Glad Things #43

“and the dogs will sing their whole bodies in praise of you”

It’s been one of those weeks which has felt so full that I can’t quite get my thoughts to line up for writing this; swirling thoughts do not easily lend themselves to ordered lists of gladness. Although this is much in the spirit of Glad herself, a dog who delighted and frustrated and heart-melted in varying proportions, every day, and sometimes I just lost track of her completely.

1.

I bought bright yellow and pink ranunculus in Morrisons, I still have gorgeous tulips on the go from my sister, and my boyfriend gave me a quite spectacular floral rainbow. I’m just about managing to keep my 100 days of drawing up and this week and blossom has been my favourite subject. Spring has risen!

2.

I visited Dormouse Books in Belper, a tiny, perfect bookshop. It’s only really two small rooms but I always want to read every single thing I pick up (I rationed myself to Parade by Rachel Cusk).

3.

We had a mini Wayside Serenaders rehearsal this week, our first for a while. Singing with lovely friends, accompanied by a fairly cooperative Percival (who was actually dozing on my feet by the end).

Speaking of dogs and singing, I read this beautiful poem by Ruth Awad earlier today, and “and the dogs will sing their whole bodies / in praise of you” is still resounding in my heart.

Quite a gentle list for a full-feeling week, but these are my favourite kinds, really. Both soothing to write and reassuring to realise that although when I started I didn’t know which Glad Things I’d write, I’ve got to the end and have things left over (a gorgeous bath, a very comforting phone call, a voice note that made me laugh, some brilliant books to work on).

Goodnight, glad friends,

Kate x