I went to the bay looking for the great blue heron. In the gray March dawn, I watched for its graceful curve and hollow bones. I didn’t know what it signified, but I stood waiting for it, as though I was due.
The sky was silver and spitting, a perfect March morning, but not what I wanted. I shivered against its perceived inclemence, idly watching two obstreperous ducks chase one another at speed, low to the water, fighting or mating; I did not know. They darted through the pearl sky, their bodies close to one another, calling and flapping.
After some time of stamping my feet, scanning the horizon, tuning out the noise of the mallard, I turned back inside, empty-pocketed. In my room, I hung my coat and sat at the desk by the window and found myself writing about the ducks.
Anatidae — how good to be them, secluded from the language of the day, in search only of the inscrutable things their wild hearts want.
I realized two days later, still vaguely disappointed in the absence of the great blue, my short-sightedness. I’d been hoping for the heron, but I’d written myself onto the wing of the duck nonetheless. And I’d found a new color inside. I had not known how much I desired the ease of their avian intuition.
Ah, expectations — the eternal enemy. Too often in life I go digging for gold-draped divinity only to discover it’s been talking in technicolor all day long, looking suspiciously like a normal day. Herons, ducks, eagles, sparrows — their rarity has no bearing on our meaning-making. As Ingrid Goff-Maidoff put it: “God spoke today in flowers, and I, who was waiting on words, almost missed the conversation.”
Post-Scripts.
+Another stirring birding moment, this time with a heron present.
+Imprints of our (suburban) lifestyle.
Shopping Break.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
+25% off current season picks at Veronica Beard (!) with code FAVORITES2025. My top picks: these cuffed straight-legs in the chicest brown color, especially with the coordinating belted chore jacket (this color would look SO good with creamy whites and pale pink as we head into spring); my current favorite VB jacket (in my closet); and this gorgeous, versatile eyelet dress. And nearly sold out, but these Carson kick-flares are a forever favorite!
BELTED CHORE JACKET // DYLAN STRAIGHT LEGS // SUMIRA TWEED BLAZER // CARSON KICK FLARE JEANS // EYELET DRESS // SUEDE JACKET
+VB vibes for less with this CHIC tweed blazer in the best spring colors and these Gap kick fits.
+OO this new dress style from Anthro is so good! (Also comes in a mini.)
+In addition to the Westman bronzing drops I mentioned yesterday, I’ve also been using and loving True Botanicals’ bronzewell drops. My neighbor turned me onto this brand last year and I love everything I have of theirs! Anyhow, the bronzewell drops are not a tanner, have no scent, washes off easily, but really gives a great bronze glow. I mix one drop into my moisturizer in the morning; I’ll probably level up to two drops when I’m less pale. I layer this beneath the Westman drops, which I wear more like makeup (the True Botanicals is more skincare).
+Larroude just sent me THE CHICEST sneakers. The bungee-style laces and toe shape remind me of Miu Miu! (Vibe for $100 with these.)
+Kids Vans on sale in great colors. My children have loved these — very comfortable!
LEFT: SPRING VANS ON SALE
RIGHT: HOW I STYLE MY SON: OSO AND ME POLO, CADETS SHORTS, VANS
+My mom was raving about this foundation over the weekend. I’m in a longtime committed relationship with Westman Atelier’s Foundation Stick, but she was very convincing…going to try next!
+OK, this Lilly P dress is gorgeous…! Imagine with a simple leather sandal and a big set of bangles or a statement necklace.
+Always such a fan of Oso and Me. I always love the way my son looks when he’s wearing that brand (he just wore this polo to Mass), and he loves how comfortable they are. They just launched a new “Go Fish” collection and I’m eyeing this sweatshirt and sweatshort set for him.
+This is not my typical go-to dress style (I’m usually drawn to something with a very defined waist / a shirt dress / etc) but I saw someone wearing this dress on Instagram and I immediately ordered. It looked SO chic on! She was wearing red but I ordered in that great palm color.
+Love this longline sports bra in the mint green color. I just got it and love to pair with other bright colored leggings and shorts while cycling indoors.
+Saw an Instagram ad for this barrier repair ghost berry cream from new-to-me brand Alpyn and now I must try it…