Stick Horse Cowgirls

At the risk of waxing sentimental and, to some extent tooting my own horn, I am moved today by the concept of mothering.   As I write this, California remains on fire.   Not only are houses destroyed, but people are losing their lives, some of them firefighters who have volunteered, knowing the great risk they face. As I have prayed about this disaster, my heart has turned toward the animals of the burning forests.   We will never know how many have lost their lives in horrible ways. On Facebook yesterday someone posted this photograph by a fireman who was moving through a burned-over area.   It is a picture of a bird’s nest with a clutch of eggs still there intact.   Next to them is the body of their mother.   Instantly it hits one that the mother bird could simply have sailed off, over the fire, to find safety. But she did not.   She would not abandon her babies—still in their shells—to the disaster.   She stood with them, helpless against the flames, but loyal to the very end.

I had to work yesterday (Saturday, Labor Day weekend, no less!).  I had to travel an hour's drive north to interview some kids in need.  As I often do, I wrangled V to go with me and "meander." We knew of flea markets and home-cookin' cafes up that way to try out.  And, that's just what we did.  I don't often have that kind of meandering time so that, alone, was an indulgence.  We turned my work day into a fun day.   Ummmm, fish eggs...not for me! But the real indulgence came that evening when I nosed around for supper.  First, let me ask you: What do you think of when you think of an "indulgence?"  Is it caviar with champagne?  Is it fine chocolates?   Well, my friends, if that's the case with you, you may be missing out, for as I poked through my pantry, I found a true indulgence: a box of cheeseburger macaroni Hamburger Helper !      Why this processed, full-of-artificials was in my pantry, I have no clue.  It is not something on my shopping l