Sunday Letter: 03.28.2021

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

How on earth is it already the end of March? Time seems to be playing a trick on me. Last week was a hazy, busy blur, in part because we were dog-sitting Gracie’s half-brother, Lucky, while his people were away on spring break. Lucky is no trouble whatsoever. Gracie is the energizer bunny in the group.

It was #TeamSchnauzer, all week. Fun and entertaining, a spring break camp for pups.

For real, who thinks Gracie is part rabbit?

🐰

Shot Day!

John and I received our first doses of the Pfizer vaccination last week! It was a drive-thru vaccination clinic—part of Washington Regional Medical Center—very organized and efficient. I wasn’t expecting to feel so emotional about it. Seriously, I was holding back tears when I saw the nurses and my turn came.

A year ago, I never dreamed we would have vaccinations so soon. Bravo to those who made it happen.

My heart is happy and hopeful. I see travel in my future again. And dinner with friends. And in-person book club.

All.The.Things.

With respect to side effects of the shot, my arm was sore for a couple of days, my face temporarily became beet red a few hours after the injection, and the day after, I was lethargic. If my DNA has been altered, I can’t tell it. If a chip was injected into my arm, the folks tracking me haven’t learned anything they wouldn’t know by following me on social media. (Joke y’all.)

Delta Arts Festival

The Delta Arts Festival is June 4-5, 2021, and I’ll be there this year. I attended in 2019, but last year it was cancelled for obvious reasons. Yay for having two books to sell this time— my illustrated version of The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee and Gene, Everywhere (hardback and paperback).

Lots of folks have been to the beach lately. Some went snow-skiing for spring break. While I’ve been living vicariously through your travels, I’m pretty dang thrilled to be returning to Newport, Arkansas in June. Lots of authors I know will be there. Hopefully a few readers will turn out too.

There will even be a film fest this year, screening 8 films with a connection to The Natural State.

How cool is that?

Succulent Babies

If you have houseplants, consider fancy-ing them up with moss. Moss not only helps the plants retain moisture (a real problem for a couple of my thirsty varieties), but it also dresses them up for spring with a little brightness.

The lime green color even gives them a boost of confidence. (Not really, but I figure it can’t hurt. Who doesn’t like a new outfit?)

Do you remember the succulent pumpkins I created last fall? I snipped away on my jade plant to make them. You can see in this photo, how much new growth this guy has put on in the places snipped.

Brown thumb? Get yourself a succulent. You can cut on it the way you chopped your Barbie’s hair. Unlike Barbie who will be ruined for life, your succulent will fill out with fresh, new growth in no time.

March Madness

Yesterday, was an A+ sports day for me. I went three for three in my NCAA basketball games. Baylor Women, Baylor Men, and Razorback Men won in nail-biters, sending my favorite teams to the Elite Eight.

Now I find myself in an interesting situation, as Baylor Men soon play the Hogs.

😲

As much as I would LOVE to see the hogs go all the way, I’ve never rooted against my alma mater. One thing is for sure, no matter who wins, I win.

Things Momma Says

Momma was a fantastic high school basketball player, known for her mean hook shot.

For those of us lucky enough to be in her inner circle, she provides running NCAA tournament commentary:

(Lady Bears) Those fake eyelashes would mess up my shot.
(Arkansas/ORU) Sitting on your butt holding the ball used to be called walking.
(Arkansas) Arkansas better start hitting some 3s. 

***

Cheers to a good week ahead, Sunday Letter friends. Our tulips have begun blooming, and our redbud is in full bud. How wonderful to see the world waking up again.

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.