Dreaming the World

A warmish, sun drenched morning. Last night was warm as well and the peepers were in fine voice. We’ve been wondering where they were; I guess it has simply been too cold for them.

Te last few days have been cold, dark, and windy, causing us to have the fireplace heater on in the evenings, and sometimes during the day when we need to thaw. When we have tried to go for a stroll, the chill and wind have soon driven us back inside. To add to our discomfort, we have both been under the weather. Jennie has had the sneezes so intensely that Nori the cat has pointedly asked her whether she was alright.

Of course, here by the ocean our spring unfolds slowly. The difference in temperature between here and a few miles inland can be fifteen or more degrees Fahrenheit. As a a result, in Providence the redbuds are lush with bloom, while our redbud has small maroon buds that hover, in what seems like suspended animation, for weeks, in wait for warmth.

Down at the beach the osprey pair is working on their nest, As you may remember, last summer their nest was pretty much destroyed in an intense storm (everyone survived). This year the pair seem intent on building a much stronger nest. The difference is striking, leaving us to wonder whether they remember last year. Given the storm’s destructive power, I’m not sure anything would have helped.

We are still a couple of months from moving day, but many rooms have sprouted filled boxes, some in piles that block mostly emptied shelves. We try to pack a few boxes most days while keeping our main living spaces as comfortable as possible. At some point we will have to pack the kitchen and family room, but not yet.

I recently read Writing Creativity and Soul by Sue Monk Kidd. While the book is somewhat focused on writing fiction, I fond her thoughts on the creative process, and life, to transfer readily to all the artistic channels I follow. I was particularly drawn to her insights about the myriad ways synchronicity feeds the creative process, marking moments of inspiration and flow. Now I am immersed in the volume she co-wrote with her daughter, Ann, Traveling with Pomegranates. I highly recommend both.