In an instant I am reminded of the beauty in the world.

~ emma ~

My 43rd birthday.  

I love birthdays.  No matter what - the day never fails to be magical with special surprises.  

Today I received hand-made cards from my two youngest with rainbows and hearts and love. I received well wishes from dozens of friends and family.  I spent my day with my Ma and  Pa and little Norah - exploring and appreciating our new home on the hill - then off through the hills to Ellicottville for lunch and some browsing in the cool shops.  Home to a delicious apple pie made especially for me by Nana, with vanilla ice cream and a mug of good coffee.  Back up to the hill so Norah could plant her hickory tree seeds in the back field. We placed a rock next to the seeds so we would remember to watch for them to grow.  Sat on the front porch of my future home to bask in the  warm sun and watch the leaves drift off the trees.  

I am so grateful. 

~j

The first frost has turned leaves white.  We were hoping to be up on the hill by now.  Settled in and cozy by the fire.  But we are still waiting. This has been the year of waiting.  I have been up at the house a few times - to run the water so the well doesn't become stagnant.  The house if friendly and waiting patiently for us to occupy it.  The land is becoming wild with no daily movement and tending.  I will go up daily until we close. The house, the land and I - we are getting to know each other little by little.