Found on a sidewalk at Eastern Market, Detroit. Just like that, right there. Inspiration, underfoot.
Last week we left Vermont and drove and drove and drove, and then we pulled up in front of our daughter Lindsey’s house in the dark, and climbed out to warm hugs and baby snuggles. On Saturday, all four kids, their partners and our five grandchildren, gathered in Lindsey’s living room in Detroit. Maurice Sendak would have been delighted to see our wild rumpus! We celebrated Maggies’ fifth birthday, complete with a handmade (by her papa) piñata. There were hugs, good food, cake, “pass the babies” and thoughtful presents gifted. Laughing, singing, spilling, napping, saying reluctant good byes…it was all folded into a magical day. It was impossible to get a group photo, and so a collage may be the best solution to capturing the energy and love caught up in that space. On my “to do”list.
We managed a few smaller gatherings while we were there, so that we could have quieter time with one another, but spent most of our time helping out with big sister Flora and wee Matilda. I have memories of that special time tucked away close to my heart.
We got out and about a few times…to the new Nature Center at Belle Ilse, to Avalon Bakery (can you imagine shortcake cookies with orange zest and sprinkled with sugar and cardamom?) and Sister Pie (including their 10th anniversary celebration!) We brought a bunch of goodies back to our neighbors, who cared for Wilma and Corazón while we were away. Lindsey and I also ducked out to Page’s, an independent bookstore, where Pip the cat is the one true boss. I bought a copy of Hester there and I’m loving it, check it out…you might, too. Our quick trip to Eastern Market was filled with inspiration, as usual…gorgeous stems of Brussel sprouts, cabbages piled high, bags and bags of local apples, many varieties of squash, and evergreen garlands (already!) and wreathes and Amish baked goods and Detroit tee shirts and the beignet truck, all while the cold wind blew and the snow flurries danced.
We did some cooking…this soup is fabulous! And we ate some great take out cuisine, which we just don’t have much of in rural Vermont. :-)
We took one look at the forecast for our drive home and adjusted our route…we usually go via Buffalo. We left Detroit yesterday at 5 AM and rolled into our driveway here at 8 PM…tired, but safe. Thank goodness for Libby, the app that allowed us to listen to free audio books!
Our first snow of the season fell while we were away and I was sorry to miss its magic. It’s a cue for me to pot up our paper white narcissus bulbs for wintertime forcing. One of our Christmas cactus is in full bloom in the front windows. There has been a shift in seasons, for sure.
I grew up near Plymouth, MA and loved the story of the first Thanksgiving, but now I am older and wiser and don’t have the same cozy feelings about the day. Batman and I will gather here, with Wilma and Cora waiting under the table for tidbits. Before dinner, we’ll hold hands in silence as is our custom, with heads bowed and we will hold close the thoughts of all that is dear to us in those moments. And we will think too, about the ways we might help right the wrongs that swirl around us.
Dearest ones, I remain grateful for your presence here…thank you for stopping by and for your goodwill. May you find some peace and comfort in the upcoming days. Unplug if you can and exhale. Just be.
xoxo
P.S. Next week I’ll get back to sewing!