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Tuesday, May 12, 2020

This And That Tuesday

Image by Gudrun Becker from Pixabay

"Spring grew on (...) and a greenness grew over those brown beds, 
which, freshening daily, suggested the thought that Hope traversed
them at night, and left each morning brighter traces of her steps."
CHARLOTTE BRONTË, Jane Eyre


When I was a working girl, I used to long for the days when I wouldn't have to rush every morning to get to work. I was fine once I got to the office, because I liked my desk and the office environment, but I really disliked the early morning rush to get there. There was always a kind of angst to it. So now that I can live my dream of slower, more peaceful mornings, I never take them for granted. There's time to wake up without an alarm clock; time for quiet thoughts before breakfast, write in my journal, listen to the birds. Time for little morning chats with my sweetheart over coffee. I wouldn't trade all this for anything!

I started this post yesterday morning. It was the kind of morning that didn't seem sure if it should rain, snow, or break out into sunshine more grey. But when I woke this morning, it had decided—the sun was shining brightly and the skies were clear blue. I felt a little grin forming on the inside as I thought about the possibilities for the day. It would all still be in isolation, but it would be in sunny isolation. A big difference, wouldn't you agree?

I've gathered a few moments from the last couple of days and a few pics....I hope it all pieces together into a post that gives you a moment of pleasure and gladness that you stopped in. I also hope things are safe and well for you and your loved ones.



Out in my world...


Rick and I went for a drive in the countryside on Saturday. Brilliant spring greens were bursting in treetops everywhere--I wanted to fly into them. We found a pond filled with waterfowl and parked by the side of the road for an in-car picnic, all the while serenaded by frogs, red-wings, the odd coot, geese, and mallards.

Not to forget the young fellow on the hills nearby brrrrmmming on his dirt bike. I used to get irritated when that kind of intrusion happened on a quiet scene I was trying to enjoy. But feeling far more gracious these days, I thought good for that young man; he's out enjoying a spring morning and, no doubt, feeling a bit of freedom from his own Covid-19 isolation.


In my kitchen...


Wanted to make blueberry muffins with lemon zest. Having finished off the eggs a couple of days earlier for breakfast, there weren't any in the house (we only shop for essentials once a week these days). Turning to my baker expert sister for advice, she suggested using 1/4 cup heavy cream in place of the egg, which I had, fortunately. She warned the batter texture would be different but should work fine. Yes, it worked fine—the muffins were delicious. We had one with coffee early this morning.



On my night table...


I am slow reading two lovely non-fiction books right now: House Lessons: Renovating a Life (memoir) by Erica Bauermeister and Placemaker: Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace by Christie Purifoy.

I ordered these two books on separate occasions, not realizing that when they'd end up on my bedside table together, they would be perfect 'soul' mates. Both are similar in beauty of language, and each author shares in her own unique style thoughts about the importance of home and place, and the ways our spaces affect us as people. Does your soul ever long for a place where you know this is home for you? Here are two authors who recognize that amazing feeling too. Both are gentle reads, thoughtful, and soul-searching—perfect for this upside down season when so many of us are sheltering physically and emotionally in our homes.

For online excerpts, you can find Erica's book HERE and Christie's book HERE



In my journal...


I picked up my fat pencil yesterday to spruce up my journal entry with a wee sketch. Even though I'm not an artist, perhaps with a bit of regular practice I could learn how to sketch some simple images. So every morning, at least this week while the shiny idea sparkles, I'm going to sharpen my pencil and see what comes forth. The above is Day #1.


Image from Amazon Prime

I watched (and loved) the movie...


Love At First Dance with actors Becca Tobin and Niall Matter (Canadian). We saw it on Prime but it's available on other channels, including Hallmark.

With so many movies out there that are violent, sad, filled with broken, messed up characters, here's a movie with likable characters working through complications and struggles without screaming fits, swearing, or someone dying. There's a nice, gentle chemistry between the main characters. And, it has a proper ending, that is to say, it works out right. If you liked You've Got Mail, I'm pretty sure you'll like this one.

An interesting tidbit, although the story takes place in New York, some scenes were filmed in Victoria, British Columbia. The story line: "Hope is tasked with teaching Manhattan's former most eligible bachelor how to dance for his extravagant wedding. As the dance lessons progress, complications ensue when feelings begin to develop between the student and the instructor."


Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Memory about Strawberry Tea


The other day, my sister mentioned she was making a homemade strawberry cake for Mother's Day. Oh yum! The very mention of strawberries on a spring morning made me think about the annual Strawberry Tea the ladies of the United Church would host every spring. It was a big event in our village. During high school, I worked at the local grocery store on weekends. Eddy, our lovely boss, would tell the clerks that we were to take turns going to the Tea. I still remember walking down the street with my co-worker Dora, laughing as we enjoyed the sunshine, happy for this break from work, not to mention the delicious anticipation of what we were about to enjoy. I never thought of it as a 'special' memory until this very moment, but it really was. A lovely interlude on a Saturday afternoon.

My mom just told me that, when she'd worked at the store as a clerk years earlier, Eddy gave her the very same opportunity. Now it's even more special.


* * *

" Although the world is full of suffering
it is also full of the overcoming of it. "
HELEN KELLER


* *  *


Wishing you a beautiful day. Keep safe.

Heart Hugs,
Brenda
xox


18 comments:

  1. Strawberry teas were important events in June here. Local strawberries come ripe about the middle of the month. Strawberry shortcake is often served at the Parent Appreciation Tea in schools. I like doing those sketches each day. They are relaxing and an exercise in observation. I enjoy movies that are not violent. I watched Persuasion yesterday because the book club (zoom) was discussing it and I could not find a copy. I've moved on to Hoopla (available free through my library) and I am watching Edith Wharton's The Buccaneers which is about 4 girls who aspire to marry well in society. I've only watched one episode but it seems quite entertaining. Today is grey and it rained heavily in the night. I'm happy to feel released from the expectation of going outside and feel quite content to read and write.

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    1. I do love Persuasion the movie. I'm going to look for The Buccaneers now. I know what you mean when you say rainy days do give a release from the expectation to go work outside; a person can settle quite nicely to read and write and whatever else kind of pottering. I look forward to seeing how the sketching exercise turns out for me. Thanks for your lovely comment.

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  2. I do remember office mornings and the rush and the dreaded sound of an alarm clock! It is a blessing to be at home and fully enjoy the mornings. Sunshine does make a difference. Not that I don't love rainy days too but sunshine does energize me. Your blueberry muffin is so pretty, I would never have guessed that cream could take the place of eggs. Aren't drives in the country even more special now? I must remember your idea for taking along a picnic for the car. I've written down your two books. I want only gentle books now and these sound so helpful for such a time as this. I've also been jotting down blog friends' television suggestions and will look for yours. I recently discovered if I say "YouTube old movies" that there are hundreds of old black and white movies there and I've also been watching Rosemary & Thyme there, a series that I know some blog friends have recommended.

    I think it's wonderful that you are beginning to sketch while journaling!

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    1. There are so many lovely things on YouTube. I do like the Rosemary & Thyme so will check them out.

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  3. Apparently in war time, vinegar with bicarb was often used to replace an egg!
    I think so many of us are reading 'comfort' books at the moment, it gives back a sense of balance.

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    1. Ah...another tip to try. Yes, we're looking for that sense of balance.

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  4. It looks as if spring is coming on...always a relief. It snowed here Saturday. I found it depressing. Snow in May?!

    Glad that you and your husband got out for a drive. Every so often, it is necessary. For a while, we were so locked down that we could be stopped by the police for being out and about. Not now thank goodness. Progress.

    As for tv viewing, I am watching vlogs of all things. 😊

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    1. It's getting warmer here day by day, but it feels slow. Thank goodness the actual lock down has lifted for you. We've been fortunate that we didn't have actual lock down but everyone who could pretty much stayed home for several weeks. It was pretty quiet around here. Some services are starting to slowly reopen. Enjoy your vlogs. :)

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  5. Going for a ride and having an in car picnic sounds so wonderful . My Hubby and I used to do things like that. Oh how I miss those days!

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    1. Oh, I'm sure you must miss those days. Even if you go on your own or with a friend, it's not quite the same.

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  6. Your post this morning was just the boost I needed. So lovely, starting with that watercolor painting. Love the scenery and that muffin has made me hungry. I made strawberry bread a couple of days ago, delicious! ~ Then I was 'forced' to get out my credit card and get 'Placemaker: Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace' by Christie Purifoy. Also ordered another book by her 'Roots and Sky: A Journey Home in Four Seasons'. ~ Your sweet drawing in your journal, makes me want to start doing that, thanks for the inspiration. ~ Have a lovely day and thanks for your very encouraging and inspiring blog. ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Now I had to giggle when you mentioned being 'forced' to get out your credit card. I certainly hope you enjoy the book as much as I am. I would like to purchase the Roots and Sky book now that I know I like the author's writing. Thanks for taking the time to visit and leave your lovely thoughts. Happy Day. Brenda

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  7. Another post filled with delightful words and images. Didn't Erica Bauermeister write a book about a Cooking School? I seem to remember it from a few years ago. This new one sounds intriguing. I'm the same way with non-fiction - I like to read a bit, put it down and chew on it for a bit, and then pick it up again.
    Here there are clouds in the sky and it's cooler than last week, but still beautiful, fresh and full of life. Have a most wonderful remainder of the day.

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    1. Lorrie, yes, Erica wrote The School of Essential Ingredients, a novel that became my instant top forever favourite. She's a lovely writer.

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  8. Your muffins sound delicious. I’ve been meaning to make some berry muffins and I keep putting it off. Perhaps I will try harder to get to it today. That first painting is absolutely beautiful.

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  9. I love the Strawberry Tea story! It's a lesson in how a small kindness lives on. You've Got Mail is one of my favorites, so I am going to put Love at First Dance on my list. I think it's a good time for a feel-good lighthearted story. The books you are reading both appeal to me as well. Thank you for the recommendations!

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  10. I hate the early morning rush too. I used to say that I wished we could just snap our fingers and teleport to the office. HA! One of the perks of working from home is that I can sleep in, but I strive to be at my desk by 9 am.

    Thanks for the book recommendations. When the library re-opens, I'll have to check if they carry it.

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  11. Brenda, it's so nice to find your blog today! I came over from Flower Lady's blog, who lives in Florida. I'm on the coast of North Carolina. I appreciate your lovely approach to the beauty in life!

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To My Beautiful Readers,

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. ~ Franz Peter Schubert

Thank you so much for leaving your 'footprint' here in my comment box. I do appreciate you taking a moment to share your thoughts today.

Brenda xo