A Collection of Delights

And the Joys of Keeping a Sketchbook

What brings you joy? Write about it. Draw about it. Put it down in your notebook.

I’m a dedicated sketchbook keeper—most of the time. Aside from jotting cartoon ideas, I mostly chronicle ordinary moments: a walk around the neighborhood, a weeknight spent at home.

My sketchbooks become a record of the rhythm and repetition of my life. The things I notice that interest me enough to draw recur and cycle like the seasons.

I drew most of these comics during the pandemic, when it was hard to feel joyful about anything. Some days it was tough to even open a sketchbook. But every time I did, I was glad I made the effort.

Thanks to poet Ross Gay for inspiring this series. His essay collection THE BOOK OF DELIGHTS is beyond excellent. I recently saw him read live at a book event in Wichita. He’s just as dynamic onstage as on the page.

Spring is one of my favorite times to walk outdoors and draw in my sketchbook. It’s harder in February, when it’s gray and windy and often too cold to grip a pen. And it’s nearly impossible in August, when stepping out of the air conditioning is like walking into a furnace.

Even small annoyances can be delightful. Time away from technology, unwanted diversions from my usual routine, lonely visits to tourist attractions: once I’m past the initial discomfort, I often enjoy the experience.

I have a house full of young, loud children. Having kids is not always delightful. But there are some fantastic moments: first words, first steps, first points at preschool basketball where it’s a miracle when the ball goes anywhere near the hoop. I try to savor these delights amid the chaos. Then it’s back to quelling tantrums, refereeing fights, trying to find missing shoes, etc.

The book DELIGHT by J.B. Priestley was the subject of my favorite high school English assignment. Mrs. Carson had us read a selection from the book then describe a simple pleasure of our own in an essay. I wrote about exploring the woods at my grandmother’s house in Colorado. I wish I still had the piece I wrote—it was one of the first times I thought, Hey, maybe I could be writer…

Standing outside the party: a delight for introverts.

Music—played well, played badly, live or recorded: always a delight. And when the house is empty and I can tidy with the music blaring, even better.

My lunch break sketchbook walks often take me to neighborhood parks. At empty parks on overcast days, I can let my mind wander—and maybe try to go down the slide like I’m seven years old again. Delight!

Winter is approaching. The nights are long, cold, and clear. A winter night is perfect for stargazing. Away from the lights of the city, the night sky erupts with stars.

May your year and your notebooks be filled with delights approaching infinity.

-Grant