Calling in Cozy
Defining, finding & valuing cozy
Hello Friends,
My brother and I know how to get cozy. We know the value of soft clothes and a couch nap in the middle of the day.
Years ago, he and I got to talking about the value of coziness, and we decided that there should be an allotment of “cozy days” right along with sick days.
We should be able to call our employers and say, “I woke up cozy.” And they would understand that we needed a few extra hours to walk around our house in socks, sipping tea and listening to a chill playlist.
In a few months, we will break ground on our remodel. Through all the planning and talking about what we want our home to be, I’ve been imagining all the new cozy spots in our house.
I have my favorite spots in our home now. Like how from the couch, I can see pink sunsets out the front door to the west or where my desk sits facing the wall in Aiden’s old room. I love the window in our kitchen that faces the mountains behind our house. Those trails hold a lot of memories.
I love the floor in front of our back door. It’s where our dog Olive’s bed used to be, where we put the Christmas tree, and where I played with all three of my children when they were infants.
Nick and I worked hard on the floor plan for this remodel for more than a year.
With each space, I thought about coziness the most.
There will still be a window in the kitchen that faces the mountains. The couch will be in about the same place, but there will be no carpet in the living room to sit on, my desk will face a different direction, and I don’t know where we will put the Christmas tree.
This will be a house that Aiden would not recognize
This will be the only house the new baby will know.
Of course, we will find and define new cozy spots. Places to play on the floor with babies and maybe a new puppy but don’t tell my husband that. There will be places to gaze out windows and read books and write thoughts.
What both houses have in common is the love inside.
This is where I am today. Thank you for listening.
xoxo,
Emily
Read This Week
The Winners by Fredrik Backman
This third book in the series did not disappoint. I was once again crying and cheering and, at one point, yelling, "Damn!" because what was written was so true. Hint: Teach our sons about consent! I still have so many questions and want to know more about these characters, so I hope this is not the end. (more)
Conflict IS Connection. I love the Pantsuit Politics podcast, so it was no surprise this book was great on audio. Both Sarah and Beth are very knowledgeable in the politics of the day, but their real skill is in teaching communication. (more)
The Elements of Style by Strunk and White
A definitive book on writing written in the snobbiest of snobby language that at times had me l.o.l-ing (more)
Death on Tap by Ellie Alexander
If you like character-driven mysteries where the mystery is so far in the background you keep forgetting about it, this one is for you. (more)
What are you reading?
Links to Ponder
Is there anything more loyal than the sun? (The Daily Respite)
Fall, the season with an identity crisis (The New Yorker)
Stephen King can even make a cookbook creepy (Lit Hub)
Success. Compared to what? (Seth Godin)
I watched this video about how publishing is weird, and then I fell down a YouTube rabbit hole and found this video about why Avocados still exist. Both are very entertaining. (Vlog Brothers)
A beautiful photo essay about the strength of mothers (Brazen Face)
8 California hikes for fall (Los Angeles Times)
“How to be Perfect,” A poem to make you laugh and think. (Ron Padgett)
Flowers in cracks (The Daily Respite)
It’s a short trip… (Badass Vegan)
Emma Straub is part of the Dead Dad’s Club (Cup of Jo)
Glad I’m not the only one who thinks butter boards are gross (Los Angeles Times)
If you only have time for one thing… Sandwiches… love it when people on the internet go crazy about silly things (Washinton Post)
Your Journal Prompt for Today
Post your response in the comments below or tag me on Instagram @emilykathleenwrites