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Notes from the Bower
April 2026 • Spring
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Dear Reader,
Happy Easter and a joyful, blooming April to you, friend!
Each day, I’m continuing to enjoy little seasonal “firsts.” Our phoebe couple has returned to nest again in the same spot as last year—under the eaves of our back porch. We have a perfect view of them from the dining room, which is a lovely gift.
In this month’s edition of Notes, you’ll find:
☀️ A reflection from nature—on light, timing, and the quiet ways beauty meets us right where we are
🎨 A glimpse from the studio—something from a different location this time
🌿 A few extra notes—looking ahead
As the world continues its green awakening, may it stir a renewed sense of joy in your heart. Enjoy these warming days and all that comes with them.
💛
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Notes from Nature: The Coming Light
Our living room has one large picture window facing east, and another west.
One morning, I sat gazing east, watching the sky and clouds become illuminated in soft golden peach and dusty lavender—filled with gratitude as I witnessed the silent yet stunning announcement that the sun was on its way. The colors continued to shift and change as the source drew closer and closer to the horizon.
I turned in the opposite direction, and there to the west I could see the sunlight already touching the treetops, drenching them in that same golden glow—a quiet part of the chorus of expectation.
Beauty that filled the entire expanse of the sky, played out in perfect silence.
And I found myself wondering how many things happen around, above, and below me each day—silent, and waiting to be noticed. There are signs, if we are willing to lift our eyes.
Even on cloudy mornings, the light comes gradually, and the birds begin their song before the sun is fully risen. The dawn faithfully announces itself in so many ways—more than I could ever fully take in.
It mirrors something true about God, I think. That God shows up for us—every single day. Faithfully. Quietly. In more ways than I could ever possibly know.
And with Him comes a glory and beauty that is alive, dynamic—and always worth waiting for.
My friend, I invite you to take a moment tomorrow morning to pause and gaze at the sky as the day begins...see what you notice...and what it feels like to start your day with a little bit of beauty.
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“
In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
— from the Canticle of Zechariah, Luke 1:78-79
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Notes from the Studio: Building Around Something Beautiful
Having moved into my childhood home a few years ago, we are excited to be doing some remodeling and redecorating. And so I’ve been doing a different sort of creating over the past month or two—working on creating our home.
While indulging in Pinterest exploration and time on Facebook Marketplace, I came across a true statement piece of a mirror—a large, beautifully carved wood mirror with birds and floral motifs. I instantly fell in love with it.
It became the centerpiece for our “new” half-bath, around which every decision—from wall color, to light fixture, to flooring—was checked. Did it complement the mirror? Was it in harmony with the mirror?
It got me thinking about how we plan and build our lives—and what we choose to build them around.
When I make choices through the lens of what I deeply value and allow what is good and beautiful to guide and shape my decisions, many questions and doubts drop away.
What initially seemed overwhelming suddenly simplifies when I reorient and refocus myself toward the good and beautiful.
The time, energy, and effort I spend feels purposeful and good, because it is time spent living from my heart, rooted in God.
And what could be a better place for my heart—my center—to be focused on? God—who is Truth, Beauty, and Goodness itself!
Yes, we think our bathroom turned out beautifully, guided by that lovely mirror.
But far more importantly, I’m learning that as I keep my focus on God—continually returning to Him—He guides me, as only He can, in creating a deeply beautiful life.
Above, a few details...wallpaper, mirror, tile. Below, more of the glorious mirror! True that it may not be for everyone...but it was for us! 😄💛
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A few special notes from inside The Bower…
I wanted to share a few gentle shifts happening now and on the horizon in the coming months…
The Joyful Bower website is beginning to take shape…a simple home has been made, along with a place for the reflections to live—with more to come in time. You are always welcome to step inside.
Beginning with the May edition of Notes from the Bower, you’ll notice a shift toward simpler glimpses into my artwork and creative projects in Notes from the Studio.
And soon, you’ll begin receiving a simple monthly email—a single image I’ve captured, shared from my world to yours…offered as a quiet pause of beauty to brighten your day and refresh your heart and mind.
Just a few small ways of opening the door to the Bower a little wider. 💛
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Hello to my new and returning Friends of the Bower!
Each month, I write the names of new readers and place them in the little prayer jar on my desk—a reminder of this growing circle and of each of you I hold in prayer.
May your days be filled with lasting peace, joy, and beauty!
Did something strike you from this month's Notes? Did you have a special encounter with beauty? I'd love to hear about it—just hit reply.
I’m grateful you're here!
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💌
Enjoying this edition? Forward it to a friend!
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Notes from the Bower is published the second Wednesday of each month. The next edition is scheduled to arrive in your inbox May 13th. I’m looking forward to meeting you here again. Until then, wishing you much peace, joy, and beauty!
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