Anti-Social Media
Something good, every day.
Mushroom Trip
With rain and cooler temperatures in the forecast for the rest of the week, we decided to take the afternoon off and get out to try a couple of new trails in the area.
The Lazy Bay Trail near Wallace, N.S. was damp, but not too wet or mucky. Easy, yet rugged terrain, and pretty well maintained by local volunteer groups. And the mushrooms abounded! A delightful afternoon walk in nature, with my love.
Why take all these damn photos if you’re never going to share them?
That’s the question of the day today. After going through my photos yesterday, for my September love letter, I was struck by all of this beauty that I notice and try to capture, but I rarely revisit them, and don’t really share them.
I do not want to spend my time or energy on the addictive, toxic and ad-riddled social media sites.
I’m not chasing views, hits, likes etc.
I want a space to show/share what I see.
So, why not do that here? It certainly can’t hurt to try. If it doesn’t work or look good or motivate me to show up more often, well I won’t be worse off than I am now.
I even harbour a secret hope that it will encourage me to show up more often, in even more ways.
I’ve been private and quiet for what feels like a long time. Maybe I’m feeling ready to show up again. In my own space and on my own terms. I don’t really know what that’s going to look like, but there’s only one way to find out.
Swallows on the Boardwalk
The tree swallows in the park are so much fun to watch in the spring. They dart and swoop, popping in and out of the boxes set out for them. Their beautiful shiny blue feathers fascinate me and I think they’re just so damn cute!
They’re brazen little beauties too, allowing us to walk up pretty close before taking off over the water.
Stolen Lilacs
There’s an empty lot down the street. It’s got the only FOR SALE sign on our street without one of those obnoxious Neon Orange/Black SOLD stickers on it.
The lot is bordered by trees and tons of lilac bushes. My daily walk takes me right past this aromatic wonderland and yesterday I couldn’t resist. I waded through the long grass to the back of the lot, selected and snapped off two blossomy branches to bring home.
The house smells heavenly. What is it about lilacs? Yes, they are pretty, with their bunches of tiny four-pronged purple flowers on a background of verdant green leaves, but I suspect my favourite thing is their specific scent, it’s unmistakable and so fleeting!
After a day in a jar of water, the flowers are already dropping off their branch onto the table. If I’m feeling bold, I might replace them tomorrow, if it’s not too late.
In early June they go wild and you can find them everywhere, but in no time they’ll be gone, their lovely perfume turning to a sickly sweet death stench.
Carpe Lilac!
P.S. did you know that carpe diem translates to “pluck the day?” Thanks, Austin Kleon <3
Pluck it!
Dandelions
I’ve been paying extra attention to dandelions over the last few weeks. They are so damn cheerful! I especially love the period in early spring where they are all still yellow, bright pompom pops of sunshine from every green space.
As spring progresses, their growth cycle becomes more apparent: first those bright and cheerful bursts of colour, then the transition to those wispy puffs of white and grey. Who has never blown on a dandelion puff, like a birthday candle, making a wish and helping the seeds spread far and wide?
Compare the ground to the sky above. Bright yellow flowers form dandelion constellations, then become light and wispy floating clouds on a background of brilliant green.
I’ve been admiring them for weeks. And then, on our walk yesterday, I finally wondered how it is that they make that transition from one state to the other. Aldon and I talked about it, picked a few to examine, and mused on it.
When I returned home I visited the oracle of google to uncover more information. I searched for time-lapse dandelion and found this gem:
Which then led me to this delight:
Don’t you just love dandelions?
C’est le Way
Some people wanna fill the world
Paul McCartney
With silly love songs
And what’s wrong with that?
Goals:
2019: learn to play ukulele
2020: learn to play guitar
2021: learn to write songs
Press Play to Listen:
My first song! It’s simple and silly, but I made it, and I’m pretty proud of that.
This is just an iPhone recording, nothing fancy, but I wanted to share it. I hope it makes you smile. 🥰
C’est Le Way
by Marsha Amanova
I know it might sound sappy I can’t help but feel happy Whenever I am close to you We adventure together Sit quietly and do whatever That’s how I know our love is true Don’t need no Valentine’s Day To say what I want to say I Love You Mon amour, all the ways ...C’est le way. We’re a team, that’s effing awesome We work together on problems Pick each other up when we’re feeling blue You tuck me in at bedtime That’s how I know you are mine And you know that I am yours too I choose you every day When I feel it I gotta say it Je t’aime beaucoup Even more than yesterday ... C’est le way. I’m so glad we found each other You’re my best friend and lover I fell for you watching Doctor Who Now we’re partners in love and life Planning what’s for dinner tonight Let’s start with wine and a corkscrew We’ve made it to today And there’s still so much to say I love you All ways Allons-y... C’est le way
Enjoying the Peaceful Pause
I love this time of year, the pause between Christmas and the New Year. I’ve been able to enjoy it throughout my life, as a kid, a student, staff at a University, and now that I’m self-employed.
It’s a wonderful time to reflect on the past and imagine the future while enjoying the present.
Of course, not everyone is so fortunate. Many of our “essential workers” are working long hours away from home and family. This time may not feel quite so special for them. My Bee has worked retail most of the time I’ve known him and he always has to work. He was lucky this year though with 24-26 off as well as 31-1: the benefits of stat holidays paired with a bit of luck and scheduling kindness.
Anyway, I’ve been taking it pretty easy. Giving myself some space and time to really consider what I’ve experienced and learned over these past 12 months, and what I’m interested in and curious about for the year to come. What do I want to keep? What do I want to give up? What do I want more/less of?
I’m thankful for this quiet time and space, this peace. I think I want more of that. I know I want more writing (less thinking about writing), more listening, less judging, more music, more creating. More courage, more kindness, more compassion. More love. Always more love.