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 May:
I love my Alex and Ani bracelet and often give them as gifts. Their line includes a variety of charms to fit any personality. My personal favorite is the charm pictured below – the tree of life. Despite all the chaos and noise, it is a reminder for me to hold on to certainty as much as my life will allow.
2. Birchbox
Every month I receive a pretty box in the mail containing samples of makeup, hair products, an uplifting quote, a sample of new perfume or tea. I enjoy the little surprises that I have the opportunity to try without taking a trip to the store. I tend to gravitate toward the intense and this little box helps me focus on tiny fun pleasures.
3. A morning hike
We are lucky that we live in a city that allows us to hike year round. This past weekend we climbed a local trail and I managed to catch the quiet of the morning and the majestic view of the mountains. It is such a delight knowing that we can choose to hike every day of the year and bear witness to this beauty.
4. A visit from my family
My sister and brother-in-law came to visit over Memorial Day weekend. I love the ease of laughter, silly games, familiarity and the comfort of enjoying family time. This is one of my favorite pics from our weekend together.
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.
What a great family photo!! I just returned from the Mago meditation center in Sedona and I think my experience there may qualify as the thing that delighted me most during 2015, not just this month, but I’ll have to wait and see–who knows what’s waiting around the corner! I thought of you when I ordered myself a Giving Key yesterday. When I see you I’ll share what it says and why 🙂
I cannot wait to catch up with you, Windy. So excited for your upcoming adventures. xo
Such a great photo of you all!! Love it. And I am a recent fan of A&A bracelets as well. Have a great weekend, Rudri!
Thanks, Kristen. I love that A & A bracelets offer so many choices. My favorite is the giving tree and the infinity sign.
Such a great picture. You are one good-looking crew!
Thanks, Nina. The desert landscape certainly helps.
I LOVE my Birchbox, this month was a good month and next month we get a full thick eye liner marker. I’m excited for that one! 🙂 I also subscribe to Ipsy, it comes with a cute cosmetic bag and I love collecting them – great for regifting with other samples I dislike to friends and family. Lol 🙂 It’s the same price, check it out if you’re interested. They’re also good at providing a good range of full samples. This month my son turns 8 and I’m going to love baking his cake tomorrow.. I loved the weather warming up. My mood has shifted in a more positive light and I’m loving it. Beautiful family photo Rudri!! Have a great weekend and take care! -Iva
I will definitely take a look at Ipsy – I love a good cosmetic bag. This month’s BB offered a perfume I absolutely adored. Happy Birthday to your son!
Awesome photo! I’m very jealous of your hiking, although I have some wonderful hikes nearby if I would just drive a little ways to get there. My husband and I bought a family-sized tent for our anniversary so I’m hoping we get to go on several family camping trips this summer and do some hiking then.
I hope you get to experience some hikes, Sarah. There is a breathtaking quality when you reach the top of the peak. Have fun camping!
Truly delights. Love the family picture! Beautiful family ❤️
Thanks, Ayala! The scenery in the background helped.
I’ve never tried Birchbox but would love.
Totally envious of the sister visit. I’ve been wanting one of those.
My sister gave me an Alex and Ani bracelet for a bridesmaid gift and I cherish it.
BB comes with some nice treats. I think you would love it.
I love that your sister gave A & A bracelets as a gift. So perfect!
That’s a great list! I love my Alex and ani bracelets too!