I’ve been back from Oxford for a week, and have been fighting serious jet lag, a wicked head/chest cold and an overflowing email inbox (more than 200 messages while I was away!).
Despite the coughing and the catch-up, though, the weather is pure October glory, and I thought it was about time for another list of what’s saving my life now:
- Bold blue skies, crisp autumn breezes and that golden autumn light.
- Related: the trees, which seem to be turning in slow motion but are starting to show red and gold.
- Lemon-ginger tea (from Pukka or Stash), with honey when I can get it.
- Sunflowers for my desk (and a bonus rose!), from my beloved florist.
- The sunrises through my kitchen window: orange and gold, pink and blue.
- My favorite red pants – always a shot of happy.
- Walks on the river trail, alone or with my husband.
- Catching up with loved ones: giving a girlfriend my unofficial Harvard tour, inviting friends over for dinner, meeting up for coffee or a long walk.
- Salads from home and soup from Darwin’s.
- The late roses around town, which are truly stunning this year.
- Dipping back into Anne of Windy Poplars, because October.
- Simple kitchen routines: brewing tea in my red kettle every morning, toasting bread for breakfast, whipping up huevos after yoga, standing at the sink washing dishes.
- Yoga classes: sun salutations, pigeon and warrior poses, deep breaths.
- Looking forward to a long weekend in NYC.
What’s saving your life this fall? Please share, if you want.
cakes, tea and dreams 
A runaway day with my husband to Hildene and then the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester VT then a stop in Cambridge NY to the Battenkill Bookstore before heading home.
Alie and I have different approaches to illness; I go to bed. Colds seem to really knock me for a loop. I can handle a broken bone but with colds and flu, I go to bed. She fights her way through them. Some would liken sleep to death, but sleep is my life-saver.
It’s been a stressful month in many ways. There are days I sail through with grace and others I crawl through with gritted teeth and a pounding heart. I have many things that give me hope and moments of bliss, though:
Savoring the quiet with a cup of tea after the kids get on the bus.
Watching our tall oaks bending and waving in the blustery winds.
Seeing leaves fall down like rain.
Hot and hearty soups.
The Stories of Grace Bible study I’m working through. Heart-healing truth. And looking forward to the Advent study Rooted in hope.
Small lamps and candles throughout the house, giving warm light as the days shorten.
Chocolate. Of course.
Playing our nightly card games with my husband and daughter. Cut-throat and so much laughter.
Flannel sheets and cozy clothes.
The afghans crocheted by my grandmother. She’s gone now, but I feel wrapped in love when I snuggle in one.
Oh, what a great list. I especially love the afghans and the card games. Thanks, JeNae.