The Friday Five!
A kind reminder to look up once in awhile.
It’s 7:10 am, the time when I have the entire house for myself, at least for a few minutes. I have coffee, all three dogs are with me on the couch and John Prine’s “Summer’s End” just came on. Add in the fact that it is cool and crisp outside for the first morning in a long time and I think he’s right. As a summer girl, it is always hard for me to these days go. But I have learned, finally, that there are things to look forward to every single season, because we are just so lucky to be here. So bring on the sweaters and pumpkins and falling leaves. This year, I’m excited to see what happens.
This week I was on the phone outside in my garden and I looked up and saw this. Right above where I sit each and every day. Yes, according to my husband, the reptile breeder, that is a black snake skin. A big one. He also said they “love that tree.” Which was news to me. I guess I am lucky it was a skin and not an actual snake, or I might just not be here to share this story. Now when I go out I check very carefully before I sit down. Happy to share the space. Maybe just not at the same time?
Do you love when good things happen to good people? Me, too. Which is why I am going to play hooky this morning and watch Love At First Sight on Netflix. It’s based on the book by Jennifer E. Smith, who is honestly one of the kindest, coolest people I have ever met, and was made during a pandemic and now released as the writer’s strike is continuing. What I love most about Jen’s books is how she uses travel as a metaphor for life: she has the BEST journeys. I cannot wait.
This week, I was into kitchens. Very small ones. (I do not question my miniature interests, only follow them.) I set this entire one up for some friends at UNC, because it’s been a week there, again. Could not help but sneak a pack of cigarettes into the junk drawer. Then I started adding other things: some keys, a few bills, playing cards, a book about patience, a phone that in my mind is broken. There is something so soothing about seeing the world in a tiny way. Even if it’s a little dark at times. Just like real life.
Finally, a hack for us nervous folks. (I know you’re out there! Not to make you nervous.) I read somewhere that you can’t be anxious and grateful at the same time, which seemed crazy until I tried it. I feel that spike of worry, tension, fear that is just part of living in the world right now and start to spin. But then I start listing all the good things: our health, friends, dogs, coffee, this blog, my writing. Spoiler alert: it works. Wow.
Have a good weekend, everyone!