Another year older!

My birthday was 2 days ago, and just like every year I chose a birthday theme song. This year it was "We Will Not Grow Old" by Lenka. Although the song is about a couple in a new relationship (which doesn't apply to me at all!) I just loved singing the title line with gusto in the kitchen, car, or wherever I happened to be on Tuesday.

Besides the little handmade gifts from my kids, my favorite part of the day was when my husband said "You really don't seem as old you are at all. Although sometimes you seem like you should have been born in the pioneer days with what you like to do." I'll take that as a compliment! And I'll go bake me a cherry pie from scratch while I listen to my very hip Lenka!

Lilacs & Moonbeams

Lilacs in dooryards

Hold quiet conversations with an early moon.

-Amy Lowell

Reading, Watching, Listening

I can't believe how time goes and that it's been so long since I posted - I had my husband's birthday and Easter at my house and spun out of control for a little while there. Anyway, here's what I plan on enjoying when I find a spare moment or two:

Reading:

Around the House and In the Garden by Dominique Browning (recommended by Nan of Letters from a Hill Farm)

I also just finished A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson about his hike on the Appalachian Trail. I haven't laughed that hard out loud from a book in a long time, and I plan to get Notes from a Small Island next.

And, since I've read it no less than 50 times the last 2 weeks, I must mention the children's book Little Hoot about an owl who actually wants to go to bed. My 5-year-old can now be heard saying "I don't give a hoot!" while playing with friends and/or stuffed animals.

Watching:

The Straight Story on DVD - "A heartwarming and poignant drama chronicling the story of Alvin Straight, an elderly man who drives his John Deere lawnmower 260 miles to make amends with his brother in Wisconsin."

Listening:

I still can't get enough of Brett Dennen! I also recently got Mason Jennings "In the Ever" from the library, but haven't had a chance to listen to it.

Of course I had Nick Drake's Pink Moon on repeat last week for the real full Pink Moon. Despite it's supposed sad meaning, it's one of my favorite songs of all time. I choose not to think too deeply about it and instead just picture a magical moonlit night (or a Volkswagon commercial).

Wit, Wisdom, & Rain

"On a day when I had wanted to work outside, had bought garden seeds and made plans, I woke up to rain - slow, steady, drippy, soaking rain. It's hard not to be disappointed. But the weather is nature's way of reminding me who is in charge, who makes the big decisions. The rain put me in my place."

From Living a Country Year - Wit and Wisdom from the Good Old Days by Jerry Apps