All of this. Appreciations amidst trauma.

So… all of this. 

What is happening is so big, so ever-present, and so important. There is so much for us to process, to hold space for. So much work to do. So much listening, healing, helping to do. So very much.

But amidst the turmoil, fear, rage, grief, despair and…and…and… I am so grateful to see expressions of love, hope, community, fearlessness, kindness, generosity and so much more from so many people.

And I appreciate that our allium and chives and peas are growing. Our weigela and clematis are blooming.

I appreciate that for the FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I have gotten an African Violet to bloom! (Seriously. I have failed so many times.)

On our walk today, Sarah and I saw military helicopters overhead and checked cars for license plates. I felt jumpy and sad and so aware of the privilege I carry around me like a protective bubble of white skin.

My heart goes out to the people so deeply hurt by the murder and violence from the past week. And from all the weeks-years-centuries.

But I was also really happy to walk with my best friend. I was filled with awe when we saw the most beautiful & humongous bumble bee.

And even though I was hot and a little sweaty when we got home, I relished the comfort of Ida crawling into my lap and giving me a smooch.

So, yes. All of this.

Appreciations: Shelter-in-place week infinity 😉

I don’t need to tell you that this is hard. You know it is. For all of us. In similar ways, in completely different ways, on different levels and on different days. But THAT is not what this post is all about!

This post is about those moments of sunshine, settledness, and serenity that can be found in the nooks and crannies. And I think with the exception of Q1 of 2013 (Pat’s cancer, Gracie (our dog) dies, Cimmie (our cat) dies, my heart failure starts, finances tank, and divorce talks begin), I have never appreciated knowing about appreciating more than I do right now.

So here are a few of the things that I’ve appreciated during the past few weeks…

So. Many. Flowers. In our garden, in the neighborhood, everywhere I look. Makes tolerating the worse of allergy season worth it. So much prettiness.

The sweetest, sweetest friends! We got a May Day basket and a socially distanced chat with Sara & her family, whom we’d not seen in, you know, about 2 months…

Surprise balloons & signs on the day of and then socially distanced surprise Mother’s Day picnic (Tuesday) with Katie & Cina. Wow, do I love those two. ❤️

More distance visits with the girls. Queen Ida of the wind and rainbow sunglasses. And outside singing with the family.

Cleaning up my inbox and action folder…and having enough energy left for a grin. (Ooooh, and sporting my new dopamine/seratonin earrings).

Putting our masks up on the living room wall!

Appreciations: Shelter-in-place week 7

This week held lots of downs & ups for me. It’s so hard to be isolated from friends and family, isn’t it? I count my blessings daily that I get to be sheltered-in with some of my favorite people…but I miss being with my other favorite people!

Here are this week’s highlights…

Happy birthday / happy Sunday celebration – complete with 2 kinds of cake, socially distanced greetings planted in the ground, and melty, melty candles!

Curbside pick up of Great Harvest Bread! Not only did I get to drive somewhere, we got to stock up on delicious bread (which we were nearly out of!)

Writing songs with Ida. Her newest song, “Why are You Afraid of Me” is spectacular. This filled my heart right up. 🎶❤️🎶

Ida’s emoji art: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️🐬🐬🦄

My sweet and darling friend, Terri, who sent me this comic on a day when I really, really needed to see it.

You are doing great.