The Lilacs Are in Bloom and a Thank You
Just a small post the Friday before Mother’s Day to say thank you to all of you for reading and leaving comments that are hilarious, sweet, and inspiring. I get such a kick out of what you have to say. Specifically, I have to thank Rebecca for her comment on the ribbon bookmark post. She suggested that the perfect life-affirming spring book was The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and she couldn’t have been more right. Reading it, I felt exactly as she did: “I did not want it to end. I would live inside the book if it was possible.” There is such a wonderful sense of community and hope in this book; if you are in need of either of those things (to say nothing of characters so delightful you wish like hell they were real), pick it up. Because of other recommendations on that post from Lisa and Bernie, I also have Joseph Mitchell and The Blue Castle eagerly waiting on my bedside table. Thank you!
I am traveling out to my mom’s house this weekend to make a springy (yet still somewhat undetermined) Mother’s Day dinner. I’m thinking salmon with an herby Greek yogurt sauce, sugar snap peas, and possibly a big snowy coconut cake. But more on that soon, hopefully. Selfishly, I intend to raid my mom’s lilacs so I can delight you with yet more pictures of these fragrant harbingers of spring.
Lastly, I woke up with this song in my head this morning. It’s a little creepy, true, but it’s also sweet and, well, I just thought I’d share. (And just for the record, I do not think you belong to me, but I am continually delighted, amazed, and grateful that you swing by.) Happy Weekend!
Sara Rose: Lilacs! LILACS!!! I heart Lilacs! I saw a few bushes just beginning to bloom a few blocks away, I’ll probably have us cruise around town to see if any others are further into bloom.
Last spring I was having a particularly crumby day, work and school were a nightmare, I felt fat and zitty, just one of those days that I sat on our couch consoling myself with a bottle of pinot and a lot of reality tv despite the monster pile of homework.
Nolan suddenly says he’s going to walk the dog (strange since it’s ten at night) and he puts on his coat (also strange since it was uncharacteristically warm out) and I grunted from the couch.
A half hour later, he burst through the door looking wildly accomplished, opened his coat and out poured hundreds of lilacs. It was probably one of the funnier and sweeter things he’s ever done.
Happy Mothers Day to your mama! Have a wonderful trip! I LOVE coconut cake! xoxo.2 years ago
Karen: I love lilacs…my mother has a few bushes around the house, so hopefully they’ll be in bloom for when I visit this weekend! Have a nice trip yourself
2 years ago
The Dishwasher: Lilacs are also one of my favourites. They haven’t quite bloomed yet here in Toronto, but I’m eagerly awaiting them!
Also thanks for the music posts (both in the blog and in your tweet). I really enjoyed both of them and was really surprised as my boyfriend started singing along to BOTH of them. Such a strange (but wonderful) boy.
Have a wonderful weekend with your ma!2 years ago
Lisa (dinner party): Aww! How sweet. Thank YOU for all of your beautiful and inspiring posts. POP really is a lovely place to visit. And your Mother’s Day menu sounds delish–I wish I could cook for my mom this year.
Hope you enjoy the Joseph Mitchell!2 years ago
Kaycie: I adore lilacs. I planted one last year, a Pocahontas variety. The blooms have come and gone here in Oklahoma. I’m envious that you’ll be smelling lilacs this weekend!2 years ago
Kate: just had to comment and say that i am OBSESSED with the blue castle. grew up on the anne books, but somehow missed this one till my college days. i can’t believe anyone else has read it! it’s so hokey, wonderful, and bizarre.
i also must recommend “happy all the time” by laurie colwin. also “home cooking” and “more home cooking” if you haven’t read them already! her essays are a lot like some of your posts. enjoy!2 years ago
love,gidget: I love that song!2 years ago
Betsy: I grew up in a little farm town in Colorado. Every Spring town and country would be awash in perfume and a purple ocean. Even a hint of lilac transports me to another simpler time.2 years ago
Kelly: Sarah,
I stumbled across your beautiful site on a rainy Arkansas afternoon, and I was in a good mood for the rest of the day. Now, as I scroll through, each new page is a treat. Thanks for all of the inspiration!2 years ago
Karen Chaffee: I love lilacs for so many reasons. Thank you for always posting something that uplifts the spirit!
Karen Chaffee2 years ago
Alison: Yup! That is a great book!2 years ago
Michele, The Paris House Deisgns: Lilacs will forever remind me of my grandmother Carmella who passed away a few years ago. When I was little she and my grandfather had rows and rows of them planted between their home and the Assumption church where I went to mass as a little girl. No matter where I am, and even now at the age of 43 I immediately am taken back to my childhood and her warm wonderful home that always had something delicious baking in the oven2 years ago
Rebecca: Hooray!! I am SO happy that you loved “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”! I was home visiting my parents this weekend and my mother accosted me with the book while I was brushing my teeth, saying “Have you read this yet? It was wonderful!” I think I may read it again.
I’m terribly envious that lilacs are blooming in your part of the world – another couple of weeks at least for them to blossom here. Can’t wait!
2 years ago
e.liz.a: I LOVED The Blue Castle! My favorite of LMM’s – well, tied with Rilla of Ingleside for that (somewhat dubious) honor. The Blue Castle always reminds me of Persuasion- probably the (insert gasp here) late 20-something spinster heroine.
And Sarah Rose- love the lilac bandit story
!2 years ago