Thursday, December 10, 2009

I really enjoy good photographs. I received my first camera at age 13, a little FujiFilm point-and-shoot. In college, I splurged and bought a Canon Rebel (yes, this was still before the digital age surpassed film in quality). For a student, I spent a ridiculous amount of money developing photographs of every face and place I knew and went.

Today, those photographs are packed in boxes stacked neatly in storage -- the loft of the shop, a space formerly intentioned to become my craft area. They haven't seen the light of day in years, but I know, someday, I'll get them out and be thrilled to have them; all those snapshots in time.

Recently, my husband, Jack (8 months) and I had our family pictures taken. I saw the proofs today and am so excited about the pictures. I'm not taking many myself these days (except of baby Jack, of course), but my appreciation for good photography continues. If anyone in my area is looking for a great family photographer with either on-location or studio availability, check out www.atheacore.com. She really does a wonderful job. You'll be glad to have those portraits someday!

Friday, November 06, 2009

Today, I experienced an object lesson. Jesus talked about the shepherd who loses a lamb. He leaves the flock and goes in search of the lost one.

My favorite cat disappeared as of Monday night (four days ago). We have five cats, and if anyone else had told this story (I pictured someone sharing this as a prayer request at church), I would have felt sad, sure, but for just a moment. When orange-tabby "Albert" didn't appear yesterday at suppertime, my heart filled with dread. I went to bed praying he would come home, but fearing a walk up the highway would find his little body in the ditch. Tears seeped out, and I woke up this morning feeling sad and heavy. When I went out around 8:30 to do the chores, again, no Albert anywhere to be seen.

Since becoming a mom, my emotions have become much more volatile. I seem to feel everything more intensely. The loss of this little kitty really weighed on me, and I felt like the shepherd Jesus described. Here we have four, fun and healthy kitties at home, but I'm gripped by the knowledge of the one that's lost, wondering what happened to him, fearing the worst.

God be thanked, this story has a happy ending. Albert sauntered very nonchalantly around the corner while I was filling the critters' water pail at the barn. No explanations, no apologies, but he was a very lovey kitty all day today. If only our animals could talk to us, oh, the stories they would tell, I'm sure.

I never thought I would be such a basket case over a missing cat. Again, I chalk it up to the recent hormone changes brought on by motherhood. It sure is good to have Albert home again, safe and sound.