On the way to school today, Anders, donning a bright yellow rain jacket behind me buckled snug in his car seat said listlessly, “I wish the sun were out today.” Then I went to the post office, and gave the post office worker, an older gentleman with a kind face and a broad smile, a knowing glance. “If it’s not winter we’re complaining about, now it’s spring!” It’s amazing the way the weather, when especially terrible, can dominate conversation. “It was such a promising spring for a bit there too. And then.” We shared a laugh, and that was nice.
I’m ready for school to be out for the summer. I’m especially lazy about the breakfast on the table, lunch packed up, clothes on, shoes on process these days. I’m checked out. Are the teachers checked out too? Guys, it’s this weather.
I need to find my sweet spot here again. Posts back in the day were very top of mind. Maybe that was a mistake. Or maybe it was perfect. Do you feel that way about blogs? Like suddenly the top of mind, perfunctory posts became secondary to the very planned ones? I sort of miss old blogging and I want to bring it back. Sit down here and just write, even when the ideas are coming to me as my fingers are tapping the keys. Sometimes those are my favorite ones to read, anyway. So why’s it so hard? I think I’m just out of practice. Guys, it’s this weather!!!
I want you to know the heat just kicked on in my house. I also want you to know that I have not forgotten about the vlog that I’m doing with Steve that I promised, oh, 3 months ago. We’re really doing it.
Let’s focus on five things that are making me undeniably happy:
number one. The cherry blossoms in town. Massachusetts always gets them a little later than the rest of you southern folk, and they’re just hitting their peak right now and man, they are pretty. I can see two outside my kitchen window now. I wish more blooming spring trees would stay blooming all summer long. Though, I do love their green leaves later on when the blooms drop.
number two. Trader Joe’s ginger turmeric herbal tea. I’m having a cup practically twice a day now (use the same tea bag if you want to make it last longer! Just a less strong second cup.) and it’s so lovely. I was afraid it would be overly ginger or turmeric tasting, but the strongest flavor (and one I love) is licorice. Buy it. It’s in the pretty pinkish, orange box.
number three. Writing notes and putting them in the mail. This is a forever favorite, but I’m trying to implement it more and it’s just so nice to do, and I know it’s nice to receive too.
number four. Meditating. Trying, trying, trying to do this more. In the meantime, I’m listening to this amazing playlist all the time and it is so relaxing, even when I’m not actively meditating. It’s on right now, in fact.
number five. My efforts in sustainability. It feels really important, and really valuable and I genuinely enjoy the whole process. Mind you, there were times in my life when my headspace for this process was zero. If that’s you, don’t feel badly. If adding one more thing feels like it will tip the scales into crazy-town, it’s ok. I’ve made really small changes over the course of the last few years that are making a small impact, and I still have a long way to go. Start somewhere, even if it’s as simple as no longer buying (the majority of) cleaning supplies and instead swapping in a giant jug of crazy inexpensive and non toxic white vinegar. And you’re done! (For now!)
So many happy things! I love that you’re putting handwritten notes in the mail. I need to do that too, what a cute idea. 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Yes to the old style of blogging! I wish I could bring in the money that some bloggers make with sponsored posts. But, I miss feeling like you really got to know a person through their blog. It’s been dreary and rainy here in central IL also. The sun finally came out today, and it’s life-changing.
I’m so glad you’re talking about and acting on having a more sustainable life. I carry around my own coffee cups, bags-including mesh produce bags, silicone bags for sandwiches/snacks-straws, etc., and am disheartened to see young people who are still drinking from single-use plastic cups and carrying plastic bags. One of the moms from my grandson’s preschool noted my reusable cup and I told her I was careful because I worry about my 31/2 and 5 month old grandkids and the world they’re inheriting. She was drinking from a plastic cup, looking abashed. I’m not sure what else it’ll take for people, especially young ones, to understand that this is one planet and we don’t have much time.
Would love to see a post on the other things you are doing towards sustainability! We were doing great last year, implementing a new thing each month, but have slacked significantly. Also- have you found a homemade replacement for Windex/ toilet bowl cleaner? These are the two I struggle to completely replace with water/vinegar. Thanks!
for windex, yes! norwex glass cloth + water. that is IT! and toilet bowl… sadly no. the ones with bleach are still the best at getting rid of that yellow-ish iron ring that forms at the top of the water! that’s one of my only remaining conventional cleaners! i’m definitely working on a post on this!
I employed a professional window washer for many years. One day I asked him his trick. He said all he used was a bucket of warm water with a couple drops of dish soap and a sponge. I was shocked and he, in turn, said “How do you wash your glassware?” When he moved on to a new profession, I took up washing my own windows using his method. I use lint-free tea towels to buff them dry. As for the toilet, a paste of baking soda and water works wonders. You can even make a whole jar at once and use it up over time.
Love this post! Yes, please do bring back the old style of blogging. I miss it, and miss the connection and community it creates.
Toilet bowl cleaner- Baking Soda! Just need to leave it on a bit longer but it works. Additional option that is GREAT for getting rid of rings is denture cleaning tablets. Not sure if non-toxic but they work amazing.
I sent you a comment already through instagram, but I’ll post some of my thoughts here too. I started reading blogs in 2009-10, right out of high school. I have always loved to read human interest stories, books about real life, etc. and blogs about real life was something I found and craved. I wish some of my favorite bloggers still blogged like E Tells Tales (she had some posts that had me cry laughing) and Kate Baer. But life is always-changing and hopefully we will get some books out of them? I am happy you have kept it up.
I hate this new Instagram Famous world we live in. I know people, went to college with women, and follow those who are now “influencers” and I despise it. Constantly pushing products to make money and really feeding off of this instantaneous world we live in. I usually take ten minutes each month to go through who I am following and really think about who I want to keep following. I’ve cut down on a lot of my consumption, but now I see sponsored ads for influencers and it is MADDENING. Ugh.
Anyways, thank you. I have been reading your blog for almost ten years now.
YES! I truly believe there’s a whole internet community of past-life-blog-readers who are craving the blogs of yesteryear. Top of mind posts are just my favorite. More please.