The Cozy Corner: March Moments
A little place to share books, recipes, playlists, and the moments that bring joy
Welcome to The Cozy Corner—a space where we celebrate life’s quiet joys while acknowledging the struggles that come with it.
Life is a wild, messy mix of both light and heavy, and this newsletter is a way of holding space for both. Each month, I’ll share what’s been filling my days—whether it’s a book I’ve loved, a recipe I’ve tried, or a little joy that’s made me smile despite the chaos. It’s not about ignoring the hard stuff, but rather finding beauty and hope in the small, everyday moments. Just a simple corner of the internet to pause, reflect, and remember that joy and struggle can coexist.
Photo by Amber Kipp on Unsplash
The In-Between Season
Spring has arrived in full force here in Turkey. The trees are blooming, the temperatures are climbing, and nature seems eager to shake off the last remnants of winter. The other day, I saw something remarkable—a pine tree’s cones making soft, popping noises as they cracked open in the sudden warmth. It was as if they were sighing in relief, stretching toward the light. Winter was finally over!
But, on the other side of the world, to another place I call ‘home’ in the Upper Midwest, spring still feels like a distant hope. It’s that in-between season—not quite winter, but not yet spring. Everything is a little brown and a little gray, the ground muddy, the skies cloudy. We all know the light is coming—but when?
Maybe you feel like you're in that in-between season—not just in nature, but in life. Prayers seem unanswered, clarity feels far away, and every shaking step forward is uncertain. The world itself feels weary, groaning under the weight of war, division, and suffering. When will the light finally break through?
If you find yourself in this waiting, take heart: God is still at work. Even when we can’t see it, even when everything feels lifeless, God is preparing something new. The warmth will return, the buds will bloom, and the light will break through in perfect timing.
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." — John 1:5
May we cling to this truth in every season. Spring will come. And more than that—our hope is certain, unwavering, and forever bright.
…Of the Month
Book of the Month: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Set in the 1970s, The God of the Woods is a literary thriller about a teenage girl’s disappearance at a summer camp, and the secrets that unfold as people start to dig into the past. It’s one of those books that pulls you in with its suspense, but what got me was how Moore blends that with complex, real characters. I couldn’t put it down, but it’s also the kind of book that sticks with you after you finish. It’s unsettling, but in the best way. Worth reading if you’re into dark, thoughtful thrillers (*raises hand* me!).
Recipe of the Month: Lemon Bars
With spring finally here, I’ve been craving fresh, bright flavors—lemons, strawberries, mint, blueberries. I was planning on making blueberry cake for a Nowruz party, but alas, the grocery store was out of blueberries (such is life overseas). So I decided to make lemon bars. They ended up being the perfect balance of tart and sweet. If you’re looking for something light and refreshing, this one’s worth trying.
Playlist of the Month
I love having this playlist on in the background while I read, clean, or even while my students work. It’s mellow and just cozy enough to make everything feel a little more relaxed. Yes, the AI-generated scene that goes with it is maybe a little cheesy (cringe, as the kids say), but I can’t help but enjoy it. Perfect for those moments where you just need to chill (of which I need many).
Little Joys List
Sipping on a hot cup of coffee to power through the still-chilly morning recess duty.
Taking advantage of having two slow cookers to make khoreshts (Persian stews) over the weekends. Then freezing them to enjoy throughout our busy week.
Watching daffodils pop up outside our apartment building and the plum tree bloom at school. Oooh, and hearing the mourning doves coo. Some of my springtime favorites.
Complementary chai. It’s Eid here, marking the end of Ramadan, and every business seems to celebrate by handing out free cups of tea.
My daughter’s drawings littering the house. She’s moved on from potato people, as adorable as that phase was, and is now onto drawing unicorns and Bluey and slides and the word “poop” written over and over.
What about you? What little thing has been bringing you joy this month?
I’d love to hear about it! Reply and let me know what small moment has reminded you of hope lately.
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