Spring Tonic
Slipping quietly into this little space on a brisk-but-brilliant almost-spring day to say a warm word of thanks to those of you dear souls (and you know who you are) who have spoken such kind words of late over my long absence from Lanier’s Books. Truthfully, it wasn’t until I received a profoundly gracious email from a longtime reader, gently wondering if I was drifting away from this place and the fellowship of words we have shared here, that I realized just how long it had been since I had posted anything. I was shocked at my own silence, and hastened to assure her–as I am anxious to assure you, dear readers–that, no, I have no intention of abandoning my site or my shop. Quite the contrary, appearances notwithstanding!
In all honesty, I haven’t shared here for the simple reason that I’ve had nothing worth sharing. Not that these winter days have been lacking in beauty, or that life has lost the ruby-hearted lustre that so kindles my soul. Far from it! But it has been a long winter, literally and figuratively, and, in some lights, a hard one. Like our dear friend, Henrietta, I’ve felt rather turned on my head by too much lately, so that most (if not all) that is worthwhile in my mind has toppled out like spare change from an upended wallet. There have been shining joys which I am keen to share with you, but the simple fact is that in all my exhaustion of heart and mind, I haven’t had two words to rub together. I’ve laughingly called it a case of writerly laryngitis, but it’s more than that. I have been writing, in faith that cohesion might someday bubble to the surface. And I have been working happily away in my bookshop, polishing up some details on a surprise that I absolutely cannot wait to unveil.
And in the meantime I’ve been rounding out this quiet hibernation with an unprecedented regimen of self-care. Like Henrietta, I know that unless I tend my dreams–unless I live, as Macrina Wiederkehr put it, in a way that is kind to my own soul–I’ll have nothing to give to the world, no work that is “love made visible.”And that, of course, is the Dream at the heart of my dreams.
I want you to know that I have read and re-read your comments and emails and messages, and they have invigorated me like a good, old-fashioned spring tonic. I never cease to be amazed and humbled by the warmth of the people kind enough to frequent this site. You give me courage, dear readers, and I am overwhelmingly grateful.
And about that surprise…I know I’ve been alluding to it for some time now, to the exhaustion of all suspense and excitement…
But this time I mean it.
Check back on Monday for an announcement of the latest publication from Low Door Press!
God keep you, my friends, and thank you, again.
Under the Mercy,
~L
The year’s at the spring,
And day’s at the morn;
Morning’s at seven;
The hillside’s dew-pearled;
The lark’s on the wing;
The snail’s on the thorn;
Lanier’s back in Blogland–
All’s right with the world!
(with apologies to Browning)
Oh, yay! I just happened by your website this evening, and was delighted to find your post! Hoping that you are anticipating the joy and warmth of Spring and the promise of the Resurrection, dear Lanier! I will certainly be back on Monday to hear your happy news!
How good to see you back! You were missed!
Selfcare is so important – thanks for the reminder.
Looking forward to Monday!
I too kept checking and hoping. I love coming here and reading anything you choose to write and share with us.
I’m so happy to see you back in this space, and so excited for Monday’s announcement!
I would love to hear the details about your intense “self-care” – this is a topic I’m very interested in…
So happy for your return!I have missed your presence.:) ~Sharon
I am so glad to see your post today! I checked your site nearly every day and prayed for you often, hoping that all was well.
Such a breath of fresh air to read your words, as always, Lanier! You are so talented, but also so humble and it just seems like you’re always surprised at how much you inspire and delight those of us who “know” and think the world of you. That kind of “surprised-I-matter-so-much-to-you” quality is only to be found in the best kind of person. But, of course, you are the best kind of person, as far as I can tell. 🙂
Can’t wait to see this site on Monday!
Happy Day! You have been missed. And thought of. <3 I look forward to your surprise!! 🙂
It is so good to “see” you. I was thinking of you last week as I polished my silver tea service. 🙂
You are thought of and prayed for often.
Happy surprise to find this post. I have been saying a prayer for you in your absence and catching up on some delightful archives. What will happen when I run out of your writings? Can I sit at your table in Heaven? 🙂
So thrilled to see a post from you! I look forward to Monday!
Lanier, it is so good to see you back! You are right, it has been a long winter for everyone, no matter what part of the country you live in. But what a blessing to know that Spring is soon on the way, and that Easter will again remind us that Life abounds! Blessings to you.
Lanier, I am also thrilled to find you back!
I’ve missed new posts from you, but took the opportunity to go back and read from the past, before I had found you about eighteen months ago. Your determination to follow your heart, and your love of beauty in all its forms are a delight – soul filling through a difficult season of my own.
I’ll be back tomorrow.
How happy it’s made me to come here and find you back! I can’t wait to learn more about this surprise! 🙂
How lovely to hear from you again, dear Lanier! *Hug!*
I’m so very glad to meet with you here again. And am so glad that you’re staying.
Peace of Christ,
Josie Ray–who’s currently lacking profundity, but wanted to say hello 🙂