Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life; rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms.
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day.
He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
Despite the snow and wind storm on Tuesday the birds have been singing in the morning, Randall the chipmunk has emerged and we no longer need candlelight for dinner with the curtains pulled open.
Yesterday I made a colorful heart-healthy salad bowl (above) packed with flavor: grated red cabbage with sesame oil and a pinch of sugar; European cucumber and grape tomatoes tossed with a dash of vinegar, paprika and cumin; arugala; guacamole made with avocados and salsa. So simple and good!
These two photos of my dear late pal Wishy the chipmunk were taken five years ago today. He had just emerged underground from torpor, which is how chipmunks spend the winter. Their body temperature lowers and they go into a deep sleep, but wake up periodically to eat from their stash they collected all summer and fall. Although I had put out food for him he skipped over it and ran over to me and stood up to put his nose to my face. How sweet he was! You can share his magic with your little ones by purchasing his book.
I love essential oils for aromatherapy. This past weekend I made a “Cottage Summer” room spray with notes of roses and sandalwood and used a photo of my roses last summer for the label. For the upcoming Coronation of HM King Charles III I used lime and Bergamot and made the label with the official emblem. Just some simple late winter alchemy turning my mood into gold!
I’m not a NIMBY. There is a three story affordable housing project for seniors almost literally being built in my backyard, except that it’s some yards over on the property directly abutting my backyard woods. You can see it if you look very closely through the snow (ten plus inches coming today!)
I have openly supported this project through the planning board process and town council meetings because there is a need for this kind of housing where real estate is off the charts. Since the pandemic began the influx of people has been extraordinary, and housing keeps going up.
I have a good ongoing relationship with the developers, too. In fact one of them stopped by today to let me pick the color for the side of the building facing my yard so that it will blend in better with the sky behind my woods. Isn’t that so lovely of them?
Maine Charms 