Open-hearted joys 開開心心 № 77

A weekly series capturing gratitude for the tiny details of my everyday mundane; the moments that weave poetry to my days.

Jun 19, 2026

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!

It was a tumultuous week around here this week. Between my 9-5 and my 5-9 (wedding planning!), I don’t often have the headspace for much else. Instead, I’m grateful to be able to clock off, spend an hour or so making dinner from scratch and then cosy up on the sofa with my dog, Milo, and a good book. And we were doing so well with my rich little life until Milo rolled around in the garden and came back squealing. He’d lodged a grass seed in his ear. One sedation, one procedure and a hefty vet bill later, I’m snug on the sofa with a mischievous little boy (he’s 10) who is just as happy as I am to be reclining amidst the blankets with no plans but to simply lounge. As you can imagine, one of my small joys this week is also my biggest: a happy and healthy dog.

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 open-hearted joys, the moments that’ve woven poetry to my days, this week.

一. A girls’ afternoon with my sister. We spent it crafting my (well, our, but not ‘our’ as in my sister and I’s!) wedding invitations while watching Bride Wars and keeping our drinks far far away, and it was just like I’d always dreamed it.

二. Homemade tiramisu! I made my first-ever tiramisu and it turned out deliciously.

三. Coffee breaks with colleagues that help the day whizz by a little faster.

四. A break in the clouds to reveal blue skies and beaming sunshine.

五. Snacking on kiwi and berries and it feeling like summer in a simple bowl.

六. The comfort of being cuddled up on the sofa with my soul dog.

七. The kindness of my colleagues, especially this week, when I needed to dip out of work to be a dog Mama first. I am unbelievably grateful for a thoughtful and empathetic manager who went above and beyond for me.

八. A little shake-out run, mid-week, which I desperately needed.

九. Accidentally twinning with my work bestie! We matched outfits, drinks and snacks all day, and had the best time! Romanticise your 9-5! I cherish mine in this season of life!

十. How it feels to slump back in the big armchair after a long week; to-do lists complete, house clean, errands ticked off, fridge full, dinner cooking in the oven.

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