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 January:
1. These pictures and Instagram:
I took these pictures this past weekend and love the clarity of the blue between the branches and the intersection between the tree limbs. The next snapshot with the layers of various hues in the sky brought me back to a place of wonder and the vastness that swallow me if I pay attention. My recent obsession is everything Instagram and I love scrolling down the feeds of sunrises, sunsets and everything-in-between. Instagram helps you infuse magic into your days.
2. Sleepover Birthday Fun:
January is my daughter’s birthday month and for the last few years she’s asked me to host a sleepover for her birthday celebration. I loved hearing the laughter of the girls underneath a makeshift tent that we created out of sheets and chairs. The girls made it into their mini-apartment. During the evening, they painted shirts, ate pizza and belted out some of the favorite tunes to the sounds of a karaoke machine. Smaller celebrations hold more meaning for my little girl and this revelation delighted me in ways I cannot explain.
3. This book – The Invention of Wings
I read this book in two days. Sue Monk Kidd’s lyrical prose and memorable characters created a striking story that will stay with this reader for years. This line gripped me in particular: “For a moment I felt the quiet hungering thing that comes inside when you return to the pale of your origins, and then the ache of mis-belonging.” I recommend that you read this novel because as you breathe in the words you witness every moment that she is describing.
4. My piece in Brain, Child: The Mother of the House:
I am so thrilled that my piece about my mother and daughter appeared in Brain, Child. I am grateful to the editors who accepted the piece and for reader comments and support. Thank you.
What gave you delight in January? Please share.
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.
I’ve downloaded the book to my kindle but haven’t read it yet. Your post makes me want to get to it today.
I hope you get a chance to read it, Susan. I know that you will love it. xo
I love your photos Rudri, I’ve been snapping away as well. Congrats again on the beautiful Brain Child piece. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks, Dana. Instagram is so inspirational in transforming pictures. I appreciate your support on the Brain, Child piece.
January is also my birthday month and it brings me great joy and happiness for a new year! It’s like a New Years all over again: goals for myself for the year, a time of reflection, happy moments with those I love. Plus, it’s the one time of the year I get to be flamboyantly selfish in the funnest and funniest of ways, Lol. 🙂 I use my birthday as a time to reconnect with others and unite with my friends. It’s always a great time! Glad you had such an eventful and fulfilling month Rudri! Take Care 🙂 -Iva
Thanks, Iva. I hope you enjoyed your birthday month. My daughter loves celebrating all month long. It is great that you use this time to connect and celebrate with friends. xo
You radiate a warmth, always have for me. Thank you for this. Wishing you a sweet weekend.
Amanda:
What a generous compliment, Amanda. Appreciate it. xo
I love your photographs! Great monthly wrap-up. You always remind me to be grateful for life. Thank you for that.
Thanks, Windy. I enjoy taking those photos. They always remind me to appreciate life. xo
Do I follow you on IG? What’s your user name?
I loved The Invention of Wings! It was a quick read for me, too. You really do feel like you are living the story along with the characters.
I am so glad you enjoyed The Invention of Wings. Her imagery is vivid and it helps ground the characters in the scene. A combination of these elements allows the story to unfold effortlessly.
Aww.. sleepover parties! So much fun.
For me, January was delightful because we took a family vacation. So many good things – warm sand, sunshine, mini golf, sea breezes.. Disney World…
I love hosting sleepovers during her birthday. It is so much fun watching them play under the tent and calling it an apartment and then listening to them giggle as they fall asleep.
Your January sounds lovely.
That was a big one for Brain, Child! I would love to hear if your mom read it and what she thought.
Loved Invention of Wings.
Nina,
My mom loved reading my piece and is the biggest fan of my writing. xo
As always lovely !
Great list as always!