DELIGHT!

Delight.

Isn’t it a lovely word? 

More than that, to feel the quality of delight ripple through, from head to toe, is a treat to behold!

I remember years ago--I took that word and ran it over my lips--uplifted the energetic zesty flavor of it in my proclamations of the nearby blooming tulip or the stream of light waltzing across my arm--many times a day, much to the chagrin of my family. 

I can’t remember what invited it into the field of my consciousness at the time.

More recently.

In late March 2020 as lockdowns were mandated and I was meandering to Al Moody Park (my sweet local neighborhood delight!) for the third time that day--I paused to check the little free library on the corner of Daggett and Jackson. 

Low and behold! A hard bound copy of Ross Gay’s; The Book of Delights was slipped in the middle of two children's books. 

My lucky day!! I did a little, so excited hop and twirl, then tucked it under my arm. a wide grin erupting across my face. 

I adore the way this man writes. 

I fell in love with how he expresses himself. 

And reconnecting with the simplicity, complexity, and power of turning my gaze in the direction of delight more often, once again!

I shared how much I loved this book numerous times with my daughter, who also loves to read, and the other day she called to tell me The Book of Delights was the Multnomah County Library Everybody Reads 2021 pick!! 

She had picked up a copy and was reading an essay or two a night...savoring the delight!

For so many it's’s been a rough year. 

And Delight, in the way Ross Gay describes and invites, is for many of us ,who have roofs over our head and food on our table, within our daily reach.

Perhaps in choosing to see the sweet and savor infinitesimal delights we grow possibilities for more love in these hard times.

Here are a few from the last few days:

The way the four blue spruce trees that live near to each other in Al Moody Park swayed in the morning breeze today, honestly like they are frantically, beautifully, trying to get my attention. And they do. Giving me a grand hello. And I pause in my steps, and praise and thank them for the gifts their enthusiasm brings me. Delight. 

Mia! My grand-dog!! She twirls and whirls, she rubs up against me and lifts her body to my knees, she kisses my face, she squeezes between my legs, she zooms off and back. It's a five minute ritual that has me bursting with rambunctious joy right along with her. Oh delight.

Pause for a moment and fill in the delight bank right here right now___________________________________________.
Take it with you for the day.
Wrap yourself in its long, ever reaching limbs.
Let it be the friend it can be. For you.
For all of us.

Much love,
Carol

p.s. a few quotes from The Book of Delights 
p.s.s. you can purchase his book HERE
p.s.s.s. Ross Gay reading one of his poems!