History, An Author And A Barn

Not far from my home - about three miles south - is a historic little community. Aurora, Oregon is known for history and antiques. Lots of antiques. Aurora was originally settled by a religious commune, a group of German families who travelled by wagon train from Bethel, Missouri in search of the perfect place to live and do business.First named Aurora Mills, the town now showcases a number of historic homes and buildings.Award-winning and bestselling Oregon author, Jane Kirkpatrick, has recently completed her third novel in her Change and Cherish Historical Series, the story of the founding of Aurora. "A Mending At The Edge" is the final book that tells the story through the eyes and life of Emma Giesy. Jane is one of my favorite authors. Her research is thorough and her stories do not wander far from the truth of the real-life characters and events. Yesterday afternoon she held a booksigning event at the museum in Aurora. After a wonderful Mother's Day dinner - prepared by my sweetheart for my dear little mother and me - I treated my dear mother to a visit to the museum and a chance to see Jane in person. With camera in hand I couldn't wait to capture bits and pieces of what we saw.

The Old Aurora Colony Museum is housed in a building that has served as an oxbarn, a horse barn, a trucking depot, a store and a home. If you want to read about the museum, coming events and more of the history of Aurora, click here.Signs of the past and suggestions of the contents of the building greeted us as we approached the entrance. The sign overhead and a peak at the character and design of the building. . .
And an indication of some of the building's past occupants made us anxious to learn more. Once inside, it was as if we had entered another world. Magically transported back in time. We were reminded of the hardships faced and the stamina required of those who blazed a trail and settled into this area we love and call home. An armoire displaying a lovely garment, a petticoat and a beautiful hat gave a glimpse of the finery that was worn for special occasions.But the truth of everyday real life was displayed a few feet away. The winters were cold and damp. At times harsh winds and snows lasted for weeks at a time. Clothing had to provide warmth for survival . Hand quilted winter petticoats told the story. I was intrigued and amazed by the beauty of these undergarments. Garments no one saw.Well-labelled artifacts and treasures were tastefully displayed. An old German Bible. . . A spinning wheel that is used by the Aurora Colony Spinners. . .Boxes and bottles. . .Old linens and a baby bottle. . .A guitar and cooking utensils. . .A handmade guitar case and an old chair. . .And an old, weathered bell.The story continues out back in the gardens and outbuildings. The woodworking area. . .Next to the Blacksmith shop. . .A cast-iron bell. . .Barrels made by the cooper, stones ready to grind wheat in the nearby mill and a beautiful old window. . .The Carpenter's Shop. . .The Boot and Shoemaker's Shop. . . Laundry equipment ready for washday. . .And "The Necessary".The current displays throughout the main museum building feature the life of Emma Giesy. Her story is told and her pictures are displayed along with many of her belongings. Treasures from a life lived long ago. Perhaps what captured my heart most was the chance to see her calling card peeking from a small envelope inside a glass case with other things of hers. Her life was not easy and much of it was filled with unhappiness and pain. But in the middle of it all there were elements of finery and beauty. She was strong, willful at times, but always lady. The crowds were larger than we expected. There was much we didn't get to see because of long lines for the book signing and tables filled with books for purchase. I have more pictures to share with you. I will share them soon - they are stories in themselves. I didn't have a chance to see everything, to take my time and slowly read the information with each display. My heart longs to do that. Soon I will slip away and visit the museum again on a quiet afternoon when life in the little town near home is moving at a slower pace. There is much to see and learn in this small place in Oregon. Aurora Mills. The place dreamed of so long ago. A dream that became reality.

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing you a day that's filled to the brim

with all the gifts that come from Him. . .

happiness, goodness,

kindness, and love -

all of the blessings that

you are made of.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God, and the fellowship

of the Holy Spirit be with you.

II Corinthians 13:14

Happy Mother's Day to you, dear friends.

Journey To The Beach

The conference center where we had our weekend retreat is about two blocks from the beach. To get there you have to cross a very busy major highway - THE highway along the coast. Highway 101. To walk across that highway would be very dangerous. I've never seen anything like it before but the conference center has a private overpass to the other side. A quaint-looking structure that brings safety and ease to the journey to the beach.Retreat friends who had been there before told me the stairs were 'a killer'. I was prepared for a steep climb but was surprised how easily I made it to the top.Not bad. Not bad at all. And the view of the lake beside the conference center was fantastic.

The doors into the overpass are locked, making it impossible for just anyone to have access. Conference registrants are given the code for entrance into this fascinating structure.A friend and I walked to the beach together. She loves to take pictures too and we understood each other's insight into the beauty of the surroundings. Our cameras were busy - we stopped often to take pictures. During the morning session in the chapel our speaker had talked about looking at life 'through the grid'. We don't see it as God sees it! We see it through the grid of our understanding, our experiences, our background. As we walked into the overpass my friend looked at the windows and exclaimed, 'Through the grid!' It gave meaning to the phrase. It was an appropriate illustration. At the end of this long covered bridge high above the highway there was our first view of the ocean. Breathtaking. Always. On our way past ocean-front homes to the pathway that led down onto the beach we passed a delightful display. A yard ornament. Garden art. A rowboat filled with tulips! How clever. If I had a home at the beach I would love to do the same. A conference friend had told us that the winter storms had left many logs on the beach. More than usual. An incredible sight. As we approached the beach we knew she was right. Just beyond the logs we could see the sandy beach. And the rocks. Twin Rocks.We had to get to the other side of the logs to get to the beach. As we approached we met a friend who was returning to the conference center. She told us of a better path to take than the obvious one straight ahead. Now that's a friend. A real friend. Finally - the beach. Sand. A leisurely walk. Conversation. Search for shells and driftwood pieces to take as a reminder of our day. Another friend who was walking on the beach joined us for more of the same.Down the beach a ways I spied a house. Made of driftwood and logs. High above the sand on top of an incredible pile of logs. My friend, Mrs. I, decided to climb up to look inside. Soon it was time to walk back to the conference center to get ready for dinner. A slow pace back the way we had come. Past a few homes. Talking and enjoying time together. When we saw this tree arched over a driveway we had to stop.Ahead, the overpass came into view high above the trees. A sign above the stairs on this side welcomed us and reminded us where we were headed.Inside the 'tunnel' once again we talked as we returned to the place in the woods near the beach. Our home away from home for a short time.A few more minutes and we had returned to another world. Life in the forest camp with other friends. We were refreshed and relaxed. Ready to move on to the scheduled events. 'Free' time was over. Just on the clock but not in our hearts. We had been free to take time with friends. Free to enjoy and savor the beauty of God's creation. And the beauty of our friendship. A respite in the middle of a busy world.

Beauty In The Woods

Last weekend was a Mother-Daughter weekend away at the Oregon Coast. The mother? Our church. With her three 'daughters' - churches that have been started in neighboring communities over the past few years. Three groups from our congregation have branched out and become healthy, thriving congregations in their own right. Friday afternoon ladies from all four churches joined together. A reunion. And new friends. It was almost as if we hadn't been apart. Joyous greetings and big hugs were the order of the day. We travelled for about two hours to a wonderful conference center to spend time away from the routines of our lives. Away from the noise of the world in which we live. Time to 'retreat' in order to 'advance' and return home renewed. The lodge was the center of many activities and comfortable motel-style rooms that would be 'home' to some of us. Lodge Room 11- my place to land. Briefly, ever so briefly.Across the 'bridge', through the doors and registration. Check in. Find out who has arrived. Give hugs. Make ourselves at home.The surroundings were beautiful. True Pacific Northwest beauty. I couldn't wait to move into my room, grab my camera and get outside to explore. My camera stayed with me through the entire weekend. Giant trees loomed high overhead.Recent winter storms with higher-than-normal winds had broken and toppled many trees. Most of the trees had weathered the storms and remained strong and tall. And majestic. A lot of trees had strangely 'fun' above-ground root systems that produced the most interesting nooks and crannies. If I were a kid I would have crawled in, under and through many of them. At times I wondered if a critter would wake up from a long-winter nap and emerge right in front of my eyes.Carefully placed paths and sidewalks led through the beauty of the woods. All around us forest textures fascinated me. Moss and ferns grew everywhere. Even on tree limbs overhead. Spring has arrived at the Oregon Coast. She was quickly unfolding her colors for our enjoyment. All around us breathtaking signs of Spring assured us that winter had passed. There were feathery forest flowers. . .
Delicate pink blooms on fragile-looking branches. . . Red rhododenrons beginning to appear. . . Sweet little pink blooms on shade-loving ground cover. . . Stately pink rhodies in full bloom. . . And a carpet of brilliant blue on the courtyard wall just outside the chapel. The weekend was filled with times of fun and laughter. Wonderful music and times of worship. An inspiring speaker challenged us to be sure that our attitudes and words and actions were pleasing to God. And that they encouraged and lifted up our family and friends. Sprinkled throughout the schedule were times for sharing and visiting with friends old and new. There were quiet places scattered along the pathways and in solitary spots and at the edges of meadows. Places for conversation. Or contemplation. Soul-searching. Prayer. And quiet thought. During one time of quiet conversation with a few friends we looked up to see that we were being watched. Carefully. Cautiously.What did this weekend mean to me? Relationships. Sweet, meaningful relationships. They were the real beauty in the woods near the beach. No storms can destroy them. They will last. Now and for a long time. Special moments will always remain in my memory. And special people. Friends I have known just a little - now friends I hold dear to my heart.