Now that I finally have a little break between writing projects, I’ve been watching tons of movies. The visual is such a nice break from the words streaming constantly through my mind. Plus, with Netflix and Redbox and all the other video and streaming services, it’s good, cheap entertainment. Make some popcorn or dish some ice cream, and you pretty much have the perfect recipe for writerly downtime.
All of which make at-home movies this week’s little pleasure.
It sounds crazy, but one of the things I love most about having coffee in a good hotel is the cups. They tend to be big, complete with a saucer and weighty feel that makes you feel like your breakfasting (I feel very British typing that and I don’t know why) at the Four Seasons even if you’re really at the Hilton.
Not that there’s anything wrong with the Hilton.
Anyway, I bought a set of these cups and saucers at a local auction a few years ago. They’re Hungarian porcelain, and I think I paid something like $10 for ten of them. Back then, I was selling antiques to make a living while I wrote Prophecy of the Sisters, 
and I spent many hours sitting at local auctions, bidding on things I loved and thought I could sell.
Problem is, when you buy things you love, you usually don’t want to sell them. Case in point; these cups. They sat in my “to be sold” pile for months before migrating to my cupboard, used only on special occasions.
But I’m not really a believer in “saving” things for a special occasion. Every day is – or should be – a special occasion, and like so many things I “meant” to sell, these cups became part of my daily repertoire. Now I use them for my morning coffee every day, and you know what? They make every morning a little special, even if I’m on the sofa instead of at the Four Seasons.
The best part about this “little thing” is that it’s a cheap way to give yourself a little luxury every morning of the week. And you don’t have to buy one from a store. Take your time and search yard sales, auctions, and flea markets for the perfect cup, one that makes you feel special every time you use it. It can be a dainty cup and saucer, a heavy hand-thrown mug, or old hotel porcelain (I suspect this is what my Hungarian cups are). Whatever speaks to you, the search is part of the fun!
What about you? What’s a “little thing” that makes your mornings nicer? Post in comments or tweet with #thelittlethings.
<3