My uncle Alex Vonnegut, a Harvard-educated life insurance salesman who lived at 5033 North Pennsylvania Street, taught me something very important. He said that when things were really going well we should be sure to notice it. He was talking about simple occasions, not great victories: maybe drinking lemonade on a hot afternoon in the shade, or smelling the aroma of a nearby bakery, or fishing and not caring if we catch anything or not, or hearing somebody all alone playing a piano really well in the house next door. Uncle Alex urged me to say this out loud during such epiphanies: “If this isn’t nice, what is?”
— Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a Country (Seven Stories Press, 2005)
Notes:
- “If this isn’t nice, what is?” DK Photo: Baby Robins. 1pm. June 1, 2025. Stamford, CT. Thank you Barry and Cara Denison for sharing your beautiful finding.
- Quote: Thank you The Hammock Papers
You’ve taught me a lot about recognizing the beauty in birds. Grateful. These are beautiful.
Thank you and Barry for pointing me to the nest.
How fabulous to be able to capture these! Nicely done, David.
Thanks Dale.
Aww, DK’s first June 2025 babies!! If that isn’t nice, what is? 😊
Yes!!!!!
It’s good to remind ourselves of good times lest they become ordinary and later we realize that we missed a lot of good things.
So true Anneli. So true.
The simplest things are generally the sweetest… 🤗
That they are Carolyn…
‘nice’ doesn’t it cover at all. it’s a wonder, every single time.
You so nailed it Kiki.
Capturing the joy in the quotidian…I’m convinced it’s the secret to happiness and contentment. Thanks for this lovely moment, pal! ❤️
Thank you Lori.
WOW!!!!!! How far away were you?
they were in a thicket of shrubbery. i would say about 1 foot to 1.5 feet.
Damn, you’re so lucky to get so close and get these great shots.
So agree!
A gentle reminder that carries with it a silent warning – appreciate the simple delights, or relegate your life to some vague discontent that rarely provides any ‘nice’ moments.
Beautiful stated Mimi. Yes.
seems like Kurt’s dad had quite a way with words as well…
great photo!
Hi Jim. Agree! He did. Thank you!
Thank you again for enriching my life with your posts 🙏
Thank you!
Cara, such amazing, photos!!! Been a while since I’ve seen nesting baby Robins…and Kurt Vonnegut true words, of life’s simple pleasures…/// Years, ago while checking out at Costco. The cashier look at my husband, trying to connect some dots…He said you so remind me of Kurt Vonnegut…to my self I thought, yes only, the curly hair, kind eye and intellect…
Dave, thanks for sharing the Denison’s, treasure.