7 Gratitudes
No. 1 // A visit to the botanical gardens a little too early in the season but ogling the bloomers that announce the coming of a new season and getting inspired.
No. 2 // The annual trout fishing extravaganza. This spring I learned to filet and debone fresh caught fish, made flatbreads over an open fire, and took long walks with friends that feel like family.
No. 3 // Tortillas were one of those quick breads I didn’t know I could pull off. Now that I know, it is such a joy making them for a family feast and freezing leftovers for lunch creations.
No. 4 // Living vicariously through all the farm visits with the girls. The past few months we’ve been able to tour a variety of farms with their homeschool group; during our travels, and new farming friends.
No. 5 // Lately, apples have been the chosen fruit to hold baking projects together during the long wait for fresh spring berries.
No. 6 // Ironing linen dinner napkins seems absolutely nonsensical but I find myself falling into the habit in the evenings. How the tide of the mind can turn when seeking slowness instead of hurry. Monotonous rhythms are grounding and dare I say, satisfying. As the iron passes over the tomato stained fabric to make wrinkled corners straight, I chuckle knowing in a few days I will do the same chore again. Whether my family notices pressed napkins or not, this little housekeeping motion asks me to give excellence where it’s not necessarily required. Yet the sensation of the secret transaction taking place between my heart and the task at hand is absolutely wonderful.
No. 7 // Never have I wandered dreamily through the neighborhood with a book clutched to my bosom and a tear clinging to my eyelids as I have with C.S. Lewis’ curated collection of George MacDonald’s literary excerpts.