Of late Spring magic
... to a large degree, we can choose what charms and amuses us.
A few mornings ago, I stood barefoot in the soft, long grass of our side yard holding a cup of tea and taking a few breaths before my day’s tasks demanded my time.
A little scuttle in the bushes beside me interrupted my reverie.
What if it’s a snake? What if it slithers across my vulnerable, unprotected toes?? Forget “No Mow May!” We need to cut this grass!
I forced myself to stay still and see what would emerge - although I will admit that I was poised for flight! A few seconds later, a sweet little chipmunk scampered into the grass and stood in a patch of morning sun a mere foot from my foot.
Something in me whispered, “That’s actually a rodent, you know!”
But something else in me whispered back, “I know, but look at those adorable ears!”
The truth is that if any other varmint had emerged from that bush, I’d have been high-tailing it back onto the safety of the porch. But for some reason, I’ve decided that chipmunks are cute. Even though they have continuously growing incisors (yikes!), I’ve deemed them harmless and friendly.
This makes no sense. But it does show me that to a large degree, we can choose what charms and amuses us. We can decide to find certain things (or critters) friendly and adorable and magical.
So why not decide that most things are friendly and adorable and magical? Wouldn’t that make life a lot more fun?
It’s something to think about! :)
In the spirit of gathering friendly, adorable, and magical moments, I’d like to share some of my favorite memories from this Spring with you. As usual, we took some time off to travel and visit family. When we’re out of our usual routines, we tend to notice moments differently.
I love doing these “Gather the Magic” round-ups because it’s interesting to see what caught my attention. Days fly by and become weeks and months. Paying attention keeps me from just existing and missing the good stuff!
WHAT I’M READING
I set a goal to read more this year and so far, I’m doing pretty well. I finished THREE books and started another one during our time off. My favorite was “The Love of My Life” by Rosie Walsh. This book had all my favorite elements: love, mystery, heartbreak, and of course, the ocean.
When Emma becomes seriously ill, her husband, an obituary writer, begins delving into the details of her life. As he starts to unravel the truth, he discovers that the woman he’s loved, married, and built a family with doesn’t really exist.
Emma knows that someday she needs to tell him about the other love of her life ... but how? When? And suddenly, it’s too late.
Note: the purchase link will take you to the website of a small bookstore in Winthrop, WA, run by a sweet young family.
WHAT I’M WATCHING
I’ve been loving the show “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu. The characters are so much fun, and the murders on the “lighter” side which works for my somewhat squeamish self.
This show manages to be humorous as well as mysterious.
WHAT I’M EATING
This category should, in fact, be called what I’m NOT eating! In early April, I had an appointment with a naturopathic doctor who recommended that I avoid seafood, fruit, and nuts for three weeks. Of course, we were in Florida, where seafood, fruit and nuts are GORGEOUS!
I suffered through my three weeks only to then be told to avoid all grains, nightshades, and still nuts. Sighhhh ...
The good news is that I’m feeling incredible! I guess sometimes our bodies need a break/reset from some of the more difficult to digest foods. .
This morning, I was ecstatic to finally break my no-grain fast with a scrumptious quiche from the French bakery in my little town. Fingers crossed that my body loves it as much as I did!
If you’re struggling with digestive discomfort, you may want to consider eliminating some of these foods that are known troublemakers. The peace I feel inside has honestly been worth it.
SOMEONE I SUBSCRIBED TO
I’ve been falling in love with embroidery again. I’m almost finished with a piece humorously called a “Weekender” that I started about 30 years ago. I wrote about it in “Of Making.”
As my eyes are NOT loving the intricate cross-stitch patterns of my youth, I’m switching over to more modern embroidery designs. I discovered the beautiful, soothing work of Elin Petronella, an embroidery artist living in Sweden.
Here is one of her beautiful videos. I just love her soothing voice and the rhythm of the needle and thread.
SOMETHING I PURCHASED
I have a hard time knowing what I want to wear. There are many reasons for this - one of which is that I can’t stand tight waistbands. My closet is filled with failed attempts to buy pants that will fit and not make me want to claw out someone’s eyes.
A few weeks ago, I saw a friend wearing the cutest, soft-looking capri yoga pants. I asked her where she found them, and of course, she’d had them since high school!
But I found a very similar pair, and I’m happy to report that they are very comfortable. They flow and flounce in the most satisfying way when I walk, which is also helping me reach my daily step count!
SOMETHING NEW I’M DOING
Everyone is talking about the importance of getting morning sun on your face - as early as possible upon arriving. This helps to reset your circadian rhythm for the day and results in better sleep at the end of the day.
I can’t yet report any noticeable changes in my sleep, but I am enjoying sneaking out of the house and standing in the one wee spot of sun to be found here in the woods. Bonus points for the mornings I kick off my slippers and nestle my toes in the grass. (Still trying not to think about snakes!)
A PHOTO I FAVORITED
With the combination of grandkid time and beach time, I took a TON of photos this spring. It was hard to choose just one, but this photo stands out because it captures an evening I’m still thinking about over a month later.
We decided to walk up to the tip of Amelia Island one evening. We’d gotten a late start, and I was worried that it would be dark before we got back to our car.
We arrived at the northern tip of the island, part of Fort Clinch State Park, just a few moments before sunset. The tide was out, and shimmering pools covered the beach. The sun was quickly sliding below the horizon, and everything began to glow.
There are no words, and the photo doesn’t begin to capture the magic.
Even though we walked back in the dark, it was a scene that I’ll hold in my heart for a very long time.
WORDS I WROTE DOWN
“You weren’t given wings
to see the world from a tree.”
-Atticus
These words have guided me during the past few weeks when I’ve been tempted to play it safe.
They remind me to trust. To not know the answers, but still delight in the questions. To walk into each day believing that everything I need is already waiting for me.
*****
As we turn the calendar to June, may you enjoy these last few weeks of Spring. May you find that the scuttles in the bushes are indeed friendly, adorable, and even a little magical.
Have a beautiful week,
Go Deeper:
Read my book: The Blessed Home – How Your Words Can Heal Your Home
Download my free Gather the Magic “Treasure Map” to help train your brain to spot the magic dancing in the corners of your ordinary day.
My website: www.amyjae.com