Dan’s Delights 2/10-16
February 17, 2025Hello Dearest Friends,
I’m starting this week wondering if this process of recounting the delights of my week is in any way changing how time is felt and processed in my brain. You’ve probably experienced how 2 hours can feel so different dependent on if you are running, driving, doomscrolling etc. right? Well, I just am curious is being aware of each passing week in my life is affecting the perception of that time at all. I think there is a Radio Lab podcast episode about that.
Anyway, before I go too far down that rabbit hole I should get into the Delights of the week. So here we go :)
- Okay technically this one happened today so it should be listed in next weeks delights but how could I pass up delighting in this amazing breakfast!
A lovely combination of French Toast made from a lovely brioche loaf Harrison picked up, and fresh orange juice and blueberry compote prepared by me! Sooooo yummmyyyy, I wish I could prepare this for all of you. So let’s plan a breakfast sometime soon, yeah?
- The Project for Awesome, a annual live stream fundraiser put on by John and Hank Green and the greater Nerdfighteria Community has raised $3,661,235 that will go to benefit Partners in Health, Save the Children, and 30 more charities voted on by the community.
Somewhere in there is my $10 and I think what is most magical about this event is that a majority of the money raised is from the small donations. This is what I love about Nerdfighteria Collectively coming together to Decrease World Suck. There is still time for you to donate if you are financially able and you can do so here. DFTBA!
- I was reminded of my time marching with Cadets2 in 2015 and specifically of one special individual. Dennis had came over from China to audition for the Cadets and earned a spot with C2. Essentially the difference between making the MLB and the minor leagues. That however did not deter him from seeking the Cadet experience. And he came over to America found a place to live and showed up every weekend to work his butt off in attempt to be the best Tuba performer he could be on that field. I’m always amazed and inspired by the dedication of people who sho up with no language skills and find a way to thrive. Always was a blast to hang around him and he was one special part of that season where we got 2nd place! Miss you Dennis!
- This glorious cadet meme :)
- Finding Sara Bareillies memoir “Sounds Like Me” at the local library while I was working there one day and reading a collection of letters that she had written to herself as a part of the essays she was writing for the book. It ended with the following passage,
I am still working hard each day to value and cherish whatever it is that is here in front of me. I guess that’s why I write about these delights. I also want to offer this live rendition of “Once upon another time.” One of the most magical musical performances.
-For anyone who has ever used a dating app you know how bad they are but every now and then you get a little laugh like this.
-I went on a date this week and thought it went well but eventually the nice lady texted me a little note saying she had a great time but didn’t see a second date in the future. A bummer in some respects but the fact that apple AI decided to summarize her message into this note made me laugh so hard I started to think of a new art project based upon it!
-This New Yorker cartoon. Expect some fun phone call’s in the future :)
-This observation about humans that got me curious to what other things you could predict about humanity’s calendar through untraditional means! Any other fun Ideas?
-This is more of a delight in the human capacity to make art wherever it has a canvas. The messages, while sometimes vulgar and about topics many don’t want to address, are an a showing of this humanity we share.
-This lovely elephant statue someone has made.
-I finished a book of poems “adultolecense” by Gabbie Hanna. A collection of poems about modern day young adulthood. There were many moments where I laughed, earmarked truths I have yet to believe, and found myself in deep thought. A inspiration that all stories are valid to be shared.
-These happy views at Sugar House Park.
-Meeting a friend of a friend after they performed some live music at a local cocktail bar. Their music was a soothing intro to a night that was then filled with laughter and joy. Thank you Yudi. You should all check out their latest album. :)
-A long run with Harrison around the University of Utah and beyond. When we started the weather was snowing and cold and as we finished all the clouds had parted and dried up a small piece of sidewalk that made for a very inviting place to lay down for a moment.
- I watched two lovely movies: The Florida Project and My Old Ass. The Florida Project made me question what makes a good child hood and what actually is the “happiest place on earth” while my old ass made me question how much time I spend living in the past trying to change things that are now core to my being. Each one has me thinking back to the Sara Bareillies Book above.
-Lastly a two hour 5 mile walk around the neighborhoods last night. I was very caught up in mind swirls after a nap and needed to move my body. What I thought would just be a short peruse down the street led me on a journey of introspection about my coming steps in life, the value of home, and presented me some lovely photo opportunities that I plan to use in future postcards. Thank you to Trader Joe’s for providing a safe place to walk around and warm up after the first hour and a half. The Flowers smelled amazing thank you for placing those right in the front.
Okay that’s the collection for now. The peels from this mornings OJ are now being candified and I need to go turn off the stove. So until next time I hope you have a delightful week. If you ever want to share your delights, I would love to delight alongside you. Send me a note :)
With great love,
Dan