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 September:
1. Big Magic: Creative Living Without Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
I am devouring this book and the words about the creative life. This passage in particular touched me: “Most of all, be ready. Keep your eyes open. Listen. Follow your curiosity. Ask questions. Sniff around. Remain open. Trust in the miraculous truth that new and marvelous ideas are looking for human collaborators every single day. Ideas of every kind are constantly galloping toward us, constantly passing through us, constantly trying to get our attention. Let them know you’re available.” Gilbert’s words are worth reading and revisiting.
2. These luggage tags
I love minutiae and found these luggage tags charming. When I retrieve my bags at the airport and observe these words, it brings a smile to my face.
3. My Fitbit
My husband bought me a Fitbit for my birthday – initially I didn’t know how I’d react to yet another gadget, but I absolutely enjoy reaching the requisite number of steps in one day. The mileage feature is also handy when I run outside. This little device encourages me to stand up and walk around while I am writing and motivates me to eat healthier and exercise more.
4. This brownie recipe
I discovered the easiest brownie recipe on my friend Priya’s website, Dough-Re-Me. I made these brownies one week ago and couldn’t believe that the recipe required only four ingredients. I am not a baker, but the ease of this recipe makes it hard to resist baking these goodies every week. Check out her other recipes as well – I am certain you find something you will love.
What delighted you this month? Would love to hear what you adored 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.
Great links! I’m still waiting for Big Magic from the library because I have SO MANY books here, and I just can’t justify buying more yet. I think you would love Mary Karr’s newest, by the way.
I love my fitbit but have the little clip one. How do you feel about always having it on your wrist? I’ve avoided that, but I do lose my clip once a week and panic and feel my purpose in life is gone. (Dramatic but true. Reminds me of that David Sedaris piece about his fitbit obsession.)
I want to make those brownies but the littlest one is allergic to nuts, including the ingredients in Nutella. Darn!
Mary Karr’s newest is on my list – a good friend gifted it to me on my birthday. Can’t wait to read it.
The Fitbit doesn’t always go with what I am wearing, but for whatever reason it doesn’t bother me. At night it gets a little annoying, but I am learning to adjust. I’ll have to check out that Sedaris article.
Bummer about the brownies, but Priya’s website has other recipes too.
I might be the last person on the planet who does not own a Fitbit. Related: I might be the one who needs it most! Clicking over to that brownie recipe in 3…2..1… 🙂
I definitely felt apprehensive strapping this rubbery bracelet on my wrist and making it my new friend, but its provided a motivation that I didn’t think was possible.
I hope you try the brownie recipe and update me on what you think!
Love these posts. I’m reading Big Magic right now and loving it. xox
It is all kinds of wonderful. After reading your post on Brave Enough, I am also looking forward to reading Strayed. New books by Gilbert, Brown and Strayed in one month – I am pinching myself.
As you may have already guessed, I LOVED Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic. The whole thing is quotable, but I did love that line you pulled out about following one’s curiosity and keeping your eyes and ears open.
I agree that every page is worth highlighting. She’s coming to the desert next week for a talk and I can’t wait. Will post her wisdoms after her talk!
I just today sent my husband a link to Big Magic. (That’s how I nicely ask for things since he has Prime on Amazon.) I’m really looking forward to that one.
I’m not sure how I feel about the Fitbit. My uber-healthy, annoying fit, marathon-running friend has one and loves it but I am her nemesis. I mean, antithesis, so I’m not sure how I’d feel about being reminded how many steps I didn’t take today. 😉
Love that hubby will be buying it for you. You will adore it. So many quotable passages.
The Fitbit works makes me so conscious of deadlines – I can’t explain it. There is something about the number of steps that motivates me. Go figure! But I understand why it could be annoying as well.
I want Big Magic so badly! I have a feeling it’s SO for me.. with my beliefs in being open and less afraid. I can’t wait!
Yes! It encourages openness in a way I haven’t heard before. Can’t wait to hear what you think about it.
I can’t wait to get my hands on Gilbert’s new book. I appreciate the quote you shared. Wonder really is all around if we retain eyes and ears and the sense to absorb it.
Every page is worth highlighting, Barbara. I know you would enjoy it.
I am reading Big Magic right now. So many points resonated with me.
I got to see her in person last week at her book launch in Brooklyn. Quite a thrill! She is as dynamic (and funny) in person as she is in the book.
Jackie,
There were several passages that spoke to me as well.
I agree – she is a great speaker and I look forward to hearing her thoughts this Sunday. So glad you enjoyed her personality.