five joyful things
a short list of what's brining me joy lately
Times are hard for many (most?) of us. I’ve been trying to make a habit of finding joy in small and unexpected places. Here are a few of my joyful things from this week:
I’ve been experimenting with some abstract textile art pieces. The colors and the process have brought me a lot of joy over the last few weeks. My framing guy (aka my husband, Jason) is making frames for them today and I’m delighted to see these ideas coming together.
A friend came to visit from far away this week. We got to show her around our beautiful town. We talked about books and the hardships and the joyful things we’re going through. We went on a little hike, had a campfire dinner + s’mores (our first of the season!) and made gelli-printed postcards to send to our government representatives. Joyful.
Our 8 year old set up her own obstacle course (with a little help) on the driveway using sidewalk chalk, discs from our disc golf set, and odds and ends she pulled out of the garage. She’s been running it over and over while the 11 year old practices his competition jump rope routines on the front porch. I guess I’m really just grateful for warmer weather?
Re-instituting a 30-minute D.E.A.R (Drop Everything And Read) each afternoon after a busy-ness induced hiatus has been like a breath of fresh air. This season of life is so full, it’s easy to forget to make time for the hobbies/projects that serve no other purpose other than making us happy.
Walk and Talks. Jason and I go on a walk together almost every afternoon. It’s a way to process the day together before we head into the evening/dinnertime runaround. We’ve worked through some heavy topics on these daily walks. I’ve also been searching out time to walk and talk with other people I love. Sharing our joys, concerns, problems and victories while walking is one of my favorite ways to connect with people.
If you’re local to the SLC area, come see me at Arts in the Park in West Jordan tomorrow from 11:00-4:00.
Around Here
Reading:
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
You’ve probably been seeing this everywhere but I just have to add my voice to the noise. I was surprised by how much I loved this book. (I was dreadfully disappointed by Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes). I loved learning Haymitch’s story, I loved having my heart broken, I loved the little glimpses and details that make sense because of the original trilogy.
The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie
I play to become an Agatha Christie completist at some point. This first in the Miss Marple series was delightful. I love the whole concept of an elderly woman who people think is an avid gardener (she’s really out in the yard so she can eavesdrop) and a birdwatcher (she’s really using her binoculars to spy on her neighbors) solving mysteries. Can’t wait to read more in this series!
Watching:
We recently finished The Pitt and loved it so much. (Please research content warnings before you start this one because there are MANY)
Listening:
I’ve been listening to this song on repeat lately.
On YouTube:
In the House/Yard:
We’re in the process of cleaning up after winter and I planted some cosmos and poppy seeds this week. Looking forward to sunshine and planting warm-weather things soon!
Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!
Heidi
