I guess you could say life has been pretty much a blur. But a wonderful blur, full of new sights and sounds, exciting discoveries and old friends, a concert, outings, an anticipated houseguest, planting seeds and love, getting to work and holding fast to deadlines, meeting new-to-me wildflowers and new-to-me people — and wearing beautiful, new-to-me, yet sadly blister-inducing shoes… but perhaps worth the temporary pain for all that. (I know there are some ladies reading who hear me on that one.)
I’ve taken a ton of photos (including this one of the garlic foliage just beginning to turn dry, presaging a harvest by early May, right on schedule for the garlic growing guide for this region) and jotted down notes for at least six or seven new posts in the trusty little notebook that accompanies me almost everywhere.
For now, though, it’s Sunday evening and the sun is just visible over the crest of the hill. Down here in the hollow a grey-washed, blue-shadowed stillness has settled over the still-barely-glowing, green forest. The wild roses are folding up their five petals into neat rounded tents, and the birds have quieted down for the night, all except a few stragglers whose random cheeps and chirps only serve to highlight the velvety silence in between.
So far this year the tree frogs and grasshoppers have yet to take up their nighttime chorus, and I don’t wonder they tarry and rest and hold their peace a little longer, knowing that this is one show that, once begun on opening night, will run without interruption all summer long. There is a gentle pause between the end of the day and the beginning of the night that is as sweet to me as those moments of peace when I am so relaxed and still that I can feel the pause at the bottom of the exhale, before the inhale begins again.
A train pipes out its haunting whistle in the distance, as the grey wash begins to take dominance over all the color in the hollow. It is the end of one very wonderful, if packed, week, and time to pause before a new one gets minted tomorrow morning, holding who knows what wonders and challenges.
From the fulcrum of dusk, inching our way toward the first starlight, I send you all the best wishes for a week to delight your soul wherever you are now, and wherever the next seven days may find you.
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Peace be with you, Meredith. And I hear you on that shoe thing. Lovely post.
Lynn´s last blog ..Its share, stroller traffic and props
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it, Lynn.
This was such a perfect post to read as the evening winds down. I can see and hear everything you describe. I’m glad you had such a good week.
Thank you so much for the birthday wishes. I like the sound of lobster/snow crab + the beach + the moon/tides.
elizabeth´s last blog ..giveaway winners
I do hope you had a good one, Elizabeth.
Beautiful, Meredith–and I hope your week is, too!
Talon´s last blog ..The Cap (Short Story)
Thank you, Talon!
I would love to be able to listen to that nighttime chorus on a summer’s evening. I can so relate to that shoe thing too. I went on holidays for a week without my walking shoes and by the time I came back this weekend I had a blister on one foot and one starting on the other. I must focus now on going back to work today……….. which is very hard. My holidays are never long enough. Have a great week out and about with that little notebook of yours Meredith ( I carry one too!) Rosie
Oh, dear, Rosie, I don’t envy you the lack of walking shoes while on holiday — or the going back to work when you dread it.
Nonetheless, I expect great things from your notebook as you return to everyday life!
Dear Meredith, What an action packed week you have had but, oh, what satisfaction to look back and savour it all in the twilight. This posting was beautifully written and did, indeed, convey a calm serenity above the busyness of life. I do hope that this is the kind of balance that you were seeking and that you have now achieved it.
As for the shoes, well, I can identify with this absolutely. Over the years I should imagine that several tins of sticking plasters have been used by me in the quest of style and glamour.
Edith Hope´s last blog ..J, An Artist in the Garden
Edith, it was a wonderful week. I wouldn’t prefer them always so busy; I generally prefer a slower, more contemplative pace. But occasionally it is wonderful to be kept busy, especially when the activities are pleasant. Or maybe it is the attitude that makes them pleasant? Whatever, it was fun!
I keep thinking I’ve outgrown wearing uncomfortable shoes in the name of Pretty — but then a certain pair will exert this irresistible pull on me.
why is it i always feel like a fevered child being held in the cold loving arms of a wonderful mother when i read your posts? i always feel calmer, the panic and the dam of tears ebb away and just for a little while i can breathe…..I’m not writing today, instead I am just sending everyone over to you x
carrie´s last blog ..Our 1st Rhurbarb harvest!
Oh, Carrie, I am so glad my words could make you feel a little better for a few moments today. Of course, I wish all your moments could be calmer, with space and self-love enough to breathe freely. Maybe this can be your reality one day. I hope so.
You are so sweet to send your readers over as guests, hon.
Hello Meredith – I very much enjoyed the peaceful, joyful feel of that post! But I have to admit to being distinctly ‘unfeminine’ in the shoe department…no trade off for fashion over comfort here!
Heidi (GippyGardener)´s last blog ..Gippy Garden Project List 2010
Thank you, Heidi. I’m glad you liked the feel of it.
I don’t think it is “unfeminine” to not bow down to the fashion dictates. I generally prefer comfortable shoes, and personally I think barefoot on a path between lush garden beds is by far the sexiest way for feet to be.
Hi Meredith, beautiful post. I think spring is always a blur of planting, weeding, mulching and for me, school activities. The kids are finishing up, and we’re always thinking of summer vacation with a kind of longing. Thank you for the evening post.~~Dee
Dee @ Red Dirt Ramblings´s last blog ..Dear Friends and Gardeners, April 19, 2010
You may be right about that, Dee. We seem to have gone from zero to sixty in a very short time here in the garden. Of course, it’s a lot of work, but I love it!
F. will soon be sort of off for summer vacation, too, and we look forward to that; even if he’ll still be researching, he won’t need to teach or supervise others for a whole three months. I can only imagine the relief of kids out of school would be palpable in many households.
You paint a lovely picture of the week that was, and the hopes for the new one ahead. Wishing you the best (and blister free) week!
villager´s last blog ..Harvest Monday, April 19, 2010
Thank you, villager, for the compliment to my writing and the good wishes!
lovely, lovely words.
Alisha´s last blog ..52 Projects
Aw, Alisha, thank you.
Meredith, I wish you a wonderful week, too. Only, I wish I could send you my wishes in the same eloquent manner!
kimberly´s last blog ..Cool Tools and Earth Day Celebration!
You are too kind, Kimberly.
Beautiful post–I could see and hear and feel what you described! I love the “pause time” at the end of the day, or the beginning of the week. Such peace there–when you’re finished with one thing, but not yet engrossed in another.
Kathy´s last blog ..Garden Festival Gifts
I love it when people tell me they can follow along with the scenes as I write. I consider that a success.
Maybe I’m wrong, but I feel like I often skip the pause time because I’m too busy or unaware of the opportunity for such a moment at the peak of a transition. It feels so wholesome and good to recognize those moments when they arrive, and live them fully!
Love this. My kind of blog. Thanks.
Ian´s last blog ..Another Picture Post
I’m so glad you loved it, Ian.
Hello Meredith,
I think we can all take a page out of your book so to speak. We all should take a little time every day to sit and enjoy the beauty around us.
Noelle/azplantlady´s last blog ..April’s MGB – Monthly Garden Bouquet
Even I don’t manage it every day, Noelle, although I like to try.
You seem to be aware of the beauty around you even when you are very busy, a priceless skill for navigating the modern world!
Sounds like you had a busy but happy week. As for the shoes, I gave up uncomfortable shoes a long time ago. Can’t believe I used to work an 8 hour day in heels! One sound I would like to hear in my garden is frogs. Or even crickets would be nice.
Helen at Summer House´s last blog ..Earth Day – Optimism Required!
Now, I did give up 8-hour shifts in heels a few years back. Around the time I gave up 8-hour shifts, come to think of it. I much prefer working at home, in sweats and socks most of the time.
Do you not get crickets where you are? I think I might have assumed cricket-song spanned the globe until reading your comment. As for frogs, well, we have more than usual here because of the lake’s proximity.
such nice wishes and thoughts…i truly enjoyed reading your post today meredith, aloha
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Noel.