Storing Up Sunshine and Colors and Memories...

Leo Lionni wrote oodles of illustrated classics, and a favorite for many is Frederick, the story of a mouse who rather than store food for the long winter, instead lingered lazily in a meadow, storing up the images and ideas of a meadow. The other mice could not understand... until he used these memories to give them entertainment and hope in the dark of winter.

I've taken a couple of days to just be with good friends, to store up. It is not always comfortable for me to be idle*, especially when much is left undone.

It feels very strange right now, to be away and to be taking the time out--with the Ferguson decision heavy in my mind, with all the hurt and the gaping holes so open right now.

And I've left behind a house full of family and the preparations for a major Thanksgiving production. Picking that all back up Wednesday evening will be a challenge.

But my soul cellar is recharging back to full. I know this will be necessary in the days and weeks and months to come.

*OK, idle is probably the wrong word, as we spent today making dozens upon dozens of tamales. Definitely storing food for the winter.