― C.S. Lewis A little background, Zane and Amara met each other halfway through 2nd grade when they were 7 years old. Something between them just clicked and they’ve been best friends ever since. They are now 12. Amara’s Mom and I marvel at their friendship – they have a similar outlook on life, an innocence, … More “Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.”
2021 feels like a bit of a blur, it went fast! While the continued pandemic is frustrating and difficult, we are so thankful for many things. Time with family, time with friends, technology that connects us socially, spiritually, educationally, and professionally. We are very settled into our weekly routines in a good way. Weekly Games … More Blackett 2021 Year in Review
Today is my 50th birthday. As the day approached, I was feeling some dread, it seemed so old, but the fact is, it’s just a date. Older than some, younger than some, I don’t feel old (except when I’m tired or my back aches :)). I’ve been dealing with some depression lately & I really … More Half a Century
Time, experience, tragedy, pain, anxiety, fear, disappointment…These things can strip away our defenses, they can crack our masks, they can age us, they can expose parts of us that we might want to hide. We fear that scratching our carefully curated surfaces will reveal ugliness, shame, and darkness. Often we are shocked to discover that … More There’s a Crack in Everything – Recent Sculpture
I know everyone is saying it, but What a Year, eh?! There were triumphs and tragedies, peace and panic, rest and rage. Like everyone, so many plans were canceled or changed. We “pivoted”, we figured things out, we worked on finding joy and staying thankful. Global, National, and Local issues were heavy on our mind … More Blackett 2020 Year in Review
London – Day 15 – Travel Home – July 24, 2019 Up early and on our way. We had time for one final breakfast at Gregg’s. Of all the photos I took on this trip, I did not take one of the actual shop, but we sure will miss it. Our first train was on … More London – Day 15 – Leaving Home, Coming Home
London – Day 14 – July 23, 2019 Had Gregg’s for breakfast. Yum! It was already heating up. The last couple of days had been hot. Not super normal for London. I don’t think London is built for hot days. Many of the Underground lines didn’t have AC and many of the museums and galleries … More London – Day 14 – Antiquities, Farewells and Friends
London – Day 13 – July 22, 2019 Got up and headed to Marble Arch. There’s the arch, of course, but there’s also a lovely little park with some amazing sculptures and a fountain. When the NZ Blacketts arrived, we walked through Hyde Park and Green Park under the Wellington Arch to Buckingham Palace for … More London – Day 13 – The Guard Changes and Five Floors of Toys
London – Day 12 – July 21, 2019 Had another lovely breakfast at the hotel, this time for free because of the early morning fire alarm issues. Then we headed to Leytonstone Elim for the service. This is the church that I attended for many years, served as a secretary and youth leader, and where … More London – Day 12 – The Church Where We Were Married
London – Day 11 – July 20, 2019 Another early morning fire alarm! Didn’t faze the boys though, so that’s good. We woke Zane up with the traditional singing of the birthday song. Breakfast at Gregg’s per his request. He asked for a different type of pastry and I was impressed that he was branching … More London – Day 11 – Zane’s 10th Birthday
Lamppostings 