Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach

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November 14, 2012 23 Comments

Food on Fridays: Canyon Hospitality

For the Food on Fridays carnival, any post remotely related to food is welcome—though we love to try new dishes, your post doesn’t have to be a recipe. We’re pretty relaxed over here, and stories and photos are as welcome as menus and recipes. When your Food on Fridays contribution is ready, just grab the button to include with your post. It ties us together visually. Then fill in the boxes of this linky tool to join the fun!

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Food on Fridays with Ann

I arrived at the canyon quiet and tired, like the thin soles of a secondhand sneaker, its worn rubber peeling away from the canvas.

Heading into the fall, our family schedule appeared sustainable as I plugged appointments and plans into the calendar, but by the time September slammed into October, several surprises loaded down our days—surgery, another surgery, struggles with the class I teach. By November, hour after hour of day after day filled with task after task, leaving me heart-heavy, exhausted, and longing for change.

But then, a gift. Mid-November, I’d be flying to Texas—a break from the schedule for a worn and weary girl.

The High Calling team met to discuss our work, laugh, and tour the new family camp, cheering those who spontaneously slid into the green depths of the Frio River.

We sang and prayed together during the retreat, tweeting highlights of the speaker’s call to a Christ-centered life. At dinner, the server placed this bowl in front of me, filled with sauteed veggies over a bed of spaghetti squash—a nourishing meal for a girl with food allergies. As I lifted a forkful to my mouth, I began to relax into their care.

On Sunday I flew home to my thin-soled life; however, I felt that I carried back with me a strengthened soul, reinforced and renewed from a week of canyon hospitality.

* * * * *

Photos by Ann Kroeker. “Pin” these images in a way that links back to this particular page, giving proper credit.

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Filed Under: Food on Fridays Tagged With: Laity Lodge, Laity Lodge Family Camp

Comments

  1. Sam Van Eman says

    November 15, 2012 at 8:38 am

    Glad to hear about the refreshment, Ann, and I love the cloud photo. My leg from San Antonio to Charlotte was mesmerizing. I couldn’t stop staring through the window.

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      November 15, 2012 at 10:47 am

      The flight home was not nearly as beautiful as the flight from Indy to Atlanta. Flying over the clouds with sunshine streaming in the window offered an encouraging image to bring to mind next time I’m stuck under a blanket of gray this winter.

      Reply
  2. SimplyDarlene says

    November 15, 2012 at 3:58 pm

    I would have liked to ride that slide. And eaten that food. And talked with you.

    It sure looks like you all had a God-grande time. I’m glad you are re-fueled.

    Blessings.

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      November 15, 2012 at 11:35 pm

      Thank you, Darlene. I didn’t even take time to write about this trip before I took it. It’s been a long fall.

      Reply
    • Marcus Goodyear says

      November 19, 2012 at 5:17 pm

      Darlene, some day you will get to ride that slide. We’ll even save a hard hat for you.

      Reply
  3. SimplyDarlene says

    November 15, 2012 at 3:59 pm

    I had to come back and say that the 3rd image would make a great photo writing prompt… if ya didn’t know the folks in it and what they were really up to.

    😉

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      November 15, 2012 at 11:36 pm

      Funny idea!!

      Reply
  4. Hazel Moon says

    November 15, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    I am so happy for you that you could have a change of pace and enjoy the relaxing time at the High Call meeting. The soup they served you looks delicious!

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      November 15, 2012 at 11:37 pm

      Thank you, Hazel. This break and the time with friends was much needed….and the meal made me feel so cared for, because the chef had to invent something different for me, which had to be a pain. But they did it. And it was indeed delicious!

      Reply
  5. Nancy W says

    November 16, 2012 at 5:22 am

    What a well needed refreshing getaway. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:46 am

      You, too!

      Reply
  6. April @ The 21st Century Housewife says

    November 16, 2012 at 6:46 am

    What a lovely break! I’m so glad you got a chance to recharge like that. We have a very busy season going on in our lives at the moment as well, and it’s very important to take care of yourself during these times. This week I’ve shared a vintage recipe for Cowboy Coffeecake, a treat full of memories for me. Thank you for hosting.

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:46 am

      Thanks, April, for your encouragement and for the coffee cake recipe. I always love how creative you are in the kitchen, and it’s fun to think back to what fed us in our youth.

      Reply
  7. Nancy Franson says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:07 am

    I have to say, I had mixed feelings about all the live tweeting coming from the canyon. It was great, getting little glimpses of what you all were sharing together. But, oh, how I longed to be there with you.

    There is deep soul rest in that place, and the beauty of the meals served there are an important piece of that rest.

    I don’t usually write food-related posts, but mine was food-ish so I decided to join you this week.

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:48 am

      I felt the ache when I saw all the photos of you all during the writing retreat, Nancy. How I longed to receive the gift of community with you all along with the inspiring writing input….sigh.

      Too bad we couldn’t all do both. If I had the resources, I would have joined the writing retreat, too.

      Reply
  8. Barb @ Frugal Local Kitchen says

    November 16, 2012 at 11:02 am

    Beautiful! I’m glad you were able to get the renewal you needed.

    Reply
    • annkroeker says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:04 pm

      Thank you, Barb. I wish I could take everyone along for the same kind of rest and refreshment.

      Reply
  9. Sandra Heska King says

    November 16, 2012 at 11:12 pm

    Did Tim make that for everyone or especially for you? It looks absolutely yummy and healthy.

    Reply
    • Ann Kroeker says

      November 17, 2012 at 12:29 pm

      Just for me, Sandra! Can you believe it? Well, I think Charity got the the same thing, and maybe Tina and Dena. for the next night, he fixed something else gluten- and dairy-free that he invented to serve as our alternate lasagna. Normally I feel like such a bother for having these weird health issues; instead, I felt so cared for.

      Reply
  10. Laura says

    November 17, 2012 at 12:27 pm

    This makes me miss you more :(. It always feels strange, stepping back into the everyday after the canyon. But it always reminds that the rest of this stuff is holy too. I hope the thin-soled parts have been a little gentler since your return. Love to you, my friend.

    Reply
  11. Ann Kroeker says

    November 17, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    Oh, phooey. Now I’m all teary-eyed.

    I’m so glad we were together in the cabin on the bluff over Singing Hills. You are a life-giving person, and I’m honored to have you in my life.

    Reply
  12. Cheryl Smith says

    November 17, 2012 at 4:06 pm

    My own thin soles found new treading in the Thin Place of Laity Lodge. You, my friend, played a large role in the resouling. (intended)

    Reply
    • Ann Kroeker says

      November 19, 2012 at 11:10 pm

      We need each other, don’t we? Missing you…

      Reply

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