A glimpse of the chokecherry that grows at the base of the big maple.
We did a lot of work outside yesterday. I pruned several bushes, pulled some weeds in the garden, and then we mowed the entire front lawn. It was a gorgeous day. Today, we’ll mow the corral area and the back forty as we’re going to have rain tomorrow, Sunday, and Monday. I’m also going to do some weed whacking since I charged the battery yesterday and the whacker is ready to go.
But first, I’m going to run to the grocery store and to the nursery. I’m hoping my hanging plants are in. Fingers crossed. I want to get there early today and avoid the weekend crowds.
I’ve been feeling a lot of emotions concerning loss lately. In talking about it to Don yesterday, I realized that April 24th was the anniversary of my mom’s death, May 1st was the anniversary of John’s murder, May 6th was my brother’s birthday. Sadness, grief, mourning – it never really ends – and in this particular year, it’s been somehow harder to navigate. I’ve also been thinking and talking about my dad, especially since I’m about to start on this new adventure in oil painting. It has evoked so many memories of his work, of watching him work, knowing that for my war-ravaged father, painting in oils brought him some peace. And he was good at it. Very good.
I spoke of his wooden box filled with oil paints and supplies the other day. On a whim – actually, urged on by Don – I texted Mere to see if we threw that box out when we were clearing out the condo. I explained that I’d been thinking about him and that I was about to explore painting. Her immediate response? I have it and I’ll send it to you. After a bit of back-and-forth because I didn’t want to take it if it was precious to her, she firmly said she’d put it in the mail today. My heart grew so full! I’ll soon have it here in the cottage.
Not to make too big a deal of it, but I was so moved, thinking that Dad would be smiling and happy to see me painting. I intend to have the box nearby whenever I paint.
I’m so emotional these days! It’s all good. It’s important to let myself feel all of it. And I am.
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.