J.K. Marlin

#55.10, Tues., April 23, 2024

Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges Mts. It is a brutal necessity just now to make a plan and to find a way to keep Layla safe. In fact, if we hide her away, we probably need to chain her to that safe place, because she is so likely to escape and run right backContinue reading “#55.10, Tues., April 23, 2024”

#55.9, Thurs., April 18, 2024

Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges The jagged edges of relationship are gnawing at our whole family just now, and Layla is in danger. I listen to Gaia’s own story and I realize this really isn’t something to put aside or pretend away. I would have thought a blind woman could be shielded for pity’sContinue reading “#55.9, Thurs., April 18, 2024”

#55.8, Weds., April 17, 2024

Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges “We’ll have to find a place where you are safe here.” Ana tells Layla. “I know my husband will be fine tomorrow when it’s a new day. He will say he is sorry and everything will be fine again.” “No Layla.” “Papa, I’m a married womanContinue reading “#55.8, Weds., April 17, 2024”

#55.7, Tues., April 16, 2024

Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges As everyone was working with every frivolous detail for the wedding feast, Greg brings Layla here, affirming my worst worry. Greg tells us that it was hardly a secret that Layla was hidden by the nuns after Hannah found she had been beaten by her husband. So, ofContinue reading “#55.7, Tues., April 16, 2024”

#55.6, Thurs., April 11, 2024

Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges Brandell and I came to this wood to cut a clearing and now I learn he also plans to make a little house here. He knows I’m pretty particular about how thatch is laid. When it is done badly there are endless leaks and mold. So apparently, Brandell justContinue reading “#55.6, Thurs., April 11, 2024”

#55.5, Weds., April 10, 2024

Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges Hannah asked for a prayer. And I can only trust in the peaceful alternatives, the forgiveness and the ‘love of enemy’. Now I pray silently, “Dear God, lead me from this temptation to bring hurt onto this man who has hurt my child.” I add aloud, “Guide us inContinue reading “#55.5, Weds., April 10, 2024”

#55.4, Tues., April 9, 2024

Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges Hannah just came back from her visit to see Layla. Nothing of her report puts our worries to rest. “Papa, Momma, we were right to worry. Layla has bruises. It will be several months more before the baby is born and her husband makes no secret of theContinue reading “#55.4, Tues., April 9, 2024”

#55.3, Thurs., April 4, 2024

Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges Mts. I’ve shared my concern about Layla with her sister Hannah, who is a medical practitioner. Hannah offers, “Papa, this is what I will do. I’ll take the donkey cart and the medical kit and go there to those new barely patches around the walls of aristocracy whereContinue reading “#55.3, Thurs., April 4, 2024”

#55.2, Weds., April 3, 2024

Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges Mts. My worry is for our youngest, Layla, living as a serf at the Castle of Waldelenas with a man, who seems to me, blundering and abusive. Maybe that is just a father’s point of view, seeing his youngest daughter now starting her own family at such a youngContinue reading “#55.2, Weds., April 3, 2024”

#55.1, Tues., April 2, 2024

Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges Mts. Some things feel right about these times. Ana and I are together, and all of our children and their spouses and the grandchildren are here. We even have Gabe with us for this rare reunion feast. And I have had a chance to listen to each, for theirContinue reading “#55.1, Tues., April 2, 2024”