“There is no doubt that solitude is a challenge and to maintain balance within it a precarious business. But I must not forget that, for me, being with people or even with one beloved person for any length of time without solitude is even worse. I lose my center. I feel dispersed, scattered, in pieces. I must have time alone in which to mull over any encounter, and to extract its juice, its essence, to understand what has really happened to me as a consequence of it."

This journal covers a year in the life of the poet May Sarton in the early 70s. She is living in the tiny village of Nelson, New Hampshire, along with Punch the parrot and various friends and neighbors who visit occasionally. Her journal focuses on finding time to write poetry and spending time in her garden. Almost every single entry includes an update on the fickle New Hampshire weather and the flowers she has displayed throughout her home. I loved this and made about a million (okay, more like 33) Kindle highlights, which you can read here.