an offering for you

Last week we had a flock of bluebirds arrive! They were busy checking out the bluebird houses, flitting from one to another. Cedar waxwings came by to eat the very last of the shriveled crab apples, melting into the ground under the trees. The roads are MUDDY and the sap is running and the syrup is boiling all over the neighborhood. Spinach is sprouting in the hoop house and pea shoots are growing on our windowsills. The bulbs that Batman tucked into the root cellar in the fall are still coming up to brighten our home. The snow is melting in between new flurries and today we can see our raised beds, emerging from their winter rest. The madder and garlic were covered in straw to protect them from the deep freeze of January and February in Vermont.

Batman and I have been doing what good work we can with his in the Legislature (he is on the Healthcare Committee) and mine on the board at a community action group...looking out for folks who already live in the margins.

Our pantry is in good shape and we have scaled way back on our news consumption. 

Reminders to self (and maybe you, too?)

• hydrate
• eat to nourish
• rest and sleep, nap (with cats)
• meditate
• get outdoors
• stay in touch with friends and family
• stretch
• listen to favorite music
• sew/knit/craft/collage/bead/etc
• send snail mail
• read poetry
• BREATHE and find peace in the present moment
• if so moved, explore ways to help others in the neighborhood, who may be struggling
• brew tea in a pot and have a digestive biscuit alongside, enjoy the ritual
• if you are still going out and about, support small businesses with generous tips 
• if your favorite small businesses are closed and offer online shopping, patronize them and/or buy their gift cards

Here are a few lovely resources for the days and weeks ahead...

Insight Timer, an app with thousands of free meditations.

A Listening Care Package for Uncertain Times, via On Being.

Today is National Pi Day! Check out King Arthur Flour and Sister Pie for inspiration.

The Poetry Foundation, a treasure trove of poetry.

If you are a fan of Beatrix Potter, you may enjoy a wander around this website. For those of us yearning for spring, it's a lovely distraction.

Maybe you are curious about how Vermont maple syrup is made. Look here to find out!


Remember...
"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite the darkness"
-Desmond Tutu.

Keeping thoughts of you, dearest readers, close to my heart. xo