April 18, 2021
by jenniferpuryear
In pajamas, I slipped downstairs for a breakfast of champions. I passed my father’s bedroom. He was awake, lying in bed with his hands behind his head. “Good morning, Jennifer!” he called out, as I paused in the door. “When did you get here?” he asked. “Last night,” I answered, so as not to upset him. “We’re so glad you’re here,” he said, and in …
March 7, 2021
by jenniferpuryear
One of these things is not like the other… The dissing of Dr. Seuss; Megxit; Avril Lavigne’s first hit: Pure magic: Yes, it’s a book “on dogs”. But mostly it’s a book about E.B. White. Hearing his voice this week made me smile and inspired that most treasured of emotions – wonder. I want to share it with you! I want to give it to …
February 28, 2021
by jenniferpuryear
Bacon Celebrity Mary Raymond stops in today with her thoughts on Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It. I have some reservations about the book’s title. It feels kind-of – I don’t know – slick. But I have no reservations about Mary at all. And I’m interested in quieting the negative voices in my head. I asked Mary …
February 14, 2021
by jenniferpuryear
Happy Valentine’s Day, dear Bacon friends! Let’s consider – today – the rose. A rose – in particular – imagined by Magritte in his watercolor, Utopia. “Few flowers carry as much cultural significance as the rose… [it] has been used to symbolize a multitude of concepts and ideals, from war to peace and everything in between. Perhaps part of the rose’s universal allure is the …
February 10, 2021
by jenniferpuryear
Yesterday was full of aggravations and concerns. The Lenten roses – in their humility, peacefulness, and acceptance of their particular geography – seemed to understand something I didn’t. The pansies, on the other hand? We were on the same page. I was reminded – as if one needs reminding – that almost every single thing is out of my control. Including each person I love …
January 24, 2021
by jenniferpuryear
On the best days, words fail the gleaming – fading – world. A tiny songbird with a yellow stripe on her head visits the old spruce tree. She hops from one branch to another, eyeballing me. I’ve never seen her like before – and maybe I never will again. Even the darkest clouds are illuminated. On those days “sorrow and love flow mingled down” …
January 17, 2021
by jenniferpuryear
My friend Shelby Moody recently gave me a small devotional called “A Moment with God,” by Betsy Davies. Betsy made it on Shutterfly – it’s a personal collection of photographs and meditations that she put together following the passing of her husband last year. I love the way she talks about wind… The tree outside my window is still, there appears to be no wind. …
January 6, 2021
by jenniferpuryear
Staying sane in the time of corona has gotten easier in some ways and harder in others. I find myself Really Impatient in the home stretch. ML Davis stops in at Bacon today with some good energy and reading recommendations, including a terrific 25 cent purchase. I’m in a better mood already! * * * Thank you for spending some time …
January 3, 2021
by jenniferpuryear
My friend Patricia Eastwood stops in today with a funny and heartfelt reflection on 3 years of New Year’s resolutions, plus a book recommendation. I’m starting the book tomorrow, if not sooner! It sounds so intriguing and thought-provoking for January of 2021… From Patricia: For the past three years, I have come up with a New Year’s resolution that I felt might make some kind of positive change …
December 6, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
You’re on a galloping horse. On your right is a sharp drop off, and on your left is an elephant traveling at the same speed as you. Directly in front of you is another galloping horse, but your horse is unable to overtake it. Behind you is a lion in pursuit. What must you do to get out of this dangerous situation? … Get your …