In music, a grace note is one that is an extra note added as an embellishment and not essential to the harmony or melody. Writers, too, use the phrase. To them it means using a single elegant word – a grace note – in otherwise straightforward prose. Are you already imagining what a grace note might look like in your life?

I think of it as something that isn’t needed, but having it (or doing it) can make a simple thing elegant. A plain thing whimsical. A boring thing interesting.

If you read my piece on what la bellitude is, you read about one of the grace notes in my life. My cooking candle and my desk candle. I can cook and write without them, but there is a completely different feeling when they are lit. I add a bit more to them with my choice of matches (Frida Kahlo on the box). Not expensive. Any candles will do, even Dollar Store candles. 

For me, another grace note is my companion book. I am always reading something. And it goes with me almost everyplace. Why? Because you never know when you might get a chance to read. Waiting for a medical appointment is not bothersome when I can read the book du jour. Waiting for anything, in fact, doesn’t spoil your day when you have your book. And by the way if you don’t have a library card, get one! They have so much to offer. Books, of course, but much, much more.

Possible grace notes you might consider:

• ★ Keeping some plant life in your home at all times. Maybe flowers you buy, but maybe those you pick, or maybe stems of leaves, a dish of acorns, grasses that you clipped by hand. Whatever it is, it will add interest, life, color, and/or fragrance.
• ★ Handkerchiefs! Yes, real reusable handkerchiefs. They are easy to come by at vintage shops, and there is a little nostalgia as well as elegance that comes along with them. The ones I love the most are those that were embroidered by someone long ago. 
• ★ A custom blend tea. Experiment with combining several types you like, and keep trying until you find the perfect combination for you. Give your blend a name. Keep it on hand and share it with others. You could probably do the same thing with coffee.

You may already have grace notes in your life but you know them by a different name. If you do, please share them! And if you don’t, I hope you will create one for yourself. It can make a very big difference.