Maybe, like me, you are yearning for some quiet, uncomplicated things to look at. Sometimes, that’s all a girl can manage these days. So here you are, a few snapshots. I hope they provide you with some peace. Above, a free printable coloring page for subscribers to Vermont artist Zarabeth’s newsletter at Mountain Girl Studio.
We finally took the bird feeders down, as the bears are coming out of hibernation. I miss the flocking birds, fluttering around the feeders. They were such lovely friends this winter. The snowdrops have just sprouted, to bring the next spring delight to our side yard.
This is a Hera marker, one of my favorite quilting tools. Japanese in origin, it makes a sharp line in the fabric to follow as you machine quilt. I’ve been thinking a lot about sharp things lately. Like how changing your machine needle after it has lost its “ooomph”, magically refreshes your stitching. Likewise, a rotary cutter blade. Blunt just doesn’t work as well. I also bought a new seam ripper after my old one made more trouble than it was worth. Voila! So much better. My grandmother’s cutting shears are back in order after a nice sharpening. Once I freshen these items I wonder why I didn’t do it sooner. Does that ever happen to you?
And another sharpness…My daughter-in-law has become very crafty. She likes to do needle felting. She says sometimes she feels “very stabby”. I totally get that.
The new, 2026 Mahjong cards have started to arrive in mailboxes and there is great excitement in our group. We gather around the table to exercise our brains, to build community, to offer support to one another, to laugh, and to distract ourselves, at least for an afternoon, from the troubles in the world. The game is a sanctuary, really and truly.
Cora was very naughty and pulled one of the blossoms from the amaryllis stalk. I put it in a glass of water and it survived another week of display. In the comments on my last post, Ann had asked me about care of amaryllis after they finish blooming. We cut off the stalk and keep the pot tucked away until the weather warms up. Then we tuck the pots under a bush and let them rest until the fall. We bring them in before the first frost, trim away any brown foliage and stash them in the root cellar. Around the holidays we bring them up one at a time. We water them and put them on a windowsill and wait for the magic. We can usually get a few seasons out of each bulb, but at some point, they end up in the compost pile, ready to fertilize the gardens.
Sometimes I just take a deep breath or two and find something to notice. Then I just sit with it. Like the LIGHT above, leaning against the wall. It’s so gentle and soft and peaceful. Exhale. :-)
Companions. They are very important these days.
Our book group is reading Isola, by Allegra Goodman. But even better, I am listening to Tom Lake, by Ann Patchett, narrated by the amazing Meryl Streep. Having spent many happy times in northern Michigan and eating more than my fill of fresh cherries, this book has a nostalgic pull that’s pretty strong. The story unfolds gently, and is delightful.
There are 7 baby goats down the road. Steam is billowing from the neighborhood maple sugar houses. Batman has planted hearty greens down in the hoop house. I am getting a kick out of this piece about woolen skirts.
And so life goes on.
I’ve missed you and look forward to hearing about what you’re reading, making, cooking, doing! I invite you to drop a note in the comments, below.
I do so hope that you all are staying strong, and are sharing your gifts with the world. XOXO me.