Open-hearted joys 開開心心 № 26

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 today.

Happy Friday, my loves!

We’ve been home from our travels for a week now, and it’s been the happiest slow return to life that I’ve ever known after a holiday. It’s true when they say the engagement bubble is like nothing else! Not even being back at work and having a Monday morning dentist appointment brought me down. All the clichés (and beyond) are so true.

This week has been full of little (and big) joys and I couldn’t wait to make note of them all, especially as it’s also been the final countdown to my little brother’s wedding, which falls tomorrow. And, especially since I’m really in the throes of a love affair with my Traveler’s Notebook. I’ve designated a spot in one of my notebooks and the catch-all system is already proving to be just-right for my current needs. And, someday, I know I’ll relish reading all these notations of gratitude back.

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. How empowering it feels to leave the gym after a really productive session. (Even if you can’t quite make it down the stairs without help. Thanks, leg day.) I recently started a new Shreddy programme to get me feeling refreshed at the gym again, and I’m loving it!

二. Snatched conversation with my boyfriend on a work-from-home day.

三. When it feels like you have all your ducks in a row.

四. The abundant cow parsley and poppies framing country lanes on my drive to work.

五. Recounting our engagement story over and over to colleagues and more friends all week. Let the bubble continue! I feel more elated each time I tell the tale. It’s been so nice to continuously enjoy little celebrations, as well.

六. A self-care evening at the salon for a fresh pedicure with my Kindle in tow.

七. Finding new homes for our travel trinkets.

八. An evening at home, writing more of my novel for the first time in a couple of weeks. It felt like reconnecting with friends, to tell more of my character’s stories, and I’m still really pleased with where my manuscript is going. Often I find a long break from a draft makes me fearful to return, but that hasn’t been the case at all this time!

九. Building summer outfits! Dang I love no-jacket weather. I’m really pleased with my ever-evolving capsule wardrobe, and should probably get ‘round to listing some older, lesser-loved pieces on Vinted soon…

十. The engagement balloons display and décor that my sister set up at our home.

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