Thursday Thirteen

This week’s theme for me, are things that make me feel peaceful. I think it’s important to remind ourselves to do the things that make us feel at peace within our souls. So, here are some of mine.

1. Sit down and have a nice cup of hot tea. No matter the time of year, for me, a cup of hot tea means peace.
2. Sing. Most of you will never hear me, because I really don’t like to sing in public, but when I am stressed I will turn the TV off, turn my play-lists on and sing at the top of my lungs.
3. Cook. This is probably the most dangerous outlet for me, because when I cook I eat! Eeek! However, cooking a big sumptuous meal, brings a peace to my soul, like almost nothing else.
4. Although I am almost loath to admit, going for a walk does help, but the walk has to be either with one dog or alone, as any more than one dog makes the walk very stressful for me, because I worry about my little friends.
5. Chocolate. Oh yeah. Is there any better way to feel peaceful than with some fine dark chocolate?
6. The smell of the ocean. It had been a long time since I had been to the ocean, and when I went out to York, Maine with my girl friend, Gail, we stepped out of the car at the Yacht Club and I smelled the air! It brought back memories of my childhood spent on the beaches of Cape Cod, where I grew up.
7. A muffled sleepy bark. I know that this will sound funny to people who have never slept with their dog, but there is a sound a dog will make when they are sound asleep and dreaming. It’s such a sweet sound and makes me sigh.
8. A fire in my hearth. Warm, and bright and snapping from the dried wood. Usually there is a sleeping dog lying in front and the overall glow just mellows me out.
9. A hot bath. This is another real luxury. I will fill up our tub, sometimes have a glass of wine, and lie there and breathe.
10. My cell phone. I know that will make people laugh, but being able to talk to my friends on the Verizon network for free, and then using my minutes to call those who don’t have cell phones (I know! Imagine that there are people who don’t have them!), to call and visit. What a great world.
11. Pictures. I love looking at pictures and remembering. Beautiful faces, sunny places, light the corners of my mind and soul.
12. A hug and kiss from my daughter. A visit with her and a talk. Now that she is all grown up, I enjoy times when we can just be around each other.
13. Hubby. Yeah, all he needs to do it sit in his chair, or touch my hand, or snore in bed. His presence in my life brings such peace.