Five on Friday: Spring's Poetry

And hope, if it had a scent,

would smell like spring, like rain

like something new and alive.

JENNIFER RUSH, Reborn

Oh, the waiting and the watching for spring to arrive. And then to feel the old sweet surprise and delight at the first shoots of green in a sea of earthy brown. Brave little crocuses open starry petals and smile at me. My heart swells like the burgeoning tree buds to witness their survival of another cold winter. 

Today's edition of Five on Friday bubbles with spring's new life and new hope. And for a little while pushes out of mind news that unsettles the soul and disturb our peace of mind. Walks on these fresh mornings, hearing the chickadees calling, watching the crows searching for possible nesting materials, encountering happy dogs out on their morning trots—it all puts things in perspective. Peacefulness settles. I breathe and gently sigh, in that moment all is well in my world. We carry on. 

One

Spring Senses

- Crocuses first appear this week in the front garden;

- Pussy willows have popped out on shrubs along the edge

of a partially frozen pond;

- Mallards quack overhead, no doubt wondering 'what's with the ice';

- Robins whistle from rooftops;

- The overnight rain creates a mist in the air and leaves puddles on the street;

- Crisp morning air contrasts with warming sunshine;

Spring is in the air.

Two

My Spring Reading Pile

Spring Anthology

edited by Melissa Harrison (Nature essays, 2016)

The Enchanted April

by Elizabeth von Arnim (fiction 1922)

Elizabeth and her German Garden

by Elizabeth von Arnim (fiction 1898)

The Secret Garden

by Frances Hodgson Burnett (children's fiction, 1911)

An Episode of Sparrows

by Rumer Godden (children's fiction, 1946)

Skylarks with Rosie, A Somerset Spring

by Stephen Moss (nature, 2021)

 

Leaning Toward Light, Poems for Gardens and the Hands that

Tend Them, edited by Tess Taylor (garden poetry anthology, 2023)

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

by Edith Holden (nature diary, 1906)

Cultivated, The Elements of Floral Style

by Christin Geall (2020)

(explores floral design through the lens of art

history, ecology and personal narrative, beautiful photos)

 

Three

Birthday Treats This Week

As I mentioned last week, April is my birthday month and

I've been giving myself little treats or enjoying ones providentially

given either in nature or from family and friends. Here are a few

things I consider treats from the past week.

April 4

Caught the evening sunshine streaming through the

west windows for the first time since last fall. The earth

has turned its face back to the sun which sets later.

April 5

I love giving gifts. To me, it's like Christmas dreaming up

and wrapping presents for other people. I wrapped a little birthday

gift for my new niece (newly married to my nephew)

with hopeful anticipation that she will like it.

April 6

The tiny purple crocuses opened under

the oak tree. Our first sign of life in the garden!

Spotted a few kids at the park on our balmy evening walk.

They were swinging on the swings 'as high as an elephant's eye'.

Is there anything else quite as thrilling?

April 7

Met my lovely friend in the morning for coffee and a visit.

We first met at a church we both attended years ago. She's a busy mom

and we haven't seen each other in a while, but we picked up

where we left off, which is a sure sign of kindred hearts knit together.

Attended a piano concert with world-renowned pianist

Angela Hewitt. What a joy! She played some of my favourite

music Bach's Goldberg Variations. It was sublime.

The audience stood up as one at the end, clapping and

clapping and clapping. I slept so soundly that night.

April 8

The treat of a beautiful comment left on a blog post.

It's a real thrill for a blogger when her readers

leave comments in response to something she has written.

OTD, one woman wrote to say she has notebooks in her house

for writing out passages she wants to keep. And that she planned

to write out one of my recent guest posts, the whole thing, because

it meant so much to her (!) Let's just say, there is no thrill,

or honour, like it. I'm humbled.

April 9

It's twilight and the light is fading behind the trees

in the neighbour's yard, making them look like

filigree lace against the darkening sky. I savour

the moment, for a moment later, it was gone.

Early birthday presents from my two sisters and a

lovely visit over lunch with them and my mom.

April 10

Sipping a decaf latte in a pleasant coffee house-bakery

with friends on a sunny spring afternoon.

Rereading a well loved book The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson

Burnett, and watching Miss Mary Lennox change from a wan, spoiled,

and unhappy child into a little girl with rosy cheeks who finds joy in

a skipping rope and watching spring arrive on the Yorkshire moors.

April 11

As I'm finishing this post, I hear the early morning whistle of

the chipping sparrow. I am elated. The first of the season.

Welcome, welcome, my fine feathered friend! Happy Spring!

Four

Strawberry Cup & Saucer

I was shopping at the book store the other day. As is wont, bookstores

sell, along with the books, many other beguiling home items.

New seasonal displays were up for Mother's Day. And

I spotted this strawberry themed cup and saucer, then saw the tea

towels with the same pattern. It made me feel quite giddy with happiness.

It is something of treat to find something new for the home, for the soul.

I happily sipped my first cup of coffee from it yesterday morning.

On Wednesday I had the happy delight to give my sisters and mom

each a beautifully boxed cup and saucer of the same design. Now

we can think of each other as we sip from our own cups.

Five

Quotes that Feel Like Spring

Some of you are walking love letters

and you don't even realize it.

You're lighting up rooms, shifting atmospheres,

and carrying inspiration just being you.

Such a precious gift.

DAWNA DE SILVA, as seen on social media

If "Plan A" didn't work,

the alphabet has 25 more letters.

Stay cool.

@TEACHERGOALS, Instagram

Sometimes I need only to

stand wherever I am

to be blessed.

Attributed to MARY OLIVER

I can't afford to hate anyone.

I don't have that kind of time.

AKIRA KUROSAWA

That's a beautiful life you have there.

Thanks, I made it! It has pockets

for all my treasures.

UNKNOWN, Instagram

❦

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

Brenda

Photo credits:

Top Photo by Fietzfotos from Pixabay

Photos One, Two, Four by Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

Photo Three by LoggaWiggler from Pixabay 

Photo Five from Pixabay

My Blogging Schedule:

I post on Fridays

Guest Blogging Elsewhere Today

It's Monday and not my usual day to post, but I am guest blogging today over at InScribe, my writers' fellowship blog. 

Our writing prompt this month is to explore the topic of kindness. And when I sat down to write this post, I realized I had things to say about how I encountered the kindness of God in my life. If that interests you, I'd be delighted if you'd visit me THERE.

❦

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Brenda

Photo credits:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

My Blogging Schedule:

I post on Fridays

Five on Friday: Birthdays and Other Things to Celebrate

"Whenever you are creating beauty around you,

you are restoring your own soul."

ALICE WALKER

quote found on GoodReads

I had no idea what to write for this week's post. It was Wednesday evening and my brain was muddling along with nary a clue. When suddenly a few thoughts started downloading - I couldn't jot them fast enough in my journal. Usually, as writers, we are advised not to dump everything on the reader all in one piece. But occasionally—that's where Five on Friday theme comes in handy—especially when I'm excited, I set these little thoughts down for you, all in a heap, in one post, with hopes you won't mind, that something will tickle your fancy and make you glad you stopped by.

- One -

National Poetry Month

Here in Canada, National Poetry Month has been celebrated every April since 1998. I do not consider myself a poet but I find myself once in a while dreaming up lines that, in my view, feel poetic. I do like to read poetry - I enjoy some poets very much. So I was happy to read a piece that my blogging friend Gretchen shared earlier in the week—I knew I wanted to show it to you. It's a stanza from the poem "Vacillation" by W.B. Yeats.  You'll find the complete poem at englishverse.com

From "Vacillation"

My fiftieth year had come and gone,

I sat, a solitary man,

In a crowded London shop,

An open book and empty cup

On the marble table-top.

While on the shop and street I gazed

My body of a sudden blazed;

And twenty minutes more or less

It seemed, so great my happiness,

That I was blessed and could bless.

-W.B. Yeats

I myself have experienced such occasions. When out of the blue, and often not related to anything specific, sometimes I'm just sitting and looking out the window and I realize in that moment "I’m happy." And I stop to savour it. It is a most soul satisfying experience. I think it’s what we live for between times when life is utterly ordinary, sometimes even dull or horribly painful. And then this moment of reverent joy sneaks in and catches away our breath. Surprised by joy, as C.S. Lewis once coined the phrase.

- Two -

My Unread Book Shelf Goal

You may recall, early in the year, I made a plan to read more of my pile of unread books. At the time I had counted around 180 books not yet read. You may well ask how is that going, and I'm happy to report I have ten books now read from my Unread Shelf. I admit being oft beguiled by newly acquired books; in the euphoria, the old ones lose their spark and get pushed to the back. Progress is slow - not quite ten percent read but then we're only a quarter way through the year. If interested, you can check out my 2025 reading list HERE.

- Three -

April is My Birthday Month

The actual day is later in the month, but I'm thinking about ways to give myself treats every day throughout April in celebration. Although some of these treats might be something I buy for myself, many others will be 'free' gifts providentially given—smiles received from complete strangers, hearing the wind whistle in the tree tops, savouring a morning slice of hot buttered toast with eggs, watching rivulets gurgle down the street as the sun melts the snow piles. Oh, and hearing the returning Canada Geese honk overhead. I'm listing these little gifts as they come to me. 🠇

Treats so far:

April 1st

 

- a bundle of pink and orange tulips sitting on my dining table (top photo);

- the new edition of the Bella Grace magazine

(that's me on the front cover, er, in my dreams of course).

April 2nd

- a new journal with a whimsical floral "B" on the cover;

- I'm tickled with a library book I just took out: "Bedtime Stories for Stressed

Out Adults, Tales to Soothe Tired Souls", Introduction by Lucy Mangan.

I opened it and felt like I was eight again - slipping into bed with a fairytale book

on my lap as I anticipated a gentle read while winding down for sleep.

Titles include: The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde,

The Aunt and Amabel by E. Nesbit, Kew Gardens by Virginia Woolf, Heidi (excerpt)

by Johanna Spyri, Wind in the Willows (excerpt) by Kenneth Graham, The Diary

of a Nobody (excerpt) by George and Weedon Grossmith, to name a few.   

- I signed up for my niece's subscription box online designed for art and stationery lovers.

Garden Tea Party is the theme of her debut box that goes out later this month, right around

my birthday. "The heart behind this subscription is to capture the feeling of sending

or receiving a letter or parcel from a friend or family member. (It's) inspired by

art, literature, and nature and will be filled with goodies to bring joy to your door!"

She's inspired by art, literature, and nature—we must be related. My niece is a bookbinder

and is on Instagram The Bundle Bee Bindery. I can't wait to get my box in the mail!

April 3rd

- meeting a dear friend for morning coffee today;

- sharing an egg salad on a crispy croissant;

 - a wee gift of two lemon-scented/shaped soaps for the kitchen;

- whimsical strawberry-themed tea towels now hanging on my oven door;

- finding a mailing address on Friends of Susan Branch Facebook inviting

followers to send Susan a birthday card for her upcoming 78th birthday.

My handwritten card and note are in the mail. The address if you're interested:

Susan Branch Studios, 7489 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422, USA.

April 4th

- eyes and ears alert for treats on this new day.

- Four -

Shopping for Note Cards

Next to shopping for books, shopping in a stationery shop is a clear favourite occupation. I love browsing for greeting cards. There are so many wonderful artists out there who create such beautiful designs - elegant, whimsical, funny, poignant - whatever you're looking for, you're sure to find.

As is my usual habit, when I brought my new stash home, I planned to squirrel them away in my card box, in readiness for when I need something down the road. Then I decided why not leave them on the dining table along with my pen, address book, and postage stamps... use the cards right away while I'm excited about them, not saving for later when they start to feel old and jaded. There were ten cards in this collection; one is already given to my coffee friend, and the other wings its way to Susan in California.

I often whisper a little prayer when I prepare to write notes, first asking, who should I send this to? Who needs a note today? And secondly, what should I say? What message will speak directly to what someone needs in the moment? Sometimes notes are just fun 'keeping in touch' messages; other times they are filling some purpose larger than we realize. I like to keep my heart attuned to heavenly thoughts... spreading joy and maybe comfort in a few words.  

- Five -

Quotes I Fancy Today

"There is nothing more luxurious than eating while you read—

unless it be reading while you eat. Amabel did both:

they are not the same thing, as you will see if you think the matter over."

The Aunt and Amabel by E. Nesbit

"After all, the best part of a holiday, is perhaps not so much

to be resting yourself, as to see all the other fellows busy working."

Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (from chapter 1)

"Use your personal mementos as

prompts to write your stories."

AMY TAN, from MasterClass

"The barrenness of the poetic task: as if every day we

look out at a courtyard of rubble and from this

are required to make something beautiful."

THEODORE ROETHKE

❦

Sending my love and warmest wishes for a beautiful day,

Brenda

Photo credits:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

My Blogging Schedule:

I post on Fridays

Five on Friday: The Weather and Other Stuff

"In the springtime, the heart regrows hope."

ANGIE WEILAND-CROSBY

I'm not going to mention that it's snowing, except to say it's coming down thick and fast and turning our world once again into a winter wonderland. I'll be honest, at this time of year I'd prefer rain, but it's okay, we need the moisture. It doesn't stop my heart from dancing with the daffodils... even if it's only in my imagination.

I give you today's edition of Five on Friday. Hope you enjoy!

One. Books I finished and enjoyed

Becoming Mrs. Lewis (2018)

by Patti Callahan

(novel about Joy Davidman, the woman C.S. Lewis called "my whole world")

The Devil's Novice (1983)

by Ellis Peters

(Brother Cadfael mystery set in Middle Ages England)

Pond'rings, a writer's memoir (2024)

by Marcia Lee Laycock

(read my review of it HERE)

Vet in a Spin (1977)

by James Herriot

(more delightful tales from the Yorkshire Dales)

Two. What I'm thinking about this week

My health has been very much on my mind.

Certainly the politics of the day.

And finding ways to keep calm and carry on.

Because we still need to do those things that make the world go 'round—

baking apple tarts, planning birthday parties, giving each other hugs.

Three. This caught my eye and gave me joy ↓

"And then my heart with pleasure fills,

and dances with the daffodils."

WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

The image of a young woman walking through a park in spring.

Like her, I want to 'be' there amongst those drifts and drifts of daffodils.

Four. Something delicious from the kitchen

Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms and Bok Choy

Below is my version of a recipe I found here:

2 cups chopped or sliced mushrooms

2 cups sliced carrots

Handful of bok choy, chopped

2 tablespoons ginger, minced

4 garlic cloves, minced

5-6 scallions (white and green parts), sliced (divided)

6 cups broth (I used a mix of chicken and beef)

12 frozen potstickers (your choice of filling)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

black pepper

Sauté vegetables, white part of scallions, ginger, garlic (about 5-7 minutes).

Add broth and bring to boil. Add potstickers, simmer 3-4 minutes, or until done.

Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper.

Garnish with the green part of the scallions.

Serves 4-6

 

 

Five. These words ground me this week,

especially the second line

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Show me who to be.

Exhale: And what is mine to do.

SARAH BESSEY @ FIELD NOTES

Bonus. Advice for whatever you're working on

"Just get started.

Each morning, make a little progress.

Send out a little prayer.

Take note of something.

Try to be facing in the direction of the surprise."

CARRIE FOUNTAIN, American poet

❦

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Brenda

Photo credit:

Top Image by Amy from Pixabay

Bottom Image by ArtEnthousiast78 on Pixabay

My Blogging Schedule:

I post on Fridays

Hello Spring: Leaning Toward Light

I offer this as an 'escape' book

while we wait for Spring to unfold.

Thank goodness for Spring and for the delightful anticipation of new life, new growth, new warmth, and longer days filled with light. We sometimes see plants in gardens, or in the wild, leaning toward light when they find themselves too much in the shade. Jesus once said he is the light of the world, and I find myself leaning in towards him as the giver of light. My soul and body crave light. I love watching the sunshine spilling into my living room windows. Although the weather is still a tad cool around here, the moment will come when I play Spring's tune and fling open the windows to catch the warming breezes. I would definitely include that in my list of one thousand moments of joy.

I came across a lovely bit of information about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Someone online had the opportunity to peruse private correspondence between Jacqueline and other people. Jacqueline often sent books to her friends, and tucked within the pages of one such book, this person found a little card that read, "Dear—, This is an 'escape' book for rainy winter days. With much love at Christmas, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis".

In the spirit of Jacqueline, I want to share a new-to-me anthology with you. It's filled with lovely poetry and whimsical illustrations that has been an escape book for me the last few days. I love the title Leaning Toward Light, and isn't that what many of us are doing these days? If you go online, you can glimpse a few of the inside pages. Click here.

It's a pretty book and fits comfortably in your hand. Filled with garden-themed poetry, it lets a person feel part of the whole growing season. "Much like reading a good poem, caring for plants brings comfort, solace, and joy to many. In this new poetry anthology, Leaning toward Light, acclaimed poet and avid gardener Tess Taylor brings together a diverse range of contemporary voices to offer poems that celebrate that joyful connection to the natural world." - from the description on amazon.ca

What I really want to say, the book isn't just for gardeners. It's for anyone. If you find comfort in caring for plants in your home or enjoy arranging flowers in vases, I think you'd love it too. It offers that little escape when you're longing for something green and vibrant during those times your own world feels a little brown around the edges. The poems are lovely to read and the illustrations are feasts for the eyes.

Does anyone watch the British garden show Gardener's World with Monty Don? There's a wonderful poem by American writer Cynthia White in the anthology who wrote a piece "Gardeners' World, or What I Did During the Plague". She describes how the show was her own escape during the pandemic as she watched Monty tend his garden while his old dog dozed in the grass. Gardener's World was one of our own places to escape during those crazy times. Cynthia called it her 'fear-free hour'. 

So, if you're looking for something as you wait for your garden to unthaw and spring into life, this is the book for you. Escape for a few minutes and lean into the light.

❦

Wishing you a beautiful day.

As someone said, remember, they can't cancel the spring.

Brenda

Photo credits:

Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life

My Blogging Schedule:

I post on Fridays