Monday, April 09, 2012

Ambushed by Contentment





It was not your traditional Easter here. With such a skeleton crew, it's difficult to get worked up about it. The Bean was home. Turned a quarter century very quietly yesterday.




Spent some time talking to siblings by phone, but, funnily enough, showed no interest in hunting for eggs on Easter morning! Not like when he and his brothers and sisters were little, and sleep deprivation was the order of the day, and still they'd come bouncing into our bed before dawn, all excited to start the hunt. "It's the middle of the night go back to bed there's a good child come back in the morning when your mother's not in a coma from staying up late hiding painted eggs and organizing Easter baskets" fell on deaf ears, and, awake or not, the hunt was on. What fun we had! But in your twenties? Not that interested....Unless you have little people of your own, then the craziness starts all over, but we're in no hurry to go there. It was nice to sleep 'til we woke.

Even though it would have been nice to have everyone here, I was happy knowing that Oldest Son and the OC were getting together up north, closing the five hour driving gap to spend the weekend together.

And, Joy of Joys, Sister-in-law has reluctantly left her house and beloved garden up north and returned to play nursemaid to the Prince. He could hardly wait for her to get here but started arguing with her before she had her suitcase unpacked! We'll see how long she can last this time..... Meanwhile, respite for moi!

The Bean took himself off to hit little white balls for the afternoon leaving me on an island of blissful tranquility---several uninterrupted hours to sit outside, sipping my lemon water, immersed in my book---The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Marukami which Oldest Son and I are reading together, comparing notes as we go. So far, very interesting. [Yes, Birdy, this is for you!]

Meanwhile a fat little red bird [a cardinal, I think] was chirping persistently and noisily in one of the pine trees with the low, throaty coo of doves as his backup....




Between chapters I paused to fill my lungs with the intoxicating perfume of the confederate jasmine that is indulging in some riotous living at the moment, unhampered by the pruning it so desperately needs.




A different, but equally intoxicating aroma wafted out from the kitchen----the aroma of roasting lamb with overtones of garlic and herbs..... 

As the sun sank lower, throwing exaggerated tree shadows across the grass, I felt peaceful and contented. It's a feeling that sneaks up when you're least expecting it. Petty worries and nagging aggravations just melt off into the trees for a while, letting you enjoy this moment. Now.







All in all, a lovely day. I hope you all had one just as lovely.

10 comments:

Relatively Retiring said...

What a lovely day. Thank you for sharing the perfect balance of company and solitude. I love that last photo.

Birdydownunder said...

Easter Greetings Molly. I too lacked the interest for hunting Eggs this am.
Lovely photo of The Bean and The Girlfriend.
Hope the SiL lasts a while to give you a chance to read.
Yes I have just put the book on my wishlist...must finish The Key to Kingsnorth Place and The Kitchen House First.
Asthis comment is so long anyway can I enquire whether there is a pattern for the 5th delightful bag you stitched.

StitchinByTheLake said...

Days like that are such a joy. It was an overcast day here yesterday but warm enough to get in an afternoon walk accompanied by the distant sounds of laughing children playing in the neighbor's backyards. I don't miss the days of hiding eggs but I do miss seeing the bright eyed faces anticipating that hunt. blessings, marlene

Stomper Girl said...

Happy Easter Molly! I'm glad to hear you are getting some respite.

Pam said...

Well, have had lovelier but the Grandson and his parents were here so that helps a lot.

Thanks for sharing your happy day. I do find that reading of other people's happiness cheers me up - (as long as they're not TOO pleased with themselves...).

Calvin said...

Glad you had such a great day. Days like that are real treasures and sometimes all too rare.

Thimbleanna said...

It sounds like you had a perfect day Molly! Enjoy your break from the Prince -- I hope it's a long one!

Gillie said...

Your weather sounds a lot better than ours, here it was well, grey. And wet. Very wet. Here's to many more sneaky moments and lovely books.

Ali Honey said...

Sounds lovely to me! Nice collection of little eggs there.
Ah a rest from the prince......lets hope quite a long one!

Pauline said...

Ah, sounds like a perfect day. Good to notice those moments when they creep up - and enjoy them completely :)