Open-hearted joys 開開心心 50
Happy June, my loves!
Despite feeling wiped out by tiredness recently, life feels so lovely. The sunshine means I’m outdoors far more and I’ve gotten really good at using my spare time wisely. Last week, I had a week of ‘me evenings’ and managed to binge all of Queer Eye season seven and XO, Kitty – you know, fun, easy viewing. I had a few wobbles where I wondered what on Earth I’m doing, questioned whether I’m wasting time and worried about my imminent future, but all we can really do is our best and simply trust the process.
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. A wholesome farm shop afternoon with my friend Natasha. We had a glorious catch-up over lunch in the sun – my spring salad was SO good! – and then popped to run errands together. A darn good Sunday, if you ask me.
二. Seeing my tomato, courgette and aubergine plants thrive! She’s in her vegetable gardening era. My boyfriend harvested his first strawberries last weekend and they were delicious. And, we bought our first veggie plant together: a Roma variety of cherry tomato, an ode to our trip there earlier this year.
三. Working from my new home office corner. A change of scenery was much overdue!
四. Monday afternoons working from home, punctuated by a tea and book break.
五. Sharing Mum’s infamous Hong Kong beef brisket (港式牛腩) with my boyfriend. While I can no longer taste this childhood favourite of mine, it was really heartwarming to be able to bring my boyfriend a portion for him to enjoy!
六. No-jacket weather! Which means… a bonus sunshine-y walk every evening.
七. A mid-week lunch with colleagues past and present, followed by sunny after-work drinks. Maybe a little socialising here and there isn’t so bad…
八. My new bookcase, which, of course, means the chance for a little bookish décor switcharoo AND space to fill with more books.
九. A rare Sunday morning breakfast date with my boyfriend.
十. Cosy evenings journalling in bed after spending hours outdoors in the garden.
What are some little joys from your life lately?
