Five on Friday

 

One: Waking up to birdsong is delightful. In the darkness of early morning I hear a faint sleepy song that grows louder as the minutes progress. By full light the song is full and strong as if the Robin says, "wake-up, wake-up, don't waste a minute of the day!" I usually fall back asleep during the concert, happy to listen and not respond.

Also delightful are the prunus blossoms. Earlier, the single flowers bloomed, now it's the double ones. Some are creamy pale pink, others brighter. I love them all.

Two: In the woods Mahonia shows off its yellow flowers. A faint fragrance wafts by. I am enjoying my walks so much these days although sometimes the wind is sharp and I zip my jacket up to my neck for warmth. Today, however, there was little breeze and I welcomed the warm sun beating upon my back. 

Three: I've read a variety of books recently, all very different, and enjoyable. A bit of a departure from my usual fare.

The Hopkins Manuscript

by R. C. Sherriff

Published in the 1930s this dystopian novel deals with a moon gone crazy and the aftermath of it hitting earth. This is one man's tale, discovered centuries after the event. The story illustrates how wonderful life can be when people work together for a common goal, and also the terrible consequences of human greed and lust for power. Rather pertinent to today.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold

by Toshikuzu Kawaguchi

This is a lovely quiet novel involving a bit of time travel and how hearts can change even when circumstances do not. 

The Place of Tides

by James Rebanks

Rebanks, a Yorkshire farmer, spends 10 weeks helping two women on a remote Norwegian island as they prepare for the eider ducks and collect eiderdown. I found this a fascinating account of connection to land and sea, and to a way of life that barely exists any more.

Four: I am always enchanted by the appearance of Fawn Lilies. They last for such a short time, clouds of stars alongside woodland paths. It has struck me once again how everything blooms in its time, in a steady and reliable procession through the months and seasons. Things may vary by a week or two, but always, the fawn lilies appear and are soon followed by camas lilies and bluebells. 

Nature's blooms are somewhat predictable, but for humans, early and late blooming is more varied. And I like to think that there are blooms to be had throughout life's seasons, from youth through old age. 

Five: The first apple blossoms appeared on a weathered tree in a clearing in the woods. Likely planted long ago as part of an orchard, this tree and several others are not cared for, but faithfully produce blooms and often fruit. Apple blossom always reminds me of my childhood. Not far away from our home a row of apple trees grew in an empty lot, likely a remnant of an old orchard. The sight of all the pink and white apple blossom has stayed with me. We used to break branches off the trees to carry home and place in a vase of water. They never lasted long, but how beautiful they were. 

We took a short trip this past week involving three days of camping in our trailer. It was fun to get away, hike, and visit with friends. When we arrived home, there on the porch was a box containing the proof copy of my book. How exciting! We've changed a few things and I've ordered another proof copy. I'm anticipating a publication date towards the end of May. Hooray! I'll keep you posted!