The mother of one of Khalil’s future classmates claims that she saw some daffodils growing in the ditch near the park. I can’t find them, but there are some crocuses starting to poke through under our apple tree. A couple (and I mean that in the romantic sense) of ducks have been courting in the backyard. They go on long strolls, side by side, and then sit on the stone wall and look out over the lake. Yesterday, the male turned away from the female for a few minutes before flying away. Later in the evening, he was following her around the yard again, begging her to take him back, I assume.
The lake was frozen for a full month and then the ice left slowly, breaking and cracking into smaller chunks before the north winds took them away. It smells different outside, like earth and carbon. Little blades of green grass are pushing past the brown. Our first Canadian winter is over. (But, in full transparency, it’s snowing today).
We aren’t vaccinated yet but are hoping we will be by the time we’re saying rabbit rabbit again.
It’s important to note that in the US and Canada, disabled people have not been prioritized for the vaccine. You can imagine how that feels after spending this time last year reading articles about how we would be deprioritized for lifesaving treatment if we were to become sick. Ableism, which is not an abstract term but a life-threatening reality, has been behind many pandemic-related decisions.
Systemic injustice aside, We are ready to be out in the world again. These 13 months have been grueling for our family. I am tempted to qualify my complaint (we’re lucky to have stayed healthy! To work from home! To have a home!) but a recent piece reminded me that we’ve all had a hell of a year and it’s ok to just say that sometimes.
Our “adventure” this afternoon was to drive around the neighborhood and count the Canada flags. We took bets ahead of time. I guessed 10, David 14, and Khalil 100 (down from 1 million). After returning home, David ran Khalil a bath and Khalil commented to me, “Do you know why you can hear that? It’s because the sound waves are entering your ears.” Get this kid to school. He’s disappointed we can’t get our hands on a NASA-grade refractory device that would allow us to visualize sound waves in real-time. He’s also requested that I plant a venus fly trap.
I’m still writing, thank the goodness. Caroline and I will be sharing some (unbelievably exciting) news about our picture book in the next few months. My memoir is progressing well, too, and I’m going to do my darndest to have two book deals by the end of the year. Cross your fingers for me.
I haven’t given up reading, either. If I had to push one book on you for this month, it would be Luster. If I had to push three more they would be Detransition, Baby; Between Two Kingdoms; and How to Pronounce Knife. But come on, read Luster. Let’s talk about it.
Rabbit Rabbit from Canada. Hope you’re getting a shot in the arm and a break from routine.
If you know someone who would like an update on our backyard animals, a book recommendation, and a short rant on social justice once a month, will you share this?
Love you
I will always read your book recommendations! And can’t wait to hear all the news!! Beautiful, meaningful post, as always. 💗💗💗
Thanks for sharing! Happy springtime, and good luck on the book deal. Good vibes and warm regards from Virginia.