Returnist Recs: 27
On noticing and love
Click the play button above if you prefer to listen to me read this piece.
Never mind the holiday, but this weekend I kept noticing instances of love - in so many varied forms - around me. Sure, Adam and I had our own little romantic moments to mark our first Valentine’s day together. But even that was more lovely-normal-feeling-day-out-and-quiet-evening-home than grand-gestures-and-syrupy-sentiments. This week’s rec is simple… take notice. It might surprise you.
I noticed the quiet but joyfully accommodating expansion of our doggy playdate crew, a couple of new faces rotating in with the same dogs, the same snacks, the same warmth, the same feeling of home.
I noticed friends calling to check in before they headed to a party - late at night but still showing up to spread birthday wishes, catching up in a few minutes en route with humor, candor, and pre-hang up I love yous.
I noticed the long Saturday-morning line at the pharmacy with oh-so-many personalities. Short-staffed but committed to figuring it out, making calls and taking calls, letting them back in line after a brief absence to look on another aisle, small smiles leaking out of sleepy faces simply because we were sharing space.
I noticed that surprise coffee and flowers will always make me feel special. So will sharing bites of each other’s dishes and reveling in the shared deliciousness.
I noticed that a mutual interest in a hobby or collection brings together unlikely friends into a beautiful circle of nerdery, their plus ones standing by in a slightly wider concentric ring - holding potential purchases, waiting patiently, supporting their person in their passions - heads up there’s wine in the back.
I noticed the affection in texts with friends exchanging updates, books to read, and watch lists. Celebrating 20 years of two favorite people being together. An unexpected Sunday morning catch up, walking through the farmers’ market, picking up nourishment in both produce and friendship. Photos of ordinary moments at home that reveal the nearly-tangible joy of simply being.
I noticed the connection I feel to some of my most-frequented places expanding, knowing each others’ names and favorites, as interactions grow beyond transactions and into community.
I noticed that there is still so much love and effort and good even when there is worry and grief and bad - it’s in the way the light hits, makes you blink twice, the mind taking a snapshot of the moment, capturing the love.
I noticed that noticing might be enough.
Flavor of the week: Thai fresh spring rolls with perfectly pink shrimp, crunchy cucumber, and plenty of goopy peanut sauce.
Habit of the week: Airpods in, noise cancelling mode activated, nothing but white noise playing. It’s artificial silence, but a helpful tool for focus and de-stimulation.
Soundtrack of the week: Stanley Cowell Trio’s Illusion Suite has successfully lulled me into two excellent naps this weekend, and for that I am grateful. It’s also worth a listen awake, I promise.
