Coffee Talk
It’s March First–I love starting the month with this post as a way to check in with you and also myself. It’s been a tough last week for the world, let alone a tough two years. I’ve shared my thoughts about the situation in Ukraine, and I truly believe that we who are able to should do something–donate, call or write your representatives, urge action.
I started this blog during the pandemic as a sort of outlet, and I do want that to continue. I don’t write a news site. It feels awkward to write about “normal” things and to do normal things when so much is happening. But that’s what this blog is for–normality among once-in-a-lifetime events (the pandemic, and now war in Europe.)
So that being said–I am still thinking about Ukraine, and praying and donating and doing as much as I can. But I want to share this start of the month with you with a moment of peace.
What are you most looking forward to this month?
Birthdays! My mother-in-law, toddler, and myself all have our birthdays within a week of each other. I’m hoping we’ll be able to do something a little more special this year. Because of the pandemic, we’ve only had small family-only celebrations at home; I’d love to do something a little different this year (while still staying safe.)
What do you want to do this month?
I’d love to start getting things more in order and do a deep spring clean. I really do not want to pack away any clothes that I don’t plan on wearing again, which I seem to do year after year. So this year I’m really going to be fairly ruthless in donating or otherwise disposing of items.
What are you reading?
I’ve finally managed to get my hands on Ngaio Marsh’s Roderick Alleyn series and I am kicking myself that I’ve waited years to begin. I love the “golden age” of British detective stories and these are particularly brilliant!
What home projects are you working on?
I have a list a mile long, most of which involves 1) rearranging our existing furniture, 2) donating some of our existing furniture, and 3) purchasing a few new pieces. I’m taking my time with the third point–I feel very strongly about decorating only once, so most of these major purchases are a one-time expense and will be used, in one way or another, forever!
Are you planning any trips?
We are not, at the moment, but I have a few places in mine–Maine and Bermuda (pictured) are topping the list right now! I love the off-season and honestly I swim no matter the weather, so it would be great to have some quiet time by the water with my family. But for a slightly more exotic vacation (Bermuda is a family favorite, but it might be fun to try something new!), I’d love to visit Jamaica. I follow Strawberry Hill on Instagram and it looks like the dreamiest place.
I can’t wait to hear from you–I hope you and your family are safe and well.
Hi and happy birth month to you! 🙂 I finally had a minute to catch up on reading favorite blogs yesterday and enjoyed seeing what you’ve written lately!
Looking forward to…warmer weather and sunshine, more time outdoors.
What I want to do…spring cleaning tops my list also!
Currently reading…Re-reading The House of the Seven Gables right now
Home projects…master bedroom reno, which is stalled a little with items being backordered, and I have a bit of woodwork to stain in the dining room before we finally hang our plate walls.
Trips…we plan to visit the NY/NJ area this spring to see my brother and SIL’s new house. And my parents are currently traveling and keep sending me beach pictures, so I think somewhere warm needs to be on our list as well.
Thank you! I do intend to celebrate for at least a week 🙂
I need to catch up on your blog and finally carve out time to read your books! I can’t wait 🙂
Definitely looking forward to sunshine–I can’t wait for that! The sun setting later has made such a huge difference. Spring cleaning will also definitely help 🙂
Eager to see your plate walls! Which plates have you decided on?
When you’re in the NY area, please let me know–would love to meet up for coffee xx
I have a collection of mostly Blue Willow for the walls and have been waffling on the final arrangement. Yes, I will definitely let you know when we’re out that way, would love to meet you as well!
I love that! Can’t wait to see the final result. And perfect 🙂 It would be so great to meet up!
Happy birth-month to you from another March-born over here. I like the idea of taking a little time at the beginning of a month to sit in the quiet, to reflect, and to set goals and plans. It looks like I’m not the only one redoing a main bedroom this month. We’re also getting new window treatments throughout the house. Thoughts of spring cleaning bring to mind the clutter of disused furniture and random things we have in the basement. Eesh.
Happy birth-month to you as well! I also have two storage units I need to go through, so the spring cleaning will be in full swing over here soon (things from my late mother and my late grandmother.) They certainly need to be sorted sooner rather than later, but I’ve been putting it off with the long wait at reupholsters. Ah, well. I do want to get things organized, and soon!
That’s a lot to go through, literally and figuratively! At the risk of overstepping (and I apologize if I am, so please have a heaping quantity of salt on hand to accompany this comment), it can be good to take a little (or a lot of) time on that kind of thing. Case in point, I still have a storage unit full of my late partner’s things, sitting there after some years. I go there from time to time and part with them by donating bit by bit as I can. I’ve not been one to “rip off the band-aid” with that, though it might be something to consider as more time passes. One of these days I’ll have it fully cleared out, having retained the few items that really matter, but I guess I’m not in a hurry. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this kind of thing, as I’m sure you know. Anyway, may this spring cleaning be as positive an experience as it can be.
Thank you–not overstepping! My mother died four and a half years ago and my grandmother died two years ago, a few weeks before we heard of COVID. My grandmother’s things were mostly sorted through by her, actually, before she passed away, so that isn’t too bad. I’ve been slowly going through my mother’s things that I have with me, but there is a lot in the storage unit I’d like to deal with in one way or another–reupholstering furniture, for one. It’s not very accessible, so it’s best to just have the pod delivered and go through it all in one fell swoop… when I’m ready. Hopefully soon! Thank you for your thoughtful words–they are very appreciated!