A Wildwood Story

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” -Dumbledore

rain

Letter 34 {The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow}

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Dear Candace,

This letter could also be titled, “when you are waiting for spring and feeling very Eeyorish.”

Rain, sleet, spring snow, thunderstorms…this is the Midwest! {tagline: variety is the spice of life}

I try not to whine about rain-it’s a blessing, I know. Rain is fine. I’ll adjust. Especially if I’m in London-my plan is always go to the nearest Tesco for an umbrella and then walk arm in arm with my sister to a cozy tea room. Rain in London is delightful.

I didn’t promise to never complain about cloudy grey days, though. One needs to complain about something.

What I’m telling myself is this: buck up, buttercup- when it does stop raining and greying for a moment, it’s going to be so green and bright my eyes will hurt from all the color and it will all be worth it.

…

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Letter 17 {Puddles & Plans}

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“The rain, rain, rain
Came down, down, down
In rushing, rising riv’lets…”

Dear Candace,

What a week. What a rainy, rainy week! Rivers, rising and falling. Highways and roads shut down, fields under water, businesses and homes helpless to withstand the deluge. I heard that in 9 days St. Louis received 2 months worth of rain. We are still drying off-quite literally! A little seepage and dampness occurred in our basement, but thankfully no standing water. I’ve got the fans running constantly. My heart goes out to those who lost homes and goods. Hosanna spent some time volunteering in Pacific, one area in which the flooding was especially bad, and it has been remarkable to see communities serve together during a difficult time.

As the rain came down, we settled into a routine of school here at home. Due to all the re-routed highway traffic near us, I stayed off the roads as much as possible. There were multiple cups off coffee and tea to be had, books to read, and office work to accomplish. With the near daily, constant rain and chill in the air, it felt like February! However, we’re getting back into the groove of spring again and I’ve been dreaming about pulling up our ancient, boring shrubbery and redoing the flower beds. I don’t love everything mid-century.

I am very illiterate when it comes to gardening. Once I cultivated a raised flower bed with all the solicitations of a nurse until I realized I was nurturing not hollyhocks, but cornstalks.

Tom’s vegetable garden is flourishing! We have a lovely mix of sweet salad greens picked fresh daily. Although, I hate washing lettuce. I know I shouldn’t say “hate” but I do feel strongly about cleaning greens. Perhaps because I’ve done so much of it in my life and am getting petulant? At this point I’m fine with a little dirt. Furthermore, I shall be rotating the children through the job of Washing of the Greens this spring.

Wash your clothes,

wash your greens,

and don’t forget to wash your face!

It’s my new song.

Happy May!

~Rachel

Letter 16 

Letter 18