Late day in the Cedarvale Park ravine
of not having painted...yet. Does that happen to you?
It was a run around day -- but thoroughly pleasant. My
chores were ridiculously fun -- go to the market and
talk to the jam lady about her preserves. (Did I mention
that her Summer Surprise Jam is the kind of jam you
dream about when you haven't eaten all day. A combination
of peaches, apricots and maybe some kind of berry, it
is a thick, rich, deep peach colour and tastes like summer,
like every freshly picked piece of fruit that went into it.)
I bought flowers for a friend who had a baby months ago,
and the flower lady twirled the white freesias and the mystery
flower I can never name, also white around the roses in
the center, then wrapped the whole idyllic bouquet in
blue and white paper.
The lady selling the carrots at the market, was laughing and
singing and popped a radish and a beet into my cloth
shopping bag with the carrots, for my heart and spirit. I
loved her. In a whirl of 15 minutes or so at closing time
my friend and I bought as much as we could while still
enjoying conversations with the sellers, and walked out
brimming with a contagious cheerfulness.
Then I headed out to buy wine for a friend who did me
a major favour, and dropped that off only to be invited
in with Steven to sample the gift, and talk about Italy and art.
Does it matter that the painting hasn't been touched, that
the essays I should read are piled beside my bed, that
my emails go unanswered? Tomorrow it will.
Feasting on squash soup from a market lady and home
made crackers with Steven at lunch, and adding some
market chutney to my dish as Steven and I ate a late
dinner, of Pacific salmon, rice and salad, I concluded
that that was what mattered -- that lovely moment in
the kitchen with the candles, and roses, the cat getting
his claw stuck in Steven's sweater as he begged for
salmon, the dog's head on my lap, and staring, imploring
me for salmon. The sheer bliss of a quiet meal together.
All five of us (The two of us, two cats and the dog.)
As for what to show you. I hope I come up with something.
Have a knowing-what-matters day.
6 comments:
Hi Barbara, how totally opposite our days were. I didn't even go out side and I managed a bit of painting while I was in. Loved it. Today tho, I gotta get out and get a little sun. It looks as tho there's gonna be some. Enjoy your day doing the inside stuff.
EW
Hi Eldon,
It was so warm here today that people were out in their T-shirts. The geranium in the backyard is blooming again. I am slowly crossing items off a long, long to do list.
Take care,
Barbara
It sounds like the perfect soul nourishing day and I'm certain that your "contagious cheerfulness"
was a joy to all that came in contact you - and that matters!!!
This was a wonderful post. You have such a delightful way of describing your mundane errands. I imagine it always wonderful and filled with flowers where you live. I actually think that you must exude the essence of flowers wherever you go.
On a side note... I awarded you Best Blog Award. It is supposed to come with tagging responsibilities but I didn't even mention that in the post so please don't feel any obligation. I just wanted to share your blog with others. I said a little bit about your blog and included your link.
Hi Linny,
Thanks so much. It was the perfect day. At this time of year there is so much going on, that just stepping out of the routine feels wonderful!
Your cheerfulness is certainly contagious.
Take care,
Barbara
Hi LeSan,
Thanks so much for the Best Blog Award. I am so honoured. I can't seem to load anymore gadgets onto my site, but I will write this up in a few days when I have a bit more time.
Thanks again,
Barbara
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