at the edge of dusk this winter solstice

 Deerfield Farm at the edge of dusk this winter solstice

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

By Robert Frost 1874–1963 

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound’s the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

I can't help but love Robert Frost.  Who cannot help but love him...his words are just as though

he's read my very thoughts and feelings, even before I knew I thought them or felt them... and puts into words the quiet ache of so much wonder and beauty in our world.~

God bless Robert Frost 

peace, love and light

there hasn't been sleep or words...

very early this morning, before the light had crept up over the hills behind our farm,

 I stood on the little landing between the snug little rooms

at the top of the stairs,tucked under the eaves of this old house.

Looking in, my two oldest grandchildren, just 10 and 7 were sound asleep.

 I am so very grateful that they are here,warm and safe,

just as they were when their Grandpa and I read them stories and tucked them into their beds last night.

Our 2 littlest ones, 3 and 4 months are safe at home with their Momma and Daddy,

cuddled and kept close, precious beyond measure.

Their sweet little faces, soft with peaceful child dreams, make me ache for those so shattered.

Those little faces will make us all even more vigilant for their safety and others around us.

and gives me hope for the future of every little child.

I pray in my heart of hearts that all 4 of my little grandchildren will grow

and live their lives

with love and hope, peace and shining light...just as they do now.

I pray that peace and love and shining light

will be a balm for the hearts of  all those who are without it this

snowy Sunday morning~

Christine and family

~~~

Our 2 children and their spouses are teachers for 1st grade, 5th grade and high school~

They too,ache and are shattered, hearing the unfathomable and heartbreaking stories of courage and loss that are coming from Sandy Hook.

Now they and their teaching partners across the country must be even more vigilant as they go about their days at school, watching over each student and visitor, doing all they can do to keep their students and each other safe.

And they will go back to school tomorrow morning and every day after that, to teach and help make our children's world a much safer place. 

I  know that, like me, everyone of you are hugging your children and grandchildren close, your nieces and nephews, friends and family, all of them.
Hug them close and tell them you love them...
and if you can, please hug a teacher.