Photo: D. Paul Graham, ‘Singer Porsche’, The Quail, 2021

“Monday 5 Things”™….. Luxuries Revisited …..

It’s that time of year again when I take my cameras and glass and head out for South Magazine’s ‘South Goes West’ at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Monterey Car Week. A week of photographing some of the most beautiful automobiles, old and new, in one of the most picturesque parts of the world, is definitely a highlight of the year for me. This year I’ve added Hagerty’s Motorlux to the coverage; luxury can’t even begin to describe this unique event. This morning’s M5T revisits some of life’s greatest luxuries.

1. Luxury of Time

Those moments when you can simply slow down and focus on who you are with, and where you are. Deeply inhaling the rich aroma of a fresh cup of coffee, and losing yourself in the brilliance of Davis, Coltrane, Parker, and Monk. Of letting the rising summer sun warm your face to start a Sunday morning and the luxury of slowly easing into the day.

2. Luxury of Love

Those moments of looking across a room and seeing that someone you love and being acutely thankful to have such a gift from God. A love that is a welcome distraction from an intense week. A luxurious indulgence in intimacy with your person.

3. Luxury of Dreams

The luxury of cherishing of our dreams. Those dreams that we have held onto; some that have become reality, some that are still in process, and some that have been dashed. But all that we can claim as our own.

4. Luxury of Thought

The luxury of deep and profound thinking for yourself. Those moments of planning, plotting, and processing ideas, goals, and objectives. When you can assess the issues affecting your life right now and seize upon opportunities that are presented to you.

5. Luxury of Persistence

The luxury of reflection on a plan coming together when few understood your motives, your drive, and your belief in yourself. The tenacity to learn and to adapt. To fail with grace, and to win with humility. Of the resolve and commitment to see something through to a finish. The luxury of living your life, your way.

Here’s to a week of relishing all of the luxuries that you can count as blessings in your life.

© 2022 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

For over 10 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T ™.  Each Monday, Paul shares his observations, thoughts and passions on people, life, and culture.