I think we all need Little joys
Today, but also all the days
Morning darklings,
With new devastations, disappointments, horror, shock, tears, broken hearts, stunned silence, righteous rage, and unbridled pain that can overtake our everyday, it can be hard to find the good. So much more to say on that topic, but it's frigid outside in the way the crawls inside the bone, settles in the marrow, and demands attention. If that's not insult to injury, I don't know what is.
So it feels like time for another installment of Little joys. I feel we could all use it.
But first, a happy birthday to my lovely friend, E O! I appreciate his friendship so much and am grateful to say I'll be seeing him as he rings in another year on this planet.
new growth in a foggy morning
◗ I met with two lovely friends for tea at a new place Aishang Teahouse. Not only was the company amazing, the conversation sparkling and non-stop and engaging, the tea some of the best jasmine tea I've had. To top that off, the owner recognized me from TeaFest. She popped by now and again to give us the business. It was the most delightful experience. So much laughter and joy. I even got to taste a jasmine moon cake without too many consequences.
◗ For the hub's birthday, I made angel food cake. I did not use cream of tartar. I did not use cake flour. And yet! I was so thrilled that it worked out. It has been... so very, very long since I've made a proper, regular cake that I wasn't sure I knew how anymore. He loved it, which almost had me in tears. Even I'll admit that it was yummy. Oh, did I mention I could eat it?
◗ After years of living in Vancouver, the hubs and I visited the Clark County Historical Museum. What a time to do it! They'd just revamped it and added this fascinating exhibit on local brewing. On one of the walls, local artists made fake beer labels, which was sweet to see. But the timeline of saloons and bars over the years was the most fascinating. Very few lasted more than a few years, let alone survived the massive changes each decade brought with it. I've never wanted to write a historical book in a saloon before, but it had me thinking. By the time I left, the idea already seemed too exhausting, mind you. But it was a fun thought experiment—and certainly a fun history lesson.
◗ Celebrating love at PDX Light Festival. Also frigid that night, but warm because my heart was (and still is) so full.
◗ Getting my face smashed in by this Small one. He loves to rub himself all over our hair after a shower to make sure we smell okay again.
◗ Rare cuddles from the other Small one. She changed the course of our evening, and it was the best reason to stop gaming we've had in a while.
◗ A reading that went so well the authors chatted about it that night and the next day on Discord. I really can't thank them enough. I dislocated my shoulder in a way I haven't in years and had to wear a sling, so my brain was mushy. It was nice to let everyone else read and answer the questions for the night.
links of joy
My actual life has a lot of wonderful things in it, but the world is also pretty magical. Here are some things that have made me smile, cry, or feel true awe of late. They show resiliency, joy, creativity, and awe.
^Start with your sound down as she makes some incredibly high pitched sounds. But damn if it isn't incredible what she can do with her voice.
The Monologue Bombs
shop news
And finally, one more joyous thing—I've made it so you can subscribe the The Little Periodical via Stripe or Venmo and you can buy any/all of the things in the shop via Venmo as well. Thanks to a friend of mine asking me about options, I realized offering them allows you to avoid certain companies, if you prefer. Also, opting to go with what makes me the most money (Venmo—just being honest here / you know my feelings on transparency). So if you subscribe, go with what's comfortable for you.
I already have a few people signed up, but obviously, the more the merrier! It's $12/mo for the periodical and a sticker every few months (the first month comes with one).
Want to know more about The Little Periodical because your email failed you and you missed that blog post? Check out more info now! It's for people who like art, zines, creativity, the unusual. And for people who miss the analog.
Elizabeth Mitchell
Until next time, harness the Little darknesses and embrace the Little things.
