Skip to main contentSkip to navigation

The joy of small things

Inspired by JB Priestley's book, Delight, Hannah Jane Parkinson on the small things that make a difference

  • Composite of dandelion , train, sale tag, dalmatian, etc

    ‘The ground is unstable but there are pleasures all around’ – goodbye to the joy of small things

    For three years, this column has been looking for sources of quotidian joy in the darkness. As it comes to an end, what tiny delights would other writers nominate?
  • Four sets of wind-up chattering teeth, one of which has laughed so hard he fell over

    I love a good gossip – life’s twists and turns intrigue and titillate

    Whether it’s about football transfers, relationship scandals or Westminster feuds, gossip is a glorious tool of social bonding
  • Holiday cottage at Wasdale Head

    I know it’s a TV cliche but I still adore the calm of an English village

    The wood-panelled pub, the narrow streets, the clean air – give me a tiny village for my holiday any day
  • Girls Aloud 2003

    I think Adele is fab and wear pastel shorts suits. I may never be cool again. And I’m cool with that

    One of the best things about growing older is leaving behind that teenage fear of liking things that are uncool
  • David Cameron

    I relish a good Freudian slip – that revealing giveaway of the tongue

    It has become a term for a general gaffe, but the true joy is in its original form
  • Urban fox standing on a wall

    A flash of a badger, a brazen fox, an angry bull – why I love a really wild show

    I could well end up as one of those people mauled to death in an attempt to get a selfie with a tiger
  • Young woman lying on grass and hiding behind a book

    I used to think life was too short to read the same book twice. Not any more

    I’m planning to reread the books I once loved, hoping they’ll reinvigorate me at a time when all our batteries are flashing low
  • Group of multicultural friends drinking and toasting beer at brewery bar restaurant - Happy people having fun at rooftop home party - Vivid color filter, focus on glasses

    Summer is upon us, the world is opening up – get me to the beer garden

    They are the crowning glory of the pub experience, and the British dedication to them is proud-making
  • Large party group of people holding their arms and hands high to clap in the air during an outdoor concert

    Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for… the standing ovation!

    We have been denied crowd and audience participation for so long, and absence makes the heart grow fonder
  • Hydrangea flowers

    When is it best to send me flowers? Any day ending in a ‘y’ will do

    I love, love, love receiving them, especially when there is no occasion
  • Feet in socks under duvet

    The sickie may be a guilty pleasure, but sometimes you just need a duvet day

    I still remember the Pyrrhic victory of being allowed to stay at home – but then my mother also staying home
  • A glass of diet coke with ice

    The condensation on the can; the tingle on the tongue. I love you, Diet Coke

    When it comes to my favourite soft drink, someone could make a lot of money opening a rehab clinic
  • Strawberries and champagne during Wimbledon tournament

    Supermarkets sell out of strawberries. Pimm’s flows freely. Ace! It must be Wimbledon

    Last year’s tennis-less summer was saddening. This year, the fresh, green lawns will be a sign of hope
  • Group of young creative people collaborating in an office

    From gossip at the tea point to watercooler chat, I miss the office

    A trip to the loo can yield multiple encounters with pals
  • Cartoon characters kissing

    I don’t know whose idea it was to smoosh our faces together, but I could kiss them

    There is no kissing off-the-rack. It’s always specific to the situation, and the person
  • Woman looking at painting by Fahrelnissa Zeid

    I long for a late-night visit to an art gallery, the perfect sober evening option

    Pre-pandemic, a visit to Tate Modern near to closing time was one of my most calming and pleasurable pursuits
  • Picnic on grass with wine, grapes, sausage, cheese, bread

    Hampers and prosecco, or blankets and pre-mixed tinnies: let the picnics commence!

    Lolling about, twiddling grass between one’s fingers, peering at friends over the rim of your sunglasses – boy, it’s been a while
  • Two snails racing

    A half-shaven head? A handbag of snails at a cocktail party? I just adore a true eccentric

    There is probably something in the idea that quirkiness or slightly odd behaviour might have a link with mental illness, neurodiversity or creative skill
  • Young boy in bright red T-shirt shouting out alphabet letters

    Don’t show me photos of your kids: read me their poetry

    Their quirky turns of phrase and lateral observations delight us jaded, cynical adults
  • Narrowboat on Oxford canal

    Punts and pedalos are fine, but you can’t beat a canal boat for freedom

    Nestled on the miniature sofa, under knitted throws, log fire burning, after a day spent talking on the deck. Bliss
About 146 results for The joy of small things
1234...
  翻译: