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His Mighty Hands

I was looking through a book of songs I have written when I came across this I hymn I wrote to the music “Londonderry Aire” when one of our sons was part of a team building a full size rocket “The Canadian Arrow”.

His Mighty Hands

********

Beyond the earth, stars shine within the universe

While other worlds revolve around their suns.

Our eyes look up to God’s amazing canopy

And our hearts praise the wondrous work He’s done.

Chorus:

For God is Lord of all that is around us.

His mighty hands have shaped and formed it all,

And we are loved so dearly that He gave his Son,

The willing sacrificial Lamb for one and all.

*******

Stardust and dreams go whirling through the atmosphere;

Rainbows and love are part of God’s design.

There is no limit to His power and artistry;

It all delights and challenges our minds.

*******

Because of God, we have our place upon the earth,

And He alone deserves our trust and awe,

For everyone is part of God’s eternal plan;

To love each other is his sacred law.

An Invitation to Tea

Recently our church invited the widows of our church to a “Forget-Me-Not” tea. When a few of the guests were unable to come, we decided to widen our invitation to include others. We served the tea in china tea cups (the best way to drink tea) at small tables for four. We asked some ladies to pour. This was the invitation we sent the guests:

I made each guest a embroidered felt forget-me-not brooch like these:

I put a piece of craft foam between the layers of felt , sewed the edges by hand and sewed a safety pin to the back.

We served tea, scones with cream and jam and squares all made and served by the women and girls of our congregation. It gave us an opportunity to show that we care and everyone had a such a lovely time that we have decided to make it an annual event.

My Design on Material

I was thrilled to receive the first swatch of material printed with my “Sunny Garden” design in the mail today from Spoonflower. This is a company that encourages artists to submit their own designs for material, wrapping paper and even wallpaper and will print it on demand. You are even able to sell your designed paper and material to others. Spoonflower gives designers weekly challenges and members vote on the winning pattern. I have really enjoyed seeing the amazing colourful and imaginative patterns created by so many talented artists. If you are interested in designing your own material, wrapping paper or wall paper go to http://www.spoonflower.co

Here is what I got in the mail today:

Adeline’s War of 1812 Journal: July 1815 (part 3)

Tuesday, July 18. 1815

silohuette of Ada Mae

Dear Janetta,

I went to Charles’ grave in the orchard today and told him that I plan to send our boys to England to protect them. It will be an arduous journey and I am anxious whether I am risking their lives more by the voyage or if I were to keep them here with me. When I told Evvy my decision she was horrified and begged me to reconsider, but Mr. O’Meara’s visit has reinforced my decision though it breaks my heart. I have told my parents and they too, tried to dissuade me, but I am certain Charlie and Andrew must be protected from harm.

Father has sent word to all our neighbours north of Johnstown to be alert for any sign of a stranger. The Randalls and the Branch family have promised to come to our defence, but everyone is haying now. This is the beginning of our busiest time and none can be spared to watch over us. I keep as busy as I can making meals for the men and watching my two little ones. I am storing up memories and Evvy has not stopped her attempts to change my mind. I plan to send word to Persephone as soon as possible …

Thursday, July 20, 1815 medicine bottles

Adeline is very ill. She felt ill early yesterday and took to her bed with a raging fever. Mrs. Randall was summoned and has been at her side all night. I have been looking after Charlie and Andrew, but they are constantly calling for their Mamma. I don’t dare let them see her for fear they might get sick also and they need to be in good health for their trip to England.

I know my sister is afraid they are
in grave danger here, but I fear the ocean voyage might be much more of a trial. They need their mother. Robert drove his mother here and stayed to keep the boys amused while I tend to the meals. I think he is more concerned about my sister’s health. It is very plain to see how much regard he has for Addie. Father and William carried Addie over to the cabin so that the rest of us will remain healthy. I know that Mother is anxious because she is humming hymns while she works.

Hector stopped by today, but understood immediately I had no thought in my head but of Addie. He is the most considerate of men. He promised to take a message to Everett and his sister if I wished, but although I know Addie wants to tell Persephone that she has decided to give the children up to her, I am praying it shan’t be required.

Now, I must take some broth over to Mrs. Randall and Adeline. I do hope there has been some change in her health.

Later: Father has sent William to Fort Wellington for the army doctor. Adeline is delirious and Mrs. Randall is very worried.

So am I.

Evvy

Adeline’s War of 1812 Journal: July 1815 Part 2

Saturday, July 15, 1815

Dear Janetta,

Lady Persephone Norris has informed her brother, Captain Houghton, that she intends to sail for England by August 1. She did not feel it necessary to return to Thistledown Farm, but wishes to give me time to make my decision without any undue influence on her part. I appreciate her delicacy of feeling, however it worries me that my children won’t have met her before sailing away in her company.

All this was conveyed to us when Capt. Houghton came to visit Evvy on Friday last. It was obvious the true intention of his visit was to woo my sweet sister. Unfortunately for him, Hector had come earlier and had taken Evvy and Henry to the Randalls in his cart .

Evvy will need to make her preference known shortly or the two men in question may come to blows. Everett stayed for tea with mother only as long as polite society requires and left us quite out of sorts.

We had another visitor today. Mr. O’Meara, Arthur’s father-in-law, drove into our yard in his ramshackle wagon, almost overturning my laundry tub and crashing into our garden fence. Of course, he was not in a clear state of mind. He was drunk and slurring his speech. He practically fell out of his wagon and immediately had to be helped up by Father and William.

“Where’s my grandson?” he demanded.

“Where has my good for nothin’ son-in-law taken him? Why ain’t I seen the lad in weeks?”

In consideration of the poor treatment his daughter Kathleen received at the hands of her father and brothers, I was not shocked to hear that Arthur was limiting the familiarity of his infant son with his O’Meara relatives. Had I not been acquainted with other more amiable people of their fair land, I might have formed a very jaundiced opinion of their kind. Today, Mr. O’Meara was not the best representation of their considerable charms. He wore his shabbiest breeches and his homespun shirt was in filthy tatters. I felt some compassion for his situation, but knew his only sorrow at the passing of his daughter was for the many services she had rendered.

Needless to say, we were not able to answer O’Meara’s questions other than to remind him that Adam was in his father’s care and would come to no harm. This reassurance did not placate him at all.

“I know me rights,” he slurred, “ and I want to see me grandson, afore I quit this place.”

“Now O’Meara, when and where are you planning to go?” asked William. “Surely you won’t abandon your home and property.”

“Weesht,and I’ll do what I like, I will. Me son Darnell will give me a home. There’s nothin’ here for me now, no wife nor daughter to give me comfort. Little Adam should be with his kin, not a gormless, limbless pa.”

“Now O’Meara, you are in your cups and making no sense at all,”said my Father. “Go home and sleep this off. We will tell Arthur you wish to speak to him, but I warn you, he shan’t see you if you are three sheets to the wind.”

William and Father put O’Meara back in his wagon, William took the reins and put them in his hand. O’Meara looked down from the wagon blearily, and said , “Hold yer horses, Price. I ain’t done all I came to do.”

O’ Meara scratched his head and then added, “Liam and Seamus have quit this side, but ye best beware of Jake Bourke.”

I just froze! With that warning he drove his horses out of sight.

Adeline

Quiet Book for My Grandson

My little grandson is 5 months old so I decided to make a “quiet book” for him. I called it Fionntán’s Farm and filled it with colourful farm animals. Here are the results!

I had so much fun making this book!

Adeline’s War of 1812 Journal: July 1815 (part 1)

Adeline’s War of 1812 Journal: July 1815

Sunday, July 2, 1815

Dear Janetta,

I cannot describe how I feel. I am such a maelstrom of anger, horror and terror. It happened that this morning I awoke to the growling of Pirate. I had heard him growling and whining earlier, but I was so weary I just looked over at the babes still asleep, hushed Pirate and fell back asleep. It was a brief time because Pirate refused to be ignored and he kept growling, and barking at the door. I could hear footsteps on the small porch and then, Henry called out, “Down Pirate, hush.”

Then as I stumbled sleepily to the door to open it for Henry, I heard him call out.

“Addie, don’t come out. Promise me you won’t open the door.”

“Henry, what is the matter? Of course, I’ll come out if something is amiss. Do you think I am aninny?”

“No Addie. Wait until I fetch Father. Please stay inside until I get back.”

I was puzzled and alarmed, but I agreed not to open the door. Instead I dressed and began to prepare the morning meal of porridge. Henry made it a habit to visit when he arose, bringing us milk from the morning’s milking. Charlie and Andrew are still nursing, though I am training them to drink from a cup as well. Henry often eats his breakfast with us.

Henry and Father returned and spent some time talking quietly, then I heard them wrenching something from the door. Pirate was beside himself with desperation to get out.

Father finally knocked on the door and I let him inside.

“Adeline,” he said gravely, “This cabin is no longer safe for you and the boys. I must insist you move back into the house.”

“But Father,” I implored, “the house is too small for all of us now. What do you mean, the cabin is too dangerous?”

Charlie and Andrew both sat up in their beds, rubbing their sleepy eyes.

“Addie, did you hear anyone outside your door this morning?” asked Henry coming in behind father.

“No, I didn’t…well, I guess Pirate did, because his growling woke me up awhile ago. I was too tired to pay it mind.”

“Addie, someone has killed the boys two kittens and nailed them to the cabin door.”

“What?” I staggered backwards and grabbed the post of the settle near the fire. “Bourke! Bourke did that?”

“Adeline, this man is not rational. You are in grave danger.” said Father.

Isn’t it enough that Bourke kidnapped me, killed my dear Charles,and burned our home? Now he’s driven us out of our new home and threatened our lives. We come through a war across our borders and in our own country and now we are fighting a phantom.

I have made up my mind to accept Brigadier General Houghton’s offer. I will have to send my boys to England so that they will be safe. My heart is breaking.

Terrified,

Adeline

Tuesday, July 4, 1815

Dear Janetta,

Arthur Randall came by with his mother and aunt the day after the kittens were killed. I had just finished washing and hanging the boy’s clothes out to dry. At first, I thought it was Robert and my heart began pounding from mortification after our last conversation. However, as the wagon came closer, I realized it was Arthur. His mother and aunt went into the house to visit my mother and Evvy. Robert had his son, Adam, on his arm and called out to me.

‘Adeline, may we talk?”

I tried not to stare at his empty sleeve as he limped towards me. I put down the basket and we went to sit on the bench near the well, the place where Charles had proposed to me.

“Does your injury cause you much pain?” I asked him.

“Sometimes, not always. Mostly it exasperates me not being able to do what I did before. I’m not much use anymore, Addie. We lost the Battle in New Orleans and I lost my arm.”

“It must be very distressing for you,” I said. “We are so glad that you have returned safely and that the war is over.”

Arthur sat watching Adam playing with some stones. “War doesn’t seem to be over for

you, Addie. I don’t understand why you refused my brother’s proposal. He could offer you and your children the protection you need. “

My cheeks began to burn. “ I didn’t refuse him,” I whispered.

“He says that you did,” insisted Arthur. “Why ever would he think that?”

“I… I don’t know,” I answered “He came to tell me Bourke had escaped and I broke down and cried. It was such a shock. He asked me to marry him almost in the same breath…but…”

“He didn’t wait for your answer, did he?”

I shook my head and Arthur sighed. I picked up Adam and brushed dirt from his tiny fist. He cuddled up to me and began sucking his thumb.

“Do you think you could learn to love him, Adeline?”

I thought of my two sons without a father and remembered Robert’s many kindnesses and considerations.

“I think perhaps I already do care for Robert,” I mumbled into Adam’s curly hair.

“Good,” said Arthur, reaching out for his son.”then you should tell him .”

“He has been avoiding me. I think that he is angry with me and besides, I don’t wish him to marry me out of a sense of duty or pity.” I felt annoyed with my stubbornness but could not bring myself to admit my own doubts. I was very uncomfortable with the entire conversation.

“Adeline, do not let pride stand between you and your safety, not to forget the happiness and comfort of your children. I know for a fact my brother has loved you since the day you first arrived with your parents, ten years ago.”

Arthur looked down at me with a slight smile. “Believe me, Adeline, duty and pity have nothing to do with Robert’s feelings for you.”

And that, Janetta, is when Arthur left me to join his mother and aunt. So now what should I do? – Adeline

Adeline’s War of 1812 Journal – June 1815

A fictional account of a young woman’s life during the War of 1812

The story so far:

Adeline is the young mother of twin boys born after the murder of her husband, Sgt. Charles Houghton, a member of the English infantry, stationed at Fort Wellington in Prescott (Upper Canada). Before she was married she was abducted by American spies and taken across the St. Lawrence to Ogdensburg. In order to escape she wounded one of her captors, Jake Bourke. Bourke has sworn to get his revenge and in doing so murdered her husband, and burned her home. He was captured and sent to Brockville to face trial but, escaped with the help of two of his confreres.

Sunday, May 21, 1815

Thistledown Farm

Dear Janetta,

I have not had two minutes together to write a line, until today. Both my babies were sick with croup after my last entry and as soon as they recovered we were busy preparing the garden. Planting will begin as soon as the evenings are warmer. We have a much shorter growing season here in Upper Canada than we had in England. Evvy and I spent a number of days hoeing, digging and pulling up weeds. It will be wonderful to have fresh vegetables again.

Charlie and Andrew are growing stronger, getting sturdier and more curious. I have to watch them every minute. Andrew is especially mischievous and manages to get himself into more scrapes now that he is walking. Charlie is still creeping mostly, but he is trying to copy his brother in every way, so it won’t be long before he is tottering around after Andrew.

Robert hasn’t visited us since that awful day he came to tell me about Bourke. He has stopped by to see father and Henry once or twice, but whenever I approach he makes an excuse to leave. I must admit it wounds me and the children miss his visits. Mother and Father have not mentioned this to me, but Evvy has. Evvy says that Robert, Henry and William have taken turns scouting the woods each night for fear of Bourke.

Truly Janetta, I have nightmares about Bourke. One night, I dreamt Bourke had snatched my babies from their cradles and I woke up screaming. Mother and Evvy came running over from the main house with Father, armed with the flintlock pistol he’d confiscated in Ogdensburg. The babies were frightened too. I felt so foolish for letting my fears get the best of me but my babies are my dearest treasures. I am wrestling with the idea of sending them to England where they will be safer. Persephone Houghton Norris wrote to us in April to say that she would be arriving in Prescott in early June if the tides are in her favour. I must make a decision before then.

Lady-Silhouette-Clip-Art

Anxiously,

Adeline

Sunday, June 18, 1815

Dear Janetta,

Persephone arrived in Prescott three days ago. Her brother, Everett reported that she found the travel by durham boat extremely tiring and “primitive”, but “she is a game girl” (his words) and is bearing up well. She has not as yet visited us but is purchasing “suitable bush clothing” in Ogdensburg. Evvy says that she must be planning on heavy linen from head to foot. If so she will find it serviceable but much too warm. Evidently, she is traveling with a maid and a children’s nanny. I am trying to wean the boys to a cup for the journey, but they only turned one year old yesterday and have no interest in tin cups. Or, perhaps, I simply am not insisting as the days of departure draw closer. Oh how can I give up my sweet loves? They are so affectionate and loving. They are my only tie to Charles. I cannot bear the thought of losing them and yet…what if Bourke were to harm them?

Nothing has been heard or seen of Bourke, or the O’Meara brothers since they killed his guards and released him from the shackles. William thinks they are laying low over the American side of the St. Lawrence until most of the soldiers have left the Fort. I haven’t any confidence that Bourke has given up his planned revenge and I don’t sleep well.

Robert’s brother, Arthur, has returned from America much to the relief of the Randall family. He was reportedly recovering across the river from wounds he sustained in New Orleans. Janetta, I am glad he has returned and now he will be able to look after his son, Adam. Adam is just a few weeks younger than Charlie and Andrew, but seeing them play together, you would think they were all brothers.

God’s blessings,

Adeline

Sunday, June 25, 2015

Dear Janetta,

Lady Persephone Norris came calling on Friday with her brother, Captain Houghton. He, most certainly, had an ulterior motive, that of visiting Miss Eveline Price with the sweet temperament and the mishievous dimples. Lady Persephone is not what I’d expected. She is quite practical and gracious. She brought them warm knitted leggings and jackets which will fit them well in the fall. Perhaps she intended them to keep them warm on the voyage to England, but I just cannot bear that thought at the moment. She remarked that in England all children wear frocks until boys are old enough to be put into short trousers, but she felt pioneering required more serviceable clothes. “Serviceable” is the word of which she is most fond. Persephone seems anxious to begin our acquaintanceship on friendly terms and she confided in me she felt oddly conflicted about the mission with which she has been entrusted.

“I think children should be with their parents,” she told me. “That is why I have employed an excellent tutor who boards with us. I want my two girls to know proper deportment, how to carry on an intelligent conversation and how to keep their own account books. Half the problems in society today are caused by foolish unnecessary expenditures for fripperies. Don’t you agree, my dear Adeline?”

Before I had a chance to answer, Persephone had changed the topic of conversation to how brave I am to bear up under the grief of losing the comfort of a loving companion and helpmate. She proceeded to tell me some of her fondest memories of Charles as a little boy, how he loved apples, climbing trees, reading poetry and playing with his constant companion, his dog , Plato. She reminisced about Charles’ desire to see the colonies and how he joined the infantry when he was just 16, barely out of short trousers in her opinion. Although she was three years his elder, she and Charles were evidently close confidants until she got married.

When I offered to go and get the boys up from their nap, she kindly declined the offer saying that she would return later in the week Lady Persephone wears a silver locket with the golden curls of her children in it. She told me her girls, Isolde and Camille, are four and five years of age.

“It pains me to be away from them for any time,” she sighed, “so I can imagine how hard this decision will be for you. All I can tell you is that Issy and Cammy are looking forward to having a brother or brothers to share their nursery. My husband is longing for a son to educate and introduce into society.We will honour whatever your decision will be, but be assured my father will provide an excellent education for his grandsons.”

My distress must have been apparent for Lady Persephone squeezed my hands before she left for Prescott in the wagon with her brother.

Mother gave me a hug and said “Goodness, Lady Norris is a veritable whirlwind talker! She wears no frills and furbelows, I’ll give her that and she speaks quite plainly. I hope she didn’t upset you, Addie.”

My eyes were swimming with tears. I just shook my head and cleared the tea things off the table. My head and heart were whirling. They still are. Whatever will I do, Janetta?

Adeline.

Restoring My Soul

I wrote this entry in my diary one day while spending time at a cottage: “After tossing and turning and worrying for hours, I have finally decided to decamp to the porch of the cottage and let the lake work its magic. The water is a mirror, a woodpecker is busy getting breakfast and the loons are laughing across the lake.

*******

Is there anything more beautiful than the music of the Canadian wilderness? What a symphony of blessed bird song I am enjoying! All my ragged, frayed nerves are being woven back into harmony as I sit enraptured by the sweet sounds of the lake awakening. There is a background of general chirping, undertones of musical lilting, and the occasional high flutey trills punctuated by the loons’ haunting call. The hills and trees are reflected in the silvery water that I can see through the lacy boughs of the cedars along the shore. The cottage seems illumined by a golden glow and the air is pure nectar. Fluttering wings and chattering squirrels play a counter rhythm as every child of the forest joins the choir. The lake is turning gold and silver before my eyes.

******

The flight of a heron reflected on the polished surface of the water lifts my heart and I must give thanks to my Creator that I am more than mere observer, that I too have a place in God’s orchestra, for however brief a time. How can I be anything but happy? And so God restores my spirit by leading me beside the still waters of the lake, restoring my soul.”

Saddle Song

Saddle Song

O leave me in the saddle

Where life is simple, rough and clear,

Where everything I value

Is in my horse, this land, my gear.

O let my eyes meander

Over the waving seas of grass

To the mountains and the snow

That fills up in the skyward pass.

When my boots are in the stirrups

And my old saddle leather creaks,

My heart is soaring upward<a

To the foothills and the peaks.

There is no time to spend

Regretting things unsaid or done

While bald eagles catch my eye

Circling lazily in the sun.

At night the Milky Way is broad

And I am happily in rhythm

With the mighty plans of God

And my thoughts of cowboy heaven.

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