Saving my life this spring.

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.

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