27 Apr 2015

sunday


I leave before everyone wakes with a wicker basket in tow. The local Farmers Market is alive and bustling early and I select our weekly nourishment from heaving tables.  Yesterday there were new season apples and tiny Cole pears, just right for little hands and mouths. And cavelo nero, baby carrots and fresh borlotti beans for a warming soup.  When my basket can hold no more I return home as the house is stirring with coffee and warm croissants. It is warm and sleepy inside and as I feed Ines  the babies unpack my basket like pirates unearthing golden treasure. There is much sampling and commentary and questions. Stock will be made later with last week's lack lustre remnants.  Leftover fruit will be stewed gently with a little water and maple syrup and a cinnamon stick.

Sunday is sheet washing day.   Sometimes there is a blanket tent erected, sometimes not but always there is rough housing,  jumping on bare beds and shrieks of laughter as bellies are tickled.  As the sun warms the back deck, pillows are lined up like soldiers to bask in its rays. This simple practice kills germs and dust mite and brings a certain freshness to a newly made bed that only the sun can do. The garden will be perused and Darren and I make plans of this and that. I might sand back the wooden painted high chair for a time and he might push them on the swings. We stay close to each other and let the gentle day unfurl.

As the light changes and the cool afternoon wind brings us inside I begin my Sunday potter. There is no real urgency nor list of to dos rather a gentle wander from room to room setting things right for the week ahead; a study in mindfulness and gratitude for my home that sets the tone for a calm week. Jam jars of flowers dotted about the house  receive fresh water and pot plants given some attention. Books are re-shelved and surfaces cleared whilst rose otto and sandalwood oils imbue the air with uplifting notes, their aromas bringing harmony and grounding after the week's push and pull.  There's a row or two of knitting, maybe a board game and many cups of tea.

We bath the babies early and settle in for the evening with soup and crusty bread for dinner.  I smile as I look across the table at the clean and shiny little people in flannelette pjs. It's been a day without rush, without demands. A day of nourishment and rest. Sunday - It's a good day.

8 comments:

  1. Oh Steph your day sounds beautiful and your sweet little Ines looks so snuggly in her outfit. I hope you had a wonderful Easter lovely. xxx

    P.S. I'm not sure if my first comment posted I'm sorry if there is two. x

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    1. I think I'll be a big grump if we have to give up our Sundays for other activities! They are so very soul nourishing. Hope all is happy and calm with you lovely Catherine. xxx

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  2. You have such eloquent ways with words! This is a poem reiterating my life. Baby looks like a cuddle pie in that beautiful knitted jumpsuit.

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    1. Such kind words! Thank-you. I have really come to depend on these special days. And yes, that little one is super cuddly in her knitted jumpsuit. xx

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  3. I love love love your writing! I have missed these kinds of posts from you! But I understand the lack of time you may have for them as I have an 8 month old and a 2.5 yr old. Greetings from Arizona!

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    1. Thank-you so much Lori! Your kind words mean the world. I'm trying to carve out some writing time each day now that we've settled into this family of five business. It means getting up early but I'm so enjoying being back in this space. xxx

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  4. I so very much love slow Sunday's and I very much love these posts of yours x

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  5. I love this so. This kind of day is life giving. With 4 children and a busy home we long for quiet and thoughtful days like these. Southern california is our home....we are hoping to move in the very near future as this place we call home (mine for my entire life) is not conducive to the life we desire to live with our littles. You posts inspire this mama. Thank you. Btw...I think our babies would be friends. My little guy will be 5 months on the 17th of May. I love this age.

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Your words brighten my day! Thank-you so much for joining me on my adventure. x