May

How fitting that I read this in the month of May. This one line is from a poem called "May" and found in the book "White Pine". It is one line from a longer poem about a snake and fear and the letting go of fear.

I hope to see everything in this world before I die.

~Mary Oliver

Life

#11 from "In Backwater Woods" as found in the book: "White Pine"

Each moment has been so slow and so full
and so drenched in sweetness and my life
has gone by so fast

~Mary Oliver

National Poetry Month

WAS in April but I've been inspired in May to read some poetry. After reading Kelle Hampton's book, "Bloom", she makes reference to discovering the work of poet, Mary Oliver, through a blogging friend and the quote that begins the books is from a poem by Mary Oliver. So, I requested some of Oliver's books of poetry from the library. And did some discovering of my own. I will share some of my favorite bits and pieces as I come across them.

"Bloom" where you're planted

I recently finished reading Kelle Hampton's book, "Bloom." And it was/is beautiful. I read it upon a friend's recommendation without any idea what it was about. And so, I'm not planning to tell you either. I will tell you a little about how I got it. It was not available from the public library, my first line of book reading defense. Yet. If they are smart, they will invest in a copy. I looked it up on a website designed to purchase books online but also benefit an independent bookstore. My favorite indie bookstore is Doylestown Bookstore. But, I also get a monthly coupon there and couldn't use it if I purchased online. So, I called the store, they ordered the book and called me when it was in and I had an excuse to go to Doylestown that evening too. I've been trying to do a lot more local shopping. I already try to eat local through my CSA, but like so many people, I've fallen into the convenience over the years of going to Target, or the mall to purchase items. Likewise, I am a fan of a consignment sale that is held in nearby Bryn Athyn twice a year. I like the opportunity to re-use and recycle items that might have otherwise been thrown away and to make those purchases at a fraction of the normal cost. So, more recently when I'm on the hunt for an item, I'll check a thrift store or a consignment store first. You might not always find what you're looking for, but there are hidden treasures as well. For example, Second Fiddle, a kids consignment store on York Road in Hatboro has brand new, still packaged "Melissa and Doug" items at a lower cost than you would find them in other stores. As well as tons of super cute stuff. Replay Toys on Street Road in Warminster is packed with great stuff. So, I've realized instead of waiting for a twice a year consignment sale, I can do this year round on an a needed basis. I'm also trying to make local choices when eating out and supporting locally owned small restaurants like (my #1 all time favorite) Bryn and Dane's on Horsham Road in Horsham, Basically Burgers and (brand new) Sweet Spot on Main Street in Doylestown. So, while the title of this post refers to a book with an incredible an affirming journey, I would venture to encourage others to do a little new blooming by staying put. Shop close to home. Invest in your local economy by purchasing from a neighbor instead of a huge corporation. You'll save some gas too!