What I always admire in your writing is the way observation arrives before interpretation. Your writing never forces meaning; it emerges quietly through birdsong, asparagus, cherry light, driving, and the slow return of confidence after grief. Happy you are steadying the ship.
I must admit that I was a bit envious looking at the beautiful asparagus. In India we get these scrawny spear, more like broomsticks, and I miss the subtlety of the big spears with meat.
As always you inspire with your words, and I learn from your thoughts.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Naomi, and thank you for your beautiful words. Plants and the garden can really help sometimes. I lost my grandma last week, and my garden was the one place where I felt serene and relaxed.
No asparagus yet in Maine and no rhubarb in my garden, not yet at any rate, but I'll remember the Georgian sauce for later, in a few weeks inshallah. And I'm totally with you on Mothers' Day--I refuse to celebrate it, and trained my children not to celebrate.
Rhubarb now nearly over in the UK - we must be well ahead of you this year (not always the way). Elderflowers now in bloom in London parks - food for free if you have a basket and scissors and don't look guilty. Do you make fritters and elderflower cordial over there, Naomi?
You are way ahead of us. We're having an especially slow chilly spring, still too cold for bees. So sign of elderflower a yet; my small tree is just beginning to leaf out.
I remember making elderflower cordial with you in Wales. Have never done it here.
The Turkish fruit and veg shop down the street from my home has small, green plums now—it’s an annual sign of spring here. I tried a few several years ago and found them impossibly sour—but I wonder if these are the plums used to make tkemali. I might try them again this year and try to make the sauce—although I like the idea of using rhubarb, too.
So much to love in this week’s reflection Naomi. I so appreciate your introspection and how generously you are taking us on your journey of grief. I’d like to believe that you can feel the community you’ve created here shoring you up with gentle hugs. Revel in the asparagus—I am so happy it is finally here! 💕
Oh and PS another vote of support for the abolition of MD!
What I always admire in your writing is the way observation arrives before interpretation. Your writing never forces meaning; it emerges quietly through birdsong, asparagus, cherry light, driving, and the slow return of confidence after grief. Happy you are steadying the ship.
Big thanks Elli
Beautifully said and so very true.
Thank-you Elizabeth
I must admit that I was a bit envious looking at the beautiful asparagus. In India we get these scrawny spear, more like broomsticks, and I miss the subtlety of the big spears with meat.
As always you inspire with your words, and I learn from your thoughts.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Naomi, and thank you for your beautiful words. Plants and the garden can really help sometimes. I lost my grandma last week, and my garden was the one place where I felt serene and relaxed.
Thank-you for writing. And yes breathing in and out in a place of calm can be a respite. Warm thoughts to you as you grieve your grandmother.
No asparagus yet in Maine and no rhubarb in my garden, not yet at any rate, but I'll remember the Georgian sauce for later, in a few weeks inshallah. And I'm totally with you on Mothers' Day--I refuse to celebrate it, and trained my children not to celebrate.
Big hugs Nancy. It's some consolation that theres a place where spring is even later!!!
You are a complete delight.
I love sitting next to you at singing.
I'm with you on abolishing the "Hallmark holiday" and all that goes with it.
And lamb chops, more lamb chops... and duck breast...and asparagus. XO🤗
Thank-you so much
Rhubarb now nearly over in the UK - we must be well ahead of you this year (not always the way). Elderflowers now in bloom in London parks - food for free if you have a basket and scissors and don't look guilty. Do you make fritters and elderflower cordial over there, Naomi?
You are way ahead of us. We're having an especially slow chilly spring, still too cold for bees. So sign of elderflower a yet; my small tree is just beginning to leaf out.
I remember making elderflower cordial with you in Wales. Have never done it here.
elderflower cordial rocks! Happy memories, beloved woman, and more to come.
The Turkish fruit and veg shop down the street from my home has small, green plums now—it’s an annual sign of spring here. I tried a few several years ago and found them impossibly sour—but I wonder if these are the plums used to make tkemali. I might try them again this year and try to make the sauce—although I like the idea of using rhubarb, too.
Please let me know how it goes, whichever fruit you use!
Naomi, we loved having you visit! Still smiling thinking about it 🥰.
Your handmade chocolates were a hit here. You'll have plenty of orders!!!
So much to love in this week’s reflection Naomi. I so appreciate your introspection and how generously you are taking us on your journey of grief. I’d like to believe that you can feel the community you’ve created here shoring you up with gentle hugs. Revel in the asparagus—I am so happy it is finally here! 💕
Oh and PS another vote of support for the abolition of MD!