Just Beneath the Branch

Your flowers are ready for their reveal

Welcome to those who are new to, from the desk of Rachel Leeke!

And welcome back if you know your way around the place.

This newsletter is where I share weekly observations on two important forces in my life: love + travel.

In addition to narratives, I provide tools to support you in creating the confident, loving, and adventurous life you deserve. 

You can read my last newsletter about the beauty of mornings here, or the entirety of my work here.

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In case you missed it, I did two exciting things in the past few weeks.

First, I collaborated with

C. Elyse

to highlight one of my favorite books, “Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body” by Roxane Gay.

Then, I had a conversation with

Aleshia Moyamba

surrounding my relationship with faith.

I admire both of these writers’ commitment to community and encourage you to check out the rest of their work.

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Of equal excitement I received my first gifted read! Thank you, Lydia, for tangibly supporting my craft outside of a subscription. I can’t wait to dive into the title you sent.

Over 425(!) of you have chosen to receive my musings and I couldn’t be more grateful for you taking time to read something so dear to me.

The best way to share your appreciation is by commenting, liking and sharing what you enjoy. You can also become a paid subscriber, buy me a coffee, or gift a book, like Lydia did, for my shelf.

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Spring is a liminal time. Everything is in a state of transition. The tiny nodes you might find on a branch in the morning are no more by the afternoon.

Over the course of the day, life emerges from the branch’s fibrous casing of protection and brings forth a tiny leaf for the sun’s consideration.

Much like myself.

Yesterday, I went for a walk in the early afternoon. After completing my morning pages while sipping a cup of honey sweetened tea, I was comfortable, but restless, and in need to balance my mental expenditure with physical activity. I also wanted to behold winter’s last grip on the breeze and relish in the sun’s mighty rays. Standing in the light warmed me up from the inside out.

As I walked on paved paths, over stone steps, and scaled winding rockscapes it was evident most greenery hadn’t returned from their winter retreat. Bare branches, usually lush with foliage, gave away the location of bird nests within its crossings.

Though most trees stood naked, there were a handful with bowing limbs of floral bounty. When the air weaved through their shades of yellow, white, and pink most petals welcomed their aerial dance partners and enjoyed a moment to groove. Some found freedom in the motion and spiraled away, adorning the ground below with nature’s confetti.

Those trees are a marvel to me. They express the most tender parts of themselves when the wind still has a bite and the temperature dips in the shade.

It makes me think their flowers aren’t delicate at all. Perhaps, they’ve always been there, right below the surface, waiting - and when conditions are just right, and not a moment before, they emerge.

I’m wishing you a day full of everything you need to bloom.

Be well,

RL

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TODAY’S TOOL:

I took my mom to the New York Botanical Garden for The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion for her birthday.

Even though it was a weekend the conservatory was not too crowded and we were able to linger and enjoy the exhibition in its entirety.

My favorite parts were the sensory table, floating displays, and the desert landscape.

If you go, let me know how you enjoy it. The collection will be on display until April 22nd.

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COMMUNITY CORNER:

Romance recognizes romance.

Sarah Lusack

shares On Chance Encounters, a musing on synchronicities that befall her and her love as they visit their favorite place by the sea.

It felt like

Jacqueline Rendell

was speaking directly to me in Growing Up from Playing Small. She share a personal account on how we can all push through resistance and continue to grow.

Control is an illusion and

Heather Havrilesky

expertly outlines how Tolerating Unknowns Will Make You Stronger. This isn’t one to miss.

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LET ME KNOW:

Have you ever blossomed during a challenging season?

When’s the last time you went for a walk?

Have you ever been to a flower show?

Do you have any rituals to welcome spring?

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Love a list? I’ve made a few:

Three Gifts in Cartagena

Reasons I Write

Four Mantras That Keep Me Present

Three Thoughts En Route to D.C.