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Root and Bud


I love the way that life pools in themes. This past month I chose a few books that had been recommended to me (by one of the few people I take books recommendations from) and they all ended up being based on mythology (two Greek, one Norse). Our bookclub book for the month was based on Greek mythology, and I listened to Neil Gaiman read his Norse Mythology while driving to and from a campground several hours away (it seemed fitting, as his retellings would not be unsuitable for a fireside gathering). My partner and I were also gifted an overnight date opportunity and part of that was spent watching The Eternals, which I was pleasantly surprised to discover was in the "origin of mythological characters" genre (one of my favorite tropes).

My knitting projects for the month ended up all being for children (my own, and other's), between reading and working on my ongoing organizing project (I managed to practically double the size of our small kitchen, which feat I am quite proud of) and that one week where we all had a sniffle and rested a lot.

So in terms of roots, I went way back (with the mythology) and also explored the little growing sprouts and how they need to be cared for. Something that I've been practicing of late is really examining which hills are worth dying on, and it turns out there are surprisingly few (somewhat to my disappointment, as I will argue recreationally and find it quite natural to reflexively plant flags and wear myself out defending them). But someone in a podcast I listened to last week mentioned that, while things can be destroyed in an instant, growth occurs slowly over time and I've been thinking about that ever since. I'd rather spend my energy tending than destroying, and enjoying the fruit of positive labor rather than cleaning up after a storm of my own making.

I feel rested and refreshed, and with a crackling wood wick candle on my desk and a simmer pot on the stove (serving the dual purpose of humidifying our home and also making it smell delightful), I'm ready to move into a sparkling solstice season.
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