This and That

To counteract the depressing news, I've been gardening and playing upstairs with collage and clay--trying to avoid the negative influence of this crazy world.

We've had a great deal of rain this spring, which has been wonderful for the garden (including weeds) and gives me time to rest and recover from all of the activity.   On sunny days, the constant bending, digging, planting, weeding makes me stiff and creaky, and I rest more often than I did when younger.  I walk out in the morning full of energy and vigor, and come back in depleted and decrepit.  Recover.  Start again.  Wait for a rainy day to play inside.

I don't mind the rain, but the continuous threats of severe weather are problematic.

I love the seeds from the various maples.

The garden is shaping up.
I have much work ahead on other areas, but this section is getting there,
and this is the area I see when I sit outside.

Playing with paper clay

I started these figures a week or so ago, 
and when it rains or is just too hot and humid,
I get out the paper clay.

Reading/Books

A few favorites that I've finished and have scheduled reviews closer to release date:  

The Girl in Red by Christina Henry (fairy tale retelling & dystopian)

After the End by Clare Mackintosh (very different from previous books, but touching)

The Liberation of Paris by by Jean Edward Smith (nonfiction)

Fun fantasy authors:  Jeff Wheeler, Michael Sullivan, and Mary E. Pearson have great series that I devour greedily with each new installment.

Mail

Outgoing Mail

another little paper clip collage

Postcards to grands