Laura Benedict's Blog, page 7

A Cyber Something For Everyone

 

Original folk art may not be for everyone

 

Laura’s Favorite Cyber Things

Ack! It’s Cyber Monday, a day that–not so long ago–didn’t even exist. I love to shop locally, but we live near two small towns and there are unfortunate shopping gaps. (Plus, I spend so much time at home working that it’s hard to find time to go out and shop.) Here are some of my favorite online options for special gifts.

Wolf Creek Printery –Located in Alderson, WV, Wolf Creek does beautiful calendars and notecards f...

Advent Coming Soon

Advent is the first season of the Christian liturgical year, and runs up to December the 24th. Much of the world prepares for December 25th by shopping, and I do that as a small part of the celebration.

How often do we celebrate the coming of something, someone so dear to us? How often do we prepare for our future in secular ways? Pausing, thinking, making ready–these things can bring us peace and confidence, no matter our faith.

Homemade wreath and beloved ditch Kitty, Sylvie.

 

“Life in a p...

Thanksgiving Saturday Serendipity

Serendipity makes a life worth living.

Pot Luck Links (I blame my turkey/sugar/champagne indulgence!)

TestMyBrain is my new favorite brain/personality analysis site. Your answers are put into studies and used by scientists. Turns out I’m weirdly good at recognizing famous faces out of context.

Stomach flu has zero respect for the holidays. Keys to staying healthy so you can have more time to have fun.

Heavens! There’s a Howard’s End kerfuffle brewing–or is there?

Michelle Dockery of Downton A...

Thanksgiving Blessings

 

The pies are made, the veggies are chopped, and the champagne is chilling. Family is gathered and everyone has brought lots of love along. This is already my favorite Thanksgiving.

If I didn’t thank God today, then I would be remiss. My blessings overflow, and I am astonished and grateful.

Thank you for being here and for being you. You bring light to my life.

 

Pumpkin

 

The post Thanksgiving Blessings appeared first on Laura Benedict.

Miss Nina Garcia, A Forever Cat

Seven years ago, on the Monday night before Thanksgiving, a tiny black and white kitten wandered up our driveway and into our hearts. My kids first thought it was a small skunk, but it began meowing. It meowed not just at my kids, but at the two excited dogs who were very interested in it. They brought the brave little cat into the house, and it became a forever cat.

We named her Miss Nina Garcia after the famous fashion editor because she was so beautiful and self-possessed. Now we can’t ima...

Some Books to Be Thankful For, and an Update

So much mystery goodness…

 

Happy Monday!

First, an update: Last Monday, I wrote a longer than usual blog about working on my productivity skills and goals. I planned to start with getting more sleep to up my energy. My plan was to make a hard and fast bedtime. Well, that was in major conflict with my deadline schedule, and my deeply-ingrained habit of writing late at night. Sooooo, I’ve settled for getting 7-8 hours sleep a night. It’s worked out great. Between the happy light and a bit more...

Plenty

 

Let peace, descending from her native heaven, bid her olives spring amidst the joyful nations; and plenty, in league with commerce, scatter blessings from her copious hand! –Daniel Boone

When I think of the concept of plenty, my mind immediately goes to food. (No surprise.) We are surrounded by agriculture where we live, and I found this crate in front of our natural foods store in town. Grammar Orchards was the name of our local orchards before the owners retired and sold up to the Amish....

Saturday Serendipity, 18 November 2017

 

Serendipity makes a life worth living.

 

Greetings, my dears! I’ve been in the editing lair with my head down, second jammies on (yoga pants, hoodie, Uggs), and faithful pups at my feet. My apologies for not being in touch. Links are tardy today, but I hope you find something fun.

(If you’re in the States, how are your Thanksgiving plans coming? We’re having 15 at our house. Smoked turkey breasts arrived yesterday, but I’m (grocery store) hunting for a fresh one today.)

 

Bits and Bobs

Craz...

Daughter (Reprise)

One of my favorite posts from back in 2010. It was a thrill to write this short story to accompany this Emily Benedict Coleman painting for the Lewisburg Literary Festival.

 

DAUGHTER

 

Painting by Emily Benedict Coleman

 

Run, daughter, run.

I cast no blame, my darling girl. The blood that stains our rough-hewn floor will bear no witness: my own deceit has brought me thus. Your hand your tender hand was just its agent.

Run, daughter, run.

While you slept in another’s womb, I spun the golden...

Tuesday Photos: Adoring the Burning Bush

 

 

 

I suppose I could be more delighted with this Burning Bush, but I’m not sure how.

 

Beautiful chaos

 

Berries

 

In the bush

 

In the shade

 

My favorite

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