Saving my life: small things edition

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Saving my life: small things edition

February 2, 2015 by katieleigh

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about some of the things that are saving my life this winter: blue sky, tulips for my desk, my light box, coffee dates with friends. Three days later, Anne wrote her own post about a quirky winter lifesaver – and promised to share her whole list today of what’s getting her through this season.

In the wake of a massive blizzard (and staring down the barrel of another one), I figured another positive post couldn’t hurt. So I’m joining in. Here are the little things that are saving my life lately:

The cobalt blue (now slightly chipped) mug that dates from my days as a barista at the Ground Floor. I’ve been drinking Earl Grey out of it every morning, and it makes me so happy.
The stainless-steel half teaspoon I use to scoop the loose tea. Three scoops is the perfect amount, and it’s just the right tool for the job.
My snow boots, which I am wearing every single day. (Sigh. But they’re warm.)
Glimpses of whimsy, like the plaid bike-seat cover above. (Makes me think of summer picnics.)
The adventures of Mrs. Tim (I’m on book 2). She is a charming companion.
My weekly trips to the Harvard Art Museums, about which more soon.
Fresh scones made from Molly’s recipe, with butter.
The zigzag silver ring I bought in Abilene over Christmas.
Lemon cuticle salve, vanilla hand lotion and coconut foot cream. (I smell like a bakery.)
Texts from a coworker and friend whose snarky sense of humor cracks me up.
Coffee with a new friend last week.
Instagram. I love it more all the time.
Cardigans whose sleeves come down over my hands.
Photos of my sweet nephews, with texts from my sister.
Taylor Swift’s Speak Now album, which I’ve been blasting when I need a little pep.
Norah Jones and the Wailin’ Jennys, for mellower moods.
The Yoga Studio app, which I downloaded after reading about it on Ali’s blog.
A few pages of The Long Winter every morning over breakfast.
Writing by hand in my current journal.

What’s saving your life these days? (And when will it be spring?)

14 Responses

on February 2, 2015 at 10:05 am | Reply Jennifer M.

Herbal tea, Grantchester on PBS, homemade granola, beeswax taper candles on the dinner table, calendula and cucumber hand cream.
- on February 2, 2015 at 11:00 am | Reply katieleigh
  
  Grantchester! Love.
on February 2, 2015 at 2:56 pm | Reply Greta

Bergamot bath salts, Downton Abbey, After the War is Over, book club(s), and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. And King Cake! Happy Mardi Gras!
on February 2, 2015 at 9:34 pm | Reply Stacey Loscalzo

I sure hope spring gets here soon! In the meantime, I think I might have to start reading The Long Winter. I think it might make me feel better!
- on February 3, 2015 at 10:12 am | Reply katieleigh
  
  It’s definitely helping me!
on February 3, 2015 at 9:41 am | Reply SerenitySerenity

We share several lifesavers – TSwift and journal-writing, for instance. “Facing the page” is still saving my life as well – showing up at my WIP every single day even if I only write a few words (which is pretty much exactly what I do!). And then, reading. I’ve already read five books from my Goodreads WantToRead list! I’m so ecstatic. I’m reading with great intention this year, and it’s definitely saving my life. 🙂
- on February 3, 2015 at 10:11 am | Reply katieleigh
  
  I love that! Reading with intention, and facing the page. Perfect.
on February 3, 2015 at 9:42 am | Reply Serenity

I’m not sure why my name is there twice. It’s a mantra I guess.
on February 3, 2015 at 2:24 pm | Reply Anne Bogel

Norah Jones and the Wailin’ Jenny! Love it. I chuckled at you smelling like a bakery—those products sound dreamy.
on February 3, 2015 at 9:43 pm | Reply Betty

I have been thinking about The Long Winter also…..what if we were in that situation? I have not journaled lately…..might be a good idea to overcome that mental block.
on February 4, 2015 at 11:34 am | Reply Lindsey Mead (@lemead)

I love this. Dying to see the Rothko show at the Harvard art museum!! And I love your appreciation for things like the spoon you use to scoop the tea – things like that make me happy too. xoxox
PS speaking of the Long Winter, a (local) friend on FB shared a photo of her husband standing next to a snow bank that towered over him, with the caption “this is Laura Ingalls Wilder snow. Send wheat.” Made me laugh.
on February 4, 2015 at 1:59 pm | Reply What’s Saving My Life (Midwinter Edition) | Cheery Hill

[…] taking a cue from Anne at Modern Mrs. Darcy and Katie at Cakes, Tea and Dreams and asking the question, “What’s saving my life right now?” I love this […]
on February 4, 2015 at 9:58 pm | Reply Sarah Denley

Smelling like a bakery actually sounds really lovely. And Winter is so ridiculously hard on the skin. My favorite things on the list had to be the measuring spoon and the glimpses of whimsy.
on February 6, 2015 at 7:46 pm | Reply Words that are saving me this winter | Jacqueline Poehlman

[…] I’m trying to find the positive. Both Anne and Katie have posted lists of how they are making it through this tough month, and they were great (and […]