Harry, The Strong and Cool and Brave

This is Harry (when he was quite a bit smaller than he is now). As you can see, he's full of adventure and an intrepid explorer. Which is why one of the bravest characters in Handbag Friends is named after him. And, just like him, he's very handsome, too (but you don't need me to tell you, you can see very well for yourself).

And I get to be his aunt. (Which only makes me the luckiet, proudest aunt alive.)

Right now I'm working on a story for him. I just hope I can finish it before he's too grown up for it. But then I prefer to think about the lovely thing C S Lewis wrote in his foreward to THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE:

"MY DEAR LUCY, I wrote this story for you, but when I began it I had not realised that girls grow up quicker than books. As a result you are already too old for fairy tales, and by the time it is printed and bound you will be older still. But someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think of it. I shall probably be too deaf to hear, and too old to understand, a word you say, but I shall still be
your affectionate Godfather,
C S LEWIS”

The 2007 Oscar-winning Danish Poet

"Can we trace the chain of events that leads to our own birth? ... Is our existence just coincidence? ... Do little things matter?"

These are the impressive, scarily intelligent, completely frightening sorts of questions that might easily give a person a headache if they were not very careful. But, in this oscar-winning best animated short, they are explored to brilliant effect. The Danish Poet is great storytelling, great animation, and great fun. I loved it. And no headache in sight. (Written and directed by Torvill Kove (14 mins 24 s)

(This scene is particularly enjoyable, I think, for anyone in the midst of growing their hair. As I am.)

Are you THE Wilberforce?

In the same way that I am often asked, "Are you related to THE Lloyd-Jones" (see Feb 24th post) lately poor Balloon Bird is being asked all the time, "Are you related to THE Wilberforce?" (Balloon Bird's real name, for those who are not familiar with his lineage, is Sir Wilberforce-Ping.)

He is forced (as am I) to say, "No" (since he doesn't care to lie any more than I do) but then he feels he must apologize--like me--and so because he says things in threes--he has to say it three times: "sorry, sorry, sorry".

Which is a bit embarrassing for him, he says.

But there is one good thing about it. (Which actually makes the question a fine compliment.) Because, just like me, Sir Wilberforce-Ping does have a glorious namesake: Sir William Wilberforce (1759-1833)--the heroic British abolitionist who is right now in the news because of the wondrous film Amazing Grace.

And Eric Metaxas has written the book Amazing Grace that goes along with it! He's a wonderful writer and (best of all) my wonderful friend.

Dydd Gwyl Dewi hapus!

Today is St David's Day. So, as I say: Dydd Gwyl Dewi hapus!

You know this of course, but for those of us like me, St David (seen here in a stained glass window from Jesus College, Oxford) is the Patron Saint of Wales from the 6th century who helped spread Christianity among pagan Celtic tribes of Western Britain and he only ate watercress and once stood in the middle of a lake up to his neck--but I don't remember why. He is famous for saying, "Gwnewch y pethau bychain" ("do the little things") but then proceeded to be canonized and do great big things.

But then didn't someone else say do not despise the day of small beginnings? Or you never go anywhere except one small step at a time.

I'm all for that. Hooray for St David! and Hooray for St David's Day! and Hooray for the little things!

Are you THE Lloyd-Jones?

I'm quite often asked (particularly in church circles) whether I am related to THE Lloyd-Jones. To which, of course, I respond ... But I AM the Lloyd-Jones.

But they're really asking: are you related to THE Doctor David Martyn Lloyd-Jones. (Seen here wondrously on a horse.) And it's a huge compliment. Because Dr David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) is such the rock star of theologians and preachers. And I'm a total groupie.

But when you're such a fan, of such a great man, of course you'd love to be able to say you're related or connected somehow. You wish you had met him. And been able to hear him preach. Or had him as your great Uncle. You sometimes even wish (inappropriately) you could tell all manner of lies to make it a better story--you remember him singing welsh hymns to you, he took you riding on his horse--in short, you wish you could say anything other than, "no". Which for some reason I can't help but follow with "sorry". (I feel it is such a let down and I'm rather let down by the whole thing myself.)

The only connection is that half of me is from that same passionate celtic corner of the world as he (Wales). But it doesn't quite do, since I've never lived there and only know maybe three words (hello, goodnight, and darling--handily they are perhaps the most essential ones, but nevertheless.)

But all silliness aside. I'm pleased when people ask me this--because it means I've found someone else who loves DML-J's teaching and sermons and books--and (if they're not too disappointed) probably I've found a new friend, too.

If you haven't heard of him, then I'm happy to introduce you... Meet THE Doctor David Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Check out one of his most brilliant books (especially the chapter on listening to yourself/versus speaking to yourself) and my favorite: Spiritual Depression.

favorite quotes: part 1

"... for we have sinned and grown old."
G K Chesterton

photo of Emily catching sight of the beach for the first time that morning, around the brow of a hill one summer holiday in Cornwall

photo taken with my favorite plastic toy Holga camera

Early Reader

Here's Lily Peach. Is she reading? It certainly looks like it to me. In fact, I think she might even be pondering--seeing if she quite agrees with just what that book has been telling her all morning long. And how nice to do your reading in front of a mirror so you can check on your outfit as you go.

But then again, is it really any surpise she'd be reading at 6 months? She is, after all, the daughter of the brilliant Jago. Wonderful father, exquisite illustrator and the guy I am lucky enough to have worked with on The Jesus Storybook Bible.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION ...

Based on the Movie of the Book of the Handbag...
Best Handbag in a Supporting Role: Clasp
Singiest Song: The Handbag Song
Best Costume: Lady under the Bush Oufit, by Bolshee and Banana
Best Shoe in an Understudy Role: Meany Blah-Blah
Best Interiors and Chickens: Pinkfoxe and Fowler
Best Boy and Key Grip: David Pinkling
Best Stage Set and Cave: Sir Frank Lloyd-Pink
Best Screenplay in a Book: Moo-Moo Ya
Best Hats appearing in a Handbag: Trillip Bracey
Most Badly Behaved and Naughtiest Handbags NOT appearing at all: Bate Skade
Best Friends appearing in a Handbag...
For your consideration...
WINNER OF 5 GOLDEN HANDBAGS...
Now starring in a handbag near you...
THE HANDBAG FRIENDS!