This and That and Here and There

Moving from Spring to Summer

The leaves are out. Not in earnest, as nights have dipped to the low 40’s. In this part of New England, the rule of thumb is that you don’t plant your garden ahead of Memorial Day. In recent years, that’s seemed draconian. But this year? I’m wearing a sweater, socks and turned on the heat (sob) this week to take the chill off. My seeds are still sitting in their packets, unplanted. So we’re inching towards summer without tangible proof of its existence. As a result, I’ve been lulled into a sense that it’s only early April. And then I look at a calendar and my head explodes.

So how about a recap of the spring so far?

• A book that revolves around caribou hunting in rural Alaska? Probably not my cup of tea was my initial reaction. But I was proven wrong, as Michael Easter’s The Comfort Crisis is a fascinating read. A look at how hardship refines and causes growth, this one left me with lots to ruminate on. Definitely worth a read.

• Speaking of books, I’m working on revisions for the middle grade book that I mentioned back in January. I finished a rough draft this winter, then spent the spring editing. It’s had one early reader (hi mom!). “Your mom?” you ask. Yes, my mom. But hear me out: my mom is brutally honest and incredibly fair. That’s an unusual combination and in this case, a huge help. So I’m making my way back through the manuscript, incorporating her feedback. And I anticipate making an additional pass or two before handing the book off to friends and family by autumn. I’m also working on character sketches and illustrating a couple key scenes. It’s not fast progress (I started outlining this book fall of 2023), but it’s getting somewhere. And that feels good.

• These thumbprint cookies and coffee in the morning have been a winning combination.

• Actor Stephen Mangan on Desert Island Discs is a delight. What I love most about this episode are his thoughts about family and the role they’ve played in his career. It seems there’s a tendency lately for everyone to consider themselves a phoenix, popping up out of nothing. But in reality, for better or worse, we all come from someplace. And the way he speaks to this is beautiful. Also, if you’ve never watched Dirk Gently, stream it. It’s in my top ten television series of all time, ever.

• I have a publication date for the book I worked on last year, but it doesn’t look like it’s popped up for pre-order yet. Soon! Here’s a hint: think fairy tales.

• I’m back to laying down random paint blobs and shapes, then forcing myself to work with those amorphous forms in my sketchbook. It’s been a good way to loosen up and to problem solve on the fly. I’m hoping to make a post about that next month.