Color

Yesterday's post was a bit serious. I get embarrassed when I publicly lament. But it seems that every once in a while I have to reinforce and remind at least myself that I am not yet past something and someone that has hurt me without a care. Maybe that's part of the way I grieve. But not today. It's a four day weekend. No have-to-do plans. It's a good day.
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This morning JB and I went to the local downtown Farmer's Market. We had a shopping list: at least one flat of zinnias, a six pack of coleus, whatever fresh vegetables caught our eyes.
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There are two things about living in Western Massachusetts--farm country--that never fail to excite me.
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One is the abundance of fresh and inexpensive fruit and vegetables and flowers and plants.
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The other is the way the grass feels on my bare feet.
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Note: a transition is now occurring: After the Farmer's Market, after I (finally) inquired (and can now arrange) to get more disk space on my hard drive (between that and Blogger, I'm never sure I can reliably upload my photos), and after I found the apricot moisturizing cream I ran out of and love, JB and did some quick shopping before returning to the garden .
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First, let me tell you about these candles. They are the best candles you will ever have. They last and they GLOW. You'll find them in many shops and specialty stores: I encourage you to seek them out. Sometimes they are on sale. Does anyone else have them? Because if you do, I know you will agree with me.
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In my town of Northampton, which is essentially a college town surrounded by farms, there is a one of a kind store called Faces. It is collegiate, colorful, funky. Take a look:
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(Here comes transition # 2): We are making progress in the yard. I am in no rush: I enjoy the process and result of every weed I pull and every flower I plant. My professional work and career has often been difficult and sometimes impossible to quantify or measure, so for me something like yard work is delightfully creative and refreshingly concrete.
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. This is the bowl Annie Coe made. Isn't it gorgeous

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What? Another transition?What kind of writing is this?) JB and I ate outdoors tonight. She grilled vegetables and potatoes and I sauteed fresh scallops. I dipped them in an egg and then lightly in flour, and added lemon 1o minutes later when they were done. I buy my seafood at a local fish store so small you can hardly turn around. The owner threw in a lemon for good measure. That is another thing I like about living here: people are easy going.

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And then cappuccino. The cappuccino machine was a splurge during the three or so months we thought JB and I thought we were millionaires. We had sold our Victorian house in Newton, made quite a profit, and since we were moving to a new house anyway, we HAD to shop. The limitless abundance didn't last long, but was it ever fun for a time.
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Yesterday I wrote a pretty sad post that included the dramatic stories of the death of weeds and certain over-extended plants. I mentioned that JB had rehabilitated the pansies that were destined for the wheel barrel trash. This afternoon I pulled out the rest of the pansies and now we have rehabilitated pansies all over the house.

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Not to mention a few singular hydrangeas: my second favorite flower after pink zinnias.

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It's been a relaxing night. I am sitting in the little den across from the kitchen looking for colors. (It's now a habit: I see something that excites me and I can't wait to share it here. What great friends and blog visitors I have. What fun we have together, even though it's sad sometimes too).
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(Final transition): This is Rosie. She died several years before we adopted Stella. Everyone knows how much I love Stella, but I have to say Rosie was the most special dog. She was happy and bouncy until the very end, and when had to leave, she sent a dog to find me the next day. He showed up and nudged me from behind, kept rubbing his face into me. "He's never done that before," his owner said. I didn't say anything but I understood. Vanessa, Ms. V, I am sorry for the loss of your dog Baby. I know how sad you are, with good reason.
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So today was far better than yesterday. I know why I was upset yesterday. I brought it on myself. I don't think I am ever going to master not feeling, and I will always hold loyalty and kindness to the highest standard. I received so many wonderful comments about that post, and they all helped me get a grip. Thank you for your comments.

So what's up for the rest of the weekend?

JB and I have agreed to meet at 7 am in the yard for a few hours of cooler weather yard work. (after my precious first cup of coffee)

I heard there is a place that sells special lilies only three weekends a year, and this weekend is one of them.

We will take my Mother out for a lobster roll.

I have bills to pay.

And photos to order.

Some special cards to write.

Maybe a swim at the Clarion pool.

More plantings and weeds-be-gone. Even some design.

A dozen or so work reports that are due on Tuesday.

And a reminder that I live in a free country, that I will never take my freedom for granted.

Happy fourth of July to my American friends.

And Happy tomorrow to everyone.

love

kj