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 August.
1. When a good friend publishes her book: Pursuing a writing career isn’t easy. It is filled with crooked pathways, uneven pavement and loose cobblestones. It takes hard work, discipline and perseverance to not only write a book, but to climb the uncertain road to publication. Windy Lynn Harris is not only a fantastic writer, but a generous artist and unwavering in her support of other writers. It is such an honor to announce that her Writer’s Digest book, Writing & Selling Short Stories & Personal Essays: The Essential Guide to Getting Your Work Published is available for pre-order on Amazon. You don’t want to miss her writing techniques and tips. Stay tuned (in September) for her insights on The Sunlight Press.
2. The breathtaking views in the desert: I probably sound like I am on auto-repeat regarding the majestic views of the sky during monsoon season in Arizona, but they are worthy of a mention. I captured the glory of the sunset this week. I am always astounded by how an ordinary day ends with this kind of beauty.
3. My Instant Pot: Although I had heard of this miracle machine, I discovered its magic at my sister-in-law’s house. The cooking time is cut by more than half and dinner is ready within 30 minutes. It is worth the investment. I especially like the recipes featured by Instanpot with Poonam.
4. My pile of books: I embrace a minimalist approach to my life, but books are one exception. I love my books. This is a sample of what is in my pile for August.
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’m humbled that my book project made it into your Everyday Delights, Rudri! Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to me 🙂 Thank you, my friend!
As always, I enjoy this series a lot, Rudri! I also just started Sherman Alexie’s memoir (I had been eagerly anticipating it) but am alternating between this and another book that I should finish first. And congratulations to your friend Windy! I hope to have reason and motivation to pick it up one of these days.
As for my daily delight, I’ve been enjoying the big coffee mug that I picked up at Ann Patchett’s bookstore in TN last spring. And my books. I am 100% with you on that – I am a minimalist on pretty much everything except books!
Hey Cecilia,
Good to hear from you and thanks for letting me know you continue to appreciate these posts. I’d love to go to Ann Patchett’s bookstore one day. I certainly can understand why your coffee mug is an everyday delight. xo
Wonderfully written. Enjoyed reading it.
Glad you enjoyed it, Surabhi. Hope you have been well.
I have yet to discover the wonders of the instant pot, but I know I will be a fan.
That desert photo took my breath away!
I always love your compliments on my photographs. Your snapshots are magical and I’ve always appreciated your landscape pictures.
I’ve heard great things about InstaPot. I’ve got to pick one up for myself. I’d love to cut my cooking time in half!
P.S. My blog/website has gone through a fancy redesign, and I’ve relocated to http://jacquelincangro.com, in case you wondering what happened to me. 🙂
Jackie, the Instapot is an efficient tool, especially when you want to eat healthy and have a delicious meal.
I wondered about your website and assumed you took a hiatus for the summer. Your recent posts haven’t showed up in my reader. I will resubscribe. Thanks for letting me know.
Good to hear what you’re up to!