Daffodil ikebana, lily pad cocktail napkins, and cloud ballet flats

Plus, the zen garden that made me think of my 103-year-old great aunt

I sat in the sun today; I listened to my kids giggle; I arrived 30 minutes early and luxuriated in the time. A friend made me laugh; I felt seen. The shift in the season is now and what a gift to have made it through another winter.

A. I have a 103-year-old great aunt whom I adore, and she has a zen garden in the wilds of New Hampshire. I was thinking of her and zen gardens today. Zuihō-in Zen Garden
B. It’s daffodil season for real - some of you will remember that the woman who lived in what is now our house for 40 years had a mania for daffodils. Thank you, Fran, for your single-minded devotion to the form. Daffodil Ikebana is on my agenda.
C. As is this Fern Ikebana.
D. I first saw the work of Woods Davy on a trip to Paris fourteen years ago (!? what is time !?) and stumbled on this catalog tonight, and it felt like I had to include it in the newsletter. His Instagram is worth the click, too.
E. This stone keychain charmed me.

F. These Cloud Shoes are winking at me.
G. What pretty Splatter Vases - my daffodils would look good in you.
H. My grandmother had green water goblets. I had a pang of grief tonight thinking of them and her. Green glassware
I. We use Duralex water glasses daily. Maybe these green tumblers are in my future.
J. Gah! I don’t need these, but I want them - and that’s the joy of them. Lily Pads Cocktail Napkins

Pretty moment at dinner last week.

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I include a few bonus finds here each week for paid subscribers as a small token of appreciation for making this newsletter possible.

1. This is a little random, but this is my favorite pencil that still writes nicely when no longer sharp…

2. Some of you will remember the hunt for house pants … these are a really good pair

3. Speaking of Zen Gardens … a Zen Garden game

4. I ordered these Red espadrilles - I’ll report back.

5. I also ordered this necklace, which seems very summery.