Oh, how much are you loving Ted Kooser’s words? I’ve read along with his Winter Morning Walks for many years, and still, I find something new each time.
And Saint Mary…Mary Oliver. She has been a constant companion these last few weeks.
And Rebecca Solnit and her wonderful Hope in the Dark. I’ve pulled it out of the stack by my bedside and find sanctuary there, just as I have many times before. Some writers are like anchors, aren’t they, tethering us to some sense of sanity.
Hannah Nunn’s recent blog post was a real comfort, too.
This is a stack of my tried and trues, mixed in with our book group’s next few months of reading, in case you are curious.
December Meet me at the Museum, by Anne Youngson
January Sandwich, by Catherine Newman
February, Square of Sevens, by Laura Shepherd-Robinson
I’m delighted that two of these books were recommended to me by blog reader Gail N. xo
Sometimes, taking a bit of time to drive the backroads of Vermont with a destination in mind is just the right way to lift the spirits. The folks at Silloway were busy splitting and stacking wood to fuel their evaporators for next spring’s sap. There are multiple stacks all around the sugar house, creating a classic scene of Vermont life.
We took a quick trip over to Portland Maine for an overnight meetup with my brother Doug and his wife Ra. We took another cruise on the mailboat out into Casco Bay, just like we did last year at about the same time. Such fun to see how islanders manage their lives via the ferries out there. Maine is pretty close to my heart, too. Good food, conversation, walks and time on the boat rejuvenated us as we are all somewhat weary these days.
Driving along the ridge at sunset last week. I had to stop. And Batman and I keep a close eye on the night sky these days, too.
So many ways to push away the angst…We potted up bulbs to force through the winter and they are snug in the root cellar until we bring them up in waves to bloom on the windowsills here. I strung some new twinkle lights over the windows in the kitchen. I found two new to me artists and thought you might like them too. Oh Happy Dani creates lovely, hopeful goodies. And Vermonter Elisa, who’s tagline is As Little Cooking as Possible, does sweet and thoughtful line drawings.
Colored pencils and coloring books are in a pile of soothing possibilities in my studio. Along with small Sashiko projects. Do you know of the Brambly Hedge books? They have brought me comfort lately, too. With a cup of steaming Scottish tea.
And of course, my friend Anne has some lovely words on her blog, My Giant Strawberry.
If any of you, dearest readers, would like to drop a note in the comments to share your thoughts and suggestions on how we can navigate the next few months, do!
I just found a sticker and put it on my water bottle. “This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” -Maya Angelou
My new mantra. xo