a panoramic shot of our view
Our slow and chilly spring was interrupted by a few explosively hot days that pushed all the trees into full bloom. Then a huge wind blew all the blossoms off the crabapple, apple and pear trees in one afternoon. And the pollen count went off the charts. And the black flies arrived. Yet still this place enchants me.
I caught one of the crabapples and the ferns in a moment of glory.
If this photo had a soundtrack it would be the buzzing of hundreds of bees. How lovely to hear them again.
And what would May in Vermont be without the lilacs? Some came with the property when we bought it, others we have planted over the years. Once the windows are open and a soft breeze picks up, the house is filled with their scent. Sometimes I sit outdoors, under their shelter, close my eyes and just breathe. What a delicious meditation…
A bouquet on the three season porch…
…and another on the kitchen counter.
The neighbors have done their first mowing of the hay season, and the scented rows of cut hay drying in the sun never fails to fill me with joy. The bluebirds and swallows flit over the meadow and the lupin is sending up stalks of blossoms. I am back to my favorite breakfast…homemade granola, homemade yogurt and homemade stewed rhubarb, all layered in a bowl of delight. We’ve been eating spinach from the hoop house, but it has begun to bolt. The tomato and pepper plants are thriving down there and the upper raised beds are filling up with all sorts of goodies. Growing season is underway! The last few things won’t be planted until after Memorial Day, once the risk of frost has passed.
I did get away for a quick visit to Massachusetts to see my Mumsie, brother Doug, sister-in-law Ra and we HUGGED! I fell asleep listening to the waves and in the morning I took a walk on the beach with Doug and Ra. Catching up with them after so many months and having such a lovely change of scenery was a treat. I caught up with my favorite aunt and uncle too. Maybe you are finally having a chance to meet up in person with some of your loved ones? I sure do hope so. If not, maybe you have plans in place…
sneak peek: an old piece is inspiring a new piece, getting ready for a juried submission. :-)
I had promised you a few fun internet links.
In the better late than never category, we discovered British chef Jamie Oliver’s pandemic cooking show, Keep Cooking and Carry On . Some of the episodes are filmed with a phone, some of his kids are featured as sous chefs and many of the recipes are wonderful. Emphasizing that cooking at home, with limited ingredients is a great way to take care of one’s family and neighbors in the midst of the pandemic. Jamie’s good cheer and kitchen coaching are fun to watch.
Some lovely things to look at:
Kristina at vivawaldorf
Jess Polanshek, Vermont artist
Recently, a friend from college reconnected with me and brought along (virtually) a bunch of folks I have not seen in decades. What fun it’s been to hear from them and know that our hearts are still connected after all this time. I met many of them when we were first year students enrolled in a Living/Learning course exploring the dynamics of Black/White life in America. It’s where I was first introduced to the term “institutional racism” and I struggled mightily in that class. The struggle has followed me through life, giving me opportunities to engage in anti-racism work time and time again.
Anyone who has followed along here knows that I am a huge fan of On Being, a podcast hosted by Krista Tippet. Last year I may have posted a link to this interview she did with Resmaa Menakem, a brilliant thinker based in Minneapolis. The episode first aired on June 4, 2020 and it blew me away. I have listened to it several times, while stitching in my studio. Resmaa’s book My Grandmother’s Hands, Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies was on backorder when I tried to order it back then. I now own a copy. I’m working my way through it bit by bit. It’s not for the faint of heart, but wow, is it worth our time! Maybe you will be called to find a copy and join me on this continuing journey of mending the world.
As always, with hope and love…