My own dear familiar view. Much to do, much to do . . .
Wearing today:
*Wool& Fiona (M) in Teal, bought November 2022, worn as base layer
*Secondhand Not Perfect Linen Smock Dress (S/M) in either Dark Gray-Blue or Charcoal Blue --- I can't make up my mind which NPL color this is, but anyway, you can see the color, so I don't know why it matters what it's called.
*The very old thrifted Eddie Bauer cardigan, which I am not actually challenging myself to wear for forty days straight, but you'd be forgiven for thinking that that was what I was doing.
*Snag merino tights in Charcoal Gray (or, again, whatever this color is actually called, but that is what it is), bought either fall 2021 or spring 2022
*Xero Tari boots, bought summer 2022
Just-washed hair: nothing but shampoo (two lathers, because I hadn't washed since Sunday, and my scalp was kind of feeling it). I'll smooth and scrunch some Reflex Serum in as it dries, but I don't intend to spend any more time on it than this.
I'm already tired of wearing purple, and already feeling that there's not enough purple variety in my closet. I'm tired of this cardigan. On the other hand, I am really enjoying today's colors together. The soft grapey purple against the soft blue-gray: just perfect, a rest for my weary eyes. And ultimately, isn't this what a Lenten penance is supposed to do? It should demand that you persevere. If it's too easy, or too much what you ought to be doing anyway (like saying your prayers, even though I know what a slog that can be, all too often), then there's no sense of your especially persevering in it. A penance is a thing you ought to start to feel, once the shine has had time to wear off. The first week of Lent is the honeymoon period. The second week: you think, Oh, God, still so far to go. And I mean, you say this to the Lord. And the Lord says, Well, yes, sadly for you dear little creatures caught in time . . . What the Lord does not say is: What a stupid penance you chose. Sucks for you. He just sends his angels quietly to minister to you.
And one way that they minister is --- I really believe this; I'm not just spouting off pious nonsense because I think it's the thing to say --- to show you things that make even your penance a little instance of refreshment. I don't think it's my own particular insight that makes me notice the loveliness of the colors I'm wearing and find them refreshing. I'm wearing these colors --- at least one of them --- as my tiny little baby wimpy penance. And I feel it as a penance. Yet, by the mysterious work of grace, I feel it as a gift as well.
So, anyway. I did a lot of work while I was hanging out with Marly, but I've come home to the realization of how much I still have to do. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all, though most of it is work I actively enjoy, and once a task is done, I'm glad I've done it. But wow. How can it be Thursday already? Even with the gift of an extra day, how can March be tomorrow?
At least I'm dressed, and my hair is clean.