A quiet lovely day of solitude with letters and books

I must say that today was a lovely quiet day,

one of those days that one cannot conjure up for oneself

but receives as a gift. 

I so enjoyed reading the book on Guernsey

namely, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

This article is lovely to read about the two authors.

Of course those who love that book should read Elizabeth Goudge

who has books set there and, even more, her Mother is from there.

See especially her book Green Dolphin Street. 

Anyway, it was such a lovely time,

reading this book and also writing various letters and cards by hand.

I had been dreaming of doing this for some time, but knew I needed to wait

until the 12 days of Christmas and Theophany would be over. 

Anyone who has been reading my blog for a while

will know that I love hosting lunches, dinners and teas, etc!

But they take time to plan, prepare and actually do! 

So it's been nice to have a quiet day and to actually write letters.

There is something about letter writing by hand that is so much

better than being online even...

Of course I got to get my pretty stationary out, much of it

either gifts or found at the VNA rummage sale. 

***

I wrote this earlier on social media about the English Muffin picture:

If one could write of the glories of a perfect (soft yet toasted, just the right thickness) English Muffin, they would have lost their chance, as I just ate it as if eating the finest french croissant.... and with that glorious perfect spoon of jam on each one....

***

It really was most lovely.

***

Tomorrow is a busier day, but one that should be fun!

A dear friend of mine here and I are going to NYC!

And I am on the hunt for a jam that I had in Holland!

An exquisite perfect apricot jam that is just so 

perfect.  I find that as I get older, I am more aware not only of 

beauty around me but of the great enjoyment that a good jam 

on bread or a warm cup of tea gives. 

I find both quote consoling and hope I never have to go 

without them....I have been luxuriating on tea, jam and stationary...

as if all the quiet thankfulness just flowed out...

***

I am also aware that right now I am in a brief time of rest and that

Great Lent is coming soon!

I remember years ago hearing a young nun tell a family member how

during the fast-free week (that's next week) she was given some

time to rest and do as she pleased.  Crocheting was chosen, to the delight of all.

But I think that is so wise. The rest before the huge effort of

Great Lent.... I feel like that the time of the 12 days of Christmas and 

a bit afterwards is like that for me; this year and last I read some fun

books on food (books by or on Julia Child and this year Judith Jones,

Julia Child's editor, etc) and these are not only enjoyable 

but, to me, quite restful and invigorating at the same time.

***

I was going to make that Turkey cream pasta tomorrow but we've decided 

instead to eat in NYC and do that dish on Saturday.

I made a vegan stir fry for dinner tonight.

It was not the greatest. 

Clearly I have a lot to learn about doing a proper stir-fry

and won't buy that premade item again as it just did not work for me.

But that's OK. There is time and I am slowly learning

various cooking techniques and tricks and am just feeling 

so full of blessings and the gift of today, 

with a uplifting book and letters written. 

***

And I am trying to focus on thanksgiving and to cut off

thoughts that are more in a trajectory of unrest...

Rest and thanksgiving are irrevocably linked...