It’s finally feeling more like Spring this week, and I’m getting the jolt of energy I often do that comes with sunshine, grass that’s greening up, and crisp air that calls me outside. I did some work outside in the garden, but I’ve mostly been focusing my energy inside, organizing and purging while I’m motivated and willing to be ruthless. I’m going to continue with that work for a few more days, while still spending some time outside to weed and tend. I hope to get into some bigger outdoor projects in a week or two. There’s planting, painting trim, power washing, mulching, and we’ll be opening the pool in a few weeks. And, of course, I’ll still be chipping away at projects in the basement.
It’s been a good week, though, with much to show for my efforts.
So, here are my four things: birdwatching and record keeping collide, learning new things about my eldest son, unappreciated miracles, and letting go.
what I’m reading
I met with Stephanie, a friend I made through a mastermind group, last week to check in on projects and discuss our creative businesses. Somehow, we meandered into birdwatching. She asked if I owned and/or read Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan. No, I didn’t own it and haven’t read it, but it’s on my wishlist. She threw out a hypothetical, “Let’s say this book shows up on your doorstep. Would you be mad about that at all?”
Wouldn’t you know, the book arrived on my doorstep the next day and I wasn’t mad about it at all. (She’s a great friend!)
I had to wait for an appointment last week, so I brought that along and started reading it. It really is a wonderful journey not only into birdwatching but into appreciating the wonders of nature, sharpening observation skills, and patiently growing as an artist. I’ve just cracked into it, but I’m enjoying it so far.
what I’m watching
Marshall, my oldest son, has been sick this week (I suspect the same virus just keeps churning around our house, jumping from one host to another), and he asked if I would watch a movie with him. I expected the movie would be an action flick, but he wanted to watch the 2015 version of Macbeth. I thought this might be a remake with updated language. While it is edited for time, it is thoroughly Shakespeare. About ten minutes in, I realized I needed to read a synopsis of Macbeth so I could grasp the plot, since it’s been a long time since I read the play. The costumes, scenery, and acting are all stunning to watch, so I enjoyed it immensely, but my favorite part of watching the movie was learning something about Marshall.
He paused the movie on several occasions because he thought a line was so good and wanted to hear it again. As a writer, a lover of a beautiful turn of phrase, it was really nice to see he appreciated good writing, some of the best writing, as well. We talked about the lines we liked the best and how we would interpret them today. We talked about how amazing it is that average lower-class workers, many of whom were illiterate, enjoyed and understood Shakespeare’s plays. And we talked about how many story lines and themes are borrowed from Shakespeare’s works in movies and books made today. It was a sweet time.
what I’m loving
In Amy Tan’s book, she shared that 75% of songbirds die before they reach adulthood. For that reason, she views every adult songbird she observes as a miracle. First of all, I love having my eyes opened to that fact. Second, I love that I’ve been invited to see something I viewed as common, an adult songbird, as a miracle.
It made me wonder how many miracles go completely unnoticed.
what I’m working on
If you’ve been reading my blog this week and/or watching my Stories on Instagram, you know I’ve been going through my house like a whirling dervish. I’m not doing the fine, detailed organizing work, but I’m grabbing anything I’m ready to get rid of. I’m making trips to the thrift store and making piles for vendors and friends to buy. I’ve been a little distracted by it and probably spent too much time on it this week (I haven’t painted since Monday), but that’s the way spurts of motivation happen, and I’ve learned to just go along with them if my schedule allows.
What have you been reading, watching, loving, or working on this week?
15 Responses
Last weekend I watched North & South which I loved and this week i am listending to the audiobook because I know it will afford much more backstory than the mini series.
I caught the Terrible, Bad, Awful Cold that my children have had and it’s really keeping me from getting things done. I did move my seedlings off my kitchen counters and onto shelves with grow lights to give them a boost (and clear up some counter space). I need to get some things planted in the garden but I don’t have the energy right now, so I’m eating popsicles to soothe my throat and I started to watch Cranford. I’m really enjoying it so far.
My husband is a bird lover as am I. Watching them out of my kitchen window has led to many a burnt meal. Do you think it would be a good gift for Father’s Day?
I’ve been watching Call The Midwife and I’m just loving it!! It’s the type of show that makes you happy by the time you reach the end of the episode. So refreshing since there are so many shows with violence and unnecessary language. Would highly recommend if you haven’t already watched it.
I love that your son asked for a classic and wanted to recall a line or two – that is amazing in today’s teenagers and you and your husband are to thank for instilling that kind of intellect in your children. Well played, Marian!! We are big time bird watchers here and that is a great book. YAY! (Reminder – my business, my blog I have neglected and our home is named Finch Rest.)
I am limiting my computer time for the next few days, so I will wish you a very blessed Easter. Holy Thursday begins it all……for God so loved the world that He sent his Only Begotten Son……
I lived in Fayette County, GA and had tons of different birds. Chickadees, nuthatches, cardinals, different types of woodpeckers, cardinals, finches and my favorite passing through this time of year red breasted grosbeak. I thought everybody had all types of birds. We moved two years ago further south to the country. Put out a feeder and waited for all the birds to come. And waited and waited. Took nearly a year to get any type of bird. I have mainly house finches, a few cardinals, cowbirds, doves and saw one male gold finch. I will now appreciate all the birds I have. Even the cowbirds. I have Amy Tans book and look forward to reading it.
We did watch episodes 3 and 4 of the British Amazing Race and loved them. Thank you for the recommendations!
You’re getting rid of your antique bread box????!!?? That was such a great and rare find!
I love Shakespeare, but particularly Macbeth, and I haven’t seen this version, so I’m looking forward to watching it. Thanks for the suggestion! I’ve been watching The Repair Shop – it’s a channel on Prime Video. You would probably love it. Lots of (English) family antiques.
Netflix has a really good, and humorous series created by Shonda Rhimes (Bridgerton) called The Residence. It’s a murder mystery that takes place in The White House. Not only is it fascinating how they recreated all of the rooms in the WH, but the detective is also a bird watcher who sketches and journals everything, and that figures into the plot a lot. It’s right up your alley!
I’m putting up my hummingbird feeder and a hummingbird swing. I did know that hummingbirds need a swing or perch to rest on after they feed. I’m excited to try the swing for the first time! Hopefully it will attract more hummingbirds. Thank you for your suggestions. Great ideas!
Your bird painting is gorgeous. You have quite a talent.
Habitat loss, pesticides, and feral and domestic cats are the main causes of bird deaths. Outdoor feral and domestic cats kill an estimated 1 to over 3 billion birds each year. It’s a small measure, but keeping your cats indoors would help a little.
I second The Residence as the repartee is witty and the insight into birds is fascinating.
It’s funny that I read this post today while taking a break.
Only this morning when I peaked through the blinds did I see my first Indigo Bunting at the feeder. The color is mesmerizing! Our tiny humming birds have found their feeder which had to be relocated a distance from the bird feeders we put up. I have two geese resting further out in my yard. Ahhhh, it’s a beautiful day as we recognize the anguish Jesus experienced for us, I am thankful for these bits of beauty that fill my soul.
Love the painting! And what a sweet book. I need to document more.
I looked at your massive amount of stoneware and thought, my goodness, that has to be cleaned! I am a minimalist with maximalist kids. My big table was usually full, I needed dinnerware, cookware to accommodate that number of mouths to feed. Slowly, the kids left the house and dropped off stuff to keep for if. My roofs had to be replaced, and the attics had to be emptied. I told them to come and take or bring away things. Later, my kids changed homes, dorms, etc. Again, drop all at our moms. I never get this house free of clutter! Isn’t it wonderful to see kids grow into people who absorb? Such an interesting and formative phase.
I love when you do these posts! Did you happen to watch The Residence on Netflix? Its a Closed Room Mystery akin to the Orient Express but it takes place in the modern day White House. The Inspector in it is an avid Bird Watcher this post made me think of that and I totally thought you were going to say you were watching that! It’s funny and entertaining and not the normal period drama you are normally drawn to, but you might like it for the ornithology references if anything.