama film written, directed, and co-produced by Theodore Melfi.[4] The film stars Bill Murray as the title character and it features Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts, Chris O’Dowd, Terrence Howard, and Jaeden Lieberher in his film debut.

 

Music Manna

March 8, 2026

One of my first posts on this blog was about Jabez, and his prayer to God.  Well, I just watched a short documentary which fired me up again–so excited because it’s a powerful prayer.  I figured there had to be a song on YouTube about the Jabez prayer, so here’s the one I chose for y’all this Lord’s Day.  Enjoy–and Be Blessed!!

~ Cale

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; but his mother named him Jabez, saying, “Because I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would indeed bless me and enlarge my border [property], and that Your hand would be with me, and You would keep me from evil so that it does not hurt me!” And God granted his request.

1st Chronicles 4:9-10 Amplified Bible

Relationship Advice 😊

March 8, 2026

I found 2 quotes in my treasure box by Leo Buscaglia, from his book, Loving Each Other ~

Don’t lose touch with the craziness in you.  This, with a large dose of caring, will assure that your relationship will never be boring.

If you take time to talk together each day you’ll never become strangers.

Felice Leonardo Buscaglia, also known as “Dr. Love”, was an American author, motivational speaker, and a professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Southern California. Wikipedia

Gentle Rain

March 7, 2026

Sovereign’s steady hand

pours gentle rain of blessing

tastes like coming spring

though chilly gray it’s welcome

singing prayers of gratitude

~ Cale

Sparks of Fear Fly (6SS)

March 5, 2026

https://girlieontheedge1.wordpress.com/2026/03/04/its-thursdays-six-sentence-story-blog-hop-61/

I don’t know about everyone else, but my heart starts racing as it comes time for the weekly 6SS blog hop!  Our host Denise is 5-Star–I’m speaking truth!  She serves up a fine prompt every Sunday, and my head starts spinning.  So, if you’re wondering what’s going on when I say “Six Sentence Story”, click her link above and get all the info so you can join the crowd of extraordinary writers who pack a world of creativity into 6 sentences each week.  Don’t waste another minute–it’s easy and FUN, come on!

~~♥~~

Lorelei was shocked by Judd’s uncharacteristic demeanor after she’d described signs just within the tall wrought-iron gate (“BEWARE” & “Pandora’s Jar”); he’d spoken harshly, “get in the car, Now”–and sped toward the highway as she asked if he was feeling unwell; in all their years (which included his law enforcement career & related medical leaves), she’d never seen him this way–sparks of fear were flying from his azure eyes, and he was silent until they arrived home.

Pouring a glass of wine, his tone was parental: “I don’t want you going into Birchwick Cliff and poking around”, he said softly–“please, you’ve read the book, you can talk to Richard, that’s it.”

But that wasn’t all of it…to her observation that this was the first time she’d seen him so full of fear, he countered with, “then you’ve forgotten–this is the fear-face I wore for months after you tried to kill yourself, following your divorce”; he raised his palm, indicating a need for space between them as she made startled reply: “that wasn’t because of my divorce, it was the way…Never mind–why are you bringing it up now, making me feel horrible–what can it possibly have to do with Birchwick Cliff??”

He embarked on a quietly emotional ramble: he’d been terrified of losing her then (and remained unclear regarding her suicidal impulse), and was now afraid the town might harbor malicious spirits from its nefarious past which could upset her delicate balance–“check your Bible, Love…there is a spiritual realm of Darkness, and it’s real.”

“But Judd–Richard survived his experiences there, made it his home, became the pastor…surely he must have prayed over and anointed every inch of the village with consecrated oil, against any lingering evil.”

“Forgive me if I’m less interesterd in him–I don’t care about Richard’s choices; I love You with fierce passion in every breath I take, and I won’t risk even a wayward wind ruffling Your wellbeing; I need you to respect the warnings posted at that overly-dramatic-looking gate…and I’m sick of this whole subject, so speak your final word; she folded herself into his embrace, murmured, “alright Judd…alright, my breathing castle”.*

~ Cale

(*“I love you–you’re my breathing castle.  Gentle, so gentle…we’ll live forever.” Richard Brautigan)

💖Heart of the Christian Faith…

March 5, 2026

The heart of the Christian faith: 

God sees a princess👑 in every scrubgirl,

a free man in every slave,

a son in every stranger.💖

Grady Nutt :  Grady Lee Nutt was a Southern Baptist minister, humorist, television personality, and author. His humor revolved around rural Southern Protestantism and earned him the title of “The Prime Minister of Humor”. Wikipedia