La Chandeleur, Candlemas, Crêpes & a Prayer

A short break from pretty interiors just feels right today, which according to the church calendar is Candlemas or Candlemass. It falls halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox, a time when many folks historically bring their candles to church to be blessed before using them throughout the year. La Chandeleur, Candlemas, Crêpes & a Prayer is an exercise in a strange and holy hope, a humble gesture to turn our attention to the beauty of the Light which is holding all things.

Dried hydrangea in zinc vase with candle in window sill - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

La Chandeleur, Candlemas, Crêpes & a Prayer

In France, the holy day (known as La Chandeleur is also the day of crêpes (which is my sort of day!!!).

Michele of Hello Lovely Studio with her young sons in dappled light beneath a tree.
Hello Lovely Studio

You see, in the movie of my own life, crêpes have played a delicious starring role.

Gram

Our entire lives, we knew them as Swedish pancakes made by our Swedish Gram, an immigrant who was first our babysitter and became our adopted grandmother. She made them for us often, during the week as well as on weekends.

My Swedish Gram, Erika

For us kids, these golden rounds became an enduring symbol of deep love and timeless unity, transcending language (Gram spoke only Swedish), religious affiliation, age, and geography.

Swedish pancake lovers

As soon as my husband (a Norwegian) and I married, I began making these crêpes, these Swedish pancakes for him.

Journal entry from my young son - Hello Lovely Studio
My young son’s grateful heart

What a delight to share them with our own children, nieces, nephews and aging parents.

Mama

They are every bit as sweet all of these decades later, and we all feel very loved and nurtured when they are served.

Drying hydrangea blooms on my counter with natural light flooding the vignette - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

So today on Candlemas, at a time between winter and spring, my thoughts turn to candles, crêpes, and the sacred in the everyday.

Lovely American country cottage living room in Leiper's Fork, TN, with yellow check wood floor, white decor and vintage, and art by Michele of Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

I’m thinking of you, right where you are, perhaps hearing chatter about whether a certain groundhog will see his shadow, perhaps troubled by current events, and maybe needing a flickering flame shimmering from a simple sanctuary.

Collage on a vintage book cover by Michele of Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Perhaps this can be space to simply rest your bones, let go your thoughts, and open your heart to a prayer from an imperfect servant who offers it in a spirit of unknowing.

Brown transferware antique platter with balls of wrapped cloth and a candle upon a wood table - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

You could light a candle or simply turn your awareness to divine light in your heart (which is always burning and simply waiting for your awareness).

Serene reading corner with linen egg chair and grisaiile wallpaper - Hello Lovely Studio.

Holy Maker, we open our winter hearts to you as you prepare them for the greening of springtime.

Snowy trees in my winter yard in Northern Illinois - Hello Lovely Studio.

For surely you have created us to grow, learn and blossom in relationship with each other and with you.

White vintage ironstone pitcher with roses and a summer floral arrangement - on a black Parisian bistro chair in the courtyard - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Thank you for the warmth from lit candles in places near and far, seen and unseen,

Detail of my olive tree in rustic European inspired pot with white stones - Hello Lovely Studio.

for your silent Presence gleaming from all, guiding our paths and plans.

Brown transferware antique platter with balls of wrapped cloth and a candle upon a wood table - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

We pray just now for mercy, for wisdom, and for discernment, Divine Mystery, to become a transformed people desiring peace and fresh eyes to see as you see.

Brown transferware antique platter with balls of wrapped cloth and a candle upon a wood table - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Your grace and trustworthy energy follow us into every dim corner, every dark consequence, animating our very beings to respond with love and humility.

Lovely American country cottage living room in Leiper's Fork, TN, with yellow check wood floor, white decor and vintage, and art by Michele of Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Oh, Helper, help us to see your invitations to align with your higher ways and keep the flow flowing as perfect light keeps glowing.

Lovely American country cottage living room in Leiper's Fork, TN, with yellow check wood floor, white decor and vintage, and art by Michele of Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Glow in the shadowy wilderness of our weary lives, Blessed Light and Holy Candle.

Lovely American country cottage living room in Leiper's Fork, TN, with yellow check wood floor, white decor and vintage, and art by Michele of Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Warm the ground of our hearts and bless the seeds below.

Lovely American country cottage living room in Leiper's Fork, TN, with yellow check wood floor, white decor and vintage, and art by Michele of Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

May every fruit and blossom impart the sweet fragrance of You.

Ingredients for fresh mint tea in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.

Nurture us this day of Candlemas, this in between season in which we bring the candles of our lives to you for blessing.

Industrial wall sconce bulkhead light shining on a rustic old brick wall in Franklin, TN - Hello Lovely Studio
Hello Lovely Studio

Bless us, Gentle Father of Light, as we, your reflections seek: deeper understanding, wholehearted healing, and supernatural unity.

Pema Chodron quote on a photo of Michele by Hello Lovely Studio. #pemachodron #strugglequotes #transformationquotes
A special thanks to my artful sons, who took glorious photos like this one of me (at my request) at a vulnerable time of healing in my life when I craved beauty from ashes.

Steady our anxious feet when they’re slipping, and recycle every care into holy confidence.

Blush pink Francis Meilland garden roses in my living room - Hello Lovely Studio.

Fix our gaze on you, burn in our hearts with refining fire, and purify our unholy parts.

Koko Loco, Stephen Rullo, and Francis Meilland garden roses in my white kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

We pray this as poor servants with empty hands stretched open to receive the blessings of your sacred warmth and flowering of eternal compassion.

A farmhouse stoneware urn with Francis Meilland garden roses in my kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

AMEN.

Michele and her fur baby Bella in the kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.

Below are a few collected quotes of faith and poetry. Maybe they will inspire a new perspective or strangely resonate.

I don’t ever intend to be preachy or write for an exclusive audience of spiritual seekers or contemplatives; I only desire to be a small mirror, reflecting back a little of the Light that found me.

Viatera Minuet quartz countertop in my classic white kitchen (with Modern French influence) paired with polished marble subway tile backsplash - Hello Lovely Studio. #whitequartz #quartzcountertops #minuet
Inspirational quote about fear and bible by Richard Rohr on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirationalquote #richardrohr #fear #christianity #faithquote
Snowy trees in my winter yard in Northern Illinois - Hello Lovely Studio.
Inspirational quote and spiritual words from Pema Chodron on being fully alive - Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #pemachodron #spirituality #faith
Snowy trees in my winter yard in Northern Illinois - Hello Lovely Studio.
Inspirational quote from James Finley about compassion, faith, spirituality on Hello Lovely Studio. #compassion #inspirationalquote #spirituality #religiousquotes #christianity #quotes
Snowy trees in my winter yard in Northern Illinois - Hello Lovely Studio.
Inspirational quote from Lord Byron about adversity - Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #lordbyron #struggle #lifequotes
Snowy trees in my winter yard in Northern Illinois - Hello Lovely Studio.
Inspirational quote about truth by Richard Rohr on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #richardrohr #religiousquote #faith
Snowy winter exterior of our simple cottage fixer upper in the woods - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio
Inspirational words of peace from Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #selfcare #lifequotes #zenquotes #quotes #hellolovelystudio
Snow covered hill in front of our home in the woods - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio
Inspirational quote about faith and prayer by James Finley on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #christianity #prayer #faithquote #spiritualformation
Snowy exterior of our cozy home in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio
Inspirational quote about courage from Faulkner on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquotes #courage #lifequotes #personalgrowth
Snowy exterior of our cozy home in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio
Inspirational quote about silence from Cynthia Bourgeault on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #faithquote #religiousquote #christianity #spiritualformation
Hello Lovely Studio.Right Where I Am: Peace From Winter Trees. Personal Reflections on a February Morning in the Garden. #spirituality #hellolovelystudio #wintertrees #wisdom #faith
Inspirational quote about personal growth from Hemingway on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #hemingway #transformation #personalgrowth #lifequotes
Our backyard in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.
Inspirational quote about prayer and healing from Sara Miles on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquotes #spirituality #christianity #prayer #faithquote #religion
Snowy exterior of our cozy home in winter - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio
Inspirational quote from Walt Whitman on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #waltwhitman #curiosity #lifequotes
Hello Lovely Studio.Right Where I Am: Peace From Winter Trees. Personal Reflections on a February Morning in the Garden. #spirituality #hellolovelystudio #wintertrees #wisdom #faith
Faith quote from Richard Rohr on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #christianity #religiousquotes #richardrohr #faith #spirituality
Hello Lovely Studio.Right Where I Am: Peace From Winter Trees. Personal Reflections on a February Morning in the Garden. #spirituality #hellolovelystudio #wintertrees #wisdom #faith
Inspirational quote from Pema Chodron about personal transformation and growth on Hello Lovely Studio. #pemachodron #inspirationalquote #spirituality #personalgrowth #faithquote
Hello Lovely Studio.Right Where I Am: Peace From Winter Trees. Personal Reflections on a February Morning in the Garden. #spirituality #hellolovelystudio #wintertrees #wisdom #faith
Inspirational quote from James Finley about prayer on Hello Lovely Studio. #prayerquote #inspirationalquote #spirituality #spiritualformation #faithquote
Hello Lovely Studio.Right Where I Am: Peace From Winter Trees. Personal Reflections on a February Morning in the Garden. #spirituality #hellolovelystudio #wintertrees #wisdom #faith
Inspirational quote about God from Paula D'Arcy on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #faith #religiousquote #christianity
Hello Lovely Studio.Right Where I Am: Peace From Winter Trees. Personal Reflections on a February Morning in the Garden. #spirituality #hellolovelystudio #wintertrees #wisdom #faith
Richard Rohr faith quote about change on Hello Lovely. #richardrohrquote #christianityquote #changequote
Hello Lovely Studio.Right Where I Am: Peace From Winter Trees. Personal Reflections on a February Morning in the Garden. #spirituality #hellolovelystudio #wintertrees #wisdom #faith

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE (not just items in posts), and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Follow:

21 Comments

  1. Mumbai
    January 27, 2020 / 7:20 am

    Wonderful quotes. Most liked those from Pema Codron and William Faulkner.

    • Michele
      Author
      January 27, 2020 / 9:06 am

      Thanks so much for adding beauty here – have a wonderful week, friend.

  2. Kathy Walsh
    January 27, 2020 / 7:38 am

    Amen, Michele. Love the idea of the Sunday prayer!

    • Michele
      Author
      January 27, 2020 / 9:05 am

      Thanks for the support, Kathy! Have a wonderful week. 🙂

    • Amy
      January 29, 2020 / 4:31 pm

      Beautiful prayer to a God and beautiful pics of His creation!! ❤️

      • Michele
        Author
        January 30, 2020 / 12:12 am

        Thanks so much, Amy. These winter trees are always so inspiring, and I feel most connected to God through nature. 🙂

  3. Ann Neal
    January 29, 2020 / 1:30 pm

    Beautiful Michele!
    I loved every word!
    Peace and blessings as you use this platform to remind us what life is all about and the beauty that comes from knowing we are deeply loved by a Divine, Loving God. This is where true beauty starts. It is found first in our hearts and with His help, overflows to heal and transform the world in acts of kindness and love.

    • Michele
      Author
      January 29, 2020 / 1:39 pm

      And now I am savoring the honey of your words of love. There are these lovely moments where knowing our belovedness resonates in a remarkable way and other moments we feel locked out of it – so reminding each other to be still and know the truth becomes so very precious. Peace to you, Ann, and thank you so much for reading.

  4. Amy
    January 29, 2020 / 4:34 pm

    Oops …*to God….not to a God!

      • Patty
        February 3, 2021 / 11:41 am

        ❤️

  5. Teresa
    February 3, 2021 / 5:47 am

    Thank you for your graciousness; I used today’s gentle words of kindness as prayer.

    • Michele
      Author
      February 3, 2021 / 7:14 am

      You’re so welcome – thanks so much for the kind words and for taking the time to get still.

  6. Debbie
    February 3, 2021 / 6:51 am

    Michelle, I am writing to say I really enjoy your blog. However, there is an ad that is popping up about halfway through the reading and the ad covers 1/3 of the left side of your content. When I close the ad, it asks “why this ad?” and I’m at a loss as to how to get it out of the way. As a matter of fact, as I’m writing this, the left 1/3 of my message is covered and I am “writing blind”. Please tell me what to do with this ad.

    • Michele
      Author
      February 3, 2021 / 7:14 am

      I will report this to the ad agency – I know what you’re talking about because it appeared for me as well. Thanks for bearing with this ridiculousness!

  7. meg bush
    February 3, 2021 / 7:02 am

    i do so love your posts! i saw the book on leiperts fork. Have you ever been there? i am assuming it references Tennessee. It was a magical place. It has now been discovered by California elites and may not have the same innocence. Thank you for your posts!

    • Michele
      Author
      February 3, 2021 / 7:13 am

      Yes – the photos are from a cottage (Storybook Cottage which was initially owned/designed by City Farmhouse) we rented while vacationing in Leiper’s Fork, and we loved the town – so beautiful and charming. We love the whole vibe in Franklin, Tennessee and can’t wait to return.

  8. February 3, 2021 / 10:07 am

    Nice to see photos again of Storybook Cottage. We absolutely love Leiper’s Fork and Franklin. Trying to talk my husband into moving there. Have wanted to rent the cottage many times while we are shopping in Franklin but they don’t allow our cat.

    • Michele
      Author
      February 3, 2021 / 10:41 am

      Seems like a great place to live. I’m surprised about not allowing Ascot – seems like the ideal type of house for a kitty since it’s so unfussy and not one of those hands-off design plans with silk drapes. 🙂

  9. February 24, 2021 / 7:48 am

    Dear Michele, your prayer is so beautiful. I am contacting you to ask if I may pray it during a service at my church, with, of course, credit to you. Thank you for considering this and please know that I understand if you are not comfortable with this request. Continued blessings and prayers as you navigate healing from such a difficult year.
    Lin George

    • Michele
      Author
      February 24, 2021 / 9:13 am

      Thank you so much for your kind words – you are always welcome to share any prayers and reflections – I am honored and blessed and send peace to you and your congregation. 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing