Hi all,

Happy Valentine's Day... a day late!  As per tradition, I wrote a couple Valentine's Vignettes.  My hope is that this is the last of my fiction writing that you'll be seeing until "The Prodigal" is either done or I'm far enough along to post more segments of it.  It's just gotten more and more difficult to write around that being unfinished.  There are only two vignettes this year cause, to be honest, after the 12 Days of Christmas thing I'm kinda vignetted out.

Speaking of writing, I have thankfully finished my printing project.  So this is what all canonical Dyeland/Asteriana stories look like printed front and back in 12 point Candara.  I wanted a photo of them all stacked in one column but when I started to do that, the table they were on creaked so I stopped and moved them.  Eesh.  But I still didn't try to stack them due to nearby breakables.

Anyway... I hope you have a good one!

God bless,
Jenni
In the Garden        Happily Ever After



In the Garden

Saturday, February 18th, 2023

Art school had taught Maren Martin many things: color theory, art history, design, shading, life drawing, and, yes, a touch of psychology.  But in that moment, Maren wished they'd gone a little heavier on the psychology.  She'd been delighted and amused when Steve had asked her to give a "romantic... maybe even a touch erotic... but only tastefully!" art lesson as part of his and Ed's art-and-ice-cream themed bachelor party.  What she had not expected was to find herself standing in front of a bunch of eager students... one of whom just happened to be the Creator of the universe.

In hindsight, Maren realized she probably should have assumed Joshua would be there.  After all, he was basically... really... Ed's father.  But what she couldn't understand was why he wasn't in JenniAnn's portion of the yard.  Why would the holy, unstained, perfect Lamb of God be in an erotic art class when he could be innocently beading a bookmark!?  The two groups were close.  He could have still spoken to the groom and groom and all their guests.  After all, they were shouting things back and forth to Andrew and JenniAnn without issue.

But there Joshua was...  paintbrush in hand, staring at his canvas as if he was already plotting out where each brushstroke would go.

Thankfully, this wasn't the first time Maren had given her spiel.  Her girlfriends back home routinely asked her to come around for hen dos, milestone birthdays, and the odd grown ladies' sleepover party.  It didn't even bother her that most of her audience was comprised of men.  Steve's housemates were all dear to her, after all.  And so the words flowed easily...  Passion meant different things to different people.  Erotic/sensual didn't have to mean bodies... after all, think of George O'Keefe.  Sometimes, splashes of colors were enough to express what one wanted.  The important thing was to feel free and to withhold self-judgment.  Then Maren turned on relaxing music before concluding.

"Now...  I'm afraid my walls are already covered with my and my husband's art so I'm going to step over to the jewelry table but I'll be making the rounds on occasion and give a shout if you need anything!" Maren instructed before making her way to where Andrew, JenniAnn, Karl, and Hahana were. 

"Good speech!" JenniAnn praised.  "I especially loved the bit about passion meaning different things to different people."

Maren patted her hand.

"Thank you.  And... you would know."  She grinned at JenniAnn then winked at Andrew who laughed.

"We were actually just saying that maybe Laja and I would take turns with a canvas," the angel shared.

"Aww, now that'd be lovely.  You should!"

"You go first, love," JenniAnn urged.  "We're good here.  I'll come over if we need any more jars opened."

Andrew stood and bent to kiss her hair.

"Good.  It's always a pleasure to be your designated jar opener."

JenniAnn laughed as he made a little bow before heading to a stool and easel.

Maren surveyed the jars of beads.

"So beautiful..."

Karl held up a suncatcher he was working on.

"She even brought some Celtics charms.  Good Irish lass."

"That's lovely, Karl!  And Hahana!  Those are gorgeous!  And you're so quick!"  Maren shook her head in amazement at the angel.

Hahana beamed as she showed off three pairs of earrings.

"Turns out JenniAnn and I share a hobby.  I thought I'd make pairs to honor some of our birds on Aotearoa."  She held up a matte black and white pair.  "Albatross."  Next she lifted a sparkly green and beige pair.  "Kōtare.  And my personal favorite..."

Maren smiled at the iridescent purple and green earrings.

"Kererū?" she guessed.

"Good job!"

"Thank you.  Well... as much as I'd love to also make earrings, I promised to bring something back to the kids.  They're very bummed they weren't invited to Uncle Steve's and Uncle Ed's party but well..."  Maren waved to the artists.

JenniAnn laughed.

"Yeah...  Understandable.  I'm sure Steve and Ed will find a way to make it up to them.  But here.  How about a couple bookmarks?  You just decorate one of these little pins and then hook it on the end."

Maren nodded happily as JenniAnn presented a mermaid-shaped metal bookmark with a metal tassel comprised of shell beads and a seahorse charm.

"Perfect!"

For a few minutes, Maren happily worked on a bookmark for Annie before deciding it was time to make her rounds.  Unsurprisingly, Ed and Steve were giggling as they both drew each other's portraits.  Why Ed had drawn Steve as a merman was definitely something to explore at a later date.  Maren was quite pleased to see that her beloved, awkward Steve had actually drawn his fiance sans shirt.

"Wonderful job, boys!  I can feel the love.  I can't wait to see them painted."

"Thank you!" Ed replied while Steve blushed and squeezed his ex-wife's hand.

"Thank you again for coming, Maren."

"Of course."  Maren squeezed his hand back before moving onto Rocky and Lucky.  Lucky's sketch was an earnest rendering of Rocky in all his glory.  Rocky, on the other hand, had made a noble effort but poor Lucky looked a bit troll-like.  Still, their affection for each other was obvious.

"Good job, Babe," Lucky praised nonetheless.  "Those are my eyes all right.  Don't you think, Maren?"  He winked over Rocky's bald head.

"Of course!  I'd recognize them anywhere.  You're both doing great."

Lucky hugged Rocky's shoulders.

"Told ya so."

Touched, Maren moved onto Ant.  With a pang, she realized she didn't recognize the man in his painting and she thought she saw a glimmer of tears in his eyes.  Wordlessly, she squeezed his shoulders.  Ant smiled gently at her and reached back to set his free hand on hers.

Not wanting to disturb his thoughts, Maren made her way to Ollie and Jess.  The former was studiously sketching out Jess' face while the latter was already painting.

"Your canvas is so colorful!  I love the color blocking." 

Jess' eyes remained trained on their canvas.

"Thanks.  I wanted to capture the magic of our first kiss... or something like that."

Maren smiled at this sign of sentimentality from the usually stoic Jess.

"It was in front of a stained glass window of St. Ramon Nonato."

Ollie cleared his throat.

Jess chuckled and squeezed their husband's knee.

"Sometimes one does find love in the strangest of places!" Maren commented.  "Lovely work, both of you."

"Thanks," the two replied in unison.

Maren concealed a giggle as she moved along.  She sometimes forgot Ollie's and Jess' romance had started out as a queer-friendly Millennial version of The Thorn Birds. 

"Maren!"

The artist turned around to see Lars visibly upset as he sat at his canvas.

"My paint dripped!"

"Oh no!"  Maren hurried over then tilted her head to study the vibrant canvas.  It was such an explosion of color that she wasn't entirely sure what had set Lars off.  "What's the problem, then?  I think it's beautiful!"

Lars' lower lip stuck out and he pointed to a bit of pink.

"Well, love and passion are messy...  So maybe think of it as symbolic of that?" Maren suggested, patting his shoulder.

Lars contemplated her words for a moment then gave a nod.

"Yes!  Yes, I will.  Messiness...  Thanks, Maren!"

Maren smiled.

"Of course."

She bypassed Baptiste and Demi-John who were engrossed in a conversation about their respective art pieces and moved to stand beside Andrew.

"Oh Andrew...  That's lovely!  Your willow tree!"

Andrew smiled at the sketch of his and JenniAnn's beloved willow and the two silhouettes embracing behind its branches.

"Thank you."  He lowered his voice.  "Laja has trouble with drawing and painting.  I always remind her she has so many other creative skills but it bothers her so..."  He pointed to a few small voids in the trees branches.  "I thought I'd leave places for her to draw some symbols that have meaning for us.  I know she can do that."

"Very thoughtful.  And I love that idea."

Maren lingered beside him for a few more moments, watching.  Only Joshua was left and she wasn't sure she wanted to see what he was painting.  But, finally, the guilt gnawed at her and she went to his side.  Her breath caught in her throat when she saw his canvas.  Of course he'd been able to skip the sketching and move right to painting.  He'd know exactly how to layer the paint.  The man had created color, after all.  And his work was truly colorful.  But it was the subject matter that intrigued her most.  It was tasteful, of course.  But he really had gone all in on the theme.  Joshua's artwork portrayed a man and a woman, waist up, in a passionate embrace.  They were surrounded by greenery and flowers and a handful of disinterested birds and butterflies awaiting more detail.

"It's... beautiful."

Careful not to touch, Maren raised her hand just above the hair of the nude woman.

"Thank you.  It's Adam and Eve... but only thematically.  More... inspired by them than an actual rendering."

Entranced, Maren nodded.  Then she watched as Joshua took a quick bite of his sundae before refocusing.  As he added detail to Eve's eyes, Maren began to feel sick.

"I, umm, I need to step inside for a moment."

"Maren..."

Joshua reached out but Maren was already bolting towards the house.  She made her way to the nearest bathroom and stood in front of the sink.  She splashed water onto her face and took a few deep breaths.  Finally, Maren returned to the kitchen and peered out into the yard.  She was annoyed when tears began to stream down her face.  She didn't even notice when someone else stepped inside.

"Maren?"

Maren let out a sigh of relief when she saw her visitor was JenniAnn, not Joshua.

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay.  Did something happen back home?"

Maren hastily wiped at her face.

“No, no.  Sorry, I’m fine just…”  A sob cut Maren off.

“I imagine this is more than a little bit difficult.  Just because you’re no longer in love with Steve, that doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to still have feelings about your ex-husband getting remarried,” JenniAnn counseled.

“Oh…  It’s maybe a teensy bit that,” Maren replied.  “I was a little emotional when Ed came along.  Even after the divorce, I was still Steve’s person.  Now Ed is.  But I’ve had three years to adjust to that.  It’s…”  She peered out the window. 

JenniAnn followed her gaze to where Joshua sat behind his easel, happily painting in between bites of his honey vanilla sundae.

The artist sighed.  Excepting Hahana who Maren was even less familiar with, JenniAnn was the only other lady available.  And she was close to Joshua...  And she had been raised Catholic.  So maybe she would understand?  After taking a deep breath, she began to explain.

“I’m happy now,” Maren assured.  “Truly happy.  I adore my husband and my children but there… there were some bad years.  Years when I felt… dirty and used.  Because I was told no man would want me after I’d been with another man… especially when I’d been divorced.  And... and divorced from a gay man, even.  I know Steve never cheated.  He couldn't!  He's Steve!  But... but my mother made me get a bunch of tests which only made me feel even worse and...  And I… I’m not mad at Joshua.  But when he walked in this afternoon…  Somehow it didn’t occur to me that he’d be here.  And, for a moment, I felt dirty again… standing there preparing to teach a sensual art class at my gay ex-husband’s bachelor party… with Jesus!  And now… look at him!  Painting the most wholesome erotica possible!  While joking around and eating a sundae!"

JenniAnn smiled softly. 

“'Wholesome erotica' is the perfect description.  And I suppose it shouldn’t be surprising.  God was the first Person to draw the human form.  And I mean...  He created sex,” JenniAnn reasoned.  “But… it is a shock to the system.  I was raised with a more liberal worldview and even I get thrown sometimes with Joshua so I can only imagine how hard it can be growing up as you and Steve did, steeped in purity culture.  In some ways, it might even seem cruel.  All those sacrifices, all that tip-toeing around a strict moral code only to discover the Person it was supposed to be about… he never asked that of anyone.”

“Exactly.  All those sad, wasted years…” Maren lamented.  “All those sleepless nights…”

“Maren... you've redeemed those years.”

Maren and JenniAnn spun around, realizing that Joshua had entered the kitchen while JenniAnn was speaking.

Joshua approached and held his hand out to Maren.  To her surprise, she took it then moved into his embrace.

JenniAnn snuck back out to the garden to give the two privacy.

“I’m sorry you experienced that," Joshua murmured as he softly swayed with the weeping woman in his arms.  "I would never have chosen that for you, Maren.  You were never dirty or used.  You were always my talented, beautiful, wonderful daughter.  But… you’ve used those memories to inform how you’re raising your children, you’re keeping them from experiencing that same trauma.  You broke the cycle, dear Maren.  And those years... they weren't wasted.  You spent that time finding yourself, discovering who you truly are outside of the expectations of your former church, your parents..."  He squeezed her left hand.  "And you made plans... plans about the sort of man you truly wanted to be with.  And you found him: Dan.  The husband I always meant for you to have.  One who can love you utterly: heart and mind, body and soul."

Maren smiled and glanced down at her wedding ring.

"I do love him...  And I... I loved Steve.  I still love Steve.  Just not..."

"I know.  I know," Joshua assured. 

"My mother said if I'd just tried harder..."

"Nope."  Joshua shook his head.  "You are a remarkable, enchanting woman, Maren... but that man is very gay.  I made him that way."

Maren burst out laughing.

"He really is...  Looking back... how did I not see?"

"Because you loved him so much.  And he loved you as much.  You were best friends.  And you still are!  And that's beautiful!  But it was never meant to be more.  Give me just a moment?" Joshua requested, loosened his hold.

Maren nodded and watched as Joshua moved to the door.  Carefully, he lifted his waiting canvas by the edges.

Once again, Maren studied the image but now with less angst.  Adam and Eve were gorgeous and passion radiated from their countenances as they looked upon each other but the overall feeling of the piece was a gentle, fatherly warmth.  Joshua’s masterpiece was the words “It is good” made manifest.  Every stroke told whomever looked at it that passion, romance, and sex were all designed to be beautiful, wonderful things… gifts he had chosen to bestow upon his children. 

"When it's finished, I'm giving it to you," Joshua explained.

Maren looked to him in surprise.

"But this is Ed's and Steve's party."

"It is.  And if they want, I'll paint them something.  But... I don't think they necessarily want art of a straight couple."

Maren giggled.

"True."

Joshua squeezed her hand then looked to the painting.

"When the Fall first happened, Adam and Eve were filled with shame.  They covered themselves before my Dad had time to say anything.  That shame over their nakedness, their bodies... it was self-imposed.  And humans have been carrying on that unfortunate tradition ever since.  But eventually... Adam and Eve overcame that shame.  They let the other see them as they were created.  They came together, in love and passion, and brought Cain and Abel and then Seth into the world.  And life continued.  You and Dan brought life into the world, too.  You overcame the shame and the misbegotten guilt and you created beauty, Maren!" 

"My babies..." Maren murmured.

"Yes.  Annie and Lance.  And I'm so glad they exist!  But even if you'd chosen not to have children, the love you and Dan share would still be something I treasure.  Just as I treasure theirs and do still."  Joshua smiled lovingly at Adam and Eve before turning back to Maren.  "I was there during the lonely nights of ice cream and rom-coms and deconstructing.  I was never disappointed in you, Maren.  I was very disappointed in the people who put such heavy burdens on you and other young people and then ignored you or were cruel to you when you fell short of impossible standards.  And I grieved for Steve, too."

Maren sniffled.

"It... it was even worse for him.  They thought I was used up and dirty.  But... but they thought he was bound for Hell."

Joshua's eyes filled and he nodded.

"But now he knows that was never the case."

With a sigh, Maren rested her head on Joshua's shoulder.

"If only they could see us now...  He's engaged to a once and future angel.  And... I'm getting wholesome erotica from Jesus Himself."

Joshua laughed.

"Wholesome erotica...  I like that."  He embraced the woman again.  "Feeling better?"

"Very."

The two remained in companionable silence for a few moments before Joshua patted Maren's shoulder.

"We better get back out there before Steve starts to worry.  And you have a bookmark to finish.  One bookmark and two kids is a recipe for trouble.  And... I need to finish this so it has time to dry before you need to head home tomorrow."

"Good points.  Thank you for this, Joshua."  Maren beamed at him and stroked his beard affectionately.

"You're very welcome.  I'm glad we had this time.  Never forget, I love you and I've always loved you."

"I... I know that now.  Truly.  And... I love you, too."

After a final embrace, the two returned to their respective spots in the garden.

"Doing okay?" JenniAnn checked once Maren sat back down at their table.

Maren pulled her smiling gaze away from Joshua and nodded.

"Much better.  He... he's really something, isn't he?"

JenniAnn reached across the table to pat Maren's hand and nodded.

"He really is."

"Old Man knows his stuff," Karl proclaimed. 

Hahana smiled sweetly and hugged Karl's shoulder.

"He does.  He really does," Maren agreed as she peered over at Joshua who moved his gaze away from her painting just long enough to smile at her.
*~*~*

Sunday, February 19th, 2023

Maren wasn't surprised to find the house still when she arrived home the following evening.  She'd taken the long, scenic drive home to have more time with her thoughts.  Once she'd gotten her bags inside, Maren carefully removed Joshua's painting from the backseat.  As much as she wanted to immediately hang it up, she didn't want to awaken anyone so hid it in the hall closet, safely tucked away from the family pets. As soon as possible the following morning, she would find the perfect spot for it in her and Dan's bedroom. 

After checking on both Annie and Lance, Maren crept into her bedroom.  She gathered up her bedclothes then slipped into the shower.  As the water cascaded around her, she thought of the past weekend.  Ed and Steve were truly happy.  Pure love radiated from them both and it seemed to have even softened the edges of their housemates.  Everyone seemed calmer and lighter.  Of course, how much of that was Ed and Steve versus Joshua was hard to say.  Maren closed her eyes, remembering the peace she had felt when he had hugged her.  It was an amazing experience... knowing that the one who created you and knew everything about you loved you with every fiber of his being.

Once she'd finished up in the bathroom, Maren slipped into bed beside Dan.  He stirred and reached over to caress her face.

"Mmm.  Welcome home.  How was it?"

"It was... wonderful.  Ed and Steve are so happy!  And... Joshua sent us a painting."

Dan blinked.

"Us?  Why?"

"He just... he wanted us to have it.  I'll show you in the morning.  No, actually..."  Unable to wait, Maren got back out of bed and retrieved the painting.  When she returned, Dan was setting on the edge of the bed, waiting expectantly.  He blinked in surprise when he saw the painting.

"It's... stunning.  Look at that brushwork..."
"He said it was inspired by Adam and Eve.  After the Fall.  When, for the first time after leaving the Garden, they... they let go of their shame.  And came together."

"I have to say I'm a little shocked but... now I'm not sure why I should be.  'God is an artist and the universe is God's work of art,'" Dan quoted with a chuckle.  "It's St. Thomas Aquinas.  A professor I had used it as her email signature and I always thought it was corny.  But... I guess not."

"No," Maren murmured before kissing her husband.

Dan wrapped her up in his arms.  He could sense a change in his wife... one he suspected he might not fully grasp until the next time they visited Maren's parents.  Strong as she was, he'd noticed her closing in on herself during each visit.  He suspected that would no longer be the case.  Now she knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that the man who her parents had held over her for her entire life was irrevocably on her side... and always had been.

Maren nuzzled Dan's neck.

"Would you maybe wanna..."  She moved to whisper into his ear.

Dan grinned.

"I absolutely would."

Giggling, the two scurried into bed and thoroughly enjoyed the remainder of their night together.
The End

Happily Ever After

Saturday, February 7th, 2026
While the return of Bridgerton had brought happiness to many households, at Willowveil its arrival had, briefly, brought chaos.  Days away from turning twelve, Belle had insisted she was old enough to watch with her sisters.  Said sisters and her parents had very much disagreed and, thus, arguing and pouting had ensued.  Thankfully, JenniAnn had gotten out of her youngest daughter that her interest was mainly due to the Cinderella-inspired theme of the season.  And so it had been decided that everyone would take turns watching more age-appropriate versions of the fairy tale with the pre-teen. 

On the 1st, Shelby and Violeta, along with Avi, had enjoyed watching Disney's original animated feature with Belle.  On Belle's birthday, her mother had hosted a costumed tea party and screened the 90s hit Ever After: A Cinderella Story in the ballroom.  But now it was Andrew's turn.  After a daddy-daughter date spent strolling downtown Omaha and loading up on treats at the Old Market Candy Shop, the angel and his little elf had settled into their living room to watch Disney's live action remake.

As the end credits rolled, Belle sniffled.

"I think that's my favorite version, Daddy.  But... it made me a little sad whenever she sang.  Father used to sing that song.  And... I'm starting to forget how he sounded.  'Lavender’s blue, dilly, dilly, lavender’s green.  When I am king, dilly, dilly, you shall be queen,'" she sang.

Andrew hugged her as he picked up the song.

"'Who told you so, dilly, dilly, who told you so?  ‘Twas my own heart, dilly, dilly, that told me so.'"  He kissed his daughter's hair.  "Your mama and I took so many photos and videos when you were little.  I'd be very surprised if we don't have at least one of Father singing to you.  We'll look tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay!"  Belle popped a truffle into her mouth.

Andrew smiled at her pensive expression before grabbing a chocolate himself.

"Daddy?"

"Hmm?"

"I think I like the story cause it kinda reminds me of you and Mama.  Ya know, with the prince and the servant girl and the big differences between them but... they're meant to be together."

"I can see that.  Some people think angels are higher up than humans but..."

Belle giggled and playfully bumped her shoulder against her dad's.

"Daddy... no.  I meant Mama was a princess living in a castle.  You only had a house.  That she gave to you."

Andrew laughed heartily.  It was true...

"But I suppose Mama is more like Cinderella.  She plays with mice."

"She does love her mice..."

"Although...  You have a nicer singing voice," Belle whispered.

Andrew smiled and kissed the girl's hair.

"Thank you.  I suppose we each have parts of each character."

"Daddy?"

"Yup?"

"How did you know that you and Mama loved each other?"

"Wow..."  Andrew dragged a hand through his hair.  "I mean... we loved each other from the moment we met but... not like we love each other now.  More like... just friends, ya know?"

Belle nodded and continued to eagerly peer at her father.

Andrew glanced back at the credits rolling on the screen, waving towards it.

"It's not always like the movies, Belle.  In fact, it's usually not.  I don't think either your mom or I can pinpoint the exact moment friend love turned into romantic love.  Sometimes it just slowly happens when you spend a lot of time with someone.  You realize that you can't imagine not having them in your life."

Belle let out a dreamy sigh.

"I want to be in love..."

Andrew smiled as tears welled in his eyes.

"I want you to experience that.  It's a beautiful feeling... but not for a while, huh?  Cause... cause once that happens, sometimes it's not too long after that you'll want to leave your old dad."

"Daddy..."  Belle hugged his arm tightly.  "Even when I get married, I promise I won't go away.  Maybe we could even live here!"

Andrew cleared his throat and wiped at his eyes.

"Maybe.  I just want you to be happy, little elf.  Mama does, too.  Just don't be in a hurry to grow up.  It all happens so quickly as it is."

"I know..."  Belle's own eyes filled with tears.  "Daddy... what happens to you when Mama dies?"

"Oh Belle..."  Andrew wrapped both arms around her.  "Don't worry about that.  I hope it won't happen for a long, long time.  But... I don't know exactly.  As long as I have a choice, I won't leave you and the other kids right away but... but I can't be away from your mom for too long."

"You deserve your happily ever after..." Belle murmured.

Andrew gave her a wistful smile and nodded.

Belle sighed, unsure of what else to say.  Instead, she rested her head on her daddy's shoulder and began to sing again.

'Lavender’s blue, dilly, dilly, lavender’s green.  When I am king, dilly, dilly, you shall be queen.'"

Andrew kissed his baby girl's hair and joined in.

"'Who told you so, dilly, dilly, who told you so?  ‘Twas my own heart, dilly, dilly, that told me so.'"

"Dance with me, Daddy?" Belle requested, moving to her feet. 

Touched, Andrew nodded and stood.

As father and daughter danced and sang together, Belle's face radiated joy. 

"Daddy?"

"Yes, little elf?"

"I'm glad I'm not watching Bridgerton.  This is definitely better."

A happy tear slid down Andrew's cheek as he nodded.  It absolutely was.

The End

Author's Note: So I actually wanted to write an Author's Note for each story but, full disclosure, I've been looking into the Epstein files and am just overwhelmed and horrified right now.  I'll try to come back tomorrow to do that.  Please take good care of yourselves.  ~Jenni

ETA 2-17-26: And my insomnia continues into, I think, its third week?  Anyway... I actually started the Maren story years ago, not very long after finishing "The Lost Sheep," I think.  One thing I really love about the Valentine's vignettes is they give me an opportunity to highlight characters who I'm really fond of but who only have small parts in the big stories.  Between the not sleeping well and just general chaos, I didn't have a lot of writing time this month.  So I decided to pick up something that was already partly written.  And that was "In the Garden."  But now I'm really glad it turned out that way because I think this was a really good story for me to focus on in the wake of the Epstein files which, among other things, really drives home for me how much of an evil joke purity culture is.  It felt good to focus on the impact that heresy... because, yes, that's what I believe it is... could still have on a grown woman who has rejected it.  And it felt good to have Joshua flight against it, to help heal the wounds it left behind. 

I don't have a whole lot to say about "Happily Ever After" except that it gave me an excuse to re-watch Brannagh's Cinderella and I really needed that.  I do admire Andrew and JenniAnn fighting the good fight and doing their best to keep Belle from getting exposed to stuff she shouldn't be yet.  That seems more important than ever.

Works Cited:
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
Genesis 1- "It is good"
Genesis 3-4- The Fall and Cain, Abel, and Seth
The Works of St. Thomas Aquinas
Netflix's Bridgerton (which, to be clear, I enjoy... but, no, I probably wouldn't let a twelve-year-old watch)
Disney's Cinderella (both versions)
Ever After: A Cinderella Story
"Lavender's Blue"- Traditional


This newsletter is dedicated to John Dye and the other folks at TBAA for reminding us that, no matter what, God's love is real and everlasting.

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(Photo Credits: The photographs used on this page are from Touched by an Angel and owned by CBS Productions, Caroline Productions, and Moon Water Productions.  They are not being used to seek profit.)