Speaking of Solitudes

These past two days have made the often lengthy commutes down to Cambridge incredibly worth it. I've been working from our "rustic office" aka the satellite branch at Round Pond and boy, is it perfect. I was afraid I would feel that I was ruining this place with the stress of work, but if anything, this place has removed the stress from the work. So far today, I have seen the heron twice, six ducks, five loons, one dog (mine), and two fishermen (they didn't see me). It is so beautiful and tranquil and productive. I'm shocked at how much I've been able to get done and how great it feels in the process. Let's hope this is always how it is. Here's some scenes from breaktime this afternoon.

A Poem For A Thursday

Solitudes
Margaret Gibson

For today, I will memorize
the two trees now in end-of-summer light

and the drifts of wood asters as the yard slopes away toward
the black pond, blue

dragonflies
in the clouds that shine and float there, as if risen

from the bottom, unbidden. Now, just over the fern--
quick--a glimpse of it,

the plume, a fox-tail's copper, as the dog runs in ovals and eights,
chasing scent.

The yard is a waiting room. I have my chair. You, yours.

The hawk has its branch in the pine.

White petals ripple in the quiet light.

I'm sitting here at our table overlooking the lake with NPR's classical music hour on the radio (gosh, I sound like a tool). It's a gray day and I haven't seen or heard another human soul. The trees are beginning to develop a yellow tinge and the Great Blue Heron just emerged from the brush next to our house and flew across the lake. Peaceful. Solitude.

Moments ago, Garrison Keillor read this poem as part of The Writer's Almanac broadcast. I can't help but to connect it to September 11th. It seems as though the narrator is reflecting, especially given the mention of the two trees in the light--perhaps a vague reference to the towers? I don't know for sure and that's okay, as the poem is just lovely. Again, another poem describing this singular moment with such beautifully-worded snippets from the scene. For the first time in a long time, this one makes me to want to go back to my own poetry writing. But for now, I've got to write something far less glamorous...a grant proposal. Have a great day.

Best Doggy Toy Ever

Why not spoil the dog? And if you can spoil him while also stretching his brain power, double win. I had my eye on a version of this quite some time ago, but they were outrageously expensive. This one was a bargain at Bed Bath and Beyond. Essentially, these little wooden "pockets" hold treats but are hidden under sliding panels. I knew right away that Merwin needed this. NEEDED it. He will do anything to get treats and watching him try to figure it out is a bonus...this really stretches his abilities. It took him awhile but eventually he found every treat by nudging the doors with his nose and sliding them with his paw. We have a genius dog! Mensa! Sign him up for college! Make him write a book! This dog also once got stuck in a traffic cone. Done. 

Scenes From The Weekend

For the first weekend since mid-June, we did not journey north. As tempting as it was in the sticky humidity Saturday, we needed to focus on settling into the new place. So it was a productive weekend of unpacking and furniture hunting but we also managed to do some exploring, including a nice walk through downtown Portsmouth Saturday morning. Lots of little brick-lined streets brimming with cute shops and tasty-looking restaurants. Really adorable and lively city. Before heading back into downtown for an absolutely delicious dinner at Moxy (seriously amazing "American Tapas"), we tackled errands and unpacking. Progress!

The gross weather broke Sunday after t-storms so we ventured off to an old Fort in Kittery someone had recommended for a dog walk. It was nice to get Merwin out and about a bit and the views were unreal. Actually, I'll stare at them for awhile as I try to let this morning's 2 hour and 10 minute ride into the office melt into the past. Too bad I can't bottle up the waves and sun and roll around in them while I'm stuck in bumper to bumper traffic surrounded by IDIOTS who don't understand how driving cars actually works. Happy Monday.

Happy September

Whirlwind transition from August to September! Moved out of the Somerville place Friday morning, spent a lovely long weekend at the lake, moved into the Portsmouth place Tuesday morning, drove the 1.5 hours to work yesterday, drove the 1.5 hours home from work, and sampled the new work-from-home lifestyle today. Whew! Merwin is finally settling down (we arrived at the new apartment and he promptly pooped all over the floor). Needless to say, it has been a lot, both for him and us (don't worry, we aren't pooping the floor) but I'm pretty sure we're going to be really happy here. More to come as I catch up!