Noticeables

Moments of enchantment, curiosity, delight

A few months ago, I started keeping a note in my phone of little things that catch my eye throughout the month. I don’t do anything with it, it’s the exercise in noticing that is the point. I have a mind that always seems to be somewhere else and this little practice helps me to be more present, even if just for a few moments.

This month, I’m sharing it in hopes of encouraging you to engage in your own noticing practice, or some version of it that feels joyful/fun/helpful/whatever.

In the order in which they were added to the list:

• The way a kernel of fresh sweet corn pops in my mouth 

• How a juicy, ripe tomato tastes like summer 

• The very specific yellow of goldenrod 

• The rainbow so vibrant it looked fake 

• How that one episode of Schitt’s Creek, the one where Patrick sings to David, makes me tear up every single time I watch it. 

• Watching all of the bees - so many bees! - feast on the sedum 

• A surprise rainy day 

• The cinnamony scent of fresh granola baking in the oven 

• The heft of Jack curled up against me

• The softness of Lola’s coat 

• The glow from a well-built fire 

• The bug bites from said fire that will remind me to wear pants and shoes next time 

• The last peach of the season

• The older, Harley-riding looking dude who interrupted the harassment of queer folks by a Christian zealot while we were all in line to get into the Death Cab/Postal Service show. It was an epic display of using one’s privilege in service of others.

• The joy of attending a very specific concert with someone who enjoys the bands and the music as much as you do. (The Death Cab/Postal Service 20th Anniversary show with my sister.)

• Shorter days. Summer is too much for me in all ways, I love the longer nights that feel more obvious come the fall equinox.

• Feather season. I am finding feathers pretty regularly and it’s weird and lovely.  

• The way the clouds let me know it’s fall 

• Finding a new moth, a variety of a tiger moth in this case. I love moths and seeing one I’ve not found before always gets me racing to my phone or the computer to look it up.

• Reading a book that demands to be savored. I’m halfway through Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer and it will not be rushed. 

If you were to create your own list from September, what would be on it? If you’re so inclined, I’d love to know. I love other people’s curiosities and delights almost as much as I love my own.

Until next time,

Kim