the habit of being » :: finding poetry in the everday ::

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make + listen

5.9.13

on the making front, i caved and knit wurm using malabrigo. it’s soft and squishy but it has to be one of the most unflattering things i’ve ever knit so i thought it best to force the red bean to model it because her beauty can outshine the wurm.

there has been model building. it would seem that my boy has been bitten by the model building bug and this lands squarely in the mister’s domain. i’m good at going to the big box craft store with a list and buying the necessities: glue, paint, x-acto blades. the mister is better in assisting with the actual building and painting. and so here we have the Panzerkampfwagen II, built by the boy, assisted by the mister as this was his first model-building experience.

the red bean has been working on her very first playlist. i’ve thrown out a few suggestions which she has taken readily but she wasn’t so sure about the 80s madonna. i tried to explain to her that when i was in college my roommates and i had a boombox on the back of the toilet in our bathroom and that 80s madonna was my shower music of choice. she nodded in an offhand way and then asked, “what’s a boombox?” i died a little in that moment. her playlist has been the bulk of our listening this week and for the most part, it’s respectable: johnny cash, bob dylan, the sundays, the avett brothers (her favorite is this one), rem, st. etienne, feist, bob marley, mumford and sons, neil young, old crow medicine show, gillian welch, and sadly two miley cyrus songs (this and this and yes, they make me cringe).

what have you been making and listening to?

+++
making + listening with the fabulous dawn.

filed in: knit
comment
KimMay 9, 2013 - 6:42 am

Boombox…haven’t heard that word in a long time. But yes, I had one too :)

Love the hat, great colour!

LisaMay 9, 2013 - 7:24 am

The wurm is beautiful! It looks adorable on your little girl. I’m making a hat and baby blankets right now, and listening to my 12-year-old’s Pandora stations- right now it’s Florence and the Machine. Good choice. We took the 12-year-old to the U2 concert in Baltimore a few years ago, and Florence and the Machine opened for them, so she’s seen them live…which is very cool for a 12-year-old. :)

MelissaMay 9, 2013 - 8:34 am

We are the boombox generation. And let’s face it, we all have our own Miley Cirus….Everyone needs someone that makes people cringe :)

PamelaMay 9, 2013 - 8:57 am

The wurm is kind of wretched as hats go. And you are so right about the red bean. Beautiful.

I am knitting some socks, not actual pairs, but singles with different heels for a class I’m teaching in two weeks.

And today I listen to the rain fall on the brand new leaves.

CordeliaMay 9, 2013 - 9:49 am

I think the hat is rad! Ya’ll should stop being so hard on it. ; )

And your list is so so much better than ours.
Try this on for size: Katy Perry, Owl City, Carly Rae Jepsen, Kelly Clarkson….need I go on?
(Ok, I like a few Katy Perry songs. But just a FEW!)

KatieMay 9, 2013 - 10:08 am

Love your sweet Red Bean’s playlist (minus the miley)! I’m currently in love with Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s new compilation. Ollabelle radio on Pandora has been on constant play, only to be switched on Sunday’s, and then it’s Nina.
ps. Just finished reading The 12 Tribes of Hattie. Have you read it? So good!

Dawn SuzetteMay 9, 2013 - 10:11 am

So many things about this post made me smile.
Yes, she is a beauty and could make anything look wonderful!
My little man knew exactly which tank that was before I even read it! He is very impressed. And Mama takes awesome model photos!
A very fun play list she has there. I so wish I had my old boombox and the many mixed cassettes from that era. She has good taste… I cringe when mine sings Taylor Swift! But her recent into to old Madonna has been fun.
Thanks for sharing and playing along!

adminMay 9, 2013 - 12:08 pm

Katie,

I’ve been wondering about the Martin/Brickell work – is is good? And the book is one I haven’t read, off to look it up now :)
Thanks!

adminMay 9, 2013 - 12:09 pm

c – your list! and you, a singer/songwriter…it’s awfully pop-ish for my taste.

adminMay 9, 2013 - 12:10 pm

melissa, that is the truth. now i need to stop and think about just who my miley cyris is…

summerMay 9, 2013 - 12:48 pm

I love the hat! The color is beautiful and it’s funky and hip!
I joined in this week too…

http://summerplayshouse.com/2013/05/09/making-listening/

CordeliaMay 10, 2013 - 9:42 am

oh, have to clarify, above is MY 7 YEAR OLD’S list. because you were talking about your kids music. I was saying in effect: “You think a few songs by Miley are bad? Look at what I have to endure.”)

my personal list? always changing and shifting, but presently: Bon Iver, the new Steve Martin/Edie Brickell, Loudon Wainright (and Rufus, too), The Weepies, Mumford and Sons….oh what else…I have to look on Rhapsody….

Courtney {A Life Sustained}May 10, 2013 - 1:15 pm

Oh, come now! The wurm isn’t *that* bad! ;) The Red Bean does look lovely in it, though. Have a wonderful weekend, Amanda, and a very happy Mother’s Day.

CynthiaMay 13, 2013 - 9:41 am

I need to make the wurm for Ed; nothing looks bad on him. I love that hat but don’t have a hat head so not for me. You had me laughing at the ‘boombox’ … ah the good old days! The things your kids will see as the norm are such an amazing testament to the lightening fast tech changes of our world today… thank goodness they have you to keep them grounded.

like | dislike :: 17 | 52

5.8.13

i spent a lot of time in graduate school reading barthes (and bachelard, derrida, and foucault for that matter) but my thesis advisor, knowing my penchant for list making, clued me into barthes’ j’aime/je n’aime pas list, the act of autoportrait or self-portrait as a way of learning about oneself being central to my research. i love doing these types of lists because depending upon the day, your mood, etc. the contents of the lists can shift slightly or drastically. my journals are peppered with these lists and i find it intriguing to thumb through and note which elements carried over for several lists. so today, in the spirit of barthes, a list:

i like:
cracking the top layer of a crème brûlée with my spoon, lavender, cardamom, nag champa, rainy days, the feel of small hands in mine, cherries, sushi, red clogs, old jeans, moleskines, my favorite pens, the sound of bacon sizzling in my great grandmother’s cast iron skillet in the morning, my hands wrapped around a mug of hot coffee, road trips, clothes drying on the line, the scent of sweet olive on the breeze, segovia in the evening with wine, grey, whales, the sea, miles davis, moroccan food.

i don’t like:
doubt, family reunions, humidity, crawfish, children’s movies, yippy yappy little dogs, roaches, mosquitoes, snakes, ice cream trucks nor their jangly music, iceberg lettuce, popcorn, camouflage, manicured lawns, buffets (as in all-you-can-eat, not the piece of furniture), poison ivy, the three stooges, playing cards, milk chocolate, musicals (except this).

+++
your turn. leave me a like | dislike in the comments or if you post your list on your blog, please let me know!

filed in: i love lists!
comment
KCMay 8, 2013 - 6:50 am

I like:
eating peas out of the pod, the feeling of tired feet after a hike, smell of sun/wind dried laundry, super dark chocolate like 85%, the smell of coffee, smoked cheeses, Tibetan chanting, hippie vegetarian cafes

I dislike:
when people spit on the sidewalk or out of their cars, country pop music, cantaloupe, crowds, when pants don’t fit after being dried, finding plates of leftover food in the sink with water on them, drinking coffee,

janeMay 8, 2013 - 7:16 am

I like: summer, barefeet, skiing with my family, pizza, summer baseball games, knitting, my daffodils, happy kids, a good book, the Adirondacks, early morning, wine on the porch with my husband, my good friends, the lake, quiet.

I dislike: my boys growing up, dust, board games, arguments, crowds, humidity, petty people, cleaning the bathrooms, worrying.

Erin @ Wild WhispersMay 8, 2013 - 7:46 am

I like: summer mornings, crisp fall days, tea and honey, homemade pizza, getting out the door on time, a great book, feeling safe, our home, dear friends
I dislike: coffee, allergy season, rushing, folding laundry, waiting, fighting with others, being afraid, when a book I am loving comes to an end

DanielleMay 8, 2013 - 7:51 am

“cracking the top layer of a crème brûlée with my spoon.”

Mmmm, yes please!

spriteMay 8, 2013 - 8:54 am

I do like to do lists, although not to-do lists…

I like: a good book, a hot cup of tea, waking up in a sunlit room, blowing bubbles, bright colors — particularly in clothes and nail polish, being spooned, a purring cat in my lap or above my head on my pillow, loud music, a good game of volleyball where you aren’t keeping score, little people’s shrieking giggles, the magic of a turned heel, the moment after the last guest has left and before you have to deal with the clean-up, birthdays, the smell of snow, a phone call from an old friend.

I don’t like: making phone calls, meeting strangers, small talk, public speaking, melon, cucumber, garden thieves, competitiveness, apathy, writing book reviews, little dogs, cleaning, worrying, mosquitos.

LisaMay 8, 2013 - 9:53 am

I like: coffee in the morning, trees, time to read and time to knit, evenings, writing, chocolate, my home, Virginia, my husband, my girls, time away from my husband and girls, white space on the calendar, running…

I dislike: telephones and cell phones, being too busy, cleaning, CNN, discovering a mistake in my knitting and having to rip out, worrying, too much time inside my house without going outside, and losing things.

AngelaMay 8, 2013 - 10:27 am

Great lists; we have a lot in common. Hmmm, I dislike: hot and humid weather, mosquitoes, allergy season, overcrowded to-do list, cleaning the boys bathroom, pettiness, obnoxious radio disc jockeys, when a tall person sits in front of me at a theater, spitting, cigarettes, people throwing cigarettes on the ground, ringing phones.

I like: calm, quiet mornings, when a painting goes my way or has a cool surprise, sonic ice, the beach, Japanese magnolia blossoms, cold watermelon, hot coffee, Coke (I know), fall, wearing capes, the revival of Pippin, ballet, night walks, worms, taking walks during a snowfall, fairy tales, chicken and dumplings (my grandma’s recipe), watercolor sketching, the feel of my pen on paper, laughing with my brother, little kid voices.

Whoops got a little carried away there. . . . Thanks for this wonderful post!
xo

adminMay 8, 2013 - 10:41 am

feel free to get carried away, angela! i’m with you on the cigarette thing, specifically when people smoke at the park. wth?

adminMay 8, 2013 - 10:41 am

lisa – white space on the calendar…YES!

adminMay 8, 2013 - 10:42 am

k, i’m with you on the making phone calls and writing book reviews (maybe because i’m soooo bad at both). also, i must add making small talk.

adminMay 8, 2013 - 10:43 am

i love both of your lists, kc!

adminMay 8, 2013 - 10:43 am

down with board games, jane! can’t stand them either ;-)

LyssaMay 8, 2013 - 11:19 am

I like: wearing my daughter (Harmony) on my back in the sling, early morning walks, green smoothies, taking a warm shower uninterrupted, watching Star Trek with my love late at night, lavender essential oil, hearing the birds sing, and fresh kale-quinoa salad.

I dislike: dirty dishes in the sink, my legs falling asleep, waking up early after staying up late, not having enough time to practice guitar before a concert, and having arguments over text.

amyMay 8, 2013 - 12:35 pm

I like: asparagus in spring, watermelon in summer, apple crisp in autumn, going barefoot, the sound of the foghorn, train whistles at night, the scent of irises, birdsong of all sorts, seeing wild turkeys cross the road, hermit crabs in hand, salamanders under rocks, a slightly sunburned face, saltwater sticky on my skin, coffee, new art supplies, well-used art supplies, sketchbooks, the smell of paint, the smell of dirt, the colorful patches on my jeans, the way everything my daughter draws that has a face is smiling.

I dislike: Brussels sprouts, bitter greens, peeling mangoes, being cold, things being up in the air, deliberate cruelty, cigarette smoke, badly written books, misplaced apostrophes (especially using them to form plurals), cleaning the boys’ bathroom, failing to live up to my own expectations, drivers who talk on cell phones while driving, drivers who whip down my road, littering.

annieMay 8, 2013 - 2:02 pm

Hmn… Let’s see. I like: rainy days, wool socks, cold apples, egg salad, river swimming, a freshly made bed, iced tea in jars, books about animals. I dislike: movies, mushrooms, when the mail is late, dirty floors, loud noises, writing in pencil.

BrigidMay 8, 2013 - 2:15 pm

I love your lists. I, too write many list in my journals.

I like:

the sound of my children laughing and playing together, knowing there is coffee waiting for me in the morning, discovering the just right book at the just right time, clogs, walking on the beach, wnrn, getting real mail in the real mailbox, daisies, crusty bread, lebanese food, cold beer, lavender, sweet tea, eastern nc bbq, the avett brothers, clean sheets, staying in my pjs all day, waking up next to my son, sundays.

I dislike:

driving, cigarettes, living in va, food allergies, rude people, bananas, personalized license plates, snakes, mosquitoes, being homesick, feeling like a broken record, liver.

dominikaMay 8, 2013 - 2:47 pm

clicking the link to the musical you like, knowing it before it came up, I had to laugh out loud :-)

I don’t like musicals, I love musicals, including “the sound of music”, but believe it or not, being Austrian, I haven’t heard of it or seen it before I moved away and met all the Americans and English who’s first words, after finding out I am Austrian, would always be – oh yes, THE SOUND OF MUSIC!

like of tonight: summer evenings on the terrace
don’t like of tonight: ants in my kitchen cupboards

sending many smiles your way…

Rachel QuednauMay 8, 2013 - 3:09 pm

I love your website but this is the first time I’ve commented. Too a lovely a concept to resist.
Dislike: selfishness, horror movies, wasting time, mint-flavored desserts, being cold, apathy, dirty kitchens, violence
Like: live jazz, baking, being exhausted at the end of the day, summer air, helping others, walking in the city, gin & tonics on the porch, getting into a book, spiritual/religious conversation, breakfast

KirstenMay 8, 2013 - 3:16 pm

I like: this project! And also… socks; snowy days; dark, winter afternoons; the smell of milky coffee in a flask; lighthouses; watching my children playing happily together; jumping on crunchy autumn leaves; my kitchen; breakfast; porridge; a freshly-made bed; quiet; a free weekend; rainy road trips; windscreen wipers; car headlights reflected in puddles; radio.

I don’t like: rudeness; intolerance of children; sunny days; hot weather; bad grammar; spiders; fruit tea; social events; chaos; a full diary; tv.

Oh I enjoyed that! Thank you!

karenMay 8, 2013 - 3:58 pm

Like: coffee black with sugar in the morning with no one around, journaling with that coffee, to do lists, phone calls from kids, spending time with my sis, new knitting projects, any green vegetable raw or steamed, bookstores and reading, daydreaming outside on the swing, freshly painted toe nails, a clean kitchen, and blogging

Dislike: menu planning, cleaning toilets, some of my relatives;), slow drivers in front of me, my worrying mind at times, petty woman stuff (replace stuff with bad word), acidic fruits, sinus headaches, arthritis, anticipating traveling (once on the road I’m fine), people who chew with their mouth opened or cracking it, people who sniff a lot, smelly people too. I think I’m sensory sensitive!!!

chrissyMay 8, 2013 - 4:49 pm

Oh my goodness…I learn so much from you:) My very favorite likes right now: the word yes, the sound of a lawnmower in the distance, the way he hums when he does his school work:) Dislikes: grabbing, clean laundry in the hamper, amusement parks. I think I’ll stick with Likes. XO

RitaMay 8, 2013 - 5:37 pm

Love this idea! Must share with others!

LisaMay 9, 2013 - 4:40 am

I like latte coffees ,the smell of cut grass, frosty mornings, sunset, day dreaming, painted toe nails, being outside, falling snow, knitting in front of winter fires, thai sticky rice and mango, books ,shoes and lists.
Dislike, cigarette smoke, crowds, slow walkers in the street, people talking on mobile phones while dining, untidy cars ( oops usually mine), violence, cherry ripe bars.

Ps love this idea and it’s fun reading all the comments- thanks

evieMay 9, 2013 - 12:08 pm

I am another list lover. It amazes me how much enjoyment I can get from reading the lists of strangers…so many lovely likes and common dislikes. I like random acts of kindness, silver jewelry, owls and birds in general, the gloaming, my inland sea aka Lake Michigan, hugs, grey days and thunderstorms, skirts and flip flops, coffee with lots of cream, stacks of books throughout the house, solitude…
I dislike humidity, insincerity, passive aggressive people, bullies, dirt, soggy lettuce, overcooked veggies, bugs, rudeness, narcissism, crowds, the glorification of busy, being late…

StephanieFromTexasMay 9, 2013 - 8:31 pm

I love LOVE lists! My blog, life for that matter, filled with lists.
There will definitely be a list to link to you coming over at A Common Life.

for the love of small press :: 16 | 52

5.7.13

i was recently asked about which magazines i subscribe to and/or support so i’ve decided this is list-worthy (hopefully you’ll agree). i should confess that i had a slight magazine addiction for many years. as i got older and life got busier, i started letting subscriptions go, wasn’t purchasing as many at the checkout counter, and felt guilty for the ones that came into the house and were never read. so in truth, this is the list of a reformed magazine addict.

apart from purchasing books at an alarming rate (for some women it’s shoes or cosmetics, for me, it’s books and i’m smug enough to think that says something lovely about my character but i could be wrong) and outgrowing any and all available shelving in our house (i’ve gotten very creative on the shelving front) i do my best to support independent presses and the writers they publish. a list of a few things that i have read and enjoyed over the last few weeks:

:: a chapbook by laressa dickey* published by MIEL.** i also recently purchased a chapbook by neele dellschaft and am stalking my mailman and waiting for it to arrive.
:: the latest copy of gigantic sequins*
:: chapbooks and magazines from forklift, ink
:: poetry books from astounding beauty ruffian press
:: the latest issue of tin house

on my radar:
:: chapbooks from dancing girl press
:: garden and gun

i currently subscribe to:
:: the kenyon review
:: the paris review
:: gulf coast

i am still mourning the demise of gourmet. really. i know they tried to have bon appétit fill the ginormous hole that gourmet left but alas, it doesn’t.

and yes, that is a glitter sharpie. i blame lori for my stash of those.

* pictured above
** if you’re interested in supporting writers, you might consider giving to the scholarship fund for the MIEL retreat.*

filed in: i love lists!
comment
RebeccaMay 7, 2013 - 10:44 am

So so love these! I am a magazine hound too. I am always attracted by beauty and somedays just can’t resist spending outside my budget on them when I could/should be subscribing instead. There are a few here I am going to check out anew! xxoo
PS the editor of “Gigantic Sequins” was our children’s sitter before she moved to Houston…the circle never ends. xo

LoriMay 7, 2013 - 10:51 am

glitter sharpie!!! :D

i really miss our local bookstore that had the most amazing selection of periodicals. this is a beautiful selection you’ve shared. <3

Dawn SuzetteMay 7, 2013 - 1:28 pm

I let go of my subscriptions when we moved to NS but I still love mags. Off to check out some of your neat links!

éireannMay 7, 2013 - 4:42 pm

!!

what a nice surprise to find this. and thank you for mentioning the campaign.

keishuaMay 7, 2013 - 5:08 pm

great links. i am always look for more good things to read.

CynthiaMay 7, 2013 - 7:55 pm

well i would definitely question your character for sure ;0) lol. love your literary tastes lady. you did forget that lovely publication KINDRED…oh wait, that’s yours!

adminMay 8, 2013 - 10:43 am

cyn, you are too kind
xo

MakennaMay 9, 2013 - 10:03 am

Have you taken a look at Saveur? I absolutely adore it, it isn’t Gourmet but it almost fills the void for me. Bon Appétit certainly doesn’t.

adminMay 9, 2013 - 12:07 pm

Makenna,
I have. And I like it but it still isn’t Gourmet. I just want my Gourmet magazine back!

weekending

5.5.13

weekending. my favorite part of the week. a time to relax, live, love, just be. if you’d like to share your weekend either with words, photographs, or both, leave a link to your weekend post or flickr photo in the comments, or post it on the fb page.

+++++

this weekend wraps up a really rough two weeks
at least i hope it wraps it up
trouble with the grands, the death of a friend and mentor, a flat tire
it rains, it pours, we survived
i spent the weekend not editing other people’s writing but
writing and reading exactly what i wanted (this if you’re the curious sort)
snuggles on the sofa with little people, reading library books
watching and loving this
eating nachos and queso at a favorite dive
getting a kick out of the oh-so-classy water feature*
an afternoon walk to enjoy this unusually cool weather
eating more than our fair share of local strawberries
and ignoring the muddy footprints that populate the floor
the pile of wet towels by the door because
sometimes there is release in the mess and as my
littles will attest, there is magic in getting your hands dirty
mud streaks on rosy cheeks and a gaping hole in the backyard that
may or may not lead to china

how was your weekend?

ps: may link love is up ————->

* not sure you can tell from the rather poor iphone photo but there is actually a water cascading around the skulls

filed in: weekending
comment
amanda (sweetpotatoclaire)May 5, 2013 - 2:20 pm

it sure sounds like you’ve had a rough go lately. I’m sorry to hear things have been so challenging and hope you’re right about it coming to an end. sounds like you’re giving yourself the okay to rest and do what you need to find your way back to a calmer place. we also spent a lot of time snuggled on the couch with movies and books (and hot cocoa) this weekend. it was rainy and cold. there was opening day at tailgate market and our first fire in the woodstove in nearly a month. still waiting for our strawberries. soon, soon.

http://sweetpotatoclaire.blogspot.com/2013/05/weekending-cold-rain-warm-fire.html

hey! that movie was filmed right down the road here in Asheville! that’s the biltmore estate on the front…… which featured prominently in my weekending post last weekend! exclamation marks!

Erin @ Wild WhispersMay 5, 2013 - 3:41 pm

I’m so sorry that you lost a friend and mentor. I have someone like that in my life who I run into occasionally at the grocery store… we have moved past the time of seeing one another regularly. But the spiritual connection is just as strong when we are together, even if it’s a five minute hello. From time to time I panic that he or his wife have passed on, and I didn’t know it. Lo and behold, there he is several weeks later at the store again. I wish you blessings and peace in these hard days. xoxo

http://edegraw.me/life/family/weekending-time-well-spent/

CordeliaMay 5, 2013 - 4:00 pm

Sorry to hear of the passing of your friend.
Life sure is a roller coaster ride sometimes.
Glad there was mud and strawberries, too.
XO
C
http://www.ladycordelia.com/my-blog/2013/05/heads-up.html

DanielleMay 5, 2013 - 4:09 pm

I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. Hugs to you.

I finished reading “The Kitchen House” this weekend, watched “The Hobbit,” baked some muffins and baked oatmeal, enjoyed some luscious spring sunshine.

KCMay 5, 2013 - 4:15 pm

I hope it is the end of all the bad stuff. When it does happen it happens all at the same time. But it sounds like there was some light in there as well.

We went to Italy again this weekend. This time in search of books for the girls and a pasta pot for me. Both things were found. We had lunch at the pier and artesian gelato.

I made a friend as well. That in itself is something truly wonderful.

Sunday I left the kids at home and went to an antique fair. It was really cool.

ReneeMay 5, 2013 - 6:05 pm

I am so sorry to hear about your friend and the rough past couple of weeks. Thinking of you and sending lots of light and healing thoughts your way.

Enjoy the week ahead.

Long weekend here for us…

http://reneevlast.wordpress.com/2013/05/05/weekending-12/

amyMay 5, 2013 - 7:07 pm

I’m sorry it’s been a rough time. Wishing hope + promise of better days to you as well (because spring is so hopeful and promising).

Our weekend was busy. May is busy. I will be relieved to see the next two weeks behind me.

I love your 10yo’s words to your nacho (in the previous post). Adore those quick-thinking and kindly older siblings, always.

LisaMay 5, 2013 - 8:00 pm

I hope this week turns out better…some weeks are better than others. have faith! Weekending here at:

http://www.pilgrimsattinkercreek.com/2013/05/weekending.html

summerMay 5, 2013 - 10:30 pm

So sorry to hear about your friend. Sounds like you had a busy, emotional weekend to say the least! We are enjoying lots of strawberries as well here from the farmers market. Hoping the ones we planted start producing soon so we can enjoy some homegrown strawberries.
http://summerplayshouse.com/2013/05/06/weekending-22/

BellaMay 6, 2013 - 6:42 am

Hey Love. I’m so sorry for your loss & for the troubles you’re going through. I do hope your weekend offered moments of pause for breath and space. Sending you love.

This is not so much my weekend but, it’s where I am at the moment. (always in between!)
*Thanks for the links!

http://www.shetoldstories.com/2013/05/weekending.html

karenMay 6, 2013 - 7:14 am

I am sorry for your loss and for the brutal two weeks. I hope the coming week is filled with sunlight, happiness and peace of mind.

Courtney {A Life Sustained}May 6, 2013 - 7:38 am

Sounds like a rough few days…so sorry to hear about your friend and the other challenges you’re facing. Hopefully the sun will shine again soon and bring with it happier times. Much love.

Our weekend: http://alifesustained.blogspot.com/2013/05/weekending.html

TraceyMay 6, 2013 - 7:47 am

We are cool here too and I am loving it! I wish this weather would last, but I hear the heat is on it’s way. For now I am enjoying the windows being open and good hair days.

Yes, I have had tomato soup cake [and mayo cake], it was one of my Nanny’s favorites.

I am so sorry to hear about your friend, I’ve been there. I will keep you in my prayers as always and I hope you have a good week.

michelle gdMay 6, 2013 - 8:54 am

so sorry to hear about the death of your friend. wishing you extra snuggles and still more strawberries…

Dawn SuzetteMay 6, 2013 - 9:10 am

You have been in my thoughts.
xo

Mary-- The Yellow Door PaperieMay 6, 2013 - 9:34 am

Thinking of you at your loss. I said a little metta meditation for you this morning, I hope your week is brighter and kinder– full of love and light.

Here is our weekend:
http://theyellowdoorpaperie.blogspot.com/2013/05/weekending-dirt-robots.html

RitaMay 6, 2013 - 12:24 pm

I have had a similar past few weeks, adjusting to the news that an old, important friend is now in hospice care. Like you, have been finding comfort in small pleasures and signs of life. Have been channeling my feelings into our garden: http://www.thissortaoldlife.com/2013/05/06/gardens-and-trucks-and-designing-oh-my/

erinMay 6, 2013 - 2:10 pm

Well that’s an interesting water feature indeed. Funny that you’re getting unusually cool weather and here we’ve had a sudden switch to unusually warm weather. Library books and nachos sound like a perfectly wonderful way to spend a weekend. I hope the hole does lead to China – what an adventure that will be!

happy things :: 15 | 52

5.1.13

a list of things that have made me immensely happy:

:: digging out an old book from grad school and finding a leaf in it (this book in case you’re curious)
:: overhearing the 10yo explain to the nacho (who is suddenly afraid of monsters) that he (the nacho) was born with a special force field around him, invisible to the naked eye, but it smells of candy and sunshine and repels monsters *heart melt*
:: finding jam jars on every windowsill and table top filled with clover and other flowers the poulette has picked
:: an hour alone in a quiet house to curl up in a sunny spot with some reading
:: finding this waiting for me at the post office – every single card is lovely
:: a jar of mayhaw pepper jelly from a friend and a few of her amazing products
:: being serenaded by bird song on my early morning walks
:: the simple pleasure of putting pen to paper
:: spotting the first honeysuckle of the season on my morning walk

filed in: i love lists!
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karenMay 1, 2013 - 8:04 am

I have been listening to the birds early in the morning and I’m thrilled to be in the moment. Invisible force fields are lovely when they smell like candy! What an imagination and I hope your nacho was soothed by the thought. Happy writing!

erinMay 1, 2013 - 8:39 am

I love reading happy lists. They make me smile.

VeronicaMay 1, 2013 - 10:17 am

it makes me happy that you’re happy

keishuaMay 1, 2013 - 11:22 am

honeysuckle. i miss that.
these days i am loving simple smoothies and seeing updates of my little niece.

RebeccaMay 1, 2013 - 11:30 am

Adore, adore. I love happy lists such as this. Make me feel sunshine-y even on a cloudy day. xo

DanielleMay 1, 2013 - 2:44 pm

Mmmm, lovely.

KatieMay 1, 2013 - 10:44 pm

Love this list, especially the bit about the special force field. :)

Dawn SuzetteMay 2, 2013 - 12:45 am

Oh, the force field. Yes! Love it!

stephMay 2, 2013 - 7:37 am

My college days are a few (!!! ha, let’s face it, many !!!) further in the past than yours…..but it always makes me smile to discover all the 4-leaf clovers I found on campus, scattered throughout my college classroom bible.

love your list….is that force field available to fend off Randall (of Monsters Inc)? A grand can’t have any closets open—ever!

amanda (sweetpotatoclaire)May 2, 2013 - 8:00 am

love this list~ I too have found leaves in books years later and smiled at them, tried to remember just when and where….. ohhhh, but the candy and sunshine smelling, monster-repelling brotherly love has got to be the best for sure. that’s some love right there. and I’m with you all the way on the birdsong. like sweet little kisses on my earlobes.

Lisa CoffeeMay 2, 2013 - 6:43 pm

amanda, the force field bit is too sweet. what a sweet exchange. i spending some time this evening with your Love Lists and goodness girl, you’ve got some fun things gathered there. happy thursday night. cheers!

heathermamaMay 2, 2013 - 7:08 pm

lovely list. :)

Darcel {The Mahogany Way}May 2, 2013 - 8:40 pm

Great minds think alike. I did a similar post yesterday. I love how all these little things add up to one big ball of happiness.

TraceyMay 3, 2013 - 9:56 am

Oh Amanda, I love your happy list! I have honeysuckles and bird songs in my days too, such beauty.

MelissaMay 3, 2013 - 2:33 pm

I caught my first whiff of honeysuckle just the other day. Then went home and had a peanut butter and alfalfa sprout sandwich. Life is good. Have a great weekend!

michelle gdMay 6, 2013 - 8:58 am

oh, such happy things on this list!
especially the hour alone in your house…sun…reading…ahhhh ;)

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