Motherhood
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O Simple Thing —

By: Jen Shoop

This morning, republishing a favorite post from the archives. A good reminder for me about recognizing and celebrating the simplest and most precious pleasures in life.

*****

William Martin Do Not Ask Your Children to Strive

The other day, I read William Martin’s poem, and asked myself: What “normal day” wonders do I want my children to experience and appreciate? And the following spilled out on paper:

To Emory and Hill

Simple things that have meant everything to me, and that I hope you experience many times in life:

Someone waiting all day to give you a hug

Your Dad telling you he’s proud of you

Words that fit the exact shape of a hole in your heart

A ripe raspberry at the peak of summer, or really any perfect piece of produce, but especially something from your own garden (or your Dad’s)

Driving with the windows all the way down and the music all the way up

A long sleep when you need it

Finding le mot juste

Showering after a day at the beach

Making your sibling laugh

Green lights all the way

Walking up an aisle with your heart in your throat — wedding, award ceremony, graduation!

Finishing something before time is up

Running into another room so that you can laugh openly with your best friend (i.e., after you’ve done something embarrassing or witnessed something you shouldn’t have found as funny as you did)

Resting your head against your mom’s shoulder

Making someone laugh when she’s been crying

Realizing that your entire universe can fit on a sofa

*****

You can order a print adaptation of this piece that Riley Sheehey illustrated here! I have this in my son’s room. So special.

Poem about Simple Pleasures

Post-Scripts.

+On slowing down as a mother.

+On living small.

+What does happiness feel like to you?

Shopping Break.

+Another great spring jacket option just arrived at Tuckernuck. LOVE a reversible jacket — two in one! Also love these new cashmere colors with matching triangle scarves!

+These crochet ballerinas are at the top of my lust list for spring. Vibe for less with these, these, these.

+CHIC work pants.

+My beloved Tory Burch Romy bag is 20% off in the color I have here!

+People say Eres makes the best swimsuits, especially the iconic Cassiopee style — a BIFL purchase. I have several friends who own and swear by these. I think I might make the investment this year! More colors here. I’ve been hunting for one in a pastel color but can’t seem to find. I did find one in an off-white on sale (30% off) here. But maybe navy is best? Imagine with a chic patterned navy pareo like this, or my favorite CESTA. Or if I go with white/off-white — this patchwork Julia Amory.

+While we’re talking warmer weather, this is my favorite (!) sunhat. You can toss it in a bag / its packable and I love the silhouette. This bucket hat from their newest collection is SO CHIC with that chin strap detail.

+Spectacular Veronica Beard gown for a spring gala / wedding — on ridiculous sale! This pretty daytime floral dress is also on super sale — under $100. In my cart…

+My favorite everyday bra on sale in limited sizes here. But well-worth full price.

+Gorgeous white blouse.

+Happy little prelude-to-spring lounge set.

+This has been my year of improving my hair health, and I think this overnight serum is a wonderful addition to my lineup. I will apply the night before (or, the morning of, if I’ve forgotten) the days I’m working out and let it marinate until post-workout shower.

+Pretty Doen dress on sale!

+This Charleston boutique has the cutest, most cheerful little gifts — these dog matches, this “find joy” keychain!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.

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