Why so contemplative?

This blog used to be titled In a Bookish Mood. Then I added Quilty: In a Bookish, Quilty Mood. On 3 July, I changed it again to A Contemplative Life. I could merely link to the associated post and end this here, but I'm a chatty thing at times, and why not have one more page for readers to peruse?

The definition of contemplation is: thoughtful observation or study; meditation on spiritual matters especially as a form of devotion; the act of contemplating. I love when a definition merely glams onto another form of the word being described, but I'll include it because sometimes that's all this blog is about, the action of mulling over this or that. Sometimes it's deeper, the thoughtful observation or study. And sometimes I delve into my faith, which you can read more about here. Delving into faith in this moment of history has kept me sane, for my faith in Jesus Christ is that of a person saved through grace that comes because of love, not judgement. But that's not wholly related to being contemplative.

I turned sixty this year, dude! Not that I feel elderly, but I can't deny I'm moving into that older person sphere. And in getting older, I'd like to think I've gained some wisdom, lol. And maybe I'm feeling called to set aside time to thoughtfully observe. To meditate on spiritual matters, especially in relation to devotion. To contemplate! I'm still a writer, a quilter, though I rarely garden anymore other than tending spider plants in pots outside, a few inside, and a host of potted nasturtiums on the back steps. Oh, and some succulents on the front steps, most of which we inherited when we moved to Humboldt County early in this decade. Going from life in Silicon Valley to the North Coast certainly opens the door for a more contemplative mood, if only for the redwoods and ocean proffering natural landscapes conducive to thoughtful observations. Our chickens allow for moments of observations too, but that's more on the entertainment scale.

Early in July of 2026, I became aware that our move north wasn't merely related to retirement, but a grander plan asking me to kindly accept that I can't do what I used to, both in the quilting and writing. I'm not a young woman anymore with boundless energy and good knees. But I am a relatively healthy woman with a keen appetite for peace, for knowledge, and wishing to establish an even closer relationship with my Saviour, hence the need for some contemplative moments. Hence the decision to change this blog's title, though if you notice under my name, it still says Storyteller and Quilter. I still tell stories and sew quilts, just not as actively as I used to.

Maybe the content of this blog won't alter. Maybe I'll still have conversations with Future and Past versions of myself, waxing lyrically about this or that cozy blanket while offering excerpts of a current manuscript. Whatever the reason, it was time for a change, so I employed it. And as I daily get a little older, may my contemplations be those of peace, love, mercy, and kindness. That's what this world is truly all about.

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