spring in virginia

Here's a big foreword to this post. I got this ready and thought I posted it last Friday, before leaving for Virginia. Turns out I didn't, and I failed to notice because I blissfully ignored the computer at the barn. Here it is, belatedly. The follow-up will post tomorrow. Unless I mess up again.

I love this holiday, I love my family, and I love Virginia at any time of year. So this weekend should be a good one. Here are some things in my suitcase that are making me happy that I wanted to let you know about: a hand-wound bobbin of elastic thread. I’m hoping to borrow a neighbor’s sewing machine and whip up this dress for my little niece. It's the Smocked Sundress from Heather Ross' new book.

Also, a recipe for mint jelly. And a poem that I read every year on Easter. I feel compelled to say here that I don't love Easter or this poem for the traditionally religious parts, but because spring and family and eggs are their own kind of religion for me.

Religious Leanings,
e.e. cummings

i thank You God for this most amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes

(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun’s birthday; this is the birth
day of life and of love and wings:and the gay
great happening illimitably earth)

how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any – lifted from the no
of all nothing – human merely being
doubly unimaginable You?

(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

Comments

[The 6 O'Clock Stitch]

What beautiful verse. Thank you for sharing.

[laura]

I love reading your posts about Virginia and all your fond memories. The photos of the barn are really amazing...a snapshot of time. Now, as a resident Virginian, simply MUST know where you grew up and where this cool 'homestead' is...I have a few ideas. Do you mind sharing?

[sarahkeith]

fantastic!
i hope the dress turned out well, and thanks for posting that poem. e.e. cumming is just so great.

[Megan]

Thanks for this poem. He can be hit or miss for me. This one's a hit.