October thus …
I never knew that grief grows branches – which then infiltrate everyday thoughts and bedtime musings, spreading evermore spindly limbs, invading situations at will. This is the reason for my lack of posts.
But today, the eve of my birthday, I am a taking a break and popping in to share a few things.
I love the Gladys Taber quote above. It poignantly captures those haunting New England fall days when it is still warm even as the air smells different. Nostalgia rises up in front of me whenever I look at the blue sky and it is then that I see myself walking to school crunching leaves underfoot with my brother racing behind, trying to catch up to the “big kids”. Although autumn is made for backward glances, it is also a season that thrills me yet, and makes me look ahead to new possibilities. Small hopes…
It helps that the calendar turns a fresh year for me on my early October birthday which always makes it seem like a new personal beginning. This year is no exception. I took extra care with my twin sister’s present this year – I splurged and bought her a little luxury she has been wanting and I know she will be delighted. As well, I found a lovely nature-inspired floral wrapping paper with all the October feels. Ditto the gold mustard-colored satin ribbon to tie it all up with hopeful fall wishes. I had a lot of fun with it. Small pleasures…
Lucky me that I have the chance to spend more time with mother, helping her navigate her sorrow and assisting with many, many practical things too. I feel honored to do so and think of myself as a Grace Livingston Hill heroine, aiding in keeping her family together and strong. Small blessings…
I am touched that my mother is making sure that as I help her out, I am well-fed too. I have tasted her tomato sauce, her fragrant beef stew and many other dishes again. Small comforts…
~
Recently, my review of one of my favorite fashion books from 2019 was published with The Fashion Studies Journal. I enjoy writing for them. Please take a read and leave a comment if you are so moved. The link is here:
And one last thing:
Send me a postcard, drop me a line
Stating point of view
Indicate precisely what you mean to say
Yours sincerely, wasting away
Give me your answer, fill in a form
Mine forevermore
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I’m sixty four?
Ho!
8 Comments
Cissy
Dearest Friend,
Wishing you a belated Happy Birthday. With all that has recently happened in your family, it is a blessing to read that you and your mother have had some very memorable times together. May the rest of the year be a pleasant and peaceful joy to you!
Blessings ~ Cissy
A Lovely Inconsequence
I thank you Cissy!!!!
Ann
Happy Birthday – Thought you might like this verse that I found almost 50 years ago and ofen include in a birthday greeting –
A birthday is any day
Someone discovers
You are a present.
A birthday is any day,
In any way
Your life becomes a party.
A birthday is any day you find yourself rejoicing
Because you find yourself
Continuing to be born.
Glad you can enjoy your mother’s cooking…would give the world to have a piece of my mother’s lemon meringue pie.
A Lovely Inconsequence
Thank you Ann!
Margaret Powling
Belated birthday greetings, Donna, for yesterday! I hope you have a lovely day. I will turn to your Vogue review shortly but now must make lunch for ourselves. I’m not familiar with the work of Gladys Taber, but tthose words were rather lovely.
A Lovely Inconsequence
Thank you Margaret!
Lyn
You write so beautifully!
Your Vogue review was so interesting and informative. As an older person, I can remember when print magazines were widely read. Some years ago, Vogue chose to become a “turn off” (in the slang of the day) to many readers. Blogs, for me, have taken the place of magazines.
Thank you for your exquisite blog!
A Lovely Inconsequence
Oh Lyn, thank you so so much! Music to my ears…