Wonder Year: A journey to find enchantment every day
366 Wonder Days Shared in 2020 — Now you can join me!
Today we went to The Gathering Place, a ginormous and extravagant park in Tulsa, OK. It was the first 70 degree day this year — and I think everyone in a 100-mile vicinity had the same idea. It was packed!
To escape the crowds, we found a quiet area with lots of grass. We all sprawled out, relaxing under the mid-southern sun. It was wonderful. Happy leap year day! February 29th!
And up early enough to make it! Chicken breakfast sausage, sweet potatoes, purple onion.
During the semester, I team up with fellow PhD students and give graduate workshops to other students across the university. Students come from all backgrounds — history, STEM, agriculture, psychology, biochemistry, and etc. We teach everything from the abstract to literature reviews and how to write about your research for public audiences. Sometimes it is hit or miss with audience participation. However, this week and last week, we have had incredible graduate students ask thoughtful questions, engage in our activities, and leave feeling like they’ve learned something of value. This is not always the case! Sometimes they’re disinterested or distracted. So although this may seem like a small wonder, it is still a wonder to have a room engage and participate with what you are teaching!
A side shot of the library, where we hold the graduate workshops.
Today was the second day I’ve brought Shiloh, now nearing 11 weeks, to the university. I’m grateful to live only about ten minutes away, so I can bring her and take her home in a feasible amount of time.
When I walk her though campus, the joy I see on strangers’ expressions and friends’ faces brings me the feeling of wonder. It’s almost like a wonder domino effect. Shiloh brings delight to someone, I witness their faces, the delight spreads to me.
We all need more puppy therapy at busy college campuses.
I know I already shared earlier this week about the wonder of unexpected notes in the mail, but I couldn’t help myself to double dipping. My friend Jacqueline Alnes owns an Etsy shop called, PhDistance, where she creates the most inspiring art. Usually the art is paired by a quote. She recently sent me some surprise treats in the mail. I hung them up above B’s play kitchen, right next to our kitchen, so I can look at them every morning.
…in a new car!
I’m about five years past due on a new car. And here we are!
Earlier this year I asked my dad what he thought of wonder and how he experienced it. “Every time I dive into the pool I experience wonder,” he said. Even though he’d done the act a million times, his body still felt curiosity and excitement during the initial dive.
My dad is a swift swimmer, ambitious chef, and the best father and now Pop Pop in the darn universe. I’m so grateful for him and hope he has a wonderful birthday full of many more new recipes and record breaking swim times.
This act, of receiving and sending mail, always brings unexpected wonder. These two notes were full of extra love and support.
I walk by this building all the time, but I never have a reason to enter (so it has remained unnoticed, mostly). Tonight, a beautiful reading by Tyler Mills was held here.
And I really wondered how I’d never stopped to notice these windows before.
Wonder Year: A journey to find enchantment every day 