Open-hearted joys 開開心心 35

Life’s everyday mundane is where the magic lies for me; right now and always. I often lament how social media and the appetite for more, perfect, now and fast means that the small, simple and beautiful are overlooked. September has been a quiescent, ambling sort of month so far. Lightly packed with essential tasks and setting bigger things into motion, the month feels like one that’s setting me up for a focused and cosy final quarter of the year. I mean, it’s Gilmore girls season again!

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 fortnight:

一. Light knit and blazer weather, a.k.a. my favourite sartorial micro-season.

二. These embroidered Converse high-tops. I’ve been meaning to pick up a new pair for the gym and I’m completely obsessed.

三. Returning home from London days to a wagging tail, beautifully scented space and dinner on the horizon.

四. Celebrating my friends and their successes and milestones!

五. A night at our local theatre for an ABBA tribute with my Mama and sister.

六. The post-workout shower and skincare routine. Even better when it’s after a fun gym morning with my boyfriend.

七. Snug Saturday evenings watching House of the Dragon – yes, I love it, making a home-cooked meal and a little gaming.

八. Soft-close drawers and cupboards.

九. When things fall impossibly into place and feel like they were always, always meant to be.

十. Thursday morning: it always feels especially good to write, working from home, while the rain pours and I’m still a little exhausted from two days in London.

What has been a small joy from your life lately?