Hello friends. Just made a pot of Mineral Magic Tea, produced up and over the ridge from us. I’m settling in for a bit of a “catch up” with you, dearest readers. Yesterday was a gorgeous day up here, sunny, breezy and temperatures flirting with the low 70’. Just as Batman headed off to his first golf league game of the season the wind picked up and a huge squall blew in. He managed to avoid a drenching, but today is gloomy and wet and good for staying indoors.
The crocus have come and gone.
I took a posy to a friend’s house on May Day. As I wandered around the yard to gather the blooms I found a robin’s egg, fallen from its nest above. The color and the shape of the egg reminded me that there is magic all around us. This is what helps keep me sane. The color of an egg.
And another friend brought me a delightful jumble of daffs, from her yard. Our three season porch is steeped in their scent. Another reminder of magic.
I turned 70 in April. Batman has a ministry of making homemade cards for his beloveds. This one may be my all-time fave. My Mumsie made the dress, I still remember how the fabric crinkled.
We celebrated on the porch, with Prosecco and lemon cake, just the two of us. I like my birthdays quiet.
There has been a bit of back and forthing to MA, as my Mumsie had another hospitalization and follow up doctor’s appointments. As usual, I stayed overnight with my brother and sister-in-law. One evening after supper, Ra and I walked on the beach. We had jackets buttoned up tight and woolen hats pulled on snugly. Mist was rolling in off the waves, the air was salty and raw. The walk pulled all the stress and concern out of my weary body and I slept like the tired person that I was. Thank you, ocean.
Turning 70 and having a mom who is flirting with her body running out of steam has pulled me into so many conversations with myself. A friend recently introduced me to the term “anticipatory grief”.
Sometimes I feel like that term is so very appropriate for where I am in life, and where we all are in the world. But then I remember the blue robin’s egg, the scent of daffodils, the feeling of sea mist on my face…and I can step back from the edge of grief.
And now, about books and libraries. Because they are part of our survival plan, yes?
Batman and I carved out two nights for a quick trip to Montreal, to mark my 70th year. Montreal is just a bit less than three hours from here, and we had yet to make the trip. We pulled out our passports and headed north. On the way home, we went a bit out of our way to visit the Haskell Free Library and Opera House in Derby Line, VT.
Built in 1901-1904, it literally straddles the border between the US and Canada. Walking around with a volunteer guide, hearing about its history, we found more reasons for hope and joy. I hold fast to the phrase “We the people”.
Riding home in the car, I had lots of time to think about books and reading.
Sometimes I listen to audiobooks. Often in the car or my studio. My recent fave? The Guncle, by Steven Rowley. It’s a wonderful book about family…both biological and chosen. I also enjoyed The Hunting Party, set in the Highlands of Scotland, written by Lucy Foley.
Sometimes a “real” book fits the bill, held in my hands, usually first thing in the morning. Our book group read Isola, by Allegra Goodman last month. Honestly, I was on the fence about this book.
Sometimes I read a book whenever I can possibly squeeze it in, because I love it so much. The Road to Tender Hearts, by Annie Hartnett was that for me. Loaned to me by a friend, I ate a bowl of cold cereal for lunch because I didn’t want to take time to make a salad, for fear of missing some time to read.
Sometimes I find a book that I read in bits and pieces, here and there, savoring it. Feast on Your Life: Kitchen Meditations for Every Day, by Tamar Adler is that for me right now. (I also loved her An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace)
I’ll end with a bit of Vermont whimsy. A few weeks ago I noticed this “lost and found” glove, set atop one of the high tech (ha ha) snowplow markers along our road.
I think many of us are feeling lost these days. How can we not?
I found it helpful to sit with a piece of paper and a pencil. I jotted a list of ways I feel “found”.
What might be on your list, dearest ones?
Sending light and hope and love.
xo
(I’ve answered your comments in the last post)