February lasted all of 30 seconds, even with the extra day. My favorite part of February are the last days when the light starts to change. I can glance up from my desk at 4 pm and the sun is still shining, more golden than pale and wan. So here is what I have been doing in those 30 seconds:
Auditioning: I auditioned for “Listen to Your Mother” this past Saturday and loved every single moment. From crafting a piece that was five minutes in length to the butterflies that fluttered clear down to my toes on Saturday. It felt awfully nice to be speaking again and even should I not be selected, it was a magical moment that I shall treasure.
Reading: “The Stranger in My Recliner” by Doreen M. McGettigan. I couldn’t put it down, such a great story. “The Name of God is Mercy” by Pope Francis. Another one I could not put down, it was like having coffee with the Pope. “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown, it looks like my highlighter exploded and has little post-it-note flags sticking out from dozens of pages. “Interior Freedom” by Jacques Philippe. Small bites for this one, only on page 31.
Attending: Climate Change: This Time, It’s Personal with Andrew Revkin. An event sponsored by Creative Nonfiction at the Marian Koshland Science Museum in Washington, DC. He was joined by Lee Gutkind, founding editor of Creative Nonfiction, and Daniel Sarewitz, coeditor of Issues in Science and Technology; Andrew’s essay appears in the current issues of both magazines. What a engaging evening. The discussion was not so much about global warming as it was about using personal narrative to tell a story, to start a dialogue and bridge a gap. My brain is still buzzing with the great conversation.
Learning: I am on spring break with the Living Brave Semester with Brene Brown. The first part was life-changing. Hard work. I love how she paces her course, Brene allows time to be confused and uncomfortable. We start back up next Monday and I feel rested and ready.
Baking: I baked a Blood Orange Infused Olive Oil cake. Oh my. Better if it can sit for a day, not sweet – but not exactly savory. It tastes like another slice! Goes exceptionally well with coffee. I want to try a lemon olive oil cake next.
Day Tripping: We attended the Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens. Soul restoring. Then we went in search of Nomadic Pies in Kennett Square, PA. It was so good that sometimes we look at each other and actually consider driving two hours one way for a slice of pie. They have both savory and sweet pies, served on beautiful mismatched china plates and real silverware. Now we dream of pie everyday.
Brewing: The Brew Crew got together and brewed a Honey Weizen and a Lawnmower Saison. Both golden ales, lighter for the warmer months. We have two five-gallon carboys in our family room enjoying their secondary fermentation. We will bottle the brews sometime in March.
Painting: I attended my second painting party in February and had a remarkable experience. Painting, like writing, tells our story to ourselves. I have signed up for two more painting parties in March. March is Justin’s birth month, a month of paradox. Every herald of spring is a reminder of his birth and death. I find Justin’s birthday and death anniversary grueling. I am learning to build in windows of respite during those times, things that nurture my soul.
Thank you for the visit, my coffee cup is empty and the husky is winking his one blue eye at me, he wants to chase squirrels. I wish each of you a peace filled day and a March filled with whimsical and soul restoring moments.
Love, Terri
Now that is a February full of accomplishment. I’m so happy to hear the audition was a success and that you have made so much progress in other ways. (Interesting that Justin and Adam’s birth/death months are switched.)
I will keep you posted about the audition. And yes, our boys, birth and death, hard months. Thinking of you this week especially.
For a month that only lasted 30 seconds you sure accomplished quite a bit. Congratulations on auditioning for “Listen to your mother”, I get a queasy stomach just thinking about doing something like that.
Hello Karen,
Thank you for the gift of your time to visit and comment! I still have a queasy stomach waiting to find out. Wishing you some gentle moments.
Sounds like a very full 30 seconds and a wonderful and productive month! Hoping the audition was a success!
Hello Shari, how nice to meet you. Thank you for visiting and your note. Looking back, February did have some lovely moments. I have not been doing these monthly coffee posts long, but they are my favorite. They help me to remember the good. Thank you for your good wishes on the audition, I shall know soon. Wishing you a very peace filled week.
Terri, I feel the same way about the light! It’s so nice to have it last longer. Your month of learning sounds wonderful. And so glad you enjoyed your audition! My fingers are crossed for you, but thrilled it was a positive experience. Finally, that pie place is an hour and a half from me so if you ever want to meet for a slice, let me know 🙂
A pie date sounds heavenly Dana! Thank you for all the good thoughts for LTYM, I am so thrilled to tell you that I am part of the 2016 cast for Baltimore! Thank you for the gift of your friendship and encouragement!
YAY!!!!!!! OMG I am so so so so excited for you! I seriously got chills reading this. Congrats a thousand times over. Let me know when the show is, maybe I can come 🙂 xoxoxo
Thank you Dana! I am hot, cold, eating dark chocolate, and trying to remember to breathe. The show is April 23, I will post more details as they become available.