Welcome the Hearth at Rocky Creek!

One of the things that was on the "must have" feature list, when I was looking for housing nearly 7 years ago in the planned move to the coast, was a wood stove or fireplace. The Hearth has been an important focal point in the 20 years of work that the Sophia Center ministry represents. The Hearth is the quintessential power place for women. Symbolically, it's where the heart of the home and relationship starts and ends. In modern times we have less need for the warmth and light it offers and we cook on modern stoves and the like, in the kitchen. I once had a visitor come to the little shop in Sea Towne, where Sophia Center is physically located, who traveled all over the country studying old homes. When he was in one of the New England states he found a home that had what was called: the "Keeping Room." Now we call it The Family Room. It reminded me of a little story my sister shared with me many years ago when her first boy was about two. She decided that since he was going down for a nap, she would just join him. As they lay there together settling in, the little one said: "Mommy, keep me." She looked at him not understanding what he meant until he demonstrate by putting his little arms around her middle and pulling close: "You know, keep me." So, my intention with the Hearth of my home is that it is a "keeping" space for all who come to stay. It also challenges me in these times when we sisters are so far away from one another to figure out how we can "Keep" each other close for comfort, encouragement, inspiration, support. My hope is that this Ring of Fire Circle will be one way. More will be revealed.