Old Friends, Turmeric, Perfume: My Weekly Gratitudes

Project 365, Day 60/365

When I woke up this morning, the first thing my mind thought was “do not open your mouth and say something before Rabbit Rabbit.” I was resolved. I’m usually so good at it. I should have parted my lips right then and there and whispered it, at least. But I didn’t. I fell back asleep for a little bit and then was ripped out of my slumber by the sound of a jackhammer on the outside wall of my bedroom.

I had forgotten that my building was getting plaster work done to it starting today. I mumbled my grievances, got up, dragged myself into the kitchen where Charles was starting the kettle for us and we exchanged some words. “NOOOOO,” I yelped as I walked into the dining room to turn on my work computer. “I messed up! I didn’t say Rabbit Rabbit. But I did think it first…does that count?” I asked Charles but also mostly myself. That blasted jackhammer.

Small pleasures, my friends. Do I think my month might as well pack its bags and hit the road? Nah. I’ll get another chance in April. But there’s a little light inside me that glows every time I get it right. Small pleasures. So because I do not have the magic behind me that is the Rabbit Rabbit, I shall launch into gratitudes instead. Besides, we make our own luck…so I hear.

I’m grateful for perfume, which I’ve started wearing again. For myself. At home. It makes me happy. (My longtime everyday “signature” is Jo Malone’s Nectarine Blossom & Honey.)

I’m grateful for a dream about an old friend that made me pick up my phone today and reach out to her. (Remember “Mel“?)

I’m grateful for a very strong sense of smell. I love how the scent of basil wafts up into my nostrils with each pass of my basil plant. I keep it on the dining room console by the window and it’s thriving.

I’m grateful for a sister who checks up on me nearly daily: “How do you feel today?”

I’m grateful for turmeric.

I’m grateful for feta cheese and parmesan cheese that literally make everything better.

I’m grateful my parents get their second vaccine dose this weekend.

I’m grateful that a year into this pandemic, everyone I love most is still healthy and well.

I’m grateful for the hummingbird I saw out my window this morning.

I’m grateful for the family I was born into.

I’m grateful that it might just rain this Wednesday (I love rain).

See you tomorrow, friends.