for now the winter is past,
    the rain is over and gone.
 The flowers appear on the earth;
    the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtle-dove
    is heard in our land.
 The fig tree puts forth its figs,
    and the vines are in blossom;
    they give forth fragrance. – Song of Solomon 2:11-13

There are three posts that I want to share today. First, it has been a spectacular spring weekend, where every turn suggested another photograph. So I have an interesting selection from our Sunday afternoon stroll around the neighborhood.

Then, Sunday morning at Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church, Rebekah invited us to look at a familiar post-resurrection scripture with new eyes. The result was both challenging and freeing. I will probably write about her message later today.

Finally, as I was walking Max early this morning, pleasantly surprised at the cool 47-degrees, the river (the water warmer than the surrounding air) offered its best display yet of misty beauty.

Sunday afternoon even the dilapidated houses looked optimistic. I didn’t head out intending to take any pictures, they just invited photography. Actually, what they are really inviting – as loudly as they can – is restoration.

The historic district is already moving in the right direction – and I have included photos of some of those homes too. But I have my eye on a half-dozen houses (4 are in this post) that would make such a spectacular impact their restoration/resurrection would change everything.

Mostly, though, this morning I am commenting on the bright air of possibility that springtime highlights, like this gate into our friend Debbie’s lovely back garden.

Each new day, our opportunity to live into the resurrection and to be light in a world teetering on the edge of darkness.

Light and life, today – DEREK

Historic District photo gallery: houses in process, in trouble, in limbo and nicely done.