Where everyday life is full of glimmers of ordinary magic

Stories from the Village

From the Inn on the Lake to the Farmer’s Market, from the bookshop in downtown to the cabin in the woods, enjoy soothing stories that lean into small pleasures and celebrate community. Based on the enormously popular podcast Nothing Much Happens, these family-friendly stories are an antidote to anxiety and a dose of simple goodness.

 
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A Summer Day in the Village, Three Ways

Today's stories follow three villagers through a summer day: "Magic Words" starts with a morning walk to town, enjoying the world's subtle signs. At "The Hardware Store," we explore nuts, bolts, plants, and tools, pondering creative potential. Finally, "Joyride" takes us into the evening, windows down, music up, embracing the freedom of the open road.

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Rowboats, Hammocks, & Care Packages

Today's stories begin at the Village's beloved Inn, where we chase morning mist, row on the lake among swans in "The Lake at the Inn," followed by a relaxing barefoot stroll and a nap in "From the Hammock." We then journey across town to witness a friend preparing a care package to uplift spirits and alleviate homesickness.

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Wind, Rain & Hummingbirds

Our stories today celebrate the joys of summer, weaving together tales of two neighboring narrators enjoying the changing weather from their porches, sharing the warmth of summer squash, and finding comfort in each other's lighted windows during winter.

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The Inn, Fireflies & Stones

Our stories today have a bit of magic in them. Whether it is the mundane sort, like minnows swimming in schools beside the shore, or the more unexplainable type, like millions of fireflies blinking in unison.

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Housewarming

Our stories today focus on finding the perfect gift for special occasions and letting imagination guide the way.

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Daydreams, Dances & Books

Our stories today are about the joy of imagination and the creative ways people can add magic into life. We’ll start with a cup of coffee and some time at the window in Daydreamer. Then we’ll stroll through downtown as warm weather brings villagers out to play in A Dance in the Park. Finally, we’ll step into the school gymnasium to pick out some new reads for the summer in Book Fair.

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Flowers & Vegetables

Our stories today wind through sunny spring days. We’ll start with a trip into the country, a visit with someone dear, and some good advice from The Asparagus Patch. Then, we’ll roll up our sleeves and join in on a neighborhood effort in Spring Cleanup. Finally, we’ll let a memory lead us down a gravel drive, carry clippers into the field, and dream of ways to spread a bit of sunshine in the Tulip Farm.

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The Lady in the Painting

Our stories today follow two women, one as she learns new things and the other as she resides in a frame, looking over one shoulder, with a book in her hands. We’ll start with the exciting arrival of the community ed catalogue in Back to School. Then we’ll step into the studio to clear away years of dust and soot in Restoration. Finally, we’ll apply the finishing coat of varnish and consider all we have learned along the way in the Lady in the Painting.

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Old Houses, Walks & Gardens

Our stories today highlight some of the loveliest simple pleasures of the spring. A walk, a road trip, a day in the garden. We’ll start with one of my all-time favorite stories and one that inspired me to write a whole book (coming soon!). It’s called Old Houses and if you’ve ever walked through a neighborhood and wondered about the stories of the houses you see, the people who have lived there, it is for you. Then we’ll load up the car and head out to The Hideaway for some time at the Cabin. Finally, we’ll gather our trowels and seed packets and pace out the garden in Spring at the Allotment.

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Dog Walks & Donkey Treats

We’ll start with Crumb Comes Home and see how his first few months after being adopted went; spoiler alert: they went great! Then we’ll clip on his leash and head out in Dog Walk to sniff the spring scents and enjoy the sunshine. Finally, we’ll meet the rescue animals at the farm sanctuary, spend quality time with the donkeys, and feed the goats in The Weathervane.

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Early Spring in the Village

Our stories today revel in the feeling of freshness that comes with Spring. We’ll start with a plan to reset for the equinox with a drive to see the sun come up in Begin Again. Then we’ll pack away the mittens and snow boots and reclaim a calm and orderly space with some spring cleaning in First This, Then That. Finally, we’ll daydream about journeys, rain storms, and the quiet magic of the natural world in Touchstone.

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Memories, Tea & Flowers

Join us on a journey through poignant memories and meaningful moments in places like The Teashop, where friendships bloom, the Jewelry Box, where treasures await, and Hyacinths, where sweetness is shared. Experience the nostalgia and warmth as we reminisce on the small acts that shape us, both literally and metaphorically.

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Winter To Spring

Our stories today are set on the edge of winter when you might need a bit more light and encouragement to get through to Spring. We’ll dip into some sweet nostalgia and warm blankets in Keepsake. Then we’ll venture out in Fog and Light, where a few stops downtown and the scent of orchids help lift a heavy heart. Finally, we’ll gather with friends in Supper Club and tie on an apron to share in family recipes and the simple joy of home-cooked food.

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Snowfall at the Bakery

Our stories today are from a three-part series called Snowfall at the Bakery, and they follow the Village baker as she readies her neighbors for a snow day. They’re also about a green glove in search of its owner, a secret ingredient in the hot cocoa, a field full of snowmen in the park, dogs and doughnuts, and days to yourself.

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