The Beauty of the Mundane

A simple list of joyous things

Photo by Tyler Casey on Unsplash

Hello friends,

This is one of those weeks where I don’t really have anything to say. Nothing is on my mind. That can be a relief sometimes, when it seems like my brain is always churning. So, in lieu of a thought-provoking essay, today I’ll give you a list of things that have brought me joy recently.

• My cat, Nyx, curled up tight against me, her body heat almost overwhelming as spring temperatures arrive

• Drinking coffee on the couch with my dad, not saying anything, not having to

• The mesmerizing observation of my aquarium, from the hulking goldfish to the slimy biofilm carpeting the rocks and wood and plants

• Pretzel sticks dipped in Nutella, a delicious and satisfying snack at any time of day

• My newly acquired knowledge of how to use my sewing machine, and the dreams of garments yet to be crafted

• The arrival of the second half of the NHL season, and all the beauty and brutality that entails

• Similarly, the return of NASCAR, and the sound of roaring engines and radio chatter

• Riding my bike, sometimes with no destination in mind, simply enjoying the wind in my hair and the slow revolutions of the pedals beneath my feet

• Preparing food for all my friends, alighting on my doorstep tomorrow under the guise of watching the Super Bowl, when really, we just want to be around each other for any reason at all

• The bright green of ferns on my windowsill, their gentle leaves basking in the morning light

• Spackling my walls—not so special in and of itself—as a first step toward repainting my room, where the soft, pale pink paint waits to be applied

• The way the afternoon light cuts shards out of the wall, simultaneously severe and delicate

• Sleeping with the windows open, listening to the soft sounds of the night as the world continues on

I could continue, but I suppose I have to end this letter sometime. Head to the comments, though, and gift me your own list of joyous things.

Until next time,
Yardena

Weekend Potpourri

• Even if you’re not a Deadhead, you’ll love Devendra Banhart’s cover of Franklin’s Tower

• There is so much goodness in February’s Symposium from the STSC. The theme is Beginnings.

• Barnes & Noble might be making a comeback. Much of my childhood was spent roaming the aisles there. It’s a place that reminds me of my Geegee, who gave me my love of stories when I was young.

• My friend Kimia (who first shared the B&N news) has some excellent thoughts on learning to sit with uncertainty.

• For the next two and a half weeks, 100% of the proceeds from Bedestan sales will go toward aiding those affected by the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. If you want to help those and need and pick up some beautiful handwoven Turkish textiles, check out Bedestan’s offerings. You can also donate directly to AKUT.