Spring is here!Snowflakes floatgently down. When I stood at the back window this morning, I saw a snowflake drift in a slow zig-zag, down to the ground. A flurry more followed. Tomorrow is the first day of spring. I usually take a gardening vacation when the equinox arrives. I take the week that contains the … Continue reading Equinox eve
I traveled to Istanbul last week to meet with my team from work, and as my friend Gracie would say, I was Turkish delighted. The city’s history stretches back almost 1700 years, its population is twice that of New York City, and the city straddles two continents: we stayed on the European side of the … Continue reading Istanbul in color
I received a shipment of ink yesterday — a bottle of Diamine Holly to get me through winter, and a small vial of Sherwood Forest. The first is an elegant holiday green with a hint of shimmer in it, and the latter is an earthier green, like fir or spruce needles. Both inks remind me … Continue reading Lazy day off
Most of the religious holidays on the calendar mean little to me. We celebrate the Christian holidays primarily as tradition and to spend time with each other as a family, but none of us are actually Christian. My spiritual inclinations tend more towards paganism; Easter isn’t meaningful to me because of the resurrection of Christ, … Continue reading Winter solstice
Last night I built a fire in the fireplace. Our wood this year isn’t as seasoned as previous loads have been, and it sometimes takes some coaxing to get it lit. Last night’s fire required constant tending, which was fine once I understood that and realized I couldn’t put my feet up with a cat … Continue reading The problem with the present moment
Three hours in the morning is not enough time to do all the things I want to do before my workday begins. For the past 29 days, I’ve published a post on my blog every day; today will be the 30th. It’s satisfying to publish here, it makes me feel like I’ve done something. The … Continue reading My fountain pens have dried out
Butterfly Mind 