Whoops I did it again...

Hello you cobb salad.

Confession time (again), fair Platypus readers: it is true that I could dash off a quick dispatch and pretend everything is in order and under control, but that would be a lie. Not to say that there is anything dramatic happening (unless you think having 27 irons in the fire is dramatic), but time is a particularly rare commodity right now. And I (and this newsletter) am feeling the scarcity rather acutely.

So here I am again, a mere two months after my first precipitous brush with potential failure (ie: being late with a newsletter dispatch), contemplating that possibility anew.  I don't have much to say about it really: the fact is I have a ton of things on the go right now, and have the same amount of time we all have with which to tend to them. It is my own doing, but it comes from a place of inspiration and excitement so I am not feeling particularly guilty about it.  I think I am suffering from a mild-to-moderate case of spring fever-- meaning that I have succumb to the overwhelming compulsion to do ALL THE THINGS (preferably in the sun). And the impact of this is now coming home to roost a bit.  

This means that while I am continuing to observe and muse on things around me-- and with all of the excitement I actually have more fodder than usual to reflect on-- I didn't have the time this week to actually sit down, process and write it down.  So I learned that-- and will find a better balance next week. For this week, the good news is that I have learned a lot from YouTubers-- including strategies to create quick but interesting content that people might still enjoy. So instead of a longer piece of reflection this week, instead I am going to share a few favourites and recommendations from my rambling around the world/ the interwebs. 

What I have been reading (in print): One of my book clubs met this weekend and we discussed And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini (author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, both also excellent). It has been a while since I cried so often while reading a book-- I know I am a sap, but it really was a touching and powerful story-- no sentimentalism-- just raw, messy, complicated humanness.  It really dove deeply into how our choices can change the course of many lives (ie: sonder), and also hurt ourselves and those around us even when we have good intentions. On the other side of the coin, he also tackled how offering each other simple acknowledgements, words and gestures of kindness-- that we are seen and we are enough-- can be all that we need to be transformed. I really loved the book. UP NEXT: The Three Body Problem by Liu Cixin

What I have been reading (online): I enjoyed this article on the magic of Estate sales written by Ann Friedman, a  newsletter writer/ podcaster person I have been enjoying for a while now. It is an interesting article which looks simple on its face, but is surprisingly thoughtful as she explores how we experience history (our own and others') through the things we surround ourselves with 

What I have been listening to: Okay, we all know I have TERRIBLE taste in music. But thanks to Abe and Leah, I now have a spotify account and can listen to all of the things I love all of the time (which basically means a lot of musicals, sprinkled with Stevie Wonder, George Michael and Weird Al).  One of the joys of having spotify access has been catching up on some of the musicals I have missed in the past few years. Which means while I am very late to the Hamilton scene, I am listening to it a LOT, and in particular often have "Wait for It" on repeat-- cannot get enough of it!

Quote I have been pondering: “Every child, every person needs to know that they are a source of joy; every child, every person, needs to be celebrated. Only when all of our weaknesses are accepted as part of our humanity can our negative, broken self-images be transformed.” - Jean Vanier, who passed away this week, from his book Becoming Human (one of my faves). Actually, I would have loved to listen to a conversation between him and Hosseini

Craft Corner: While we were at home in New Brunswick for the easter long weekend, Mom signed us up for a basket weaving course... I know. I had the same reaction initially. But it was actually a really interesting and rewarding way to spend the day, and I have enjoyed peeking now and then at my little basket. Who knew a little first-timer basket weaving experimentation would be so pleasant?

Queen of Awesome: Speaking of mom and her randomness, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to one of the most unique, caring, patient and ingenious women I know-- I am inspired by her every day (including her inspired use of GIFs in our family Whatsapp chat). Bessie Bartlett is the Queen of Awesome. I love you momma, and adore being part of her weird and wonderful royal court.     

Brain massage: Finally, a couple of fun little videos to share with you to close things out. These two are giving me sunday vibes: this cat is loving their piano massage, and a pair of storks are charmingly expressing their joy at having laid an egg for the first time

PS: I don't say it enough, but I am so grateful for you-- you generous platypus-- and your willingness to come with me on this journey even when I can't get my own act together. I love this evolving conversation. Thank you-- sincerely and wholeheartedly-- for the time you take every Sunday to join me in this exploration.

From one overly-inspired person to another, I am glad that we can marinate in spring fever together. I hope you enjoyed this dispatch, and have a time-filled week!

Until next Sunday,
The Earnest Platypus