Look what we found washed up in the sand on Kealia Beach! I've never seen anything like it--and so we brought home some sea water to observe it for 24 hours...
Any ideas on what it could be? It likes to curl up and use it's tentacles like an octopus--but doesn't propel itself through the water at all...
Is it a baby....something? A hatch-ling of a...manta ray + squid? It's so bizarre!
{ Isn't Lo-Lo so gorgeous!?! She's one of those people who you're kind of are surprised exist in real life and not just on T.V.}
So-- a long, long time ago, I went to college in a far away state, and using the skills I'd learned in kindergarten-- I made my first friend. You see, there was a giant blizzard, and she was my neighbor and I like to think that she saved me from a bleak and sorry looking freshman year, because I actually think she did.
{ This is the typical gorgeous deliciousness you can find on her website...on the left there are Individual Blackberry Tarts and Almond & VanillaBean Rice Pudding...
Don't they make you want to be a food photographer? }
I feel pretty special that I was there for the beginning! As her roommate and was often the lucky recipient of Double Chocolate Silk Cream Pie (a.k.a. the pie that got her married --haha!) and ohhh those wonderful muffins.
Not only is she a fantastic cook, but she's H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S.
So, go on. Just go over and say, "Hello." Make a new friend! Find a great recipe for PI(E) DAY!
On my wall calendar I have a reminder that tomorrow is Purim. Although I'm not Jewish, this little reminder sends me back to reread the story of Esther.
{ The word Pûrîm from the word Pur which means "Lots" -because evil Haaman cast lots to decide which day to carry out the massacre.}
I wonder how she felt, being adopted by Mordecai and growing up in Persia. I wonder how she felt being chosen to marry this strange and powerful king based purely on her outward beauty. I wonder if she made friends with the other wives.
How would it be to know the fate of your people rests in your limited power?
How would it be to know you could be snuffed out with a glance from the king?
Would I have the courage to wrestle through the politics, and oppression to battle at my banquet table and would I have the strength accuse my overlord's right hand man?
Esther is amazing.
She's not a trophy wife. Not one bit.
"...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" -Esther 4:14
I don't know what battles you're fighting lately. I don't know if you're fighting for your people, or your life, or just to get through the day on your terms.
But Esther grieved. Esther fasted. And then...she stood up and put her royal clothes on. And with the strength of millions praying for her...
she threw a dinner party.
She prepared her heart, listened to the spirit and won.
Like I said. Esther is amazing.
{Do you know who else is amazing? Minerva Teichart!}
{Here's a video about the model for this painting--Betty Curtis Stokes now age 92}
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