The Comfort of Crows, My Favorite Read This Year

 

Front Cover Art by Billy Renkl, provided by Spiegel & Grau

The Comfort of Crows A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl was published by Spiegel & Grau on Oct. 24, 2023. I just learned of its publication this year and now shout its praises.

I am in awe of the narrative and illustrations in this literary devotional. The book contains fifty-two chapters that represent the passing of seasons, both personal and natural. Renkl's prose seems poetic to me. The interesting details about flora and fauna found in her backyard and neighborhood as well as her feelings, thoughts, and ideas about the people, places, and things she notices, cares for, and even dreads, is universal in scope.

The Comfort of Crows is a reflective work that uses the natural world as a means to examine life, loss, and the passage of time. While the book delves into the beauty and fragility of the natural world, it also intertwines those observations with insights about personal experiences including aging, family, the impact of the pandemic, and climate change.

 

Renkl is the author of Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss and Graceland, At Last: Notes On Hope and Heartache From the American South. She is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times, where her essays appear each Monday. A graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Carolina, Renkl lives in Nashville.

The Comfort of Crows was illustrated by Billy Renkl (the author’s brother). Look below for a sample of one of the fifty-two original collages he assembled and see the illustrator website to learn more about their creation. 

Billy Renkl grew up in Birmingham, AL, attended Auburn University (BFA, Visual Communications) and the University of South Carolina (MFA, Drawing). He teaches drawing and illustration at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN.

Collage Art by Billy Renkl, provided by Spiegel & Grau

During the past few weeks I have taken a break from blogging to devote more time to nurturing my mind, body, and spirit. Reading this book has been a balm to my soul and an inspiring part of my selfcare practice.

I encourage you to check it out too.

For more about nature see:

"Unique Ways Colors are Key to Survival."

"Awesome Reasons Why Mourning Doves are Fascinating."

"Exciting Desert Spring Flowers for Wordless Wednesday."

Before I sign off, here's a quote from The Comfort of Crows that resonates with me.

“What if resting, all by itself, is the real act of holiness? What if honoring the gift of our only life in this gorgeous world means taking time every week to slow down? To sleep? To breathe? The natural world has never needed us more than it needs us now, but we can’t be of much use to it if we remain in a perpetual state of exhaustion and despair.”

― Margaret Renkl, The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year

Have you read a book this year that inspired or motivated you? Which one or ones are they? Please comment below in the space provided.

I feel joyful when I find non-fiction that is truly memorable, and this book is it!

Have you read anything written by Margret Renkl before? If not, who is your favorite author or authors?

Do you think you'd like to read this book? Why or why not? Please share that too.

I read and appreciate all comments, but am not able to publish those with links. Thanks for understanding.

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Ikebana Flowers at Yume Japanese Gardens

Ikebana, which translates to “making flowers alive,” is a Japanese art form. Fresh flowers and natural elements including twigs, sticks, and foliage are arranged in specific designs to create beauty, harmony, and sensory pleasure. 

Post updated 2/17/2024

Although the Spring Ikebana Festival was held in February 2020 at the Yume Japanese Gardens in central Tucson, I present my post today.

I've learned through research and life experience that seeing flowers in natural surroundings provides grounding energy and a connection to Mother Earth.

Flowers have a way of brightening the day, reducing stress, and are a boon to health. Read about additional ways flowers boost well-being here.

The Ikebana tradition dates back to the 7^th century, yet its minimalist aesthetic fits easily into modern life. 

 I invite you to come along with me as we walk around the Yume gardens, and view the color-rich Ikebana floral designs.

Ikebana Flowers at Yume Japanese Gardens

The Yume Japanese Gardens, located at 2130 N. Alvernon Way in central Tucson, AZ, is closed temporarily. Check back for hours, days of operation, and admission fees at 520-303-3945. 

Patricia Deridder, Founder and Executive Director advises: the garden is closed to the public in May, yet a community project has been launched to provide hope and healing to hearts frayed by the coronavirus. 

It’s called 1,000 Cranes, 1,000 Dreams. For information about this creative origami project, look for details on the gardens' website.

Have you ever seen an Ikebana exhibit and where?

This garden has many Ikebana shows and here's a link to Stunning Flower Design at Yume Japanese Gardens 

Would you like to know how to create an Ikebana Flower Arrangement? There are several online courses you might like to investigate and many books written about this art form.

Please comment in the section below.

Which floral display is your favorite and why?

What additional life affirming ways do you use to reduce stress and which self-care methods help you relax during the day? 

If you'd be so kind, please offer ideas up to my readers in the comments section below.

I read every comment and appreciate social shares with a link back to this post.

Before I sign off, I'm delighted to share a link to an article I wrote that has been published in the May 2020 Issue of Natural Awakenings Magazine. 

It reveals one of my favorite self-care tips to reduce stress. Enjoy!

Using Journal Writing to Reduce Stress.

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