Hello!
Lately I have been thinking about delight - not the big, life-changing kind, instead I mean the quiet delights hidden in ordinary days.
I want remember to notice the things I have quietly begun to take for granted, both big and small, whilst also fully embracing the adventures and opportunities that come my way.
It is so easy to take everyday delights for granted. Paying more attention to the things that bring delight to our days really can enhance our lives.
I'm thinking of delights like having fresh flowers in a jug on the dining room table, sunshine when rain was forecast, learning something new, discovering a new to me stately home or museum, developing a recipe that even I can't resist, travelling to somewhere new or an unexpected chance to spend time with someone I love.
That said, even the delights we have waited and prayed for can far too quickly become familiar and routine. My younger self would be astonished by the life I live today, and by everything I am able to do and experience. There is an anonymous quote that stays with me - "Silly me, I almost forgot I was living in answered prayers."
Here are just a few of the delights I have soaked up recently.
A Visit To Leaskdale Manse
I was delighted to discover that one of my favourite authors, L M Montgomery, who wrote Anne of Green Gables and is more closely associated with Prince Edward Island, lived nearly half her life in my home province of Ontario, where I lived until I immigrated to England aged 23.
Even better, the first house she lived in, Leaskdale Manse, was not all that far from Toronto, where our holiday began last week. It was one of the first places we visited.
Montgomery lived at Leaskdale from the time she was a bride in 1911 until 1926. She wrote 11 of her 22 books here, alongside raising her sons and carrying out all the duties of a minister's wife.
Leaskdale Manse and St Paul's Presbyterian Church have been lovingly restored, and are cared for by the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society. Entry cost just $10 per adult. They offered to let us go round ourselves, but we took the very knowledgeable curator up on her offer of a tour.
It meant so much to me to be able to step back in time and into L M Montgomery's life for a few hours. I was thrilled to visit the room where she wrote (photo above, bottom left) as well as sit in her pew in church (photo above, bottom right).
I took lots of photos and I can't wait to share more with you on the website soon.
Maybe there is somewhere near to you that you have always wanted to visit? Could you delight yourself with a visit soon? Please hit reply and let me know if you do!
"Take Me Out To The Ball Game"
Have you supported your local (or your favourite) sports team at a game recently?
Despite being a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, I had not been to a baseball game since the late 1970's! My husband and I got last minute tickets and had a ball (pun intended) eating footlong hotdogs, enjoying a cold beer and watching a home game.
Do you have a favourite team? I'd love to know!
Re-Reading Childhood Favourites
Whilst I still remember the joy of the first read of books like Anne of Green Gables*, Little Women* and Little House in the Big Woods* (affiliate links), there's a particular delight in re-discovering childhood favourites as an adult.
I have decided that this is my "summer of Anne" - and as many other L M Montgomery heroines as I can fit in. I am finding that, as an adult, I notice things in the stories that my childhood self simply didn't have the experience or empathy to understand. It has made me look at so many characters in an entirely new light and is enriching my reading experience no end.
Why not treat yourself to a book you enjoyed as a child - or visit your local library for a trip down memory lane?
Delights From The Kitchen
My adult son is doing a lot of the cooking on this trip - which is a lovely treat for me as he is a very good cook - but these are some of the recipes I'm looking forward to making when I get home.
Coronation Chicken
Whether you are looking for a hearty salad lunch or a delicious sandwich filling, this mildly spiced recipe is a great way to feed a crowd.
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Easy Lobster Rolls
If you are lucky enough to be able to get fresh or frozen lobster, you need to make these!
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Mixed Fruit Pavlova
I have such fond memories of this light but indulgent dessert - and it's easier to make than you might think.
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This week I'm...
enjoying a holiday in Ontario with my family.
Links marked with an asterix (*) are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
(Re) Reading - Anne of Green Gables by L M Montgomery. I bought a boxed set of all the Anne books similar to this one* at Leaskdale Manor.
Watching - Nothing at the moment as I'm on holiday but I'm looking forward to Season 4 of Ted Lasso on Apple TV.
Listening to - Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach's podcast episode - "Don't have blocks of time to write, Pockets work great!"
Recommending - These cute Mosquito Repellent Bracelets*. My family and I are all wearing them. I love that these bracelets are non-toxic, look fashionable and best of all, we have found that - both here and at home - they really work!
For more of the things I use and love, please check out my Amazon Storefront.* As always, I'm so grateful for your support!
Until next time, I hope you find many delights in the ordinary moments that make life extraordinary.
Have a wonderful rest of the week!
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Warmly,
April x
April J Harris | Helping you make the most of life at home and away.
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