a soft velvet cloak of gray filled the skies here today....

Today I felt exhausted ...yesterday was such a full day and busy little children kept my mind and heart busy.  But this morning I was tired and watched the CBS Sunday Morning program...and of course they covered the tragic events that took the lives of 28 people on Friday.  Believe it ...our Columbus Dispatch Newspaper published a headline on Friday..."Senate loosens gun control laws. "  I do realize this problem is more than just gun control, but who needs rapid fire handguns and that rifle he used to spend rounds of ammunition in a matter of ten minutes.   We have abandoned the mentally ill and left them for their families to control and deal with... until they break a law or hurt themselves or another the police cannot legally step in for assistance.

I went out after the laundry was started and almost completed.  Ken stayed to make his homemade fudge and caramel corn he creates every Christmas for special friends and family.  I went for some distraction to find just the right gift for a dear friend who has stood by me through thick and thin.  I think I have found just the right gift.  I then went search for my granddaughter Sabrina who was born on Christmas Eve...now there I was not very successful.  I still have 9 more days...I am an optimist!  I listened to a John Prine CD ...and found comfort in the mellow voice and lyrics ..."Old Cape Cod... I love you because... Just the other side of Nowhere...Where the Blue of the Night..." (which took me to my loss of my friend Lisa Marie).  I have been writing ...but my words seem to be inadequate... I hope I can stop....breathe... relax...reflect ... and my muse will guide my thoughts.  My trees are weeping outside as a gentle rain is falling...we had 60 degrees today in December.  The soft gray skies were a calming touch to my heart... I am in a daze ... a state...so I do what I do best.  I return to my quilt.... one stitch at a time...a meditative movement that seems to ease my mind and body.  I am using a variegated cotton floss so the colors seem to flow from one shade or hue ...in a melodic rhythm.  I know this is my way to pray.

I did receive some beautiful news ...an old friend has had her first baby named Abby...she was born on 12/12/12... a new angel when a my angel friend has left this earthly home.  I found some very cute onesies ...babies need at least a few changes each day.  The family is coming home for Christmas and I cannot wait to hold this newest angel. 

I just finished watching the inter-faith service to remember and honor the families in New Hope.  Our president and the clergy performed a heart warming recollection of these victims of madness.  I am praying for peace and some real, authentic conversations to find a fair solution to this continuing madness.  Imagine and Live in Peace,  Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart