When in the proximity of children and their playthings, one comes across all sorts of interesting scenes and scenarios, such as this baby seal tucked cozily into its little bed in the top floor of a dollhouse. I’ve never encountered such a thing, not even at the New England Aquarium. The idea is a fun one to entertain, though I’m guessing this bed may be a little dry for a real seal’s liking. 

My Mom just gave us a few of her tea cup sets as she downsizes, and while these are more decorative than functional, my life was once about favoring decorative over functional, so let’s indulge. I did enjoy a cup of elderberry tea in this pretty little cup, so I suppose there is function here too – it’s simply about a third of the volume that one of our usual mugs would supply. For cocktails that might have been fine – for tea, I needed to refill for more, but there is mindfulness in that, and it’s a good check on how much we are indulging. 

These photos are also a good reminder of the imperfections of life, and how we should embrace and laugh at them. Notice the way the tea cup sits slightly off-center – something that would have irked me to no end a few years ago. When I noticed it here, I didn’t bother to change it. The universe wanted it to be just so, and I left it alone. So many things would be just fine if they were simply left alone. 

There are many lessons to be gleaned from a simple tea cup. 

St. Patrick’s Day came and went, and the first day of spring was right behind it. This week has exciting events coming up too, but rather than get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a peek at some seasonal verdant underwear by Burberry, and recap the week that ended this winter. 

Winter wasn’t going without a grand finale, so we weathered this storm with family and friends. 

The birds were hinting at spring with a new song.

Echoes of an amber jewel. 

A pause decked out in purple and pink. 

As Liza Minelli would say, ‘Balls!’

Wearying of winter. 

The humble and magnificent quahog. 

The last day of winter, here at last. 

Waiting for the winter exhale. 

Winter ended as it began – with a meditation. 

They say it’s spring. 

Dazzlers of the Day included Chuck Miller, Nathaniel Gray, Dominick Purnomo, and Pati Jinich. 

When I was young I lived in a world of dreams
Of moods and myths and illusionary schemes
Though now I’m much more grown up
I fear that I must own up
To the fact that I’m in doubt of
What the modern cynics shout of…

Hello Spring!!! We have been waiting for you. Winter was fine, and far less upsetting than anticipated, and for that we are grateful. But to have spring here is better. It adds a bounce to the steps of a day, even if the weather is slow to turn. It will come eventually. A song for the moment:

They say it’s spring
This feeling light as a feather
They say this thing
This magic we share together
Came with the weather too

Last night, a thunderstorm rumbled as if winter was still grumbling about the regime change. Spring often defers to winter’s wrath, sometimes right through April, but given winter’s comparative kindness this year, let it rumble. The daffodils are already pushing through the sunnier spots of the yard. 

Could it be spring
Those bells that I can hear ringing
It may be spring
But when the robins stop singing
You’re what I’m clinging to
Though they say it’s spring
It’s you

Soon the strappy leaves will rise, with the buds of flowers not far behind. The snow will melt away, and one day we will marvel that it ever had the conditions to stay. Crocus and snowdrops will push the door open, and then the stampede of jonquils and tulips will follow suit. Then it will be May, possibly the happiest month of the year. 

Yes, we are grateful that spring is here. May it take its time, and may we find joy in each of its days. 

Did I need spring
To bring the ring that you bought me
Though it was spring
That wondrous day that you caught me

Darling I thought we knew
That it wasn’t spring
‘Twas you

The season of slumber ended as it began: with a meditation in the dark of night. 

As I started the session, Andy came into the living room to crack open a window. He returned to the kitchen as I settled into deeper breathing, and the happy sounds of a pasta sauce coming together could be heard. Such noise was a comfort – a glad drone of background commotion that didn’t phase me, even in meditative mode. In fact, it was a comfort.

One of the things I longed for all those years ago when I was alone was the simple presence of a partner, the safety and warmth of having someone you loved in the same home, going through the same winter’s night, and offering support when needed. As the sounds of the stove carried in from the kitchen, I continued my meditation, and soon was lost in the breath. 

A calm and cooling shift of air floated in through the cracked window – outside, a thunderstorm was thrillingly beckoning the arrival of spring. Winter would depart in subdued grace, a new old friend whose presence made hygge possible, and with whom I’ve reconciled after years of misunderstanding. In a strange way, I will miss it, even though we will meet again when the summer sun tires. 

For now, spring is at hand, and with a flourish we turn this blog over to a new season.