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!

Loud Millie

This is Emily. Who is quite small and rather loud. (And best of all, she's my niece.) She is also sometimes known as... Loud Millie.

Haven't yet met Loud Millie?

Meet her quick!
Click here!

Happy Valentine's Day

Painting by Ellie. Who, as well as being a brilliant artist, is also a brilliant writer (stay tuned) and also just happens to be my niece and the Big Sister behind HOW TO BE A BABY BY ME THE BIG SISTER.

Her painting is on the wall in front of my desk, along with all manner of other beautiful things to inspire me (paintings by my nieces and nephews, black and white photos of my nieces and nephew, excellent quotes from my nieces and nephews and other clever people).

Me, the Big Sister

This is Jonathan and his big sister Ellie. Aren't they scrumptdillyumptious? Yes they are! And they're also my niece and nephew and the brother and sister I based my new book on: HOW TO BE A BABY. And it's for Jonathan and Ellie I wrote it.

They read the book together last Christmas. And pointed at it. And laughed. For me, it was like seeing the book coming full circle. (They loved it that Sue's illustrations really do kind of look like them.)

Ellie (now 8) gave me her own review of the book: "I absolutely love How To Be A Baby By Me the Big Sister). (I love you even more.)"

What better review could a girl ever want?