Saving my life: midwinter edition.

Regular readers know that I periodically turn back to the question of what’s saving my life now. I got it from Barbara Brown Taylor, and I always find answering it a helpful exercise, especially in the winter.

My friend Anne agrees. And today, at the halfway point of winter, she’s gathering all of us to share what’s saving our lives these days.

Here’s my list:

• Paperwhite narcissus in my kitchen window. I started a new pair of bulbs last week and they are growing a bit every day.
• The sunrise out that same window, every morning (when it’s not snowing).
• Related: any scrap of blue sky I can find.
• Tulips and daffodils for my desk and my kitchen table.
• The weekly chats with my florist. Dear man.

• Spicy chai and scones from Darwin’s, and checking in with my people there. (Always.)
• My winter gear: snow boots, warm gloves, hats, scarves and my two coats.
• The days when I can wear real shoes to work. (Related: clear sidewalks, when I can find them.)
• Tangy, bright clementines.
• Fleeced-lined tights on frigid days.
• Any time I can spend on the river trail: walking, running, taking deep breaths.

• The sleeveless gray sweater I found in Oxford this fall: the coziest thing I own. I’m wearing it almost every day, usually over a striped dress.
• Good books: the latest Marisa de los Santos novel; Ada Calhoun’s wise, candid essays on marriage; lots of mysteries.
• My favorite podcast: All the Books!, which features Rebecca and Liberty talking books and all sorts of randomness. Makes me laugh out loud on the regular.
• The Wailin’ Jennys, in my ears on the river trail.
• Lots and lots of water.
• So much tea: ginger peach, Earl Grey, peppermint for the late nights.
• My light box and Vitamin D pills, for the grey days.
• Texts from a couple of dear friends.
• The occasional glass of red wine or cup of strong tea with a girlfriend.
• Monday night boot camp + yoga, both taught by the inimitable Erin.
• Huevos on Mondays after that doubleheader workout.
• A couple of upcoming trips I’m excited about. Having something to look forward to always helps.
• Listening to Acoustic Sunrise as the hubs and I drive to church on Sunday mornings.
• Good pens, and a minute to scribble in my journal here and there.
• My Thursday morning writers’ meetings across the street: sarcastic and fun and so informative.
• Season 8 (yes, we’re behind) of Modern Family, which makes my husband laugh harder than anything, these days.

What’s saving your life now? Please share in the comments, and/or hop over to Anne’s site to read her list of lifesavers and more.

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