Quotidian Notes

Today is the very last Friday before Lent. It's cold and clear, with a bitter wind that kicks up to blow the snow around us every now and again. We are preparing for a bonfire. My husband turns 30 on Sunday. I can't believe we're out of our twenties now, we're adults. Grounded, stable, rooted to our little homestead. I don't feel old at all.

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Lent is exciting. Every year I look forward to starting the fast. This year especially. The cold has kept me sluggish and restless and tired. I've committed to a Lenten schedule that will hopefully wake me up, order my mind, and nourish my relationships. I'll write more about it later, but essentially, it's my Fast combined with a semi-monastic schedule and some healthy, energizing additions (lemon, ginger, and honey in hot water each morning; fasting on our oil-free days [in a 'minimal food' way, not a 'no food' way..I'm not that good!]; and a consistent time in the middle of the day set aside to read and pray with Yarrow at her tiny altar..I can't wait!..almost..after one more visit to my favorite cafe, and one more pint of Raw Jersey Cream...(I'm going to die without it this year. I. Love. That. Cream.)

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If you haven't read it yet, please check out my dear friend Jenna's post: Expressions of Love - Holding on to the Gay People in Your Catholic Life. I found it absolutely beautiful and so full of loving kindness.

 

 My sister-in-law (who lives in the south -safe from all the snow) sent us peach-pepper relish for Christmas. I love her Christmas packages: peach, fig, pepper perseveres.. things that taste long warm days and too much sunshine. Thank you, dear sister, for making the winter-nights just a little bit warmer!