Dan’s Delights
February 10, 2025Hello Friends :)
Another week has gone by and there is so much to be thankful for. I love keeping a log in my phone of all the delightful things in a week cause when I look back through them I am reminded of just how Lucky I am to have lived this life. I’m thinking of getting that tattooed one day “What a Lucky Life to Live” a phrase I first said while sitting overtop a beautiful mountain overlook in Puerto Rico. To this day I still find myself saying it in times of great beauty and awe.
So without further ado, a few of the lucky moments from this week.
1.) Reading YouTube comments and discovering the welsh word “Hiraeth” - An earnest longing for a home that no longer exists or never was. A deep and irrational bond felt with a time, era, place or
person.
I was once told you can only experience the world as wide as your vocabulary. I have some thoughts to add to that at a later day, but i do know there is immense joy in finally being able to name a feeling you have been experiencing and knowing you are not alone in that feeling. YouTube comments are a beautiful journal of the ongoing universal human experience. I encourage you to go read a few, specifically underneath that of your favorite music. Also when you get a chance check out The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.
2.) Abby Holiday’s song - “when we’re far apart i fall apart” The calmness of her voice, the simplicity of this messaging of longing. The “we” is not just one person or place in my life. It’s a combination of people, places, and memories that help me form a connection to my self that is healing.
3.) I started a small project based around black out poems, that I’m not sure where it will go but it’s been helpful in these crazy political times as a way to interact with diverse viewpoints and various news sources.
4.) I had two great job interviews for potential summer guiding work. Still figuring out the path of what I want to do, but as my Dad has taught me “I can’t say no to something that isn’t offered to me.”
5.) The grey hairs are beginning. A sign and connection to my Mexican Roots. Salt Pepper is coming for me and I’m excited to embrace the slick style.
6.) At bingo this week I won a box of chocolates (they were a solid 3 stars) but the feeling of getting to yell “BINGO!” Is one of life’s small but mighty joys!
7.) Went on a beautiful hike up in the foothills of Salt Lake to see Jack’s Mailbox. “Jack Edwards was just a toddler when he died of leukemia in 1995. His parents scattered his ashes from a peak above Salt Lake City, where they later placed a memorial. Two mailboxes mark the site, with a notebook that begins with a letter from Jack’s mother: “Please take a moment to say hello to Jackie Jack and write a little (or long) note.” Up there was the inspiration for one of this week’s postcards. I hiked because I knew I just needed to be outside and it would help me get out of my head. I was offered time of peace and reflection before I received a call from a friend in need. Taking care of myself allowed me to show up fully when they called upon me to help. I thank Jack, the mountains, and the gentle breeze for reminding me what’s important amidst a crazy day.
8.) Made some delicious meals this week including Shrimp Scampi, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos and Pasta a la bullshit. The last one is just pasta and whatever vegetables you need to get out of your fridge jazzed up with many spices. Very reminiscent of one of my other favorite meals, when egg prices are manageable) stuff in eggs. :)
9.) Attended some local events including SkiJoring and a winter Artist Market.
The art I was most inspired by were these collages by Bri Gawkoski There was one called self portrait that If i see her again I would love to order. Didn’t have my Wallet on me. But a very large reminder to take pictures of yourself from time to time. Have fun with it and explore what you want yourself to be. Very similar to this quote from my uncle:
“Have your picture taken every year in one of those automatic photo booths. Write how you felt at that particular time on the back of them. Were you anxious? Were you in love? Were you broken? Line them up from time to time and realize that you have been through so much. Be proud of what you have accomplished and of the scars you show.”
10.) So many wonderful chats with friends. In person, over the phone, texting here is a small but incomplete list of the lucky souls i got to chat with: Mom, Dad, Jay, Zach, Laura, Rockfish, Claire, Callay, Mitchell, Ethan, Harrison, Marissa, Evans, Simeon, Michael, River and so many more. Thank you to everyone who sent a text or called or even a small email through the week, it was so lovely to hear from you all.
So I guess that’s a good place to end it for this week. Maybe It’ll just be lists of 10 things. Ehh seems to simple and clear cut and I like cHAoS so we shall see what actually happens.
If you want to share some of your delights from this week please send me a note. I would love to celebrate in all the amazing things you got to experience this week.
Ope wait I got two more things hahaha no editing here just consciousness streams!
11.) The Eagles won. So happy for all my Philly friends to get to celebrate with their lovely city once again. :)
12.) I got some new headphones this week! and it’s amazing what I can now hear in the production of songs! Totally uncovered new elements and lyrics in this song I’ve been bopping to.
13.) I ran a half marathon!!! AHHHHHHHHHH I will write more about this later this week but just know it was not in my plans for the week but I feel so so proud of this accomplishment and only a wee-bit sore. Thank you to peach rings and bananas for their support of me through this run.
Okay now I’m done now. Off to make more memories!
Love you all!
Dan