The magic of ordinary life lies in the small moments and everyday experiences that are often overlooked or taken for granted. It is within these seemingly mundane activities that we can find extraordinary beauty and meaning. Waking up to the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains, feeling the gentle caress of a loved one's hand on our cheek, or savoring the aroma of freshly brewed coffee - these are the simple joys that can brighten our day and remind us of the magic that exists in our daily routines. It is in the ordinary conversations we have with friends and family, where laughter and shared experiences create lasting memories. It is in the quiet solitude of a walk in nature, where the rustling leaves and chirping birds provide a sense of peace and connectedness to the world around us. Even the most mundane tasks can hold a touch of magic.
The universality of the human experience
With her two sisters, Gouty s childhood which seems idyllic in many ways, is also a story that many of us who have had normal childhoods with responsible parents and supportive families can relate to. I find that if I am not living the ordinary well that is, in a healthy way, my anxiety is worse, not only on the day to day but especially when those big events come up.
Even the most mundane tasks can hold a touch of magic. Washing dishes becomes a moment of mindfulness as we feel the warm water against our skin and observe the bubbles dancing in the sink. Folding laundry becomes an opportunity for reflection as we take in the familiar scents of detergent and fabric softener.
The magic of ordinay life
The Magic of Ordinary
A sweet story of growing up with siblings in a loving home where the father provides magic that turns ordinary events into extraordinary adventures.
As a memoir writer and reader, in recent times, I have been disappointed with bestsellers which fall into one of two categories – a celebrity tell-all of a dysfunctional present or confessions of a regular person who describes a dysfunctional past often involving addiction or trauma. The former sells because of the person’s public status, the latter because it is a well-crafted story with a generous publicity budget.
Gouty’s memoir does not fall into these categories. In fact, my initial impression in the early chapters – that it was a literary version of a TV show that I loved during the years I lived in the US, The Wonder Years – remained unchanged when I got to the end of the book.
Nostalgic ride to a simpler time
Vivid descriptions of a simple American childhood spent riding bicycles in a neighbourhood where kids spend time outdoors playing games, swimming, and engaging with the community (a rare sight in today’s digital world), made me envious and yearn for the ‘good old days’.
From removing warts on full moon nights with magic chants, to delivering her sister in their own home, Gouty’s father, Melford Johnson, was not just the fun and handy ‘Daddy’ she knew but also a devoted husband, loving friend, and a cheerful person who told tall tales, sang with abandon, tended earnestly to a flourishing garden, and volunteered at church for years after his retirement.
His insistence that his daughters master three skills – typing (for employment), driving (for independence) and swimming (for joy) reveal a pragmatist in action albeit one who still held on to a phenomenal zest for life for eight seven years.
Primed to look for drama in the narrative arc, I kept my eyes open for a shocking scene or a twist in what seemed to be an ordinary tale of a happy family. I must admit that I was relieved by the absence of alcoholism, abuse, trauma and terror in Gouty’s life. With her two sisters, Gouty’s childhood which seems idyllic in many ways, is also a story that many of us who have had normal childhoods with responsible parents and supportive families can relate to.
Of all the little details that make the book come alive, my favorite was the epigraph of each chapter. Some are quotes by well-known authors but others are excerpts from letters that Gouty’s father wrote over the years, a touch that makes the book much more personal.
The universality of the human experience
While my childhood in India was very different from what Gouty has described, my parents followed the same philosophy as Gouty’s – “we-gave-you-wings-now-go-fly.” I could see glimpses of my father in many of the episodes, particularly when he supports Gouty’s decision for a divorce despite his own experience of a long stable marriage to her mother.
Gouty’s writing is evocative, honest, and free of prescriptive advice. She invites readers to relive her childhood and succeeds in highlighting the universality of the human experience that transcends many of the artificial barriers that we sometimes hide behind.
Gouty’s statement – “In his (her father’s) mind, there was a kind of magic in being ordinary. Average, common people, not upper-crust, but not trampled on. Neither arrogant, nor despairing. Just people accepting who they were and what they had. Dealing with it and moving on,” are a true reflection of my thoughts.
I laughed at the chapter about her father making not just a snowman but an entire family of snow-critters, and delighted in tales of her father’s adventures exploring sinkholes and caves with his buddies. The moving description of the last days of her father’s life made me teary as I thought back to the time I lost my father.
Why we need to believe in magic
Gouty answers her question – ‘what happens when equal parts generosity and kindness are mixed with abundant joy’ – with a simple conclusion, a person is born who loves doing good deeds.
Melford Jonhson was undoubtedly an ordinary man, but he was also a very special one whose authenticity exemplified a life of purpose, something everyone can aspire to be. The legacy and proof of being raised by a good role model lies in this unexpectedly satisfying father-daughter story that can make you believe in magic.
I received an ARC of the book from the author at the end of a year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic. I could not have picked a better book to end the year on a positive note.
My opinion: Highly recommended The Magic of Ordinary if you are a memoir lover who loves a feel-good story.
Have you read other feel-good memoirs that you would recommend?
Photo credit: Ranjani Rao‘s personal archives
Gouty’s memoir does not fall into these categories. In fact, my initial impression in the early chapters – that it was a literary version of a TV show that I loved during the years I lived in the US, The Wonder Years – remained unchanged when I got to the end of the book.
In a fast-paced world filled with distractions and constant demands for our attention, it is easy to overlook the magic of ordinary life. Yet, it is within these ordinary moments that we can find solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of gratitude. When we pause to appreciate the beauty of a sunset, the taste of a home-cooked meal, or the comfort of a cozy blanket, we tap into a deeper appreciation for the simple pleasures that make life truly extraordinary. So, let us not be blinded by the allure of grand adventures and extraordinary experiences. Instead, let us embrace the magic of ordinary life - the everyday moments and small wonders that make this journey worthwhile. In doing so, we may discover that the truest and most profound magic lies not in the extraordinary, but in the ordinary..
Reviews for "Sharing the Magic of Everyday Life with Children"
1. John - 2 stars - I found "The Magic of Ordinary Life" to be quite boring and uneventful. The plot was slow-moving and lacked any excitement or intrigue. The characters were also quite dull and I couldn't bring myself to care about their mundane lives. Overall, I did not enjoy this book and would not recommend it to others looking for a captivating read.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - Although "The Magic of Ordinary Life" had its moments, I found myself struggling to stay interested throughout the story. The writing style was simple and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters or feel invested in their experiences. While I appreciate the author's attempt to showcase the beauty of everyday life, I feel like the execution fell flat. The plot felt disjointed and the pacing was inconsistent. It had the potential to be a heartwarming read, but unfortunately, it missed the mark for me.
3. Mark - 2 stars - I was disappointed by "The Magic of Ordinary Life". The story seemed aimless, lacking a central plot or clear direction. It felt like a collection of random events and encounters that failed to come together cohesively. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and development, making it hard for me to care about their struggles and triumphs. While I understand the intention behind highlighting the small moments in life, I found the execution to be underwhelming. Overall, I would not recommend this book to those seeking a well-crafted and engaging story.