Monday
I open my laptop and brace myself for a mountain of unread emails. It’s not too bad. The fall semester is creeping closer, and I’m quietly grateful I got ahead of the work before we left.
I take a late lunch and head to the park with Henry. We practice his loose-leash walking and building his confidence. He jumps up onto the stone wall by the playground and prances along it. I have a feeling he thinks he’s one of the kids.
When I get home, I make fruit scones. Once they’re out of the oven, I put them on the cooling rack and promise myself I’ll wait until they’ve cooled before having one.
It takes exactly two minutes to break that promise.
I slather one with strawberry jam.
Tuesday
A beautifully ordinary Tuesday. An early morning walk. I see the family of deer again. The babies look like they’re getting bigger. I know the feeling.
Wednesday
Do you ever feel you are in the midst of a full moon cycle before you know that you’re in one? That’s how I have been feeling lately. Powerful forces are colliding, and it’s jostling me back and forth. I have a cosmic headache.
Out to dinner with a friend, I order fries with mayo. It takes me back to the time Ger and I were in Amsterdam on our honeymoon. We ordered patatje speciaal (fries and mayonnaise) from an open-air market.
I think this was just before I wrecked the canal boat on the Prinsengracht.
Thursday
I put my top back on after my mammogram and decide to treat myself to a latte before going back to work. I have my book with me and read a few pages exploring the psychological meaning behind the story of Vasalisa and Baba Yaga, the wild woman.
To drown out the pop music, I put on my headphones and get lost in the sound of Celtic fiddle music from the Scottish Highlands.
Somehow, I feel powerful. Connected to my inner Baba Yaga. Connected to this Celtic version of myself.
Friday
My body often knows the seasons are changing before the calendar says so.
I wake up and the light is different. I’m tired. I don’t have the same drive to get up and work out that I did a few weeks ago.
A little voice in my head says, It’s time to rest. Go slow. Enjoy the stillness of the morning.
Maybe I should listen.
Saturday
