Walking into The Fresh Market the other day, the first thing that greeted me was this, uh, spring display with, uh, colorful hyacinths.
Poor things.
I tried, but nothing I could say would cheer them UP.
I finally succeeded with this lively little ditty …
And that is my Saturday Evening Post.
Tonight was our church’s (Asbury Memorial, Savannah) third Taize service of the 2025 Lenton season.
Taize is a meditative worship service known for simple, repetitive chants, scripture readings, and times of silence, originating from the Taizé community in France.
Peacefully beautiful as usual, with the theme this evening of “There is a balm in Gilead.”
Whatever our faith (or lack thereof), we all probably need a balm from time to time, a gentle soothing.
The tranquil chorus we sang several times throughout the thirty minute service:
May we all experience a Bit of Balm this lovely Springtime Season.
… in one of my favorite Savannah squares (Greene) near us. Reading. And realizing that Spring is about to spring.
LIFE WILL!
Tonight was the first of our church’s five Taizé services during the Lenten season leading up to Easter Sunday. (Asburymemorial.org)
I LOVE the quiet, almost somber, beauty of Taizé.
A little about the history of Taizé:
“The Taizé prayer service is from an interfaith community founded in Taizé, France in 1940. A Taizé service provides a meditative style of song and prayer known for its simplicity and focus on Christ. Today the Taizé community comprises those of Catholic and Protestant backgrounds from regions around the globe. At a Taizé service we pray as we sing, as we reflect on the Scripture reading, as we sit in silence, and as we offer our prayers to Christ.” jaxcathedral.org
TONIGHT’S INVITATION: “Come into this place of peace and let its silence heal your spirit; Come into this place of memory & let its history warm your soul; Come into this place of prophecy and power and let its vision change your heart.”
Tonight’s theme focused on light.
And the MUSIC/CHANT:
“Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us.
Let not my doubts, and my darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us.
Let my heart always welcome your love.”
Whatever your belief, or lack of, may Peace be your Portion at this time of year.
My weekly gratitude journal, of sorts.
1. The amazingly resilient beauty of Savannah’s Resurrection Fern.
The green plant growing on the live oak tree behind me, Pleopeltis polypodioides, commonly known as Resurrection Fern, is “a native plant known for its ability to survive extreme dehydration and revive when exposed to water. Appearance and behavior: During dry periods, the fern shrivels and turns brown, resembling a dead clump of leaves. It can lose up to 97% of its water content, while most plants can only tolerate a 10% loss.”
“When it rains, the fern uncurls and turns green within hours.” National Wildlife Federation
(I need a little of what it has!)
2. Recognizing that two out of three isn’t bad.
3. Going on a fascinating Savannah Port Tour this week.
Savannah has one of the busiest ports in the nation. We live a few blocks from the Savannah River, walk along it often but have never toured the port.
Fascinating!
There’s also a massive yacht repair facility …
What a fun couple of hours.
4. The joy of simple, delicious food.
I love being able to pull my grandmother’s large cast iron skillet off our cool, little rack …
… and toss in a couple of seasoned chicken thighs, along with whatever vegetables are on hand (cherry tomatoes, carrots and onions this time).
5. The truth of this little placard outside a business on a recent morning walk here in Savannah.
Whatever your definition of “good” may be, may you have it this day … and this weekend.
A blog category about finding “art” in unexpected places and situations.
So Robert and I were at Whole Foods today shopping for a few (emphasis “few”) things: his deionized water (don’t get me started), dried porcini mushrooms (don’t get me started, again — one of his recipes) and my white balsamic vinegar, which I REALLY needed for an incredible salad dressing that I have fallen in love with. (I’m a retired English professor, so I know better than to end a sentence with a proposition, but who cares? I’m retired.)
We were successful with finding the water and the white balsamic vinegar. And all went well until we got to the checkout counter.
For some reason when we tried to scan the white balsamic vinegar, it said “Price cannot be resolved” as if we were in some United Nations mediation.
The delightfully beautiful clerk went to try to figure out what the “Resolve” issue was. She came back, beaming and said “It’s free!“
So then (we’re back at Whole Foods now) we went onto our next item, fresh Turmeric!
Okay, explanation. I have been having a bit of an issue with high blood pressure lately. I have been trying to incorporate both fresh ginger and fresh turmeric into our diet.
I put the turmeric down on the scale thingy.
Walked a little closer.
Walked a little closer still and saw her.
Do you see her? She’s walking to the left with a healthy gait. Encouraging me!
HEALTHY ART! AT WHOLE FOODS!
“Namaste”
“Every moment is as precious as you recognize that it is.” Matthew Hepburn
(Matthew is one of my favorite meditation teachers on my 10% Happier app.)
How precious is that?!
NealEnJoy 