Every month I chronicle those ordinary delights that give me comfort or offer a place of reflection or joy. Here are my everyday delights for February:
1. Coffee and this mug: I love listening to my coffee brew in the morning and the smell of those first drops of my breakfast blend dripping into the cup. That first sip is a comfort in my routine. I purchased this coffee mug from a local bookstore. It is a great way for my love of coffee and words to merge.
2. This sunset: When I am lucky enough to view a sunset and its glory, it always keeps me grounded and grateful. I recognize the beauty of a single moment and how it is important to pay attention to the wonder of the earth. Everyday. Look up at the sky. Watch the ground as you walk. There are treasures at our feet if we are willing to tilt our head, open our eyes and be still enough to hear the whispers of our surroundings.
3. This reminder: These reminders occupy a space in my office. Simple, but wise lessons that at times I am guilty of forgetting. Every time I look up, it helps to visualize the mindful practices I need to work on everyday.
4. This homemade card: My daughter designed and gave me this handmade card for Valentine’s Day. The care she exercised by crafting this chain of hearts brought me happiness, with small tears tugging at my eyes. With every year that passes, I know these handmade gifts are numbered.
What delighted you this month?
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.
Love this 🙂
Thanks, Ayala. xo
The chain of hearts is beautiful. Even though my daughter I keep her little “love notes.” A few years ago she wrote me a note on a white board in my kitchen, and it’s still there!
I mean even though she is an adult. It’s too early . . .
Oh this is a lovely list Rudri! That homemade heart card from your daughter is so beautiful. And yes, yes, yes to coffee in inspiring mugs. I find the way a mug feels in my hand matters.
Birds landing and nibbling on my bird feeder (gift from my husband for valentines day) brings me joy as does the snow at night when it looks like fondant frosting.
Dana: I adore the visual of snow at night and your metaphor of fondant frosting. Great imagery.
I agree, I enjoy those handmade cards and artwork when I get them because they are limited. That mug is great, I have one that says “Queen Bee” because I am. Lol. 🙂 The changes in my blog delighted me this month – I put a lot of thought into the name and changing it so I am happy with my decision. Also lots of little good reminders that I’m surrounded by great people. Enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset Rudri! Have a great one -Iva
I love the Queen Bee mug – what a great way to start the day. Congrats on your blog changes. Looking forward to checking them out.
Your daughter brings tears to my eyes! Her sweetness reminds me of my own dear daughter.
And sunsets.. even in the heart and darkness of winter, they really do shine through.
And lately, later and later!
Aww, thanks, Tamara. My daughter’s gestures always add a little twinkle to my day. So glad that S does the same for you. xo
#1. Your daughter is so sweet.
#2. Need that mug!
The mug is great. A handy way to merge coffee and writing to begin the day.
These posts remind me to stop and think about those things that I am grateful for. They can be the simplest of things, and often they are the best ones. That is a beautiful sunset! Your reminder has a lot of wisdom in it. Your daughter’s card is very sweet. And, I too, have a favorite mug. Mine is from a Boston Starbucks and has a picture of Boston Common; a gift from my son and his wife, who live in Boston. I think of them every morning when I have my tea.
I love doing this exercise every month. It reminds me to keep my perspective and focus on those slivers of goodness that appear in the everyday. So wonderful to see you in my space today. xo
I love a good coffee mug…and that homemade card is divine!