Every month I chronicle those everyday things that give me comfort or offer a place of reflection or joy. Here are my everyday delights for August:
1. This Journal
I’ve collected various journals most of my life. The blank page is where I find refuge, whether it is to jot down a few thoughts or make a list of things to do. The message, “Don’t Wait” keeps repeating in my head like a mantra. When I discovered this notebook at a local bookstore, I felt an urgency to add it to my collection. There are other notebooks, featuring other mottos, like “Live Inspired” or “Take Epic Chances.”
2. Eternity by Calvin Klein
I recently read the book, The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro, which captures the journey of two women who discover the powerful thread of perfume throughout their lives. I thought about how different perfumes defined various periods in my life. Smells carry importance. They thrust you into reminiscing about places, people and events. Eternity by Calvin Klein is one of my favorite fragrances.
3. This quote
I adore quotes. I’ve filled many pages of journals with some of my favorite words. In my office, I keep this one quote prominently displayed so that I can view it every time I enter or exit my office. It is a humbling reminder of time’s passage. Your universe may change in tangible ways, but that does not prevent the rest of the world from moving forward.
4. This old photograph
Technology allows us to extend our hands into memories that we’ve tucked away. This past week I scanned through some of my older pictures on my iPhone and ran across this snapshot of my little girl. I love that smile and her playful side. Something about three is so magical and fun.
What are some of your August favorites? I’d love to hear from you.
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
This is lovely. The notebooks are great 🙂
I really like the variety of messages on the journals, Ayala. I know that every person can find the notebook that really speaks to them.
What a beautiful notebook, and a beautiful old photo.
And Eternity for Calvin Klein is such a nice memory! I had an ex who wore the male version and I think I even wore the female version to “match.”
Tamara,
Eternity was a bit of a thing, wasn’t it? I love that you matched scents.
August was a big book/reading month for me, so I will say my books 🙂
I love all your treasures. I used to buy and use perfume, but have stopped over the last 10 years, mostly for economic reasons. But I do remember what a lift it gave me, and how much different fragrances could trigger memories.
Sorry to have been so out of touch, Rudri. Will catch up on your other posts in the coming week.
Cecilia,
Welcome back!
I’ve missed your presence. So glad that you’ve been reading in August. I look forward to reading your reviews. If you enjoy perfumes, I think you will love reading The Perfume Collector. Not a typical read for me, but I loved it.
I love these! I’m a quoteaholic too!
Glad you liked my August faves, Tiffany.
Oh man… Calvin Klein Eternity. What a throwback to earlier years. And what was that one that was a unisex scent? So very 90s. =)
That sign is great. It’s so true, although sometimes it would make me feel better and sometimes it might depress me a little bit.
I love looking at photos of my kids when they were younger. It lets me enjoy and remember the sweetness of that age without the struggle that I often feel in the midst of whatever “phase” they happen to be in at the time.