Scraps of Joy

Hope and Cinnamon Buns

Posted on April 4, 2020 by Joy / 2 Comments

Hello Friend,

My goodness it is chilly out there! – 24 with the windchill (that’s – 11 for my American friends). Come in, come in!

Did you get the mini blizzards we got this week? Yes, March really did go out like a lion, in more ways than one! Come sit by my front window. We can enjoy the sun glittering on fresh snow from here. One thing about new snow – it makes the whole world clean and bright.

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Do you see the snow piled up around our little cedars by the fence? Last fall I planted dozens of tulip bulbs there. I can’t even remember what colour now, but probably pink or yellow, knowing myself. And the anticipation is keeping me impatient. Ah, but everything in its time.

And now it’s time for tea. Or would you prefer hot chocolate?

That seems appropriate for a day like today. I have both, and either tea or hot chocolate will go with our delectable treat: cinnamon buns!

I’ve put my old bread maker into service, and it cuts down on the work of making cinnamon buns. Their cinnamon-y goodness smelled so delicious that the Cowboy and I already had one. Couldn’t resist.

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Are you and yours still keeping well? The Cowboy, as you know, is working from home. Lots of change and adapting and future-planning in the grocery business these days. It’s a stressful time for these essential businesses.

Babe’s hours have been cut back but she’s still going out into the world to work. Her place of business is now offering curb-side service only, and online shopping of course. The upside to her job cutback is that she is able to spend more time composing and recording. Something for which her talent, training, and skill have prepared her.

So on a “new-normal” day when all of us are home, I’m up here in my study writing and working, the Cowboy is in the sunroom-cum-office strategizing and doing his calls, and Babe is either in her room or the basement/recording studio making music. It’s a great set-up really.

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This morning I read an article put out by a well-known Canadian airline, and one line in the last paragraph caught and held me: This last month has changed everything. No kidding. Even in our own home, an innocent cough stops everyone in their tracks, sending eyebrows rising and hearts jumping until … “just a piece of pepper caught in my throat”, spoken by the offender, calms everything down.

This worldwide threat is a thick layer of gauze draped over daily life. Sometimes it is sodden and heavy, sticking to me like a spider web. And sometimes it’s just there, barely noticed, because of Hope …

Hope is a thing of extraordinary power. It feeds the soul.
Jennifer Worth – Call the Midwife

It’s interesting to me how quickly perspectives and habits change. Now, a simple handshake shown on any random TV show makes me uneasy and I feel the need to go wash my hands right away. Are you experiencing the same kind of shift in your thinking?

I wonder … after all this is over, what part of life will be permanently changed and what will go back to the way things always were. And, is there something in our brains that has now shifted and will never go back? We’re learning so much about brain science nowadays, how new paths and branches get made in our grey matter. What new paths is this experience forming inside our brains?

Thoughts are real, physical things that occupy mental real estate. Moment by moment, every day, you are changing the structure of your brain through your thinking. When we hope, it is an activity of the mind that changes the structure of our brain in a positive and normal direction.
Dr. Caroline Leaf – Switch on Your Brain

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Is hope an elusive thing? I suppose that depends on where you place it. For me, because of the One in whom I put it, hope is the anchor that snags that spiderweb of gauze, freeing me from its entangling shroud. It changes everything.

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I see it has started to snow again. Thanks so much for stopping in today. As you head back out there, please take this hopeful music with you.

See you next time.

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“Hope” is the thing with feathers —
That perches in the soul —
And sings the tune without the words —
And never stops — at all —
Emily Dickinson

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Featured image of sunny lemon teapot and pitcher of flowers by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Yellow cup graphic Image by Suxu from Pixabay

Tea Time

Licorice Tea

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Joy / 4 Comments

Hello Friend,

I’ve been out here on my front step, watching the sun reflect on tiny snow crystals dancing in the air, like fairies skittering about.

Take a breath of that crisp freshness. So full of possibility. Aaah. Isn’t it invigorating?

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Now, come on in. Welcome, welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.

I hope you don’t mind, but we’re having licorice spice tea today. It’s one of my favourites. And apparently, if internet sources can be trusted, it’s great for improving mood and boosting the immune system. Bonus!

When I asked myself what I could possibly serve with licorice tea, my brain immediately announced, “Chocolate!” But that could just be me … I think chocolate goes with everything.

So, I baked a devil’s food cake just in case I was right. Served it to the Cowboy, topped with luscious whipped cream. He has the palate of a chef and, when I told him my idea to serve chocolate cake with licorice tea, he thought it was the worst idea ever. But, lo and behold, once he tasted it he pronounced it a great combination. And he doesn’t even like chocolate cake.

Please, have a seat. I’ll pour our tea, have a piece of cake. Let me know what you think.

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Have you taken stock of your neighbours? I’ve been thinking about mine a lot this week. It’s been so quiet out there in the cul-de-sac, and I’ve been praying for them, as well as praying for a safe way to see them to make sure all is well. If I had phone numbers I’d call them, but I don’t. We’re more of a visit-on-the-sidewalk kind of neighbourhood.

When things in the world started getting serious, the driveway next door was empty for four days. That’s so unusual and I started to wonder, out loud, if things were okay with them. On my umpteenth time at the window to check if a vehicle had returned, the Cowboy started calling me Gladys, the nosy neighbour from that old TV show Bewitched.

Thankfully, both their vehicles have returned and I’ve seen them a few times, so we can all breathe a little easier.

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This morning on my way to the mailbox I met my Iranian neighbour backing out of his driveway. He is such a gentle, soft-spoken man that I almost broke the six-foot rule in order to hear him better. His family is all well and keeping safe. The “nosy” neighbour in me was satisfied.

I’m happy to report that all my people are returned home. A nephew from England, one friend from Africa and another from Thailand. All self-isolating and all doing well so far. Do you have any people still trying to get home?

This is the week we would have traveled two provinces over to look after Little Man, Bright, and Sunny while their parents vacationed in Cuba. But, of course, those plans have changed. I’m so thankful for video chats. I’m able to see all my grandchildren – and our daughters too, of course – every day if I want. It’s not quite the same as actually putting my arms around them, but I’ll take it.

Oh, I have a wonderful story about Bright, one of the twins, just-turned-three. Apparently his Daddy was getting after him for something or other – trust those little boys to get themselves into trouble. They’re so curious and so smart that they think of things others wouldn’t dream up. Anyway … Daddy told Bright that he was being a bad boy.

To which Bright responded, “No, I not bad boy. Grandma Joy say I GOOD boy. I NOT bad boy.” I know I know. In my day, I would have got after him for talking back to Daddy. But … it just warmed my heart to know that deep in his heart he remembers what Grandma Joy told him.

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I will try to keep the grandma stories to a minimum on your visits. I know some people find them tedious. However, as other grandmas understand, sometimes we just can’t help ourselves.

I’m so glad you helped yourself to more tea and another piece of cake. What did I tell you – great combination!

It’s wonderful to be able to catch up like this. I found myself taking comfort in the fact that if my family were not spread over three provinces, we could actually get together without breaking the new no-groups-over-fifteen-people regulation recently put in place by our province. The same kind of strange comfort I get from my stockpile of computer paper and bulging bookshelves.

These are indeed strange times, but the days go by. Days in which we can choose to see beauty and joy. Or not.

Here’s an exercise we can both try. Why not take a moment in your day, break out of your cocoon, and listen. Just listen. What do you hear?

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We seldom notice how each day is a holy place
Where the eucharist of the ordinary happens,
Transforming our broken fragments
Into an eternal continuity that keeps us.

Somewhere in us a dignity presides
That is more gracious than the smallness
That fuels us with fear and force,
A dignity that trusts the form a day takes.
John O’Donohue

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Until next time …

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Featured Image of white and pink tea cups and jug by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Tea Time

Breathe

Posted on March 26, 2020 by Joy / 2 Comments

Hello Friend,

Come on in! How nice to see you again.

I’m just getting off my feet, myself. Please take a seat at the table, just there, close your eyes and breathe.

In … Out …

I’ll go put the kettle on.

We’re listening to Bach today. Makes me think of boundless meadows, vaulted skies, mountains in the hazy distance. And overcoming.

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Do you prefer Earl Grey or Orange Pekoe? I’m an Earl Grey fan myself, but I’m always up for trying something different, if you like. Ok, Earl Grey it is.

I have two sisters-in-law who would be quite shocked that I’m even drinking tea, let alone the amount of tea I drink these days. But, as I’m sure you know, one preventative is to drink hot things. And so, I’ve adapted.

It’s what we do, isn’t it? Adapt.

Excuse me, did you say you prefer cream or sugar? Or both? A touch of honey for me today.

Now, try these scones. I baked them this morning, on the off-chance you might stop by. They’re sprinkled with sugar, and if you add some of this whipped cream and strawberry jam … mmmmmm. Perfection! There’s quite a debate out there about whether to put the cream on top of the strawberry jam or vice-versa. Either way, I say Perfection!

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I’m so glad you caught us at home today. The Cowboy and I were scheduled to deliver meals to children who usually get them at school and likely won’t have much to eat at home. But, it turns out they had so many drivers they didn’t need us.

Too many drivers. What a wonderful problem to have.

I think of the children often in this unusual season. I was in the grocery store on the first day children were not allowed to go to school. Many were with their dads, excitedly picking out snack foods and such. But I saw a few, one girl in particular, about 11 years old, following her grandma around the store, looking completely bewildered.

Yes, these are strange times. But I do think one good thing that will come of it in the end is the family closeness. I see it in my grandchildren. Even though it is challenging for Sweetie and Peaches to stay home all day every day with busy, rambunctious children, the kids’ love-tanks are full. They are having quantity AND quality time with their mamas and it shows.

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I see you eyeing another scone. Please, have another while I top up your tea. Why would anyone have just one?

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I’ve put out my spring tablecloth, as you see. Yes, it snowed again yesterday – those big fluffy flakes I love. But I am ready for the cheerful colours of Spring. You too?

In fact, yesterday I put on my brightest blouse – pink of course – and wore my flashiest earrings too. Just because. Nobody to see me but The Cowboy, Babe and me. But it made me feel energized and alive. Who says you have to save those things only for when you go out?

I love these verses in Ecclesiastes – the Message version – full of vitality and life:

Seize life! Eat bread with gusto. Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes – God takes pleasure in YOUR pleasure!
Dress festively every morning. Don’t skimp on colours and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love each and every day of your precarious life.
Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you have in exchange for the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one!
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!

Makes me smile every time I read it.

It’s been a lovely visit. Thanks again for dropping in – such a pleasure. Make sure you get your rest now. That’s important. And remember to breathe.

See you next time.

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Image by S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay

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Featured Image of teacups and pitchers by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Tea Time

Tea for Two

Posted on March 23, 2020 by Joy / 4 Comments

Hello Friend,

Let’s pretend we are sitting down to a shared pot of tea. I’ll pour. Sugar? Cream? Perhaps a hint of honey.

I’ve started the habit of putting my cream in first – no sugar – and then pouring the tea. If I add honey, it’s half a teaspoon added after I pour so it can melt as I stir. I didn’t make scones today, but I have a few chocolate chip cookies left that I baked last week. Please, help yourself.

Now tell me, how are you holding up as you hole up these days?

I find myself steering away from all the fear-inducing feeds. Of course, it’s important to stay informed, and The Cowboy and I do that by listening to the news or checking the provincial website in the mornings, and then carrying on with our day.

I’ve decided that I will do one COVID19-related thing a day. Must stay vigilant. Then make the most of the rest of the day in front of me, which is actually very easy, as I find myself more than usually busy these days.

Yesterday, I disinfected all the light-switches and doorknobs in the house – especially the one on the outside of the front door. Wiped down the piano keys, and all the remotes, computer keyboards … whatever we touch a lot. Because Babe is still leaving home to work out there in the world, I feel this is necessary.

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Photo by Jochen Gabrisch on Unsplash

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Today, I opened all the blinds on all the windows – wide open. Everybody is so insulated these days that I felt we needed to OPEN UP somehow. I opened some windows too. It’s kind of a grey day but the fresh air is nice. Fresh air! Wonderful. And it’s lovely to hear the birds singing. Don’t you agree?

I hope you are finding things to do with your day. I hope you are getting out of your pajamas – most days – brushing your hair and putting on your makeup. Because, after all, we do not live in a cave.

Can I warm up your tea? Please, have another cookie.

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Image by Selling of my photos with StockAgencies is not permitted from Pixabay

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Lately, when I’ve needed a little pick-me-up, I’ve been watching that British tv show Portrait Artist of the Year. It’s so inspiring to watch these painters, professional and amateur, create a complete portrait in four hours. My goodness there are talented people in the world! I find the show on the Makeful channel, and have been recording it so I can watch it when I need it.

Some people find sketching or painting therapeutic. I think I would, if I could paint. Haha. But I don’t even know what colours make up the colour-wheel I hear artists talk about all the time.

I think my therapy is sewing. There’s just something about turning scraps of fabric into a finished masterpiece. A masterpiece, as you know, doesn’t mean something is absolutely flawless or perfect. It is only that the finished work reflects the artist’s heart and skill. Her gift and personality.

A combination of all of those things is what makes it a work of art. I suppose that’s what I enjoy so much about Portrait Artist of the Year. Every artist and every artist’s work is unique to them. No one else could do it just that way.

No one else could do what you do just that way. That’s why the world needs you.

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Oh, do you have to run? Well, thank you so much for stopping by. It’s been a pleasure, and I hope you will do it again soon. Take care and stay safe out there. And as you go, here’s a jolly tune to walk you out.

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Art Tatum plays Tea for Two

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Featured image of lemon teapot: by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Scraps of Joy

Hope and Cinnamon Buns

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Licorice Tea

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Breathe

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Tea for Two

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