It’s become a midwinter tradition: every February, dozens of us link up with Anne Bogel to answer a brilliant question (from Barbara Brown Taylor): “What is saving your life now?” I make these lists periodically throughout the year (the act of making them can itself be lifesaving), but I always need the reminder in midwinter. So here, as we head into February, is what’s saving my life now:
- The witch hazel blooming in the Prudential Center courtyard: a bright, hopeful neon yellow.
- Related: Tuesday indoor picnics in the Pru with someone I love.
- I say this every winter: all. The. Clementines.
- Maggie Smith’s poetry, especially “Bride,” which appeared in the New Yorker recently and is now taped to my bathroom mirror.
- My winter uniform: fleece-lined tights + black Clarks ankle boots + dress (denim, black or striped) + black quilted vest + scarf.
- That stunning red amaryllis in my kitchen, above.
- My umpteenth reread of the Harry Potter series. (Starting Deathly Hallows now.)
- Yoga at The Point every week, the occasional boot camp class there, and being recognized when I walk in the door.
- Shafts of full-on sunlight in the conference room at work, on the sidewalk and really wherever I can get them.
- The wisdom in Sheryl Sandberg’s book Option B.
- Making soup in batches for work lunches throughout the week.
- Shalane Flanagan’s superhero muffins.
- Slathering on the hand lotion and moisturizer (hello, dry winter skin).
- Acing a freelance writing assignment last week.
- Pulling out a beloved banana bread recipe.
- Sunrise over the harbor.
- Washing a sinkful of dirty dishes: reliably satisfying.
- Making a few fun plans with friends.
- Finding welcome, and being welcomed – both are such a gift.
What’s saving your life these days? I’d love to hear, if you’d like to share.
*Falling asleep in my chair snuggling my cat. When I wake up in the wee hours, I tuck him into the blanket we were sharing and head to bed. (He’s old and not well, and recently was given an incurable diagnosis. I’m snuggling him every night–and every chance I get during the day–as long as I can.)
*Watching the birds at our feeder–painted buntings, cardinals, tufted titmice, and our pair of sandhill cranes (named Cornseed and Muffin by my kids) who stop by several times a day to scoop up the seeds knocked down by the squirrels
*Tabebuia trees starting to bloom. Every spring I marvel at them.
*Welsh breakfast tea in the morning and decaf Vanilla Comoro tea at night
*Knitting–it’s basically organized fidgeting, and helps occupy my hands when I’m feeling anxious
This time of year is hard for me anyway, and this year feels more so for various reasons, so thank you for this timely reminder to look at the good things.
What a lovely list. I am sorry about your cat–yes, soak up those snuggles.
For me, it’s the usuals–rides with a horse I love, snuggles and playtime with River, the beginnings of spring in SoCal (we saw our first poppies this weekend!), walks in the early morning light, watching the ocean glitter when I’m outside at work, and an art print I got for myself last fall.
Poppies! And River! What a great list. xo
Hi,
Love your list. Congrats on acing your writing assignment. And there is something so rewarding in washing dishes. A lot of people don’t understand the joy found in every day tasks.
Here’s mine: My “Cowboy” and our life together Sunshine (even on really cold days) My basket of wonderful teas – enjoying a nice hot cup throughout the day My fabric stash – so many colorful choices for my quilt projects Our favorite local coffee/bakery places – always welcoming & delicious The fresh baked bread from our favorite bakery, toasted with preserves. My quilt guild – I’ve made so many new friends since joining. The walking paths here in a little community – when the weather cooperates. Having something yummy cooking in the crockpot. This week will be Chicken Tortilla Soup. Discovering new authors and rereading old favorites. (I appreciate your recommendations.) Listening to audio books while I create. (Love Libby) King Cake delivered fresh and delicious from New Orleans, and shared with my guild friends. The views of the mountains. And so many more…
This was a nice exercise in gratitude. I count my blessings each and every day.
Have a great week, Kay
On Mon, Feb 3, 2020 at 8:01 AM cakes, tea and dreams wrote:
> katieleigh posted: ” It’s become a midwinter tradition: every February, > dozens of us link up with Anne Bogel to answer a brilliant question (from > Barbara Brown Taylor): “What is saving your life now?” I make these lists > periodically throughout the year (the act of making ” >
What a wonderful list. xo