Season of noticing

Some small delights and the stories behind them

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One thing about my recent transition from 150 to 45 mph is that I feel like it has created space for me to engage in a remarkable season of noticing. It reminds me of when I first got glasses in the fourth grade. The glasses were ugly, poop-colored 70s frames, but on the ride home I hung my head out the window in awe over being able to see details like the gravel in the pavement and the leaf outlines in passing trees.

With the hope of inspiring your own season of noticing, I want to share some small delights and the stories behind them. Also, if you’re interested, tune into this episode where I stood in anticipation of a summer of small delights.

Farmers and the connective power of vegetables. Given that I have started to think about learning how to grow things—and felt rather daunted by my lack of knowledge—I am in awe of the magic that our CSA provides every week. Since my Mom loves fresh produce I have gotten in the habit of popping over to her house right after I pick up my vegetables so she can “shop” my share, which is a lovely little touchpoint. Also, this summer we befriended a couple that owns a farm and I was so touched to receive a box of beautiful produce—and homemade blueberry lavender vanilla jam!—from their greenhouse. Farmers are actual magicians.

Animal whisperers. Speaking of magicians, this month ended up being the month of spending all of the money on James the standard poodle given that it was time for his yearly checkup, plus he was very much in need of a haircut. Both our vet and groomer are so kind and caring towards James; true animal whisperers. While I can’t do things they do—for example, I have tried several times to trim his face and failed—I have been inspired to initiate some extra baths and finally get on board with the dental hygiene thing. He is so handsome I can’t even take it!

Summer basketball. Violet is doing a summer basketball league that is just dreamy. It’s pure fun, and while they are doing drills and games, the team rosters change each game and nobody cares about the score, which is a nice change. The summery evening vibe is also fantastic. 

Adulting victories. Even when one is enjoying a lower gear there is still adulting shit to take care of and one of the things on my immediate to-do list was helping Laurel get her passport renewed. There was some uncertainty and stress around this task given that Laurel is now 18 but her last passport was issued before she was 16—and so she needed to apply in person, not by mail. The State Department instructions weren’t clear about whether she needed two parents present. We decided to trust in the ambiguity of the instructions—interpreting them in our favor—and went to her appointment with just one parent and were in and out in 8 minutes. Total shocker. Also, if you have an 18-year-old in this situation, the answer is they can just go apply for the passport themselves! 

Generous teenagers. The other night Laurel took me out for dinner, a belated celebration for my recent transition. It is pretty amazing to have raised a kid to a point of adulting where they are excited to treat you to dinner.

Brave acts. This year Violet dipped her toe into theatrical waters and it has been really amazing to see her stretch and try something new. She has had freakishly good pitch since she was a toddler but has never been interested in being “out there” with her voice and was happy to forgo auditions and be in the chorus in a couple of productions this year. Last week she did a one-week summer theater camp and when I went to the performance on Friday, imagine my surprise to find out that she had two solo singing lines. Who knows if she will do more of this but I was just bursting with happiness for her!

Iced coffee. Never liked it until this summer and now I am a fan.

Community art and accidental friend sightings. I was recently kicking around Bellows Falls, Vermont and it is such a charming, artistic town. I was admiring this outdoor art installation with my kids on a small side street when a car pulled up and the driver said, “Hello, stranger!” It was my friend Nicco from Boston (husband of my dear friend and former colleague Morra) and he was taking one of his kids to camp. How wild is that?!

Summer snack stops. As much as I love vegetables and fine foods, I also love summer snack shacks and diners. After the above accidental encounter, the girls and I popped into Dari Joy and ordered snacks at the window and ate them outside under an umbrella. It just felt so wonderful and summery, and the waffle fries were perfect.

Amazing friends with amazing hobbies. My dear friend Kristen is a badass scientist by day who translates her love for details and process to some kick ass hobbies: growing incredible flowers and cookie decorating. She dropped off these beautiful blooms the other day.

Old school games. This summer we have been enjoying old school games like Jenga and Yahtzee and the laughter and delight when a tower falls or someone—against the odds—rolls just what they need is pretty awesome.

Yoga outside. I am still nursing a month-old hamstring injury and this week I’m trying to challenge myself to do the same 45-minute deep stretch practice every day for a week so I can both work on and observe said hamstring. I did my first day yesterday outside on a deck yesterday morning and it was pretty awesome. More, please.