Small things that made my March just a little bit better.

Recipe

I cannot count how many times I have made Ina Garten’s Maple Oatmeal Scones. They are definitely a family favorite. Ina cuts the scones into circles but psychologically the round scone makes me feel like I am eating a biscuit. So now I cut the scones into the traditional triangle shape enabling my mind and taste buds to sync up. I know, I know. Whether round or triangle shaped I highly recommend you give them a try.

A few tips: 1. Do not substitute the pure maple syrup for the fake stuff. 2. Unless you use buttermilk frequently I would suggest trying powdered buttermilk like this which lasts for a long time in the fridge. 3. This recipe makes a very large batch that fills 2 cookie sheets so personally, I bake one sheet the day of and save the rest to bake a few days later. (Of course, you could always cut the recipe in half.)

Books

Non-Fiction: A dear childhood friend (thanks Cassandra), gifted me the book The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy. Despite being on every bestseller list I really had no idea of the content or storyline. It is a short read with lovely illustrations and a sweet message of love and friendship and bravery. Every time I read through it speaks to me differently. Today’s treasure, “Imagine how we all would be if we were less afraid.” Just imagine.

Non-Fiction: My daughter-in-law loaned me The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman which is a book about decision making from a Christian perspective. This book is gentle and gracious (as I imagine the author to be in real life) with practical applications and prayers at the end of each chapter. I like her overarching opinion to live with intention while holding your choices with an open hand. For an indecisive person like me, it was a helpful reminder to simply do the next right thing.

Art Supply

My love of books began when I was 5 years old. So it is no great stretch to discover that old book paper would become a beloved art supply. Reminiscent of a pioneer, I use every part of the book — the paper, the cover, the spine. Sometimes torn apart, sometimes all together. Definitely, the more weathered the better.

Beyond art, I have used books in a myriad of other ways. Book paper becomes wrapping paper for gifts and as shreds to stuff in a basket or box. Old books have been used as table decor at my daughter’s wedding and with their covers removed tied up in stacks as home decor.

Books have invisible strings tied to my heart.

From the Garden

Is it just me or is the Star Magnolia (Magnolia Stellata) something dreamy to behold? White. Fragrant. Delicate. I love how it blooms on leafless branches seemingly overnight. Ours was a bit lopsided so I clipped a few twigs to bring inside and enjoy. It definitely added a bit of drama.

I’m no plant expert (clearly) but this variety seems fairly hardy and easy to grow. Just think if you plant one today you could have a beautiful tree for years to come. Just saying.

Discovery

If you had told me a year ago that I would not go into a salon for the next 12 months I wouldn’t have believed you.

If you had also predicted I’d cut my own hair and get rid of my highlights I would have laughed.

Jokes on me I guess because this is exactly what happened.

Listen, I realize that I have the luxury of going to the salon for a haircut and foil on a regular basis. I understand that there are many people in the world and even in our own country for which this is not an option. So, this month’s discovery might feel a bit superficial.

But let me break it down, I think, this past year helped me gain perspective around wants vs needs. I actually don’t need as much as I thought I did. And that self-awareness filtered down to my hair.

I’m not saying it’s wrong to go to the salon and in most cases, it’s vital for personal self-care. I’m just saying for me I discovered I could make do with less. And in my case, that was a valuable and unexpected lesson.

My hair is now back to its natural dark brown color and definitely has a choppy look. And, for now, I’m fine with that.

But please don’t hold me to it.

I’m curious, what’s on your list of favorites?