The Eggstacy of Spring

Just getting down my Easter decorations this time of year makes me happy: I've been collecting eggs for years and seeing them again each spring gives such pleasure.  Sure, the carefully wrapped sugar eggs have a few nicks and spots, but they are still essentially intact.  Sure, a porcelain bunny here and there has lost his ears and a fragile, gorgeously painted chicken egg has bitten the dust, but with so much beauty and abundance that remains, I cannot long focus on the losses.

Spring has sprung here (sorry, all you Canadians and Northerners still suffering in snow, but bear with me for now), and outside is a riot of bloom and fragrance.  The pink jasmine is fighting to outdo the orange trees for waves of sweetness upon the air, and I'd be hard pressed to say which is more heady and more beautiful  The roses, daffodils and grape hyacinth are also at it, but one must get closer to them to absorb their scent, lovely as it is.  Leaves are popping out on the tree branches again and the grass is green and plentiful.  The few hens I have left are getting into the season and laying like crazy.

Such abundance is breathtaking.  I think all the eggs I've collected as Easter decorations reflect this: the goodness, provision, promise of new life, of renewal, of hope that God brings.  Easter is all that in the sweetest package imaginable.  I pray you open your heart to all God has for you  this Easter, for He is the root of all abundance.

For the Love of the Dance, Part 2

Some time ago I wrote about the local Victorian dance venue at Pasadena, but there is another local Victorian dance group that might be closer for some of you, and it's well worth investigating.

Suffragettes, celebrating Susan B. Anthony's birthday

Some of the same lovely people attend both events, some just one or the other, but all are charming, happy folk who simply love dancing and often, dressing in period clothing.  No costume is required to attend, however, and this group in Simi Valley is less expensive than the other, if you are watching your nickels and dimes in this tight economy.  Only $5.00 is charged for the Simi Valley Vintage Dance Society events, and they have not only Victorian dance, but also English Country Dance and Waltz and Polka practice.

Terri Wilson and friend

Tom Wilson and Debi Smith

Tom Wilson is our esteemed host,  and calls the dances for us.  He teaches every dance, every time, so there is no need to feel like your skills are not up to par--there are always beginners amongst us, and they are made to feel very welcome.  You will learn the dances as we go--we are often learning new ones right along with you.

There is nothing quite like the fun of dancing with good friends and enjoying the moment, unless it's getting to play dress-up, too!  Come dancing!