I think it’s fair to say that right now things are kind of tense over this election right? Hopefully we’ll see a good outcome but I thought a post to focus on happiness was in order. Here’s what I’ve been delighting in recently.
I’m still very much a coffee drinker but when temperatures get cooler I really enjoy tea. So in the afternoons when I feel like I need a treat I’ve been savoring this decaf tea.
You’ve heard me complaining enough about not being able to travel this year but we have found the Planet Earth DVDs to be amazing. There is so much beauty in this world isn’t there? We really need to take better care of it.
I have finally discovered that I enjoy listening to podcasts late at night on the weekend when I’m hanging out at my craft table. My favorites so far are Novel Pairings, Lore, and Read or Dead. Let me know if you have some favorites.
Letters from friends. Jenclair always delights me with her lovely mail art and letters and Isabel always sends me little care packages of goodies and a lovely letter. I appreciate them so much! If you don’t write letters, think about doing so. It’s a wonderful way to just put the world aside for a minute and focus on on connecting with someone else. And, I found this great little shop that has a zine on letter writing in case you need some inspiration.
And, if you are still not sure about the wonders of letter writing, you’ve heard my story right? My husband and I were pen pals first. He lived in Germany and I lived in Dallas, TX. We just celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary this week. You know I had to post a picture of us traveling somewhere. Here we were in Iceland in 2009.
Would love to hear what is bringing you joy lately. I hope you find some peaceful moments this weekend and more book talk soon.
As I tried to come to terms with the election on Wednesday, I felt the need to write letters. I put yours in the mail yesterday! I did not know that you and your husband were pen pals! I wondered how you got together since his family is in Germany, but had no idea that your relationship began with letters. How cool is that? How funny, to come here for a visit today and find a mention of my name and discover the best result for correspondence–a marriage of 19 years!
Since Wednesday, I’ve written four letters and the writing has helped me cope with the election chaos. 🙂
Thanks for your lovely post. It cheered me up! 🙂
Love how you always put some great suggestions with links. Try out Gretchen Rubin’s Happiness Podcast, she always has some generally great practical advice for a happier life. And Planet Earth is amazing – have you also tried Our Planet and Night on Earth, on Netflix?
I’ve only listened to one episode of Novel Pairings and have gotten away from podcasts since I’m bogged down in a super long audiobook. When I do listen, I like He Read, She Read, as well as What Should I Read Next. I also enjoy Kelly Corrigan’s new podcast (Kelly Corrigan Wonders) and hope to start listening to One Story with Mary Chapin Carpenter & Sarah Kay.
I don’t think I knew the story behind your marriage. How romantic that you found each other through letters! Congrats again on your anniversary. Today is our 32nd!
Thanks for the uplifting post, Iliana. I think we all need some positivity right now.
This is a lovely post, Iliana. We definitely need more positivity in our lives. Happiness for me is a rainy day–like today. It helped that the political news was favorable too. I’ve started my Christmas shopping (online). It’s been stress-relieving in its own way during this time. I hope you have a great week!
That is such a wonderful personal story! I love that you guys were pen pals and now 19 years married!
Such a good post – I’m thrilled by the election results but we still do need more happiness, forgiveness, love, and care in this world, not just selfishly directed inwards but also outwards to people we may not agree with.
Thanks for the lovely post, Iliana! I still think letter writing is a cool thing; and all the more so now since we rely so much on internet and emails and snail mails seem like a rare thing. I still remember my very first pen pal is a girl from Austria. It’s sad that we’d lost touch many years ago.