A few weeks ago, I wrote a post on the subject of Comfort. I talked about the things I think of when I look at that picture of the wool fabric on the wooden chair with the embroidered linen pillow, and I realize that many of those things are tactile: scratchy wool, nubby linen, smooth wood. These are all textures that I love.

In that post, I also mentioned a guy named Christopher Alexander, who wrote a series of architecture/planning books that talk about building around the concept of comfort and ease and functionality. In the books, he calls this essence the "quality without a name" - the feeling you get in a space where things have lined up to make you feel like you are in a state of easy contentment.

I know what he's talking about - you can get it when you walk into a house that's been set up well (not necessarily having to do with the decorations, but where you feel comfortable), or, in a quiet library that feels intimate and private and cozy. When I saw that picture of the woolen chair with the linen pillow, I got that same feeling. To me, I don't think it's necessary for that quality or essence to solely come from a space. I definitely think place and space play a part in that "quality without a name", but I also think there are other things that come in: your own frame of mind, maybe the temperature, the people around you, etc. I think you can have one of those moments anywhere - even when you're sitting in your rusty old stationwagon that's falling apart, but you're driving down a beautiful country road, the air smells like daffodils, the perfect song is on the radio, and you're wearing your favourite jeans. It's simply where everything lines up to give you a real sense of contentment.

As you know, I'm taking a break from my busy traveling schedule. Over the next little while, I want to focus on finding those textured moments of contentment - whether they are in an old bookstore, over a glass of really good wine with a friend, or even just an object that makes a heart sing. Focusing on these moments will help me as settle into a healthy routine, they'll keep me inspired, they'll help me stay in the present. I know they will help feed my creative moments too. I hope they will for you too.

Every Friday I'll be talking about a Moment Without A Name. Sometimes it will an essay, sometimes just a picture. I know my moments will not necessarily be the same as yours. Please join me on Fridays to share your moments too.