I read a post this morning on Christy Woolum’s blog, Gathering Around the Table, called Ten Things Savimg My Life Right Now, where she shared 10 things helping her through the bleak mid-winter. Her post was in response to Anne Vogel’s post on her blog, Modern Mrs. Darcy, and invitation to others to do make their own lists. I enjoyed reading both posts, but wondered if I could come up with ten things of my own because it’s challenging right now. But, heck, Makiya doesn’t have school today and I’ve got extra time before the day gets going, so why not try.
1. Home and hearth. A warm and comfortable home and sharing it with people I love. We share laughter, love, and labour. And hugs. Always hugs. There’s a lot more going on around here than there was last year at this time and it all keeps me going.
2. Hot tea. I switched from soy milky frothy coffee to Yerba mate tea last fall (though I still enjoy a mug of comfort coffee occasionally). Laurinda is a tea drinker and inspired me to up my tea game. Now our tea cupboard is filled with a delicious assortment of tea. I received two beautiful pottery mugs for Christmas and wrapping my hands around a mug of hot tea has become a regular comfort.
3. Floating. Starting a regular floating practice was the single best thing I did in 2021.
4. Good conversation. We don’t all see everything in the same light, but time spent in coffee shops and living rooms enjoying authentic conversation with friends is beyond priceless.
5. Vera. I wasn’t hooked with the first episode we watched way back when but when we ran out of British detective dramas to watch we gave it another go. Now, watching an episode is pretty much a nightly indulgence.
6. Daughter’s night to cook. Aside from the gift of not having to think about what to make for dinner, Laurinda’s fresh perspective and different meals is refreshing and delicious.
7. Reading and writing. What can I say? Books and words are my jam.
8. Jigsaw puzzles. We haven’t jigsaw-ed as much this winter as last, but I love nipping downstairs to spending a chunk of quiet meditative time putting pieces in our current puzzle.
9. Silence and solitude and prayer. Every. Single. Morning. I was reminded recently (and again) that we can encounter God differently in different seasons and, while constants remain, I felt released from expectations I put upon myself and free to do something different that works for me in this season.
10. Zoom. Seriously, where would we be without Zoom? Most recently, a prayerful retreat helped set me back on track. Opportunities to learn and connect abound and live-streaming church services is one of the good things that has come out of this pandemic in my opinion.
My goodness! That wasn’t difficult at all! It’s a simple list, but it’s the simple things that add the most seasoning to our days. I invite you to make your own list and share it or not, whatever works for you.
Happy Friday, friends.

What a splendid list. I see we had some similar ideas. I think I need to watch Vera. You are the third person that has recommended it. With these ideas I think we can make it to spring.
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