“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions.” – Henri Nouwen


Our photos this week come from our mid-winter break time on Whidbey Island. Mr D is a young naturalist. Cooper, not so much, but he’ll happily run about in nature.


The AirBnB cabin we rent is cozy which is good because the weather wasn’t great.


So we did a lot of indoor activities like drawing and snuggling. My friend, Eric, took the kids bowling. I think we’ve all done that stand on one leg and lean move Mr D is demonstrating when we want the ball to curve. Right?


We also lit things on fire. But only things that were supposed to be on fire — as long as marshmallows count.


Whidbey Island has really neat place called the Earth Sanctuary. It combines being a sanctuary for birds with some great meditative spots for humans. We walked the labyrinth, observed the wildlife, and tried to cultivate a peaceful spirit.


In that peaceful spirit, here are some prayer wheels and the sign of the week.
What a prefect family get-away. Did you have smores? I love all the pictures but the photo of the dog under the blanket too is priceless.
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Yes, we had smores – and made up songs about ooey-gooey-goodness! Thanks, Darlene!
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Looks very peaceful and it’s obvious from the photo’s your children loved it – as well as Cooper 🥰
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You are right on all counts. Thanks, Margaret!
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Love the quote by Henri Nouwen. I have a lot of his books. Thank you for sharing photos. Looks like everyone had a wonderful time.
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Nouwen was prolific, wasn’t he? Thanks for coming along!
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Beautiful pics of the week, Wynne, and I appreciate how self-reflection questions can shape our lives.
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Shape our lives – exactly right! Thanks, Grant!
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I love the thoughtful questions at the beginning, they set the tone for this whole post and looks like you all lived up to them. I’d love to visit that island someday
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What a great comment! Thank you, Beth! And yes, come visit!
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Looks like fun, a nice respite from reality.
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It was! Thank you, Ally!
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What a wonderful weekend retreat.
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Perfectly said, VJ!
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🥰
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I feel more relaxed just looking at your pictures. Thanks for bringing us along, Wynne.
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Oh, I’m so glad to hear it. Thank you, Jane!
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Looks great. A nice retreat. Wish I were there. Thanks, Wynne.
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Ah, wouldn’t that be fun? Thanks, Dr. Stein!
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Looks like a great time despite the weather 😎
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Also- that title pic is beautiful!
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Thank you, Todd. There were moments when the weather cooperated and we were grateful for them!
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Oh what a sweet and precious week you had, despite the weather. Cooper and Mr D under that blanket is such an adorable photo! 😊 Hope you enjoy your weekend ahead!
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Mr. D loves to snuggle with Cooper. And Cooper seems to be up for it too! Hope you have a great weekend, Ab!
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That cabin looks pretty cozy. You have the best getaways!
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Thanks, Mark. As you know, these PNW beaches can be pretty great! Hope you have a lovely weekend!
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Happy Saturday, Wynne! Looks so peaceful. By the way, I’m saving Henri Nouwen’s quote. All great questions. Enjoy your day!💗
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Isn’t that a great quote? Thank you, Shaun!
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Lovely photographs Wynne
Thank you for sharing
Have a lovely weekend.
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Thanks, Maggie!
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Always my pleasure Wynne.
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It looks like a good time was had, the torrential rain we’ve been having notwithstanding.
I love that Henri Nouwen quote – thank you for sharing it.
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And more of that rain this weekend. I was so happy this morning when I went to walk Cooper that I caught a window of dry calm! Hope you and Suki are staying dry!
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wow the Earth Sanctuary and the sign about peace, how much more of it would we need today ?
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Good question, Cristiana. As much as we can create, I suppose!
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Fabulous…every bit…but I’ve gotta say…your mirror image-like pic of the geese is really cool. (And it takes a lot for me to say that, given that your trio of Cooper, Mr. D. and Miss O are super scene-stealers in every image!) xo! 🥰
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Yes, the geese are beautiful. They were so at home! And you are right – being around Cooper, D & O mean they steal every scene! 🙂
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🥰❤️🥰!!!
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Cool photos, lots of fun all-round I see! Nice post
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Thank you, Tom!
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Amen to that sign, Wynne. Right now peace feels so elusive.
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It does feel like peace is elusive. I suspect that makes places where we find it all that much more precious! Hope you have a wonderful week ahead, Michelle!
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Bowling, the sea, marshmallows And meditation oh my. : )
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Right?! Well said, Rebecca!
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Mr. D is clearly a better bowler than I ever have been or ever will be. Love that shot!
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Well, Belinda, the bumpers were on so some balls made generous use of them. 🙂
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I love your opening quote. Your winter vacation looks so nice! You’re creating great memories.
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I love hearing that from you because I know you created those great memories for your kids! Thanks, Elizabeth!
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😊
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it comes across as a lovely, restorative place; have a peaceful day, Wynne 🙂
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Love that the pictures conveyed that. Thanks, John!
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Fabulous week away on your favourite island Wynne. Love it. The sign of the week is so timely.
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So timely, isn’t it? Sending lots of love and joy to you, Alegria!
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Yes, marshmallows definitely count!
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that’s good – because we went through a LOT of them… 🙂
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Mr. D with the body language while bowling. 🤣
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You recognize the way we all wish our balls would curve, right?? 🙂
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Your photos of the week are always such a joy. The Earth Sanctuary sounds like a wonderful place.
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Thank you, Rose! It was a pretty special place!
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Yay for more beach photos! I love that the nature preserve has a labyrinth. A public garden near me also has a labyrinth, and it adds to the many joys there. 🌞
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Another great source of joy – right!! Thanks, Dave!
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Beautiful photos. Some of favorites are: the little ones and the birds in meditative spots, and the little ones snuggling in a blanket!
Lots of love
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Those are some of my favorites too. Thank you, Chaya!
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You are so good at taking candid pictures. 🥰
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Thank you! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Henri Nouwen was on to something great! Love the peaceful vacation images – being one with nature is simply beautiful!
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Henri Nouwen was amazing. And you are right about being one with nature. Thanks, Mary!
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How perfect! Yes, the sign of the week says so much, we truly need peace!
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We truly do!
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❤ ❤ ❤
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Wonderful photos, Wynne, and I love Henri Nouwen. His book Spiritual Direction is one of the books on my shelf that I review often. I think Cooper is mad at you and doesn’t want his picture taken this time—he looks so serious. 😂
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Henri Nouwen is brilliant, isn’t he? And prolific! Thanks for the great comment!
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You’re very welcome, Wynne. He is, and I’ve watched some of his talks—it’s amazing how he describes faith in simple terms.
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Yes! He has a gift for making it real.
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Oh, I love the prayer and the gorgeous photos of your children. The swans made me smile, too. Wonderful get away
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Thank you for the wise quote and sweet serenity with your kids and nature’s beauty. Loved the photos & your words.
Warm regards,
Linda Marten Lindawrites67@gmail.com
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Thank you, Linda! Peace to you!
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