The Nest: A Period of Adjustment

The last two weeks have seen lots of changes come my way, but they have also been filled with the daily rhythms I cherish most. Yes, I have a new job that sometimes includes long hours and a constantly changing schedule. Yes, there is much stress in learning new things and setting new routines. Yes, we are knee deep in the holiday season and all that entails. 

Even with all of this, though, I think I will find balance. 

This issue of the Flora is a bit short, but I am sure you understand. As I settle into my new routines, things will return to a semblance of normality again! My goal is to be back to our regular programming by the new year.

Wren Reads

The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood by Susan Wittig Albert

Another Beatrix Potter mystery! I will be so sad when I finish this series of cozy tales, but I am forever grateful for finding a new genre. Honestly, these relatively safe and wholesome (never gruesome) mysteries give me the same feelings I had when I was 8 years old and curled up with a Nancy Drew novel. 

Shady Hollow by Juneau Black

This is another series of cozy mysteries, but this time the entire cast of characters is anthropomorphic animals. I enjoyed this book and intend to read the other two in the series!

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Oh. My. Goodness. Beautiful, magical, heartbreaking. Is it a fairy tale? I can’t tell and I don’t care. A childless older couple in early 1900s Alaska seem to summon a child from the snow. A store of loss and love, and finding family in the most surprising of places.

By Rowan and Yew by Melissa Harrison

The second in the two book series (By Ash, Oak, and Thorn was the first). I had to request this via interlibrary loan, but it was worth the wait! The Hidden Folk are trying to save themselves, as well as the wild world. An enchanting take on fairy tales in a time of climate change.

Written Words

I have not been writing nearly as much due to the new job. I’m slowly adjusting to my new schedule and lists of responsibilities, so I should be writing regularly again soon – probably after the holidays!

The Lovely Larder

I’m still not back to my top cooking game, depending on quick meals and the air fryer to get us from day to day. 

I did manage a nice tofu dish (with the help of the air fryer) – Thai chili tofu and veg and over rice. I cheated with pre-fried tofu and a bottle of Thai chili sauce from the Asian market, but it was still delicious and counts as homemade!

Errata

In many ways my life is a chaotic work mess, as I am still trying to carve out some sort of routine or rhythm. I did manage a lovely Thanksgiving with my family. 

In mentioning Thanksgiving, I do also have to acknowledge the history of genocide, colonialism, and suffering experienced by indigenous people. For many, it is a day of mourning, and for good reason. Although I am grateful for my loved ones and blessings, I also mourn in solidarity for those who have suffered and are suffering, and for the means used in the past (and present) to grant me the privileges I experience today.

Keep busy at something. A busy person never has time to be unhappy.

-Robert Louis Stevenson

Fondly yours in love, peace, and gratitude,

Jenny Wren