Happy Easter!

" What keeps our faith cheerful is the extreme persistence of gentleness and humor. Gentleness is everywhere in daily life, a sign that faith rules through ordinary things: through cooking and small talk, through storytelling, sharing love, fishing, tending animals and sweet corn and flowers, through sports, music, and books, raising kids--all the places where the gravy soaks in and grace shines through. Even in a time of elephantine vanity and greed, one never has to look far to see the campfires of gentle people. Lacking any other purpose in life, it would be good enough to live for their sake. "
Garrison Keillor

WSU on to The Sweet Sixteen

DENVER - MARCH 22: Kyle Weaver #25 of the Washington State Cougars is fouled by Zach Hillesland #33 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish after stealing the ball during the second round game of the East Regional as part of 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Pepsi Center on March 22, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Final Score: Washington State 61, Notre Dame 41
WSU has represented our Inland Empire well on and off the court. Go Cougs!

Photo Hunt: Metal

Now we have another thing to love at our favorite espresso stand on our Highway 395 route. The owner at Dad's Espresso in Chewelah did this artistic creation with barrels and metal figures.

He placed it on an old wagon in front of the stand close to the highway. The woman serving our lattes explained it is illuminated at night to show off the metal figures. We are looking forward to a view of it in the dark. For other photo hunters go here.

" I Just Don't Get It"

Here is my list for Sunday Scribblings this week:

"I just don't get it...

when snow piles up and makes driving dangerous on March 21st,

why is takes so long to level out sleeping patterns after the time change,

why people with the ways and means don't have a single book in their house,

why some teachers don't give second chances to students,

when our cats disappear and then return. Where do they go?"

"I just don't get it...

why weeds can survive a cold, cold winter and still be there under the snow,

and yet some of the hardiest roses look ready for dead.
why whiteflies never seem to die,
and how dog and cat hair can multiply after it is shed off and placed on my black jacket."

"I just don't get it...

why the day I am running late I always get behind the mail lady that drives 30 mph,

and more deer, turkeys, quail, and dogs are visible on both sides of the road,

and my key won't work in the door entering the building,

and I discover there was also a meeting I was to attend fifteen minutes ago."

" I really just don't get it....

when wireless connections won't jive with the laptop,

and the security letters you type in for a comment don't work,

Blogger won't let you load pictures,

and pictures I am sure I have downloaded cannot be found!"

"I just don't get it...

when a person can't find something of beauty each day,

when we hear more negative news than positive,

and that all people don't count their blessings one by one!"

To find other Sunday Scribblings go here.

March Madness: Snow, Cougs, Zags

March Madness began when I looked out the window as I awoke this morning. The first day of spring greeted us with snow. I can only hope these daffodils are hardy. I have to say they do stand out more in white surroundings.
My angel's pages on her book were covered with wet snow also this first day of spring.
March Madness was in full swing by the time I sat and watched the WSU Cougars play. Kyle Weaver contributed 14 points as they beat Winthrop 73-40.The Madness of March will continue tomorrow as I peek at the Gonzaga scores between class periods in the morning. I hope Austin Daye can put lots of baskets in like the one above.

You Reading This, Be Ready

You Reading This, Be Ready

Starting here, what do you want to remember?

How sunlight creeps along a shining floor?

What scent of old wood hovers, what softened

sound from outside fills the air?

Will you ever bring a better gift for the world

than the breathing respect that you carry

wherever you go right now? Are you waiting

for time to show you some better thoughts?

When you turn around, starting here, lift this

new glimpse that you found; carry into evening

all that you want from this day. This interval you spent

reading or hearing this, keep it for life-

What can anyone give you greater than now,

starting here, right in this room, when you turn around?

William Stafford

Any words of William Stafford always give me something to think about. I want to be ready to start here and enjoy the present moment.