Another week, another un-Friday! March was the longest year of my life and how is it only April 3? However, I am managing to keep my mind occupied and away from activities that allow it to stray to worried thinking!
First, Steve thanks all of you for your birthday wishes! He wants you all to know it was the perfect day – a day at home that was all about him! He is the one person who is not stressed about sheltering at home – it is his favorite thing ever! The cake was incredibly delicious! (although next time I will halve the frosting recipe) It is moist and reminds me of brownies…but so.much.better. This is absolutely a recipe I will make again!
This week I spent lots of time happily noticing that despite the insanity that the world is these days, spring is blind to the uncertainty and slowly, steadily, each day it shares a new promise. My forsythia are a riot of yellow, the bridal–wreath has a veil of white lace, any my saved-from-the-dump lilac has dozens and dozens of dark purple flower buds! I have rhubarb leaves unfurling, the raspberries are getting new leaves, and the garden is calling to me. (I am ignoring the bushes that are screaming to be trimmed, and the yard that needs to be mowed – another month at home allows for the luxury of being able to take time to get the least favorite tasks done, amirite?)
I really tried to stay focused on small things. diversions, distractions, and remembering to breathe. The following are some things that have been the most pleasant distractions this week:
I discovered Patrick Stewart reading #ASonnetADay He is brilliant and I have loved every lovely word of them, but the best is when William Shakespeare retweets them!
Not from the stars do I my judgment pluck,
And yet methinks I have astronomy,
But not to tell of good or evil luck,
Of plagues, of dearths, or seasons’ quality https://t.co/MvSdarNN9S— William Shakespeare (@Wwm_Shakespeare) April 2, 2020
Baking was truly a life-saver for me this week. I baked lots! I savored every step from making to the clean up – which for me was always the least fun part, but this week I welcomed the task! I also spent time tending my sourdough starter! My question for you all is this: Have you baked banana bread this week? You are not alone! (and if you didn’t, this is the bandwagon you want to get on ASAP!)
Poetry remains my favorite distraction and I have found so.many.new.poems on Shelter in Poems:
This week, there were so many moments of unexpected kindness…and I am profoundly grateful for each one.
And, finally… later today, I will begin the first clue of Romi’s Mystery Shawl!
I would say “let the weekend begin” but in these days of the never-ending weekend, it seems a moot point! I will be back on Monday and hope that you are all staying home, washing you hands, and flattening that damned curve!
Photo by PhotoMIX Ltd. from Pexels
So glad Steve had a good birthday – and I’m with him. I LOVE being home! At times I’m a bit frustrated, but I have to say I’m not really stressed (hoping I didn’t just jinx myself!!). Love that Hal Borland quote which reminds me his book “Twelve Moons of the Year” is on my nightstand, but buried under some other volumes…I need to dig it out. Have a great weekend Kat!
This may have been the week of acceptance for me also. I’ve found myself cursing the circumstances fewer times, and tending sourdough starter, rediscovering poetry (thank you for this poem), and daily long walks to appreciate the fact that I can get out and see spring all around have been helping. Stay well, Kat.
I’m with Steve in that I generally don’t mind staying at home. If only I had Jackie here, too! We will get through this. And yes, I made banana bread this week, too!
I DID make banana bread this week! But it’s something I make often . . . so that’s not really new or different for me. Tom is super-picky about bananas — I often joke that he considers them “ripe” for about 5 minutes — so it doesn’t take much before we have bananas destined for bread-making. (It could be much worse, I know.) Enjoy watching the spring unfurl! XO
I’m glad to hear the cake was good. I have to put some cocoa powder on the shopping list!
Every day as I’ve gone out for a walk or run, I’ve made a point to look at all the trees, bushes, and flowers so I can see the progress they’re making. My favorite tree near my office is almost ready to bloom — when it does, it looks like it’s covered in bright purple fuzz. I can’t wait to snap a photo of it!
I’m not minding being at home, either. I have to say that I like not *having* to be around people all day, whether or not I like them. True, I would like to be able to occasionally meet a friend for coffee or whatever, but I know that will come.
I really like this poem. I think that it’s true, that unless you have suffered loss, you don’t really appreciate what is around you, what you have, and who you love. Thanks for sharing this.
You know, if we all come out of this with a better appreciation for the gifts of home, that would be wonderful! I’m so glad Steve enjoyed all the Birthday Things (really, how could anyone NOT appreciate a homemade chocolate anything?!) …and I am loving all the poems. Poetry offers such a lovely language for these times. (and did you catch Padraig’s new poem yesterday? MUST listen!!)
Flowers and baby goats are 2 things that have certainly lifted my mood this week. A friend’s daughter and husband have a farm and they’ve had 4 baby goats born during the last few weeks. The videos on Instagram are so adorable, and what’s not to love about baby goats named Kenny, Roger, Dot and Scully?! Happy Monday.
I especially appreciated Nye’s poem here, Kat. I think we often try to hard to avoid all the hurts, pain, disappointment. This time is teaching me much. I used to to think I was good at not taking things for granted–but, boy, am I being proven wrong. I clearly took some of our most fundamental freedoms for granted…like simply moving around and congregating. Just never woulda thought. She tells it beautifully, the need to know the ‘other,’ so to speak.
(And wouldn’t you know it was on my Spring List to plant a forsythia in my backyard! But I suppose that’s not considered An Essential. Although, it is to me… 🙂
your husband and my husband are two peas in a pod. I am good as long as my news consumption is tempered with busy hands and mind on creative pursuits. I also go for a daily walk and that helps a bit. Hugs to you and prayers to you my dear friend.
I CAVED!! Romi’s Mystery Shawl will soon be happening here, too.
So glad Steve had a nice birthday. The cake looks delicious. Enjoy the mystery shawl KAL. Romi’s patterns are always beautiful. And yes to poetry. Nye is one of my favorite poets.
Spring is here. I know that because, 1, I killed the first ant of the season in my kitchen, and B, we got 2″ of snow overnight.