A Handful of Happy Things
10 Jun 2014
Sometimes I find myself at a bit of a loss with blogging. Usually I plan out at least a week’s worth of posts in advance with post-it notes on my big desk calendar (artfully taped to the back of our office door). But I am so tired these days that it mostly falls by the wayside. I’m only doing four posts a week now, but I often find myself wondering at 10pm why I didn’t take a picture of something at 2pm when there was natural light. And I often think about how the things I’m spending my days on aren’t finished yet and aren’t ready to be posted. Obviously, no one is making me write blog posts, but I enjoy the rhythm of it, and I like checking in with all of you. So I’m especially happy when I remember that a blog post doesn’t have to be a lengthy essay full of profound thoughts or a new quilt/art project/recipe that I’ve successfully tackled. I’m happy when I remember that the kind of life I value is found in small pleasures, little moments that add up to a lot of joy. And then I come back to this little series, a handful of happy things. Like baby pomegranates.
And the discovery that the inside of a palm tree looks a lot like vermicelli.
Or, if cut differently, like fuzzy fur.
Heart-shaped leaves.
Afternoon swims with Eric.
Tiny elegant jacaranda leaves.
And lots and lots of reading. I have been plowing through a handful of novels during lunch and before bed. Reading feels like an essential part of being alive to me. Trips to the library still make me a little giddy: who knows what treasures I’ll discover there?
And this: I was reading a library book in bed the first night that Eric was in Sweden, and I was missing him. I turned a page in the book, and this Valentine fell out. Such a sweet little coincidence. It’s an awful lot of happy for just the past week or so. I love every bit of it.
Jun 10, 2014 @ 05:43:49
Very sweet post. I agree sometimes the simplest things in life (and in blogging) are best!
Jun 11, 2014 @ 22:23:58
Thank you so much!
Jun 10, 2014 @ 06:53:59
I have that book on my shelf 🙂 Now if I can only get through DC in a timely manner before you finish yours (DC=David Copperfield).
Jun 11, 2014 @ 22:24:36
And I have also been wondering if a book I recently read is referencing DC…so I may be reading it soon too!
Jun 10, 2014 @ 07:40:21
Thanks for the reminders of the little happy things. Even with a list of topics I want to blog on, I sometimes get stuck.
Jun 11, 2014 @ 22:25:49
I know what you mean! When I feel stuck, Eric always suggests that I just flip through my photos until I see something that catches my eye, something I want to write about. Still, sometimes it’s easier said than done!
Jun 10, 2014 @ 08:50:08
Yes baby, you have captured the essence if what is important: the everyday coolnesses, surprises, sweetnesses, and joys. We should all have such a series.
Jun 11, 2014 @ 22:26:19
I would love it if you did one!! But there are lots of posts I am eagerly awaiting from you: the aquarium, SF…:)
Jun 10, 2014 @ 22:17:40
Such peacefulness in this post, not just happy, you know? I love the Valentine…what a sweet message to fall right into your lap while Eric’s away. 🙂
Jun 11, 2014 @ 22:26:36
Thank you! I know, it was such a sweet moment!
Jun 15, 2014 @ 18:36:25
I am excited to see you soon and mainly so that we can compare notes on all of the books we’ve been reading. 🙂 Ura!
Jun 16, 2014 @ 22:20:25
Oh yes, that will be awesome! After I finish my Greece book, or maybe in tandem, I am going to read The Circle. Big fat novels make me so excited! Also, Tana French has a new one coming out this fall, and so does Murakami! Great happiness;)