Springing

Spring, it sneaks up on you sometimes, when you aren't paying attention.

Flowers burst into bloom, even when there are still snowy days, off and on.

The perennials from last year stir themselves into life. So far, all have come back. This year, I will add a few more, along with the annuals to fill in. Eventually, it will be a full perennial garden, with flowers blooming at different times. And I can do that, now, since I've made the decision to stay here, in Butte and in this little house.

And I am doing things, things that I would normally look longingly at, but would somehow come up with an excuse for not doing. Like going to the ball (even without the pumpkin coach and fairy godmother).

Since the Courthouse Centennial Ball requires period clothing, I will be attempting to construct a 1912~ish ball gown. Some of it will be sewn on a machine, and some of it will be sewn by hand. I'm feeling both exhilarated and terrified all at the same time. 

The fabrics are a combination of thrifted dress, lace curtains, and satin, chiffon, and tulle bought on sale.

Mostly, I've been living, just living here, now, in this place, with me as I am now. And enjoying an occasional latte (iced this time) and sometimes a tasty treat (here, a cupcake frosted to look like a rose). If you look, life is full of beautiful ordinariness.

And I've been collecting things, for reasons I'm not sure of yet, and trusting myself to know somewhere in my head what the reasons are. The forces of creativity and making are quietly gathering strength, and somewhere, all these little magpie bits will come into play.

Since I've decided to stay here, in this place and house, I've been organizing. Suddenly, all the things that were "good enough" for now, in case I moved and left them all behind, don't quite cut it. I'm finding ways to use space well, to fit the things I want and need, and to get rid of the things that aren't beautiful and useful.

I bought shoes. More Keens. Because I love them. And because I have worn my green pair into the ground. And because buying a pair was on my birthday list.

I have been taking care of Callie. Even though we've increase her medication dosage, her thyroid levels still keep climbing. It's something that may stabilize, or her thyroid may just be giving out. I took her to see a holistic vet, who did a combination of massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture. I'm learning to just go with what is, and to cherish my days with her. She'll be 17 next month, and she is still my heart.

The inside flowers are blooming happily. In another 2-3 weeks, they'll get to go outside for the summer.

Things are opening, and blooming, and stretching out into the sunshine.