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 March:
1. The Giving Key Necklace
I highlighted this key earlier in the month, but I’ve received such a strong response from wearing it, I thought it made the perfect everyday delight. My giving key says let go, a theme that thrums through the everyday in my life. When I encounter a person that needs this mantra more than me, in the spirit of the giving key manifesto I will pay it forward by giving this necklace to him or her.
2. The Gardens at the Getty Center
We took a trip to California during Spring Break. I loved visiting the Getty Center in Los Angeles, where this garden and the waterfall provided a quiet oasis and an abundance of beauty. Strolling through the grounds, I marveled at the flowers, while watching my daughter do the same. Together, we are sharing our love of photography. We often exchange our opinions about the photographs that we shoot and I am grateful to know that our relationship is maturing and evolving.
3. My “Begin Now” Cell Phone Case
I am reading Gretchen Rubin’s Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives. The advice in Rubin’s work possesses the power to impact and change personal habits. It is a must read for those who want to seriously consider adopting a new habit. My cell phone case sports the phrase “Begin Now” as a reminder that it is never too late to make a change.
4. Show Me the Curry
My family loves homemade paneer, a fresh cheese made in South Asian cuisine. I learned to make it by following the recipe on a website called, Show Me the Curry. The recipes are easy to follow and whether you are a novice or a seasoned pro, your cooking efforts will result in a great Indian dish. I highly recommend this website for those who are considering making a curry, paneer or any type of Indian cuisine.
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.
I love curry and many Indian dishes, and rely heavily on the local restaurants to get my fix. But I’ve always wanted to try cooking some myself, so thank you for that link!
Kristen,
I know that you will love this site. The recipes are user friendly and with accompanying videos you can see their techniques. Let me know how it goes.
The Getty gardens and architecture are so wonderful. I love the atmosphere of that place after the hustle and bustle of being in LA. I’m kicking myself for not preordering Better than Before to get that phone case! And I am definitely checking out Show Me the Curry. (As a resident of the Show-Me state, especially!)
The Getty gardens offer a particular peace and tranquility and it surprises me that this refuge exists in the middle of LA. I am so grateful that I’ve had the chance to enjoy it a couple of times.
You may still be able to the purchase the case. I haven’t checked, but Gretchen Rubin frequently runs promotions on her website. Have you bought the book?
These are great! I hadn’t heard of the giving keys, but I love the idea. Also, one of our very favorite dishes is saag paneer. I had never considered I could make my own paneer, but I am going to try!
Thanks, Justine.
At first, I felt intimidated trying to cook paneer (I considered it only for advanced cooks), but after learning how to make it, I find the process easy. I hope you try it. There is a recipe for saag paneer too that you can check out. Good luck!
Lovely choices for this month’s delights! Especially the paneer. I’m still patting my tummy after that amazing dinner 🙂
Thanks, friend. Glad you enjoyed it. xo
Mm… Paneer!
And three cheers for that phone case and a trip to California.
This month wasn’t my most delightful – I spent most of it cooped up with work. However, today, nearly the last day of the month – I got something delightful. A paycheck!
And a bag of cadbury mini eggs…
Those mini-eggs can be dangerous. Hope April provides some much needed delights. xo
We are always so in synch. I have my Better Than Before review going up at Great New Books next Wednesday! 🙂
I loved your review, Nina. Rubin’s book is a great read with so many practical solutions to cultivate habits.
Love, love that necklace.