noticing lately...

old men wearing suspenders and plaid
the way evening light falls
bird silhouettes on power lines
the smell of rain-dampened roses
busy traffic on 2nd street
the smooth feel of new book pages
stationery and the promise of letters to come
the slow unfurling of my baby lettuce plants
craving black, milky tea on chilly mornings


*

i've been living without internet recently. i don't get to start the day with a convenient, unfamiliar poem (courtesy of the writer's almanac), and a quick perusal of my favorite blogs, but otherwise i am enjoying the freedom of an internet-less home. instead of compulsively checking my email or otherwise wasting time online, i have been reading a lot, slowly moving in, making summer plans, going to bed early, hanging out with erik, becca, and steve. i find myself calmer at the end of the day, and less tired in the morning, without the distraction of endless possibilities that the internet offers.

as erik and i slowly get settled into our little house, one of the major projects i've been working on is making it feel less apartment-y and more homey. this has involved numerous trips to goodwill, st. vincent de paul, and the restore. recent exciting purchases include a heavy wooden desk/work table, a big bookcase (which we painted bright orange and yellow!), and a sewing machine. my mind is overrun with possibilities of curtains and blankets and creative wall art involving old door and window frames. perhaps when i get better at arranging my days i will start in on those projects, sticking at first to necessary things like mending belt loops and torn pockets. i'm looking forward to finding a rhythm that allows for bread baking, writing, and visiting with friends. until i hit my stride though, i'm grateful for the extra hours the lack of internet provides.


b