I have a headache from too much scrolling, content consumption and content creation, yet I find myself back here on my blog.

This little space on the internet is my gentle space. More often than not, I bring myself here to share simple joys and encouragements. I rest here, and I record things that feel precious. I am so grateful to all those who read my writing, but on this blog, I try to leave my ambition and ego at the metaphorical door. Here, I write for the love of life, and the love of writing. I start typing here when I want to enter the most peaceful parts of myself. I hope that even though it is personal, it helps my readers feel good about their own lives too.

Today’s post is a little self indulgent: it is a diary entry, really, just marking the small things in my week, as I often do. It is Easter weekend, but I have read so many different articles and perspectives and thoughts about Easter already. I am somewhat reluctant to add to the noise. In the poem, Wild Geese, Mary Oliver writes, “you do not have to be good…” and she goes on to describe our tender place among the “pebbles of rain”, the mountains, rivers, and wild geese: the “family of things”. For me, Easter is part of that belonging and connection with the world. But today, I have no desire to analyse, theologise, philosophise, expound or explain. I simply want to jot down some of the ways I have felt connection and peace this weekend.

Friday

On Friday, our son went to a friend’s house. They sent me a video of the two of them chatting and laughing on the sofa. I love how at home he is there; it is one of the few places he feels trust and safety. They are a kind family, who have worked hard to understand what he needs. Thank God that there are people like this in the world, who are accepting, curious and loving. Friendship is a lovely thing.

Other friends came to our house in the afternoon and the children hunted for Easter eggs in the garden and played. After we painted the girls’ nails, my friend and I took some time to do our own nails, drink tea and talk.

Saturday

My daughter was treated to a morning out with my niece and nephew. Meanwhile, my son, my husband and I took the dog for a walk. We always enjoy this, but it felt particularly meaningful: because it was part of my son’s fundraising efforts; because our dog is getting older; because our son has such a bond with him and because our son is just really good company.

I was sorting out some of our old things and came across a digital camera full of pictures of the children when they were little. We all enjoyed looking and marvelling at how far they have come. The children have been taking photos on it ever since.

Sunday

My mother-in-law gave us a joint of meat and we cooked it to share on Easter Sunday. Being together feels good, not least because my father-in-law is recovering from a heart attack. He missed Christmas and three months of day-to-day life here while he was in hospital, but now he is back, sitting at our table, pinching the children’s chocolate and talking tractors with my husband.

But first, my daughter and I got up early and went to a church gathering at the top of the hill at sunrise. Which sounds beautiful. Except for the wind and hail that flew around us. A pastor did a valiant job of calling out prayers over the elements. There was something profound about the wildness and the prayer. It was the contrasts: peace and storm, chaos and hope.

Later in the day, we had sunshine, and made the most of it. We walked the dog again, and one of our cats decided to walk with us the whole way. It was so simple and so sweet.

Monday

Some of my family came to visit. There was lots of cake and gentle chatter and the children showed them all their pets.

Later, a friend messaged. She had had some bad news, and I wanted to visit her. I wanted to make her something, so I put together a flower arrangement with my daughter. The scent of rosemary filled the house. Although my reason for visiting the friend was sad, my time with her was so special.

What were the small things bringing peace to your weekend?