Open-hearted joys 開開心心 № 23

Capturing the tiny details of my everyday mundane and the small moments that weave poetry to my days.

Sundaze Book Café is the home of everyday magic, joyful living and conversations likely to be had over a hot drink with a friend in your favourite café, capturing the syrup-slow feel and glow of a Sunday. I’m Michelle, and I’ll be your host this Sunday.

Happy Friday, my loves!

This week, I’ve been taking it easy. I’m in London today for a team day with my colleagues, then back again tomorrow to spend the day with friends, and I knew I’d need plenty of quiet time with myself. From walks to pottering around and getting on top of laundry (the rarest, biggest joy!), I’ve really enjoyed soaking up my little life and making magic of the small moments. Really, there’s so many small moments that they should feel as great as the grander occasions and events, you know? Why should we wait months and months for a frisson of excitement? In case you hadn’t already noticed, I’m a just a tiny bit of a homebody. I just love spending time at home, and I’m loving pouring energy into making our house feel like a welcoming hotel, a safe sanctuary. (Hello, I finally have curtains!)

There’s a lot to be said for appreciating the smaller, not necessarily finer, details of the everyday mundane. Here’s to another list of petite, open-hearted joys, the moments that’ve brought and woven poetry to my days, this week.

一. A sister day over the Easter weekend! We’ve both been really busy, and it was so nice to enjoy a day offline together. We bought ceramic blanks and did some pottery painting while watching 13 Going On 30 – a classic! – and feasted on M&S picnic food, indoors. I can’t wait to varnish seal my vase and display it in the living room!

二. Listening to rainfall. Whether hammering against the windows or through lo-fi playlists, it makes me feel infinitely cosy. If I’m indoors, that is!

三. Fresh flowers in nearly every room. After my gym session on Saturday morning, I spotted some gorgeous chrysanthemums and roses for just £2 a bunch at our local flower market. They’ve been such a mood-lifter and add so much life to a room.

四. Good books, one after another. I don’t suffer from many reading slumps, but it’s always a rare joy to find a string of good books! (Yes, I push myself through not-as-good books.)

五. Sunshine walks to the lake. Really trying to get out of my lunch and TV habit while working from home, and it has done wonders for my afternoon headspace. It’s also the perfect time to top up my Little Free Library, see the ducks and breathe in fresh air.

Tiny Librarian Life

六. How the sun shines golden and neon just before a sunset.

七. A week of delicious meals, thanks to Planthood! It’s been a while since I’ve ordered one of their boxes, but I absolutely love their fuss-free, plant-based meal kits. They’re more ‘put together’ recipes, making them great for weeks when you know you might not have lots of time to cook longer recipes from scratch.

八. Farm shop-hopping. Is there a greater weekend activity in your thirties?!

九. Noticing how the light casts shimmering shadows in my library room.

十. And, always, returning home to my dog’s happy wagging tail and little pink tongue.

Share a joy from your week in the comments, and I’ll see you again next Friday.