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 November:
1. This evening photograph
This tree lives outside my neighborhood. I’ve passed it during drives, runs and walks. But this past week, I paid more attention. I love the arcs, angles and tilt of the tree and how the colors in the background accent every curve. It is a reminder for me to look up and around and recognize the stillness and glory of the moment.
2. This sunflower dish
I adore this sunflower dish that my daughter made for me. Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers – When my daughter brought it home, I felt so touched by her gesture. It sits on my nightstand as a colorful reminder to enjoy the little things.
3. This Papersource calendar
I’ve always been a paper calendar kind of girl. Even with the various apps to keep track of appointments on my phone, I prefer paper. Papersource is my go-to calendar shopping place. They have a variety of colors and styles to fit any taste and right now they are running a 20% discount on calendars.
4. This first Thanksgiving meal
Since we are vegetarian, Thanksgiving meals often turn to familiar cuisines we enjoy during the year. In the past I’ve built my menu around Indian, Italian and Mexican themes, but this year I decided to go traditional. I made homemade mac and cheese, green bean casserole, candied yams, pumpkin bread with a tofu turkey. My family and one of my best friends in Phoenix enjoyed the meal and I was thrilled that I tried something new and it turned out well.
What were your everyday delights 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.
Dinner sounds wonderful, Rudri. How did your daughter make such a beautiful work of art? Was it a special art class? That is such an amazing piece!
Luanne,
Glad you liked her sunflower dish. She made it As You Wish Pottery – no special art class. A friend hosted a birthday party and she chose to paint the flower. It is one of my favorite pieces of art from her!
I like that you’ve caused me to pause and consider the question. Hmmm……I finished two quilts that are bound to two different children out of state. I walked a few different times through a pine forest nearby that smelled particularly fragrant with that evergreen freshness and then read serendipitously that forest-bathing is a real thing. That the scent of a forest and the energy of the trees can literally cleanse your spirit. I can attest to that. And some really sweet red grapes with a local white cheddar cheese last night.
I love your everyday delights, Barb. The walks especially. . . what a treat.
Your daughter made that?? That’s incredible. Sunflowers are so special.
And the photograph is so beautiful.
I didn’t have a great month, to be honest. I’m happy to see it off. And to remember what WAS delightful about it – like Thanksgiving. And photography. And my new kitten.
I am sorry your month has presented some difficulties. Let’s hope you turn the corner soon. Perhaps a bouquet of sunflowers might cheer you up? A fresh set of flowers often helps me tilt my perspective. xo
Loved that picture of the Thanksgiving meal!
Thanks, Nina! I loved making the goodies and setting the table. Hope you had a great holiday too. xo
Lovely! Happy that Thanksgiving was good ! Xox
Thanks, Ayala. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving as well. xo
Beautiful, Rudri! Especially the dish that your daughter made. I’m also glad that you had a good Thanksgiving. I came to your blog this morning to take a minute for myself to relieve my work stress and this post made me realize how much I need to start paying attention to the small joys and beauties in my life. Off the top of my head I’m unable to even name any “everyday delight” right now but I’m going to start paying attention now. Thanks for doing this series.
Cecilia,
I love that you are aware that you need to pay attention. The slight shift in perspective always helps to ground and center me. Some days it isn’t easy, but at least (for me) once a month I am actively acknowledging what brings me joy. xo