Every once in a while, I find it helpful to make a list of what is saving my life – from the small daily things to the big, soul-affirming stuff. As we make our way through April, here’s what’s saving my life these days:
- Daily chitchat with the folks at Darwin’s, who provide spicy chai, delicious lunches and cookies, and excellent conversation about everything from pickles to music to childhood memories.
- Tulips from my local florist, perched on the corner of my dining-room table. (Also, daffodils on my friend Amy’s table, above.)
- Poetry from Veronica Patterson and Naomi Shihab Nye.
- Running into people I know in Harvard Square and realizing all over again: this is my neighborhood.
- The Sunday #FlowerReport on Twitter, hosted by my friend Alyssa. (Photos of gorgeous spring flowers from all over the place.)
- Sarcastic asides from my co-workers. (Sometimes a little snark can save the day.)
- Weekly phone calls with my mom, and reports on my three-year-old nephew’s T-ball games.
- Frosted lemon cookies, flaky Scottish scones and whatever else I feel like baking.
- Good books. (Recent favorites include Stir, The Enchanted April and Under a Painted Sky.)
- Budding trees and blooming flowers – many of which I photograph for the #FlowerReport.
- The views from my sixth-floor office in Harvard Square.
- Striped dresses and black leggings with my favorite green coat. Rinse and repeat. (See also: not overthinking it.)
- A couple of blue-sky, open-window days.
- Eating my lunch outside, when I can, preferably on the south porch of Mem Church.
- Several much-needed catch-up sessions with friends: book club, lunch dates, cups of tea.
- The dim glow of the over-the-stove light in my kitchen, which makes it look so cozy late at night.
- Holding hands with my husband before we fall asleep.
- Texts from my sister and a couple of dear friends.
What’s saving your life these days? I’d really like to know.
Thanks for you post. It is a great way to begin my day! Here’s my list –
Daily walks around my garden to witness and take photos of the ‘birth’ of spring flowers.
Coffee with friends to catch up on life events.
A trip to the farmer’s market for the best cappuccino I’ve ever tasted.
Chopping vegies into a big, big healthy salad
Freshly picked strawberries dipped into chocolate
Binging (with my husband) on Parenthood
A.R.T. treatment with Dr. Patti to get me back on the tennis court.
There is more…these are the highlights.
Sandra
http://www.lowcountryfelicitylife.com
What a great list! And yes, I’m taking all the photos of flowers too.
Nightly walks with my husband
Berry smoothies
Meaningful work
Reminders to think about what’s saving my life 🙂
What a great list! 🙂
Jake, my 10-year-old – it’s a very fun age. He’s so cheerful no matter what.
My new house, several favorite happy spots inside it and on the deck out back.
Reading Anne again.
Every time I bravely faced the page and put words there.
Not needing a jacket!
Love love LOVE. Hooray for Anne and mild weather, writing and new houses!
Working in vegetable and flower gardens.
Open windows that bring fresh breezes and birdsong.
Farmers markets.
Discovering and bingeing on the George Gently series.
Watching my beagles zip around joyfully in the beautiful weather.
Planning the next time the whole family can get together.
New music! Or “new to me” music. I listened to Kansas’ “Leftoverture” in its entirety this morning, can’t believe I hadn’t done that yet.
Breakfast burritos with potato quarters. Mmmm.
Hubbub in public places. People watching. Eavesdropping. Realization that the world is bigger than me.
New ARCs in the mailbox! 😀
Pike Place Coffee with vanilla and a drop of milk.
Professional-ish blazers that give me an excuse to wear band t-shirts to the office on a Monday.
What a great list! And I agree about the people-watching.
It’s been a fairly busy spring with lots of school stuff and some sickness with the kids. Here’s what’s been keeping me level:
– Admiring the flowering dogwood and redbud trees in the woods around our house. They and the wildflowers are beautiful splashes of color among the trees.
– Stocking up on favorite teas and adding new ones to my stash. Sipping an afternoon cup while watching the squirrels and woodpeckers outside.
– Weekly trips to the library.
– Reading The Enchanted April again – such a great book for Spring! Also rereading Tea with Jane Austen (usually with a cup of tea in hand).
– Armchair traveling. I’ve been reading travel books on Great Britain as well as Susan Branch’s A Fine Romance. My husband and I recently discovered Secrets of Great British Castles on Netflix and have really enjoyed them!
– Chocolate. Also, trying new recipes.
Such a great list. The dogwoods are out here too. And yes, chocolate!