The Joyful Bower

Notes from the Bower March 2026 • SpringSpring is Speaking and Fulfillment in Finishing Dear Reader, A lovely greening March to you, my friend! I’ve been delighted to spot the first henbit blooming, along with some sunny dandelions, and to hear the first glorious chorus of frogs in the evening. The season is indeed turning! In this month’s edition of Notes, you’ll find: A nature reflection from beneath the backyard maple, noticing the quiet signals that spring is beginning to stir. An art...

Notes from the Bower February 2026 • WinterInvited to Rest and Play Dear Reader, A gentle February to you, friend! We've had a few of those teasing winter-spring days here—beautiful reminders that spring is coming, even if winter isn't quite done with us yet. In these final winter weeks, it's a perfect time to welcome the gifts of rest and play—gifts that we can so often overlook. I hope these reflections inspire you to say yes to both! In this Notes edition, you'll find: ☀️ An invitation to...

Notes from the Bower January 2026 • WinterWrapped in Sunlight and The Gallery of Creation Dear Reader, A gentle, light-filled January to you, friend. This quieter season has a way of softening the world and revealing beauty we might otherwise miss. In this Notes edition, you’ll find: ☀️ How winter sunlight wraps the bare trees in warmth, revealing a hidden beauty—and what that can teach us about seasons of simplification and grace. 🎨 A reflection on creation as an ever-unfolding gallery, and...

Notes from the Bower December 2025 • Fifth EditionA Unique Light, Right on Time Dear Reader, A cozy, peaceful December to you, friend! In this season of long nights and joyful anticipation, I hope your time is filled with moments of laughter and light. In this Notes edition, you’ll find: 🌟A reflection on finding wonder in the night and noticing the unique light that shines in each of us. 🕊️Thoughts on finishing the year strong in God’s way, rather than the world’s. Wishing you a very Merry...

Notes from the Bower November 2025 • Fourth EditionWhen the Leaves Let Go and Emerging From the Dark Dear Reader, Here we are in the month of Thanksgiving! It's such a beautiful time to pause and reflect on what we're grateful for. A few things on my list are our tulip poplar tree, Thomas Merton's When the Trees Say Nothing, evening walks with my Mom, rewatching Stranger Things with my husband, and YOU! I hope your own list is full of both big and small blessings. In this Notes edition,...

Notes from the Bower October 2025 • Third EditionThe Fruitful Persimmon Tree and The Practice of Gazing Dear Reader, A beautiful, color-drenched October to you, friend! Even if you live somewhere outside of the autumn season, I hope your world is still filled with beautiful color. In this Notes edition, you’ll find: 🌳 How a persimmon tree had a few things to tell me about how things aren’t always as they seem—and the joy of surprise. 👁️ The power of the gaze and how it opens the door to...

Notes from the Bower September 2025 • Second EditionExuberant Sunflowers and the Spaces Between Dear Reader, A beautiful September to you, friend! Fall is upon us, and every year I feel a little bit like a kid, getting excited about pumpkins, apples, falling leaves, and...sweatshirts! 😄 I love all the colors that come with the onset of fall...especially that exuberant sunflower-golden yellow! I hope this edition of Notes from the Bower gives you a moment to pause and spot some blessings and...

Notes from the Bower August 2025 • First EditionWhispered Messages and Hidden Gold Dear Reader, A beautiful August to you, friend! Welcome to the very first edition of Notes from the Bower. I've been reflecting on the beauty of transition, and the blessings that can come in unexpected ways. I hope you find something here that uplifts you and brings a smile to your face. Up close with a variegated fritillary enjoying the marigolds. Notes from Nature: Whispered Messages August always seems to...