My dear friend Clarence (who also happens to be one of my favourite authors) recently published a blog post about all the things he loves, just in case he one day loses what he considers to be his mind, and needs to be reminded of who he is.
Alzheimer's and dementia are rife in my family, so it's more than likely that I will one day find myself in strange territory, confused and fragile, and will need to find solace in the familiar.
His post made me really think about what it is that brings me joy and comfort, as I rarely give thought to such matters: I've always focused on other people's wellbeing and care above my own. What do I really like? What lightens my heart and makes me happy? What do I dislike?
Naturally, I had to make A List, because that is the sort of thing that I do. Often.
Autumn: both the season, and the word. Actually, I like "autumnal" even better, but either is fine.
Walking outside on a crisp October day, leaves crunching underfoot, a hot cup of tea (or coffee, or hot chocolate) in hand. Even better if I'm tromping around the English or Scottish countryside. Additional bonus points if there's a castle involved.
The sensation of hand-knit socks hugging my feet. I hate having cold feet (especially if they're cold and wet), so please be certain that there's always a steady supply of socks nearby.
Knitting the aforementioned socks. If I'm ever agitated, just put knitting needles and yarn in my hands, and I'll quiet down nicely.
The general concept of hygge. Fluffy duvet covers, soft lighting, overall cosy gentleness.
Soup. Almost any kind will do, though I'm partial to potato-leek potage, curried pumpkin, clam chowder, and sopa de lima. The first warm kiss of soup against my lips will make me smile more brightly than you can imagine, and the hug-like warmth that a full bowl provides is gorgeous beyond all measure.
Flowers. May there always be flowers somewhere near me, especially during the grey months. Lilacs are my favourites, followed by roses (pink or white rather than red), but I love just about every flower imaginable, except lilies.
If music is to be played, I'm partial to classical, Celtic, Norse folk, and tunes from the 1920s and 1930s. I'll take Mozart, Schubert, Vivaldi, and Beethoven over Tchaikovsky or Prokofiev. Grieg is fine, Wagner is not. Also, if you play Chopin's nocturnes, I may get up and start doing old ballet warm-up routines. Be prepared to sedate me as needed.
Hugs... only if I initiate them, or if I know the person well. I only like to be hugged by those I care about deeply and am comfortable with. Don't let strangers touch me unless absolutely necessary.
Hot baths, especially if there are copious amounts of bubbles involved. If said bubbles are considered a choking hazard, just dribble some sandalwood or tangerine oil in the water instead.
No lavender. Gods help you if you use lavender anywhere near me.
Gardening. Let me get my hands into soil whenever possible, even if it's just pulling weeds. Let me scatter seeds, or even just sit out amongst growing things to chatter with local birds.
Books. If I am still capable of reading, give me murder mystery novels, magical realism (with diverse characters, please), nonfiction books about spices, history, Eleanor of Aquitaine.
If I'm no longer able to read, then let me listen to audiobooks, preferably narrated by British men with Northern accents.
Sketchbooks, journals, pens, pencils, even crayons. Give me drawing/writing implements and set me loose with a pile of paper, and I'll be set for hours. Days, even.
Fire. Not setting things alight, but the warm dance of flames in a hearth or woodstove. Plunk me into a rocking chair and set me by the fire, and I'll be content until a new log needs to be added.
Making lists. As mentioned, this is something I like to do on a regular basis, as it helps to organize my thoughts and calms any errant emotions I may be experiencing. Lists are rational. Efficient. Just give me a topic and ask me to list things about it, and watch me calm down immediately.
Animals. If I am permitted a rabbit, let me have one. I'm fond of cats, as long as I don't have to scrape any litterboxes, but I prefer dogs. Birds are wonderful, but I won't have them caged anywhere near me, and they're not quite as cuddly as furred creatures.
Finally, if I must watch TV, let there be documentaries. Nature, animals, the science of things. Astronomy, ancient mysteries, alien conspiracies. Let knowledge and random bits of trivia replace whatever memories I may be losing, so at least I can exit stage left without gaping holes in my mindspace.
No comments:
Post a Comment