Oh, that sun

Oh, the sun. It continues to shine, and promises to through the weekend as well. It's restorative powers? Tremendous. It feels as though everything really is okay when the sun is shining. We're all walking around as though we've never seen it before, chasing the sunbeams through the house, and being outside as long and as much as we possibly can. I can feel the energy lift in those around us, too...despite the hardships that I know many in our area have gone through this past week, there's a lightness and a breathe for everyone in the sun's return. It certainly makes the hard work of cleaning up, much much easier. Thanks again for all of your sweet words of kindness this week. They are so much appreciated.

I think that storm was the last final push of the season, and now on the other side of it, with the sun, comes spring that I am welcoming with deep gratitude. I've retired the banner of snowy robins above. And though I usually keep my banners seasonal, in a desperate need for green, I used this photo from last summer. It's Ezra, playing in the Penobscot's West Branch riverside - the river most near and dear to our hearts and our past. I remember that day and moment so clearly, as he laid belly-down on the river's edge, and ran the sand through his fingers over and over, singing softly. There were no toys around but the ones the Earth provides us, and he couldn't have felt more 'full' of things to do. He brought this rich handful up from under the water to show me with delight. "Isn't it beautiful, Mama?" Yes, yes it is, my love.

This weekend, I'll be attempting a rather challenging photography project. One that will require overcoming some logistical challenges, many self-doubts about my ability, and especially, it will require lots of sun. For many reasons, the sun will help.

Once that is accomplished, there will be much time spent playing, laughing and soaking it up with my loves. That's one thing I'm very sure of.

A lovely weekend to you all.

Comments

[m]

I was just reading about how Spring is like the Earth's teenage years: impetuous, difficult, uncertain, remarkable, inspiring. Sounds like this past week has been like that in your neck of the woods.

Hope your family has a lovely weekend, too!

[sadira]

Enjoy every moment of your sun filled weekend and the Earth's own toys...

[Mama Urchin]

The wind is gone, the skies have cleared, and the sun is shining. We're enjoying it too.

[Amber]

Lovely quilt. And the banner photo speaks of summer fun! We live in a climate with tenuous amounts of sunshine and it makes us relish it all the more. At the moment, the sun is shining here, too, and we're enjoying its return!

[hannah]

oh yes. i love the sun, it makes my soul happy. so glad you are delighting in it as well!! have a good weekend, and i am curious about your project. good luck with it!

[UNIFORM Studio]

those two photos are gorgeous.
happy weekend to you.

[Heather in Washington State, USA]

Can't wait to see the results of your photo project. Do share all the particulars, like what lens and accessories you use. Have fun!

[dawna]

so glad for you that the sun has finally made a return to your landscape... enjoy it and your weekend!

[Grace]

Are you going to share your photography project with us?

Thanks for the story behind your new banner. It's a truly beautiful memory; you are very generous to share it with us. And, again, I think it's the best banner I've ever seen! Really!

[tricia]

oh. what a beautiful post.

[Meredith]

And to you too, Amanda. Thanks to all your inspiration, know that I've (sort of) conquered knitting, I am trying my hand at sewing my first tote bag this weekend. Will let you know how it turns out!

Good luck with your photography. Stay sunny!

[Veronica TM]

mmmmm, the sun and its powers! have a wonderful photography experience this weekend. love the banner and your words made it even better.

[Stacey O]

I love your new banner - to me that just embodies spring in Maine, the long sleeves pulled up, the wet dirt, ahhhhh. I try to forget about the weeks of rain we typically get in the spring and a good sunny day does wonders to help that along. Glad to hear things are going better -- I am sure your photo project will come out beautifully just as all your other projects do.

[jennifer]

thanks you for your sunshine, amanda. have a lovely weekend!

[Sofia]

Hi!
loved this little corner of yours :)
best wishes
Sofia

[Beth]

That Ezra, what a love. SO glad the sun is shining on you all while clean-up and recover goes on.

Hope you have a productive weekend!

[Cherie]

I've been enjoying your incredible photos! You have such a great outlook on life and seem very creative. I hope you have a beautiful, warm and sunny weekend.

[Mr. Caveman]

Dear Amanda,
I run the blog "vintagecaveman.wordpress.com", and a little while back I posted something I wrote called "Blogging from the North" in which I stated blogging genius rarely came around places like Maine (I myself, am a proud Mainer) because of the bad weather(It snowed in April}. Thanks to a reader and favorite blogger, I am shown your blog, and instantly struck speechless. Your writing is amazing, and the content of your posts are stunning. I almost feel embarassed my sub-par blog comes from the same state. It's nice to to see other Mainers out on the Interwebs.

thank you and have a great weekend,
VC

[Andrea]

Hi Amanda,

just a brief hello and have a nice weekend... after the trouble you had...

Greetings from Germany

Andrea

[Sarah]

The sun is luscious! Thank you so much for linking to the "Pearls Before Morning" story. It turns out my daughter Helen and I were at the Boston Symphony concert with Joshua Bell that was mentioned in the article. Helen, who is a budding young violinist, loved the article and swears that she would have stopped to listen :). It's a great reminder to just be in the moment and take in what's around you--wherever that may be. Sarah in VT

[Melissa!]

Thank you for the link to "Pearls Before Breakfast"- my daughters have been studying violin for 6 years (me as their piano accompanist - playing since I was 9.) I sent it to their Violin Teacher, too. Oh how we would have loved to been there that day!

[Chanin]

Hi Amanda,
I found this website and thought you might like it...in case you don't already know of it...

www.peacefleece.com

Missing Maine but Loving Oregon,
Chanin (Kimberly's friend)

PS. We are thinking of you all basking in the sunshine, finally :)

[Madeline R]

Amanda, It is good to see that you all have thawed out a bit up there! Just as I am getting envious of your life in Maine and wondering how I can go another year here in GA without rocky cliffs or at least a beach, your blog reminds me not just of the beauty of ME that I miss but also of the challenges. It's still magical. And after thrifting here today, I have to say I miss the northern yard sales and thrift stores too. But I do love our GA spring. Hope you get some baby birds chirping in your gutters or trees soon.

[Lou in Rockingham, Western Australia]

Hi Amanda, have been meaning to tell you I loved the quilt you made for your Meme. Hope the sun stayed around long enough for all of you to enjoy it. And hope you're feeling better after your stomach flu. Over here, it's raining today and winter is on its way...ah well. I guess that means warm cuddles under doonas, hearty stews and long hot baths. Not so bad. Hope you've had a lovely weekend.

[Alison]

Don't doubt your ability. Those of us who enjoy your photos daily don't doubt what you are capable of. If the sun is shining you will do something fab I'm sure.

[knittymama]

So glad you are blessed with a beauriful, sunny day. Can't wait to see what you make of it with the photos.

My four year old son loves your new banner as well. After looking at it, he declared that we better go back outside and dig some more. Then asked me, "Can we just go over to that boys house?" I told him that sadly, Maine was much too far from Minnesota:-) Now he's writing him a letter instead. I love the four year old thought process!