Author Archives: cottonribbonsford

I always love watching a thunder-boomer roll in, but this morning is exceptional… Kids and kittens running through the yard before the rain line hits, warm toasty coffee in hand, and bringing warmth to my body amidst a cool wind, and the potent scent of basil, thyme, tarragon, mint and oregano wafting upon the breeze.Continue reading “Rainstorm”

(An Exerpt) It struck me that the Israelites were THIRSTY when they complained to Moses. Then Moses to God. Then God opened the rock. I’m not saying we should complain. I’m saying God let them feel thirst. Why? So they would seek Him?So they would cry out to Him? But they complained……to Moses. Is thereContinue reading “7th Day of Lent”

(An excerpt) Come, Lord Jesus. Cheap imitations of your love and grace tempt us all around, promising satisfaction, yet lacking in any true value. Come, Lord Jesus. Even if we gorge ourselves on false foods, we still find ourselves empty. Empty, and sick. Have mercy upon us Lord, have mercy. You are the bread ofContinue reading “5th Day of Lent, ‘25”

Long days filled with sun-kissed momentsShort nights beckon with chilly sleepMornings wake with songbirds’ chorusEvening tucks in to wood frogs peep. Spring is nearly turning overSummer waits within the wingsThe dance of seasons ever onwardSummer’s overture soon shall ring. God Is here between the seasons – the not-quite-summer, but nearly there.He is Lord o’re allContinue reading “Extraordinary Ordinary Time”

The more I engage in this homestead-ish life, the more I find the importance of seasoning in life… Cast iron skillet? Seasoning.Enamel dutch oven? Seasoning.Banneton basket? Seasoning.Stoneware baking dish? Seasoning.Butcher block cutting board? Seasoning.Grill grates? Seasoning. Seasoned. Well Seasoned. Mature. Wise. ”Perfect.” A “perfect” steak is well-seasoned.A “perfect” ferment, well-seasoned.A “perfect” bread, seasoned. Eggs comeContinue reading “31st Day of Lent, ‘25”

Kids in the garden Chickens in the yardBees on the wildflowers Kittens on guard Bread in the oven Laundry on the lineDishes in the soapsuds Birds in the pine Dog in the sunspot Cattle in the penTrucks on the dirt road Family in the den Coffee in the hot pot Fire in the pitStars inContinue reading “Glory in the Grit”

Bread risingMuffins bakingHot milk cooling for a long night of fermenting to yogurtMusic playingTea steepingCat meowing for belly rubs and snuggles while we waitChildren snoozingHubby waitingLights are dim and stars prick the night sky like the toothpick pricks the muffins;Tiny holes of light speckling the night as if to check the doneness of the dayTomorrowContinue reading “Let Me Tie My Apron On”

You’d think this season would be sleepy. After all, many critters, great and small, are asleep. Even the sun is sleepy, going to bed early and sleeping in late, casting our world into seasonal cold. We claim this as a season of rest; of cuddles and fires, of blankets and naps. We retreat indoors –Continue reading “The Carol of the Birds”

He creeps,he sneaks,the floor it creaks. He meows,he prowls,he fills his jowls. He murrs, he purrs,he sheds his furs. He hides,he cries,he’s golden eyes. He jump,he thump,he’s quite a hunk. He chat,he fat,he is my cat. -SF Written: 12/2/2024Published: 1/27/2025

The birds all gathered round outsideupon their feeder swinging lowAs we all gathered here insideround seeds of love and faith we sow The air is cold and harsh withoutbut warm and cozy here within,the world may leave us facing droughtbut there’s a fountain within these kin. What have I to offer here?I’ve not much gloryContinue reading “Thanksgiving ‘24”