Celebrating today with Ruth Ayres and others who share.
I just finished reading posts for Poetry Friday, and need to share a part of one post with all of you. This excerpt from a shared poem connects to our celebrations, a new-to-me way of collecting beauty from our daily lives.
If a man in China can keep ten thousand dollars' worth
of caterpillars in a metal box underneath his bed
for medicine, then I want to collect flakes of light
for those winter months where we go a whole week
without seeing a slice of sun. The light I want to collect
is free. Can't be sold as a cure for muscle ache
or to ward off evil eye. I write this in August. It should be
illegal to talk about snow in Western New York now.
from The Light I Collect by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
of caterpillars in a metal box underneath his bed
for medicine, then I want to collect flakes of light
for those winter months where we go a whole week
without seeing a slice of sun. The light I want to collect
is free. Can't be sold as a cure for muscle ache
or to ward off evil eye. I write this in August. It should be
illegal to talk about snow in Western New York now.
from The Light I Collect by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
My 'flakes of light' brighten my world.
Spending time
— with Imogene, and having her read to me. She's just beginning and is having a wonderful time looking at all the books she's loved before, but now, can read them herself!
— with Ingrid, sewing pillows for Imogene and herself. She's learning all about the sewing machine, how to fill a bobbin, thread the machine, push on the pedal just enough. She has been hand-sewing for a few years, now is making the tiniest stitches.
— reading. There are so many wonderful books, new and old. I just re-read To Kill A Mockingbird. It is still one that both warms and breaks your heart.
— noticing! Remember that I have a garden that grows "outside" my own fence, the one where I madly fight the bindweed? Also, I continue to share that we need rain or snow, are so, so dry. It's a season of "brown". But a day or so ago I looked out at this garden, and some of the bushes have grown green sprouts, a beautiful green topping!
— fixing! My front door latch stopped working. I swabbed a little WD-40 into it, and it can now open again!
— writing! For a friend's birthday celebration, I joined her February challenge in a closed FB group and wrote a poem a day. From the warm-up to the wind-down, that meant 43 poems! It is a habit to write every day, but not always a poem. I'm pleased that I did it!
I'm wishing you your own discoveries of "flakes of light" this week!
photo credit: Alexey Kljatov (ChaoticMind75) Snowflake macro: ice dust via photopin (license)
What beautiful light with Imogene and Ingrid! Rereading favorites- I’ve been doing that, too. It started with Wrinkle in Time (going to the movie with teacher- friends today) and has continued with Pictures of Hollis Woods and then Love that Dog. Next Hate that Cat and Walk Two Moons.
ReplyDeleteBut one that really stood out- fixing! I know how that feels. It makes you feel so strong, just fixing a simple household problem by yourself.
I've had A Wrinkle In Time sitting, waiting, hoping soon! I do want to re-read before seeing the movie. I hope you like it, Diane! Yes, that fixing makes me proud. I can do some things without calling someone to help! Thanks, hope you have a lovely day!
DeleteWhat a great connection from finding a beautiful poem and connecting it to your flakes of light. All your favorites are highlighted in a celebratory way, Linda. Enjoy all the flakes that come your way and stay warm. It is so cold here but the sun is shining so I celebrate.
ReplyDeleteIt's a little cooler today, but still near 60. We have clouds swirling, but no rain as they thought "might" happen. Yes, still I have flakes of light to count on. Thanks, Carol!
DeleteFlakes of light - wonderful image! Thanks for sharing your lovely flakes with us each week. Kudos to you for writing a poem for 43 days! That's quite an accomplishment. I would love to send some rain your way. We're having sun for the next three days and temps in the 60s on Sunday and Monday before our rain returns.
ReplyDeleteI know about your rain, wishing we could share for sure! Hope your visit with Teddy has been fabulous, though I imagine you're a bit tired about now. Thanks, Ramona.
DeleteWe all need flakes of light in our world. Your world is full of light when you get to spend time with those precious granddaughters. My world lights up when I can see my granddaughters.
ReplyDeleteI know that it does, Elsie, I wish you were closer as I wish about Carter. Happy times! Thanks!
DeleteI am glad we have this Saturday meeting place at Ruth's. Sharing celebrations is a party.
ReplyDeleteIt is a party, you're right, so great to connect each week, Terje. Thanks!
DeleteI love your images of flakes of light-it is a lovely way to look at celebrations. And congratulations for writing so many poems! What an amazing accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed at how my insights have changed when I reread something-it usually makes me love a book even more.
Yes, I agree. Re-reading and contemplating a book at different times in one's life means something very different, too. I've read a number of people who have different views of A Wrinkle In Time recently. I still need to read it, but wonder if it is a magical book that holds that magic only in the first reading? I guess I'll see! Thanks, Trina!
DeleteWhat a wonderful collection of light flakes. It reminds me of the glittery light at the end of the movie A Wrinkle in Time. Light is surely a blessing that cheers the heart.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm really looking forward to seeing A Wrinkle In Time. Yes, it is a blessing! Thanks, Crystal!
DeleteWhat a lovely post. I wish you a good week and look forward to next Poetry Friday here with you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post and concept. We need those "flakes" to provide hope and solace in the dark times.
ReplyDelete