Anne, correcting examination papers in the tower room one mid-June evening, paused to wipe her nose. She had wiped it so often that evening that it was rosy-red and rather painful. The truth was that Anne was the victim of a very severe and very unromantic cold in the head. It would not allow her to enjoy the soft green sky behind the hemlocks of The Evergreens, the silver-white moon hanging over the Storm King, the haunting perfume of the lilacs below her window or the frosty, blue-penciled irises in the vase on her table. It darkened all her past and overshadowed all her future.
“A cold in the head in June is an immoral thing,” she told Dusty Miller, who was meditating on the window-sill. “But in two weeks from today I’ll be in dear Green Gables instead of stewing here over examination papers full of howlers and wiping a worn-out nose. Think of it, Dusty Miller.”
—Anne of Windy Poplars, L.M. Montgomery
I have felt exactly like Anne this week – with paperwork in lieu of examination papers – as I’ve been in the grip of a decidedly unromantic, un-summery head cold. (Kershoo!) We’ve had gray skies and blustery winds here in Boston, though we were spared the hail that hit West Texas (and filled up my Facebook feed). Despite my cheery Summer Manifesto, I’ve felt as droopy as my balcony garden, which is definitely not getting enough sunshine. (Neither am I.)
However, like Anne, I’ll soon be at Green Gables – or close to it, when we head to Prince Edward Island on vacation later this month. And before then, there’s a bit of sunshine in the forecast, and a few fun social events on the calendar. So things are looking up.
Wishing you a lovely (sneeze-free) weekend, friends. And if you’ve been to PEI, do share your must-see recommendations!
(P.S.: After reading about Anne’s blue-penciled irises, I had to find some of my own. These are from last summer, in the garden next to my office building.)
Apt description for a cold. Get well!
Thirteen years ago TODAY I was flying home from PEI from our honeymoon! Sadly, we haven’t made it back, so please post lots of pics from your trip!!! :-) I guess my broad advice is do everything you can! We did go through all the houses, which is worth it if you’re a serious Anne fan, but we skipped the more touristy things like the Anne musical. The seafood is fabulous, and we spent every second outside that we could! Do all the drives and walks that you can. See the singing sand, see a Ceilidhs…I’ll have to think if I can come up with anything else. Hope your cold gets better soon too!
Summer colds (or awful allergies, in my case) are the worst. That, coupled with the crazy amounts of rain we’ve had in Pittsburgh these past few weeks, are making me grumpy and ready for a break. Sounds like you are also very deserving of your trip to PEI–take lots of pictures!
Ugh– colds and allergies in the summer. No fun!
PEI is on my list of places to go someday. Have a great trip and enjoy the beautiful island.
So sorry about your cold! That quote sums it up so perfectly! Did you read it recently or just remember it?
I’m jealous of your upcoming trip to PEI. That is a dream destination of mine as well.
I’m a huge fan of Anne of Green Gables. I am so excited that you are going to PEI, have a great trip.