Friday Favourites: Pretty Little Things

 

The world's favourite season is spring.

All things seem possible in May.

Edwin Way Teale (American naturalist and writer)

May is fully upon us and life springs up in every corner. I feel invigorated by the increasing light and warmth. Just a few weeks ago, a single bloom in the garden was noteworthy; now a plethora of colour and form greets me upon each garden visit, all appreciated. Sweetly scented wisteria perfumes the air and I catch bits of fragrance from across the garden. Lilac flowers are fading quickly and have been outstanding this year, in quantity, colour, and scent.

I planted two pots of tulips last fall, neatly covering them with netting to keep out the squirrels and raccoons. The bulbs were purchased as a set, dark and light bulbs - Joyful Dreams. They are beautiful, but differ greatly in height, not quite the look I was going for. Nature often surprises. 

Sea glass collected on recent beach walks. I'm always pleased to add to my collection. I am particularly fond of the pale blue and turquoise pieces, as well as the clouded white ones. Little bits of loveliness made beautiful by the process of time, waves, and sand. There's a lesson there, reminding me that beauty is not a matter of youth and fashion, but of strength of character and of a way of looking at the world with hope and optimism.

 

Rhubarb is flourishing in the garden and that means Rhubarb Cake. Rather than bake it in a rectangular pan, I made cupcakes. Most of them go into the freezer for my husband to pull out when he wants one. I eat one the first day, slightly warm, and then I'm not tempted by the rest. 

New loafers provide a spring in my step. Easy to slip into and comfortable to wear throughout the day for walks or errands. Soft leather and padded soles mean a lot these days. 

It's always exciting to anticipate a parcel in the mail. Particularly when one doesn't know exactly what's arriving. I ordered a subscription from The Bundle Bee Bindery. Unwrapping the pretty hand-bound notebook, an artist's print, and other bits and pieces was so much fun. The journal on the left was purchased at a local store purely because of the cover with its dainty flowers. 

Last but not least, I cut the first bouquet of roses yesterday. This unknown variety never lasts long in the house, but is faintly fragrant and always the first to bloom. 

This post was composed over a few days, in between gardening and laundry, a few appointments, and making pizza for dinner. Friday nights seem to call for pizza or tacos or another simple meal - a leftover habit from when we had children at home. Although days are much the same now, I still enjoy doing things that define the weeks and days. 

Wishing you a weekend filled with pretty little things around you.