A small collection of joys, near and far
a list of delights of sorts, little things keeping me grounded and nurtured as the days grow longer and warmer.
The sun has set a couple of hours ago, every body is safely tucked into bed, the chickens dream away in their coop and, as I type silently, the frogs, crickets and nightingales keep me company, their excitement coming in through the open kitchen window.
It’s a warm spring, summerlike at times. Clear skies, fragrant blooms and vibrant greens, and a looming quiet question too as we search the sky, and the weather report, for a hint of rain that doesn’t come. Nevertheless, spring goes on, and there is so much to do at home during these months. And so much joy, too, with the renewed energy and creativity that goes hand in hand with this season.
So today’s post is a list of delights, of sorts, little things keeping me grounded and nurtured as the days grow longer and warmer.
We had a lovely volunteer with us for the whole of last week. It had been so long since we’ve had people come and stay with us — since the beginning of the pandemic, really! — so it was so fun and refreshing to share our living space with others once again. I’m still not sure about reopening our volunteering program just yet, as we’re busier during the week than we were a few years ago. It’s a tricky balance. However, this informal “hey, can I come visit and give a hand on whatever you’re doing at the moment” scene is working really well for us & visitors. So yes, I guess this is me kinda saying that you know, if that’s you, you can totally email me if you’re ever on our neck of the woods?
We’ve been working on a new garden bed, which only took two days to build and fill with earth with the help of lovely E, our volunteer. I feel so grateful for these friendly, helpful hands! Sam is, of course, the stone mason in service. I deeply believe that stone walls are his love language, and I really can’t complain about that.
And so the garden grows, one bed at a time. New garden beds are always so exciting! (Is it just me that gets all giddy about more growing space for vegetables, flowers, and herbs?! I don’t think so!)
Another joy this season is the blooming, once again, of lilacs! There’s a large bushy tree growing out of an old stone well down the hill, and every spring now I strap my foraging basket to my waist, pop a pair of scissors inside, and trot down to greet the tree and collect some fragrant blooms. Last week, I made a new batch of lilac-infused honey, and tried making a shrub for the first time, too! It was wonderful.
Lavender is also in bloom — another joy. I made a tiny, tiny lavender wand to carry in my purse when I go to town, just so I can reach for it and feel its calming scent whenever I feel overwhelmed by all the stimuli. Highly recommend doing the same if you tend to feel social discomfort, high sensitivity in crowded and noisy places, or just a general longing for calmness when you’re away from home.
To finish this small list of small joys, here’s something a tad different. My mom passed by our place and treated me and the little one on a short trip to a Spanish town we’ve thoroughly enjoyed visiting as a family when my sister and I were children. It was magical to visit it once again, so many years later, and share that with my own daughter. Of course, we didn’t remember most of the streets and little alleyways, but we managed our way around with the help of a map we scribbled on. It’s fun to feel like a tourist sometimes, in a different place (far but not that far away a drive from our home!), and to feel small among high towers and detailed architecture, and to miss home while feeling enchanted, all at the same time.
And with this, I will say goodnight to the frogs, crickets and nightingales, prepare an overnight nettle infusion to sip on during the day tomorrow, and ask you, friends — what is bringing you joy these days?
With joy, dirt under my nails, and growing season excitement,
Cat