I think it is fair to say that it has become a rare gift when I have a day where I don’t have to do something. A day when I do only what I want to. I have come to appreciate the comfort of an ordinary day. The wonderful feeling of opening my calendar and finding it empty. One I can fill with whatever ordinary pleasures I desire.
This weekend I had such a day. I got up when I wanted to, I did not look at social media, grade any papers, do any chores, send any emails, make any phone calls, do any caregiving or think about what I would wear. I did make a delicious smoothie for breakfast, take my dog for a walk in the sun and made a plan to have dinner with good friends visiting from out of town. We decided to eat in our neighborhood so we did not have to hop on a subway or jump into a cab.
I did dress in comfortable clothes, wore my favorite earrings, carried a soft bag and Calvin and I decided to leave early for dinner. We had camera in hand to take a few photos for my Monday blog post and the attitude that if we got some good shots fine, if not we’d figure it out. We did not have to rush to be on time. We had comfort food for dinner, basked in the company of a compatible couple, laughed and made plans for a summer adventure. Despite a crowd waiting at the door, the restaurant staff left us alone, clearly seeing that we were savoring our time together as much as the food. Calvin and I held hands as we walked home feeling the warmth of a spring that has finally come and gratitude for the wonderful people that we have in our lives. What a gift, the comfort of an ordinary day.
It sounds like a perfect day! For me, having time to read a book is at the top of my list of ordinary pleasures.
Reading a book that is for pleasure purposes only is my summer dream.
I felt full of energy this week you are so right!
My favorite kind of ordinary day is very similar to yours! (But instead of a dog to walk, I go for a run or a bike ride.) Days like this are truly magical. They strengthen us more than we might guess.
I felt full of energy this week you are so right!
Your post reminds me of one of my favorite Milosz poems (and my favorite kind of days):
Gift
A day so happy.
Fog lifted early. I worked in the garden.
Hummingbirds were stopping over honeysuckle flowers.
There was no thing on earth I wanted to possess.
I knew no one worth envying him.
Whatever evil I had suffered, I forgot.
To think that once I was the same man did not embarrass me.
In my body I felt no pain.
When straightening up, I saw the blue sea and sails.
—Czeslaw Milosz
Thanks for sharing such a glorious verse. Ah for all of us to have many such moments.
Thanks for letting me know your good moments. Lingering in a cafe in a wonderful city is indeed a lovely pleasure.
Your post reminds me of one of my favorite Milosz poems (and my favorite kind of days):
Gift
A day so happy.
Fog lifted early. I worked in the garden.
Hummingbirds were stopping over honeysuckle flowers.
There was no thing on earth I wanted to possess.
I knew no one worth envying him.
Whatever evil I had suffered, I forgot.
To think that once I was the same man did not embarrass me.
In my body I felt no pain.
When straightening up, I saw the blue sea and sails.
—Czeslaw Milosz
Thanks for sharing such a glorious verse. Ah for all of us to have many such moments.
Just like you, nothing on the calendar, comfortable shoes, downtown Heidelberg, the german expression is "treiben lassen", sitting in an outdoor cafe, looking at people, it feels so good to have a day without an agenda. Really enjoy your blog, it so different and thought provoking, love the piece with the rugs. Dir einen entspannten Tag…
Thanks for letting me know your good moments. Lingering in a cafe in a wonderful city is indeed a lovely pleasure.
Your story reminds me to be grateful and savor these moments instead of fretting about things that in the end are not so important. Thanks for sharing and glad you are on the mend.
Hi! Well, I have been so ill for so long that, now that I am recuperating every day is a pleasure but my ordinary pleasure is my morning time! Get up early, take my Yorkie for a nice walk as the birds are starting their day singing their hearts out, return home to my most favorite meal of they day and enjoy the morning newspapers! Luv.
Your story reminds me to be grateful and savor these moments instead of fretting about things that in the end are not so important. Thanks for sharing and glad you are on the mend.
Thank you for sharing your response to them!
First, great shot! In the ordinary we find the extraordinary.
Thank you for the gift of posts like these.
Thank you for sharing your response to them!
I too love a day without a schedule. It’s a gift to self nurture in the way that you describe. Sometimes I long for a day such as this!
Oh I agree! Longing is the perfect word. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
It says much.
I too love a day without a schedule. It’s a gift to self nurture in the way that you describe. Sometimes I long for a day such as this!
Oh I agree! Longing is the perfect word. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Simply love the phrase, "The Comfort of an Ordinary Day." It will linger with me.
It says much.
Thank you for inspiring me every day!?my readers eloquence raises my bar.
I adore you. Thank you for inspiring us with timeless grace and beauty.
Thank you for inspiring me every day!?my readers eloquence raises my bar.
I would give my kingdom for a moment like that right now!
Just kicking back are reading a book, magazine or newspaper. It’s refreshing to read without all the ads and interruptions.
I would give my kingdom for a moment like that right now!
Like you, a day without expectations. A day where I can sleep late or get up with the sun. I can take the dog to the preserve for a stroll or lay on the sofa and read.
I’m always happy when I can accomplish some small task, so I’ll set my phone timer for 30 or 60 minutes and say, "make a difference, GO!" And later, when small part of the apartment is newly tidied, I enjoy that.
In the winter, a long soak in a hot tub…and in the summer, a day spent at the beach alone with just a book and the waves to bob in.
Or sitting quietly with someone I love, watching the sky change in the evening and the sun set, and knowing we both value that moment – that’s an extraordinary ordinary pleasure.
This is my first visit to your blog and I really enjoyed it. I’ll be back.
Bettye
I hope you do come back your sharing such lovely moments and suggestions has inspired me today!
Like you, a day without expectations. A day where I can sleep late or get up with the sun. I can take the dog to the preserve for a stroll or lay on the sofa and read.
I’m always happy when I can accomplish some small task, so I’ll set my phone timer for 30 or 60 minutes and say, "make a difference, GO!" And later, when small part of the apartment is newly tidied, I enjoy that.
In the winter, a long soak in a hot tub…and in the summer, a day spent at the beach alone with just a book and the waves to bob in.
Or sitting quietly with someone I love, watching the sky change in the evening and the sun set, and knowing we both value that moment – that’s an extraordinary ordinary pleasure.
This is my first visit to your blog and I really enjoyed it. I’ll be back.
Bettye
I hope you do come back your sharing such lovely moments and suggestions has inspired me today!
You have just summed up all my ordinary pleasures. This is what I love best… doing little, enjoying not doing anything, friends, diner, laughing, husband, dog. You got all the elements.
Greetje
Simple pleasures are the richest a gifts.
You have just summed up all my ordinary pleasures. This is what I love best… doing little, enjoying not doing anything, friends, diner, laughing, husband, dog. You got all the elements.
Greetje
Simple pleasures are the richest a gifts.