My syllabus
These are some of the books I’m depending on these days. Some are new, some are old faves.
The Wonder of Small Things, poems of peace and renewal. Edited by James Crews
I eat the stars. By Sarah Wilson. My Earlham buddy Kim, suggested this one. It is not for the faint of heart, but, wow, it is opening my eyes.
Slow Seasons. By Rosie Steer, a Scottish woman whose voice speaks to me.
The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities Into Soulful Practices. By Casper Tea Kuile.
The Creative Act. By Rick Rubin. I’m on my second reading of this gem.
Devotions. By Mary Oliver. My personal bible.
Also, frequent trips to the children’s section of our public library. I am a sucker for kids’ book illustrations.
Small comforts
Returning to favorite comforts.
Quiet handwork, like this EPP project via Indigo Bird. Her new Quilted Hexie Pouch PDF Pattern has me going to my fabric stash for my old reliable faves.
Weeding. As the summer winds down, Batman and I have spent time tidying up the beds. It’s nice to spend quiet time together among the rows. Garlic is stored, San Marzano sauce is in the freezer, pears and apples are collecting in baskets in the pantry (we are up against the coyotes, deer, raccoons and bears as they wander into the orchard, too!)
Meditating first thing in the morning. Sometimes a walking meditation. Then feeding the cats, then tea. It’s a nice rhythm.
Mending. A mattress pad, a towel, jeans. Bringing things into their next chapter of usefulness.
Snail mailing with the grands. Waiting for back to school photos.
Making bread from scratch. Anadama. Then modifying the recipe. :-)
Maybe some of these resources will resonate with you. Maybe you have some to share in the comments, below.
I’m grateful to friends who have helped tether me back to myself. It’s a process. I’m not rushing it. I look forward to coming back here, refreshed and refocused. Until then…remember, love is the answer. xo