Hello, friends. Welcome (?) to 2021.
It’s hard to believe we are only 10 days in. Last week’s insurrection at the U.S. Capitol has left me reeling. My partner and I both have family members who have the virus, and the general stress and isolation of pandemic life has not let up. If anything, the cumulative weight of the last few months makes it feel even heavier. So I’ve been quiet here, because really, what is there to say?
I still don’t know, but a comment from a reader (hi Mary!) helped remind me that coming back to this space is often a healthy outlet and a source of joy. So I’m starting the year on the blog with a list of the tiny good things that are getting me through, at the moment. Here they are:
- My paperwhites (above) are finally blooming. Every year this is a miracle, and I have rarely watched so anxiously for those buds and creamy flowers as I did this year.
- My Christmas tree is still up (oh yes it is), and twinkle lights feel hopeful in this dark season.
- The fish I am feeding for a friend are all (knock wood) still alive.
- I started a new journal last week, and this one is Harry Potter-themed.
- Dinner on Friday was a new recipe from Real Simple, and it was delicious.
- My new coat does have functional pockets (I had to open them with a seam ripper, but they are there).
- The fizzy shower bar a friend sent for Christmas is such a treat. (I have a tiny shower and no bathtub, so it’s perfect.)
- I have been reading some really good books: Elizabeth Wein’s gripping YA novel The Enigma Game and Horatio Clare’s gorgeous, honest memoir The Light in the Dark.
- My writing class has started back up, and seeing everyone’s faces and sharing our writing is so nourishing and fun.
- The Wailin’ Jennys’ cover of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” – with their ethereal, bell-like harmonies – is perfection.
- My local tea store, Mem Tea, is still faithfully shipping out online orders, and I just stocked up on my winter staples: English Breakfast and Earl Grey.
What are the small things getting you through, these days?
cakes, tea and dreams 
Yea! You’re back ! I read this quote not long ago; it keeps me mindful –
“Above the cloud with its shadow is the star with its light ”
Happy ’21 and may there always be enough light above your clouds!
Thank you, Mary. xo
Happy 2021! Rocky start but it will get better.
Mary, that’s a lovely quote! Do you know who said it?
I started a similar practice on my refreshed blog. Choosing to see small good things and seeing others making the same effort have been some of the good things getting me through these days. 🙂
For sure.
I love this list! Especially the twinkly lights and the Wailin’ Jennys. For me, I’d add listening to podcasts on my long commute (instead of the news). This is a big one for me.
Yes!
I am starting The Enigma Game today! First I went back and read The Pearl Thief and I will follow them up with Code Name Verity so I can piece the whole series together. Looking forward to learning more about these great characters!
Greta – what a journey you have ahead of you!
I used a gift card to buy a set of nice, matching pajamas and have given myself permission to change into them when I get home from work if I feel like it. I like lounging about in them. I got a good hand lotion from a student for Christmas and I like to Zen out while moisturizing my cuticles. I love the singer Kelly Willis and just discovered the albums she’s recorded with her husband and the songs just make me feel better so I’m listening to them a lot (they replaced Christmas music the last weeks of December). After so many recommendations I’m finally watching Call the Midwife and it’s like snuggling under a blanket and drinking a cup of tea….so comforting.
Oh, I love all that. Call the Midwife is so good!
I have been lighting a scented candle during the day, I enjoy the smell and watching the flame. I try and go for a walk even if it’s raining and making sure I stay connected with friends, even if all we do is leave voice notes for each other.
Such good, nourishing things.
Like Shafia, I’ve tkaen on the habit of lighting either a scented candle of incense while I work. I’ll also spin a record or two when grading. Surrounding my senses with nice things.
Sensory delights = definitely a good idea.