In response to Rita's question, "What's On Your List?," I had to think long and hard about what items that ensure a good day or improve a bad one. At first, I had trouble thinking beyond one or two items, but as the morning progressed, I realized that there were other things that I had never really thought about, yet those things have brought me peace of mind when I'm down or stressed out. So here's my own list:
1. My Gemeinhardt flute. I've been playing for 28 years and in retrospect, I've realized that this instrument, with it's sweet sound, has always calmed me on hectic days in the past. Thankfully, I'm getting to play for others again in church, as our choir director wishes to use me and one other player more frequently, and as I've picked up my flute again, I'm rediscovering that calming effect. One piece that she has planned for us as a duet is Pachelbel's Canon in D - one of my favorite classical pieces!
2. Ferrero Rocher hazelnut/chocolate balls. Not only do I love the aroma of hazelnut and chocolate, I also love the contrast of creamy and crunchy, which this confection provides. I try to keep a small supply (I'm currently out) handy for a small indulgence at the end of the day and I try to limit myself to 3 pieces a night, but there are moments when I've discovered that I've devoured the whole package!
3. Music by Loreena McKennitt. Her music has always calmed me when I'm going through a particularly down time and when it's time to sleep. Her music often has a Celtic flavor to it, but some of her more recent music possesses a more Middle Eastern feel. Much of her work is inspired by her own life and travels and through poetry. She's set to music poetry by the likes of W. B. Yeats, Alfred Noyes, Dante Alighieri, William Blake, and Padraic Collum. One of my favorite songs from her original arrangements is "The Mummer's Dance."
4. Bath products by Bath & Body Works. My favorite is Sandalwood/Rose, but they have recently discontinued my favorite scent. I've seen it online, but it can no longer be purchased in the stores. Another favorite scent that they still have is Moonlight Path. I used to purchase their products on a regular basis, but now must reserve such purchases for special treats.
5. My Jane Austen DVDs. Watching the film versions of her works takes me to a simpler(?) time and place. I've always been partial to "Pride and Prejudice," but I also love "Persuasion."
6. Edy's/Dreyer's or Ben & Jerry's ice cream. I love ice cream despite the fact that it adds pounds and inches where you don't want them. I've always had an issue with dairy products, but I refuse to give up this creamy delight! I'm willing to endure the minor gastric discomfort for this pleasure-inducing comfort food.
7. Playing handbells. Over ten years ago, I got into playing handbells and handchimes. A lot of concentration and wrist work is involved and there have been times when I've actually awakened the next morning with sore wrists from playing. With the various techniques used in playing, I find myself relieved of stress by the end of rehearsal.
1. My Gemeinhardt flute. I've been playing for 28 years and in retrospect, I've realized that this instrument, with it's sweet sound, has always calmed me on hectic days in the past. Thankfully, I'm getting to play for others again in church, as our choir director wishes to use me and one other player more frequently, and as I've picked up my flute again, I'm rediscovering that calming effect. One piece that she has planned for us as a duet is Pachelbel's Canon in D - one of my favorite classical pieces!
2. Ferrero Rocher hazelnut/chocolate balls. Not only do I love the aroma of hazelnut and chocolate, I also love the contrast of creamy and crunchy, which this confection provides. I try to keep a small supply (I'm currently out) handy for a small indulgence at the end of the day and I try to limit myself to 3 pieces a night, but there are moments when I've discovered that I've devoured the whole package!
3. Music by Loreena McKennitt. Her music has always calmed me when I'm going through a particularly down time and when it's time to sleep. Her music often has a Celtic flavor to it, but some of her more recent music possesses a more Middle Eastern feel. Much of her work is inspired by her own life and travels and through poetry. She's set to music poetry by the likes of W. B. Yeats, Alfred Noyes, Dante Alighieri, William Blake, and Padraic Collum. One of my favorite songs from her original arrangements is "The Mummer's Dance."
4. Bath products by Bath & Body Works. My favorite is Sandalwood/Rose, but they have recently discontinued my favorite scent. I've seen it online, but it can no longer be purchased in the stores. Another favorite scent that they still have is Moonlight Path. I used to purchase their products on a regular basis, but now must reserve such purchases for special treats.
5. My Jane Austen DVDs. Watching the film versions of her works takes me to a simpler(?) time and place. I've always been partial to "Pride and Prejudice," but I also love "Persuasion."
6. Edy's/Dreyer's or Ben & Jerry's ice cream. I love ice cream despite the fact that it adds pounds and inches where you don't want them. I've always had an issue with dairy products, but I refuse to give up this creamy delight! I'm willing to endure the minor gastric discomfort for this pleasure-inducing comfort food.
7. Playing handbells. Over ten years ago, I got into playing handbells and handchimes. A lot of concentration and wrist work is involved and there have been times when I've actually awakened the next morning with sore wrists from playing. With the various techniques used in playing, I find myself relieved of stress by the end of rehearsal.
8. Safety 1st devices. My son has become a veritable human monkey! He has quickly figured out how to climb his way to shelves and cabinets that were once well out of his reach. He's figured out how to open the refrigerator door and then not close it. He discovered the joy of dumping sorghum flour all over the kitchen floor the other day. Safety 1st makes a variety of devices to keep unwary children safe and to save the sanity of many parents. Believe me, these devices truly can make the difference between a good and bad day!
9. "The Synonym Finder" by J. I. Rodale. This tome of a book has been a godsend for my writing! This book puts a standard dictionary to shame! I love to write even though words don't always come so easily. I express myself better in writing than I do verbally, and as a result, writing is therapeutic for me; it helps me get my thoughts and feelings out before they burst inside me. This book helps me out when I want to add variety to my vocabulary and prevent the overuse of selected words in my text.
2 comments:
Pamela,
I LOVE your list. While mine could have been pages longer, I tried to restrict myself to the few items that were, for me, simply "a sure thing."
Thanks for the well-thought out response!
Rita
Rita,
Thank you! That list took some thought to compile. I generally don't rely on a lot of things to keep me in a happy mood. It's mostly what I do during my day that affects me, so my list was quite short. I'm a very complex person, a sort of cameleon, but in this aspect, my needs are simple and few.
Slainte!
Pamela
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