Rushing Headlong!

Look out, world!

Whenever we get to the dog park or we’re playing the game at home where she chases tennis balls launched through the air by her momma or any old time she happens to spy a rabbit in or near our yard at home, Sunny Juliet goes into high gear in a heartbeat. Not the soulful bedtime cuddler, she is a speeding rocket! 

Shadows on fresh spring snow

 

I wish I could say northern Michigan is rushing headlong into spring with the same speed Sunny shows when chasing a rabbit, but – nah. We had a teasing short course of spring weather, followed by yet another snowstorm. Then the weather warmed up again, and we were visited with torrential rain before once again cold returned, bringing both snow and ice. The result of, first, the heavy, wet snow, and then the rain freezing to ice, both times with pounding winds, was a lot of tree damage—in the orchards, the woods, and along northern roads. 

Northport Creek nearly at street level

Another result for many (mostly in the northeast corner of Michigan’s lower peninsula) was loss of electrical power. Calling the ice beautiful, then, seems insensitive at best, perhaps even cruel, and yet what else to say when the sun shines on pellucid, glass-encased branches, making tiny rainbows in the bright, clear air, and every breeze brings the sound of tinkling crystal as shards fall to the ground? 

Frozen vineyard under blue sky

Workers clearing away fallen branches

Hear the sounds of crystal?

Nature can't help her awe-ful beauty.

But yes, I know, friends, that I have been fortunate while others have faced devastation, and my heart goes out to those who have had losses. Life isn't fair. That's why we have to be fair with and kind to each other.

Piles of presents!

Sunny was not forgotten, either.

As for me, personally, although I was not at all in an anticipatory mood in the days leading up to it, I had another birthday the other day. Rushing headlong through my eighth decade, I am now another year closer to the dreaded eight-oh! But I was so fearfully spoiled by cards and texts and presents from family and friends—and the day itself dawned with what seemed miraculous: a sunrise!—and then I tricked a friend into letting me treat her to a late lunch, not telling her it was my birthday until afterward (she says she’ll never trust me again)—that, all in all, unexpectedly, it was a very satisfying day. 

Tuesday sunrise - what a great gift!

Fisher's Happy Hour cream puff (K. Snedeker photo)

Sunny and I had been to the dog park earlier, and later I bribed her with a beef bone so I could spend the evening calmly and quietly, reading and visiting on the phone, all snuggled in a sleeping bag with my feet up. My old friend James, had he seen me, would have said in a voice pretending to be shocked, “Pamela! You sybarite!” It was my own personal, self-indulgent holiday.

But Sunny was not completely ignored. That never happens.

Other than advancing age, another reason I wasn’t much in the mood for a birthday is the way my beloved country seems to be rushing headlong away from freedom, democracy, and universal suffrage and off a cliff to land into the opposite of such values. (I will refrain from giving a name here to the opposites that are daily before our eyes, because you already know what words are so painfully appropriate.) After a day spent resolutely offline, though, in bright sunshine, at the dog park, opening presents, and visiting with friends, in person and by talk and text, I thought I would chance looking at headlines on my phone. Maybe only headlines. What a wonderful surprise greeted me: Cory Booker standing up in the Senate for the U.S. Constitution and the American people! I was so heartened! What a terrific birthday present! The next morning I could hardly wait to check in again with him. As you know, he stood and spoke for over 25 hours, a new Senate record. I am so grateful to him and proud of his presence in Congress. We need more standup men and women there!

Back at work in Northport on Wednesday (with some of the nastiest weather so far this year: snow turning to sneet, then rain coming down, turning to slush on the sidewalks that will no doubt freeze to ice overnight—ugh!), I had not expected anyone in my shop, but browsers and buyers appeared as if by magic, and they were lovely visitors, too, all of them. I was glad there were dog treats in my jacket pocket for the little Boston terrier who needed to come in and to warm up. 

Now before the weekend arrives, I need to put together an April display for National Poetry Month. Always something to do in a bookshop. It's my good life.

Friday, May 23, noon -- details to follow soon.