My Decorating Updates are not impressive by Martha Stewart’s standards, however, they represent progress for me.
The Christmas tree is now hibernating and so is the Christmas wreath; its batteries finally died. I am maintaining the window candles for now, along with the seasonal white cross.
Easter is coming, after all.
The joyful news that He is risen does not change the contemporary world. Still before us lie work, discipline, sacrifice. But the fact of Easter gives us the spiritual power to do the work, accept the discipline, and make the sacrifice. ~Henry Knox Sherrill
More Updates
Having had my first COVID shot – Pfizer – and having learned how state and local governments are lifting so many health restrictions, life feels we may be emerging from a . . . cave.
With this vaccine, I am stepping into the new segment of life. It’s not back to where I was before quarantine. But it feels like opening up a door and hearing, “Soon, soon . . .”
How I feel about the lifting of so many restrictions is relieved, scared, curious, and a wee bit anxious.
Before I forget the lessons of the past 12 months, though, let me write out a few the early lessons that will work in the new normal:
- Keep Calm and Carry On was good advice in March of 2020; life really did turn on a dime.
- Practice Social Distancing is also good advice when folks are really sure they know what the answers are to hard questions. But so was Sister Dorita Kent’s advice: Doing and making are acts of hope, and as that hope grows, we stop feeling overwhelmed by the troubles of the world.
- Be willing to take a few risks.
How about you dear reader? What are your updates?
What are one or two lessons the past year taught you? Were there any benefits?
The next decorating updates will probably include news from the garden. Today was a grand time to be out and about in the yard and just puttering around. I also revived a few house plants. That’s some decorating updates right there!

from Garden of Bright Images
In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. ~Margaret Atwood, “Unearthing Suite”
You might like this virtual choir — COVID Choir Is He Worthy

He isn’t buying all the hype about returning to normal.
I like his “catitutde.”