What are you currently immersed in reading? Yesterday evening, I stayed up late with The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai; and over the festive period, my 11-year-old niece mentioned that I was going on too much about A Marriage at Sea, which confirms my strong feelings for that one as well. Kindly share your reading list.
For a simple dinner, I’ve had my eye on this crispy halloumi with tomatoes and white beans (NYTimes gift link). Doesn’t it seem appetizing? Bonus points for any dish you can dip a baguette into.
I’m involved in a side project purely for fun — more details to follow, if you’re interested — and I’m on the hunt for photos from the 1980s/1990s. It’s entertaining to take a trip down memory lane to those decades.
Lastly, Kule is holding their annual sale on many lovely items, including this sweater, sweatshirt, and scarf. I always adore their creations. xoxo
P.S. More delightful things, and what’s brought you laughter recently?
(Photo of Halloumi recipe by Linda Xiao for The New York Times; food styling by Judy Kim.)
**Four Joyful Pursuits to Enrich Your Free Time**
Amidst the fast pace of modern living, uncovering joyful pursuits to relax and refresh is vital. Participating in leisure pursuits not only brings calmness but also boosts creativity, lowers stress, and augments overall wellness. Here are four joyful pursuits that can amplify your free time:
1. **Gardening: Nurturing Serenity and Ingenuity**
Gardening is a gratifying pursuit that links you with nature and offers a sense of achievement. Whether you possess a large garden or a tiny balcony, growing plants can be both soothing and rewarding. Gardening allows for physical engagement, enjoyment of fresh air, and appreciation of the beauty of growth and life. From planting bright flowers to cultivating your own vegetables, the options are limitless. Moreover, gardening can serve as a mindful practice, aiding you to focus on the present and lessen stress.
2. **Cooking: An Epicurean Exploration**
Cooking transcends just being a daily errand; it can be an enjoyable and inventive pursuit. Trying new recipes and flavors can transform your kitchen into a hub of discovery and delight. Cooking offers a means to express creativity, discover diverse cultures, and relish the joy of a homemade dish. Whether baking bread, crafting a gourmet meal, or simply experimenting with a new dish, cooking can be a fun and fulfilling way to utilize your leisure time. Plus, sharing your culinary feats with family and friends adds a social aspect to this joyful activity.
3. **Reading: An Adventure Through Texts**
Reading is a classic pastime that provides an escape into varied worlds and perspectives. Whether favoring fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, books have the capacity to transport you to different eras and locations, igniting your imagination and extending your knowledge. Reading can be an individual pleasure or a communal experience through book clubs and dialogues. It enhances vocabulary, bolsters focus, and provides an intellectual exercise. With the wide array of genres and authors available, there’s always something fresh to explore and savor.
4. **Hiking: Uncovering Nature’s Marvels**
Hiking is a revitalizing endeavor that merges physical exercise with the splendor of the outdoors. Whether strolling through mountains, woodlands, or coastal trails, hiking provides an opportunity to unplug from technology and reconnect with nature. The physical benefits of hiking include better cardiovascular health, increased stamina, and an uplifted mood. Also, being in nature has been shown to alleviate stress and anxiety, making hiking an ideal activity for relaxation and reinvigoration. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a newcomer, discovering nature’s marvels can be a gratifying and joyful experience.
Incorporating these pursuits into your habits can greatly boost your leisure time, offering relaxation, delight, and personal flourishing. Whether tending plants, innovating in the kitchen, engaging in a book, or exploring nature’s wonders, these activities provide a wealth of benefits for both mind and body.
