For Later, In Warmer Days

Diary of a week

Monday, March 18

I’d just reached the last step at the bottom of the stairs when I noticed them: slender chives reaching up through the warming spring soil in the flower bed beside the porch. Then I had to go see about the rhubarb, too, of course. Sure enough, a dozen red noses are just peeking through!

Tuesday, March 19

Spring! Hello, spring! For the first time this year, I carried the laundry basket to the clothesline and in the golden morning sunlight, I pegged the sheets to the line, to flap in celebration.

Wednesday, March 20

His sleek black body skimmed through the water as he swam upstream. I paused my stride, held my breath, and watched. When he reached the boulders that line the creek bank, the little mink slipped out of the water, bounded over them, and out of sight.

Thursday, March 21

The week has been churned up, disjointed, full of blows. Full of gulps for air. But today is Thursday, photography day. For a few hours I get lost in a creative world and forget about it all.

Friday, March 22

I’m always looking at property, always building or remodeling houses in my head. By lamplight at night, I’m pouring over architect’s books, learning how and why they did what they did. Interest and curiosity propel me. These words tap me on the shoulder and remind me: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” - Matthew the Apostle.

Saturday, March 23

Twelve boards, thick and smoothly planed, smelling like pine and promise. For a project in the larder I’ve sketched out. For later, in warmer days.