Pollyanna Update

I know a few of you asked for me to keep you posted as the "Glad Game chandelier" progressed. I've since found some new, interesting pieces. It's still in the making. Remember, it has to skim the flame of beeswax candlelight.

So thar she blows grows! Sorry...but I am having a whale of a time creating.

In a few days, I'll be sharing our latest Hobbit Day adventure, an annual event in the Acorn household. You will finally meet the gifted Miss Rachel, who brought a most charming creation to our Middle Earth feast.   

Oh, Snap

When a butterfly flaps its wings in one part of the world it can cause a tsunami in another part of the world.  

Author Unknown

Last week, sitting in my favorite quiet space, I prayed. My words were punctuated with, "What if...?" and "How long...?" While moaning, I watched a Swallowtail butterfly land on the potted geranium in front of me. Along with it came the memory of something I had read in an a weather related article a few days before: "When a butterfly flaps its wings in one part of the world, it can cause a tsunami in another part of the world." Pfft, that's ridiculous, I thought. Sometimes praying feels ridiculous, especially when the weight of uncertainty seems to crush all but the breath out of you. Still, every flap of its painted wing seemed to say, "Snap out of it. Where's your faith?" I do have faith! Just then, the soul-fog lifted. Once again...oh the Grace. I was reminded that prayer is even greater than a tsunami's power. The next words uttered, "Thank you and amen." Suddenly, that butterfly zipped, and I mean zipped, past my face. I've seen a butterfly flutter by, but never zip; and my spirit heard--yes it did--still, small laughter, which made me laugh out loud. Looking down, these words jumped out:

I will trust You.

The Pleasantest Thing...

My friend Nancy Franson at Out of My Alleged Mind has been on a journey of poetry appreciation. In her latest post on Tweetspeak, she asked the question: "For those of you who love poetry, how did you come to love it?" Here you go, Nan-girl.

"Poetry soothes and emboldens the soul to accept mystery." --John Keats

I owe my love of poetry to my father, who would read to me almost every night when I was very young, tucking me in with Eugene Field's Wynken, Blynken, and Nod, and other poets. He would read slowly and with feeling, savoring every word. Not bad for a guy who had no more than an 8th grade education. Having been placed in a children's home at age 2, and then shipped in and out of foster care, his other parenting skills were less than awesome. Not surprising, really. But man, could he recite a poem. Thanks, dad. Because of you, Robert Louis Stevenson will always have a special place in my heart.

"Oh I do think it's the pleasantest things ever a child can do..." 

-The Swing, R.L.S

*Nope, that's not me in the photo. It's from my vintage pic stash.

Pulling a Rabbit Out of the Hat?

Not a rabbit, a Renee at Southern Gal Thoughts! Congratulations, my little bunny! Heh heh.

My lovely assistant

Renee, send me your info, and I'll mail it off. Once again, I wish I could send everyone a present. Thanks for playing!

It Wouldn't be a Celebration Without "Torta"

Tonight, at 8 o'clock, a winner will be picked for the blog-aversary giveaway! In the meantime, let's discuss cake.

What I really want to do is honor the cake maker, my young friend Audrey. Her family and ours have been long-time friends. Every member of that clan is wildly creative, so our get-togethers are a great source of joy and inspiration. When you visit the D-family, you'll experience aria singing, beer brewing, bee-keeping, gardening, piano/harp playing, painting, drawing, and all manner of hilarious Jane Austen-quoting. Curious Acorn has already featured some of the talents of Joan, Mary, and Fiona (Rachel, your turn is coming next, and I can't wait!)

Anyway, today belongs to Audrey and the magnificent "Cassata alla Siciliana" she made for our visit last week. I've seen the recipe for this cake, and let me tell you, it's daunting. Audrey took up the challenge and was victorious. Way to go, beauteous shield maiden!

*The Cooking of Italy, Time-Life Books

   

"Delizioso!"

Curious Acorn turns 4--Want a Prezzie?

Continuing in the hobbit tradition - it's my blog's birthday, you get the present. The things I give away are a bit random. Not unlike my blog. They represent the spirit of Curious Acorn and what you'll find when you visit here.

The package will include:

1. A yummy blank paper journal from the Brandywine Conservancy, perfect for sketching or writing
2. A sparkly-warkly glass honey bee ornament
3. A beautiful miniature painting/magnet of Portrait of Miss Mary Dupont (1906) from the Brandywine River Museum (come on, admit it, you know you've always wanted one)
4. A package of absolutely ridiculous and oh-so-pretty flowered paper drinking straws, because everyone needs a bit of nonsense in their lives (after all, "a little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men")

My most favorite thing about blogging is the friendships that I have made. My love languages are gifts and words of affirmation. You've probably guessed that by now. So this is my way of saying thank you for all that you have given.

To get your name in the hat, all you'll need to do is leave a comment. If you're a lurker who has never commented before, introduce yourself for goodness sakes! Deadline is Monday, July 22nd at 8:00PM EST. I'll mail the gift anywhere - it's a small world after all.

P.S. If you've won before, it doesn't mean you can't win again. AND, I will mail it overseas!

Almost FOUR -- Bless me!

It's that time again!  Time for this hobbit to celebrate her blog-iversary.  And, in keeping with Acorn tradition, I'll be having a giveaway.  Because, as we all know, hobbits give presents on their birthdays.  And speaking of hobbits, can you believe I took the photo of this hobbit hole?  Yes, indeedy, I actually got to visit Hobbiton in New Zealand.  Eeep!  A Tolkien-geek dream come true!  But--back to the matter at hand.  I'm running a bit late this year concerning the "party business". 

Wow, tempus does fugit, heh heh.  Four years ago, I started blogging as a creative outlet.  It really has been an adventure.  This year I have had the opportunity to pursue another dream--devoting more of my time to messing about with paint.  Hence I haven't posted as much.  But through Curious Acorn I've met such excellent and admirable hobbits, er, I mean, such fascinating people, and made some genuine friendships to boot.  So, unlike Bilbo, I'm not planning to disappear.  

In a few days time, I'll get back to you, my lovely visitors, on the details of this year's anniversary giveaway celebration.!