Five on Friday: A Bit of a Catch Up

"In early June the world of leaf and blade and

flower explodes, and every sunset is different."

attributed to JOHN STEINBECK

One. Outside My Window

The tulips are done but they made quite the splash earlier in May. The purple ones above were the last to bloom - the colour makes me swoon, and I hope these bulbs will multiply profusely from season to season. They now make room for the lilacs and irises and alliums. Peonies are still setting buds - nearly ready to add their bright burst of summery brilliance.

A mallard momma duck and her ten ducklings wandered through our garden the other day looking for a way to the pond on the next street. Alas, in our neighbourhood everyone has fences everywhere, so Momma had a time to find a way. After nosing around for a while, ducklings falling over themselves to follow her, she took time to rest in the shade of the leafy elderberry shrub. They nestled under her wings. If I could have spoken Duckese, I would have softly advised her to keep to the left 'round the corner and then head north. She was gone the next time I looked - I hope she 'heard' my little prayer. 

We've had a few warm summery days—the long evenings are such a delight. And this week we've enjoyed some proper rains. We got five inches in two days. Just soft and steady all day, all night. Didn't hear of any flooding in our area. The green has sure popped out. Trees are now fully leafed. Even with the slow cold start to spring, we're finally here.

 

Two. A Wedding Shower

Traditionally, June is the month for weddings. And although my dear niece is not getting married until later this summer, a wedding shower is planned for her this weekend. I don't know if this 'trend' is more widespread, but I am noticing around here that the new flush of brides seem to be enjoying a return to vintage and thrift store finds. And even Grandma's China and pretty bowls. I had great fun 'shopping' in my own home... after secretive chats with the bride's mom as we thought about which of my treasures to pass along to my beautiful niece as she starts her own home (I can't show pictures for then the surprise will be out).

Three. Thinking About

A little stream of consciousness writing for this section. I like stickers and I found one today that said 'Be happy'. Good advice. I have tried to be a happy person over my lifetime. Not happy as in jovial all the time, but happy-grateful for all the good that comes my way even when I feel less 'blessed'. I'm more successful at it than other times, but I learn as I go. And when I came to realize that living life in a spirit of gratefulness really does help me when the ugly stuff shows up, my life became more beautiful.

I'm not saying it's still not a daily struggle. 'Out of sorts' moments can invade in a blink, colouring the atmosphere around us, casting dark shadows. Especially when there seem to be so many horrid situations marking our world and darkening it. And I start to wonder how we can continue to cope when so much comes at us. No wonder so many of us feel unwell in body as well as soul.

I sat writing in my journal early this morning, mulling it all, and I was reminded of some of the words Jesus spoke as recorded in the New Testament, how we are not supposed to carry the load ourselves. Trying to keep on top of things is overwhelming, and in this faulty world there is no way we can do this day by day by day in our own strength and wisdom. Here are the words that refreshed me - I felt the weight lift. I share them in case you, too, have been feeling the weight of the world, with hopes they give a similar relief:

Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you (refer to 1 Peter 5:7).

The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to Him. And the peace ... comes (refer to Philippians 4: 5-6 ESV).

Come unto Me all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest (refer to Matthew 11:28).

The perfect love [of Jesus] casts out all fear (my version of 1 John 4:8).

Four. Books I Read in May

Reclaiming Quiet, Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention by Sarah Clarkson. I spent the last few months slowly rereading this quietly inspiring book by a favourite author. In a world fraught with many cares and terrors, Sarah looks at "practical strategies to resist hurry and cultivate holy attention through stillness, prayer, and listening for God's voice". I felt my mind and heart slowing down, her beautifully crafted words "transforming my interior life into a place of wonder and rest". 

The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung. A standalone, fast-paced political thriller. The story follows Alice Li and her mother, Vivien Li (a famed Tiananmen Square dissident and global human rights activist) through family struggles, digging into the ancient past, political terror, and the precarious balance of world power.

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl. It's a tale about Stella, a cautious young food blogger who books a flight to Paris after her estranged mother's death. Written by acclaimed food writer Ruth Reichl, the story is sumptuously packed with delectable descriptions of food along with romantic, sensory-rich depictions of Paris in the 1980s where Stella learns to embrace life, courage, and friendship. A pleasure to read.

Elephants Can Remember by Agatha Christie. One of her last books, published in 1972, this novel follows eccentric crime novelist Ariadne Oliver and famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot as they join forces to investigate a cold-case 'murder-suicide' of a prominent English couple.

Five. June at Last

"What is one to say about June—the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade? For my own part I wander up and into the wood and say, "June is here—June is here; thank God for lovely June!" GERTRUDE JEKYLL, from Wood and Garden, 1899

❦

On that note, I'm wishing you a beautiful day

and a wonderful summer ahead.

Heart hugs,

Brenda

Photo credit:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

Hello May, Time Away

Image by GuangWu YANG from Pixabay

"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'"

ROBIN WILLIAMS

Hello May, we've been waiting for you!

Last week, experiencing yet another bad winter storm of snow and high winds, we lamented that Spring was never coming. But the last couple of days have been sweetly different. We have awakened to sunshine and blue skies...and it's a fine morning today. Spring bulbs are springing up everywhere in our garden—purple crocuses, white and blue scilla, and tête-à-tête daffodils, all adding welcome colour in a still mostly brown garden. We spotted our first bees busy in the blossoms. We are dizzy with delight.

Rejoicing in little graces in our days: We didn't need to wear a jacket this morning when out for our walk. Pussy willows are bursting out along the banks of the pond - a thrill since childhood. Robins sing from treetops. Ducks quack as they fly overhead. Grebes call and red winged blackbirds whistle. At last, the sights and sounds of Spring are all around us.

I had been reading a few of Agatha Christie's Poirot short stories in the evenings before bed. I'm surprised at how much humour she slips into her unfolding mysteries with that British repartee between Poirot, Hastings, and Inspector Japp. I have now turned to a newly purchased copy of Miss Read's novel, Village Diary. Which is a gentle, cheerful, and humorous peek at life in an English country village. It was first published in 1957.

We've been busier around here with helping others in our little world. Not just my mom, but others in our circle who are reaching that age when illness creeps in and sets their paths, and ours, in a different direction. Time in the ER and hospital with loved ones filled our days this past week. Thankfully the patient is home again, and we hope he will regain his strength and vitality.

With Spring here and the outdoors calling, along with us keeping our eyes and hands near those we love, I will be taking some time away. I will write when I can (or feel inspired). Thank you again to everyone who left comments on recent posts. Be assured I have read them and appreciate each one very much, even though I haven't taken time to reply.  

I'm wishing you a lovely Spring. And I'm hoping your days will be filled with little surprises and treats 'out of the blue' to fill your hearts with delight. I hope your hearts will be lightened and your cares will be lifted. 

"It is a serious thing

just to be alive on

this fresh morning in

this broken world."

MARY OLIVER

"I always think my feelings

are SO complicated but then

Spring happens and I'm like,

oh no, wait, I'm fine."

UNKNOWN, found somewhere on line

❦

Heart hugs,

Brenda

Five on Friday: Celebrating My Birthday Week

Image by Muneeb Malhotra from pexels.com

"There are two great days in a person’s life – 

the day we are born and the day we discover why."

WILLIAM BARCLAY

My birthday has snuck up on me this year. Of course I knew it was coming but still the weeks have flown. And as I write this post on the eve of my birthday, it certainly doesn't seem possible to have reached the grand age of 69 years. My goodness, wasn't it just yesterday that I celebrated my 60th with a wee visit to Oxford, the city of 'dreaming spires' and the home of my soul.

- One -

We have not been best pleased with the weather this week. It's not supposed to be this wintry anymore, we say with hands on our hips. We get a warmish day here and there, then we think, okay, now spring is here. My deep purple crocuses were coming up all sweet and innocent in the sun warming days. And then yet another blast of winter—snow, freezing temperatures, and wind—settles for a few more days. As I mentioned in a note to a dear friend, a lesson can be gleaned from these little brave souls of nature. I looked out my study window and saw the green shoots standing sturdily amidst the snow. They knew to just wait it out. (I love winter, but on my birthday, I'd much prefer pussy willows and spring bulbs.)

 

- Two -

I believe that no matter what condition you are

in when someone close to your heart remembers

your birthday and wishes you a happy birthday,

you feel happy.

A. Singla

It's true. I feel happy. My mail box has been filling

with birthday cards and delightful surprises all week.

Cards from friends near and far. I am well blessed to

 have such lovely people in my life.

- Three -

I've been indulging in a little BritBox watching. I had taken advantage of a 7-day free trial through Prime to watch a series with David Suchet travelling where Agatha Christie once travelled. With the free week nearly up, I went to cancel, except they offered me three months for $2.75/mo instead of the usual $10.99/mo. Well, how can a person refuse such a bargain. My first film has been to watch Persuasion with Amanda Root as Anne Elliot and Ciarán Hinds as Captain Wentworth. There are none finer, in my books, than these two to portray one of my favourite Jane Austen novels.

- Four -

A dozen gorgeous red and pink roses

from my sweetheart. He really is a sweetheart!

- Five -

 A collection of 'eldering' birthday quotes that lift my spirits this week.

"Anyone who keeps the ability to see

beauty never grows old."

Franz Kafka

"All we have to decide is what to do

with the time that is given us."

J.R.R. Tolkien

"With long life will I satisfy [you]

and show [you] my salvation."

from Psalm 91 (NIV)

"[You] will still bear fruit in old age,

[you] will stay fresh and green."

from Psalm 92:14 (NIV)

   

I opened today's post with those words attributed to William Barclay. And as I close, I want to muse a moment on them. At age 69, I hope after all these years I have figured out why I was born.

I believe God made me for a purpose.

He made me fast. And when I run I feel his pleasure.

Eric Liddell, in the movie Chariots of Fire

(I have often thought of those words in relation

to my own life, especially to my writing life. He made

me good with words, and when I write I feel his pleasure.)

*

He has good works for me to do.

- to love him and to love my neighbour.

- to live in gratitude and thankfulness.

- to live in the beauty of kindness, creativity,

and companionship.

On the eve of my birthday, as I sat at my desk writing this post, the grey skies had cleared. And the setting sun filled my room with that soft, gold light... filling my soul with joy. In my heart, at least, Spring had arrived.

❦

Wishing you a beautiful week ahead,

Brenda

My Blogging Schedule:

I post on Fridays

Six on Saturday: This and That

"Lord, give me an open heart to find You everywhere,

to glimpse the heaven enfolded in a bud, and

experience eternity in the smallest act of love."

MOTHER TERESA

We had our family gathering yesterday for the Easter weekend. Ham and scalloped potatoes are often a favourite item on the menu when it comes to the family celebration around the table. Chocolate eggs never go amiss either. We enjoyed a little of everything on the buffet. It was all delicious.

Here are a few things I've gathered this week that I hope you might enjoy...

One

Something about me

I am a Lover of God, Seeker of Beauty, Word Artist 

I live in Alberta, Canada

I receive great pleasure in writing and blogging, giving

gifts, pottering, flowers in gardens and bouquets, walks in

nature. I love sunny winter days and summery twilight

evenings, books, and conversations over coffee.

I value compassion, kindness, consideration for others,

integrity, autonomy, laughter, beauty, and solitude.

I don't consider myself as a 'leader' out in front but more

of a come-alongside helper of others. 

Two

From Facebook

Someone asked the question of her female readers:

"What do you find is the most non-sexual turn-on in a man?"

My response:

A sense of humour. Thoughtful of others.

Wearing a crisp white shirt with sleeves rolled

up over tanned forearms. 

Three

Books read more than twice

I've a long, long list of books I've read more than twice. Here is a excerpt:

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken

Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Heaven, The Heart's Deepest Longing by Peter Kreeft

Keeping the Feast by Paula Butterini

Life of the Beloved by Henri J.M. Nouwen

Living a Beautiful Life by Alexandra Stoddard

Martha's Vineyard, An Isle of Dreams by Susan Branch

Mitford novels (the whole series) by Jan Karon

Once Upon A Wardrobe by Patti Callahan

Persuasion by Jane Austen

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

Four

Movies watched at least

a half dozen times

A handful of favourites:

84, Charing Cross Road

Bertram's Hotel (Miss Marple)

Chariots of Fire

Enchanted April

Home Alone

Miss Potter

Out of Africa

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Pride and Prejudice (1995 miniseries)

Persuasion (1995 version)

Sense and Sensibility (1995 version)

Shall We Dance? (with Richard Gere)

The Bishop's Wife (with Cary Grant)

The Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars)

The Shell Seekers

You've Got Mail

Five

Little delights this week

Unexpected parcels and cards from friends in the mail

Two new China mugs in spring floral greens

(found at HomeSense)

That our tax accountant noticed the scent I was wearing.

He mentioned he liked to catch a nice fragrance wafting

in the air. I was wearing "Rose" by L'Occitane.

Chatting with strangers in the grocery line and whilst

waiting in the lab with my mom

Rewatching two favourite old movies after busy days:

Evil Under the Sun (Peter Ustinov and Maggie Smith always

make me laugh in this Agatha Christie mystery);

and Miss Potter with Renée Zellweger (I sigh with

emotions fully satisfied every time I watch this one).

The gift of English Breakfast Tea in a 

Beatrix Potter "Peter Rabbit" tin (perfect

timing as it arrived after watching Miss Potter).

Six

A writing thought

A fellow writer wrote how she had once joined a writing group where, as it turned out, they focused on their tragic life situations as writing fodder. She eventually left the group as she felt she didn't fit; she hadn't experienced such terrible and sad family circumstances. She certainly understood, as do I, that writing about these situations may be their way of processing their experiences, healing from them, and helping others from what they've learned.

As for her and myself, I had a loving family upbringing, and I hadn't experienced such terrifying, tragic life events. Having often felt "too blessed" with a gentler, more pleasant unfolding of my life, being grateful that I didn't have to endure the hardships so many others do, I was glad I eventually came to see that God can use all our stories—the good and beautiful along with the horrid and the ugly. So here I continue to write on It's A Beautiful Life. Not ignoring the horrors going on out there, they are very much on my heart, but writing about the ordinary, small things of grace and pleasantness that continue to fill our world with beauty and hope. 

❦

Wishing you a beautiful day, and if you watch and celebrate,

Happy Easter Weekend.

Brenda

Photo credits:

Image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay

My Blogging Schedule:

I post on Fridays (usually)

Five on Friday: Almost Too Small To Mention

“Some hours are long and some days are short.

Find time to cherish the small moments.”

—JULIETTE ROSE KERR, To Fill a Jar With Water

One. Mother Nature

I've been having a chat this week with Mother Nature, hands on hips, letting her know that in these parts we'd really prefer rain to the snow that fell off and on for three days. First she teases us with melting snow and warmish sunny days. And then she changes her mind and hits us with another bout of winter, which includes sharp, cold winds and deep freeze temperatures.

 

Of course, we're trying not to complain—moisture is moisture and we certainly need it.

My bright spot amongst the falling snow was watching our neighbourhood bunny (hare) in our backyard as he scrounged for twigs and dried vines for lunch. Such meagre fare. Between munches, he catnapped with eyes half closed, ever watching over his escape routes. He must have felt safe for then he started grooming himself, washing his face, his ears, his paws, just like a kittycat. His fur is still white, so he blended into the fresh carpet of snow (well, except for the tips of his ears which stay black all winter).

Two. Watching

I have been slowly watching my favourite 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice. I have watched it so many times over the years that many of the beloved, or funny, scenes are forever etched in my memory. It's interesting how a story can become such an integral part of one's life. These people are my friends, my neighbours. It's comforting to visit them one more time.

The other day I came across a reel on Instagram of a father telling his tale: "I have four daughters. That means I have spent approximately 1/3 of my fatherly life watching the six hour version of Pride and Prejudice." Patient man, I'd say, haha. My dear hubby has seen it enough times with me as well.

Three. Reading

Good Wives

by Louisa May Alcott

From my bit of research Little Women and Good Wives were originally published as separate books, the second a sequel to the first. The two books were eventually combined and published as one book under the title Little Women. I looked in my paperback copy, sure enough, both were included as Part 1 and 2. So I wouldn't have needed to buy this hardcover in the Cranford edition (but I'm glad I did - it's lovely). 

I quite enjoyed revisiting the four charming March sisters, who are now grown up and leaving the March nest. Meg marries Mr. Brookes, Laurie's tutor from next door. Jo spreads her wings and moves to New York City to look after a family friend's two children while their mother runs a boarding house for impoverished gentlefolk. Beth, who contracted scarlet fever in her childhood, the effects from which she never fully recovered, continues to give joy and light at home with her parents. And blossoming Amy accompanies her Aunt March on a grand tour of Europe where she studies art and painting.

Acqua Alta

by Donna Leon (1995)

Donna Leon is a crime novelist best known for her series set in Venice, Italy, featuring the Commissario Brunetti, Venice's version of our own Canadian refined and principled Inspector Gamache (Louise Penny). In her novels readers are given rich descriptions of crime mixed with culture, history, and food. The author's love for Baroque music is often reflected in her work. I really enjoy her mysteries.

 
Acqua Alta is the fifth in the Brunetti series (published in 1996). An archaeologist and old friend of Brunetti's has been savagely beaten in the doorway of her lovely home. The incident serves as the starting point for Brunetti's investigation into a broader conspiracy involving stolen Chinese antiquities.

Four. The Recorder

Did you ever learn to play the recorder in school? I never did, as it didn't come into vogue until I was older. I saw a clip on social media the other day. The fellow says, "I'm so glad I was taught to play the recorder at school. It has really come in handy during my adult life. I've lost count of the times I've resolved a difficult situation with a quick blast of Three Blind Mice."

I said to my sister, having missed out on learning the recorder in school, I now know why I always felt a little bereft at not having this bit of musical arsenal for difficult situations.😉  

 

Five. Quotable

"Not everything asking for your attention deserves equal space

in your mind. Some things are meant to be handled, and some are

simply meant to be released before they quietly drain the day."

—from Cottage Whimsy Facebook Page

❦

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Brenda

Photo credits:

Top Image by Natalia Lavrinenko from Pixabay

My Blogging Schedule:

I post on Fridays