About April

... big and little resurrections

Hello dear mama,

Christ is Risen! I hope the close of April is finding you basking in the joy of the Resurrection of Christ. Or maybe the joy is just a glimmer keeping you going as you deal with post-Pascha recovery and stress or some other situation. Around here, we’re still trying to catch-up while doing fun things before classes start again on Monday.

For me, April has been a month of little resurrections as I prepared for the THE resurrection. On April 2nd, my husband was ordained a deacon. The change it made in me was completely unexpected. The day itself was a series of little deaths and little resurrections. (I’ll have a whole podcast episode on that in June.) Since then, I’ve found a new strength within myself that I can’t explain or know how long it’ll stay.

All the flowers everywhere have brought me so much joy. I’m thankful to whoever planted so many daffodils all over campus. They are such a delight. Such a reminder of how just a little bit of time can change everything. The landscape was so barren just days before they bloomed. I love how spring resurrects our surroundings, reminding us of the hope Christ’s resurrection brings.

I know many people talk about Spring this way, and when something hard is going on in your life, it can feel so trite and not applicable. I remember the spring of 2015, just before the one year anniversary of our first miscarriage. During the Pascha service, while everyone sang “Christ is Risen!” all I could do was cry and think, “But my baby is still dead.”

I was worried I’d feel this way as I continue to work through the grief of our second miscarriage. Going to confession on Holy Monday helped with this. My father confessor gently acknowledged my pain, but firmly reminded me that my child is in the arms of Christ and to remember the hope that one day, I too will embrace my child. So during that Pascha service, when I thought of our little one, I was comforted knowing he was there with me after all. That he was not dead, but alive in Christ.

A few of my favorite things…

In light of spring and the coming of May, here are a few things I love that I think you will too.

Caldrea Multi-surface Lavender Cedar Leaf Spray I love this brand and this scent in particular has brought me so much joy this spring. It’s fresh and calming. I like to pour half of the spray into another bottle and dilute both with water. The scent is still very strong and it still cleans very well.

Simple Modern Water Bottles We take water bottles everywhere and we have for years. I’ve tried a handful of different water bottles, but these are the best I’ve ever used. I’ve now bought one for almost all our family members and plan to continue to replace the others we have, plus I’m eying some of their other products! You can find them on other online stores, but I suggest using their website for the best selection plus you can earn points toward dollar rewards. (And they send coupons in the bottles you buy!) They have free shipping with $25 orders. I’ve been so happy with their service and products!

My “Quiet Work” playlist Sometimes it’s fun to have fast and upbeat music to work to, but more often than not, I want something soothing (without words) to gently keep me moving, but give me space to muse as I work. I started this playlist last summer and have added to and refined it. I find it’s a nice companion to tidying the kitchen or folding laundry, with a spring flavor.

This article on motherhood This essay was suggested by someone on Instagram and I took the time to read it thoughtfully and am so grateful. Such a lovely, contemplative look at how motherhood grows us.

What I’ve Been Reading…

• Some of The Lenten Spring, but not as much as I had hoped

• Celebration of Faith: the church year as an event came along

• Half of Father Arseny, and plan to continue that.

• A little bit of Parenting Toward the Kingdom every week and let it settle in

• The Joy to Serve by Mat. Juliana Schmemann. It was an encouraging, quick read. It is geared toward clergy wives, but would be helpful for anyone wanting to serve in their parish or who’s husband serves in some other capacity.

I’m excited/hopeful to start some new books in May!

Other news…

I will release a new podcast episode in May! It will be an update on my life and my writing. As insiders, you already know most of what I’ll say, but feel free to take a listen anyway! One thing I’ll mention is that I am going to move to a one episode a month schedule for the podcast and I’ll explain why.

I posted a fun, random post on Substack that just came together quickly after a trip to NYC. Here’s the link: Not a City Girl

Also, April is the 1 year anniversary of starting this newsletter! What a joy it has been to have a safe, dedicated space to share my heart. Thank you for being a part of it!

I pray May brings sweetness into your days. Enjoy the sun and the gentle warmth. Remember that Christ is with you in it all.

Love,

Hannah

P.S. If you want to see more of me throughout the month, I’m semi-active on Instagram: @hannahevazquez and @all.these.things