Need a Boost?

I'm in that blah rut gloomy part of the winter.  It always happens.  It's only been in the last few years that I figured it out, but there is a part of the winter that I start to feel glum and useless.  While it does help to recognize the source of my gloominess, it's gloom nonetheless. We're past the pretty part of winter.  We're now in the dirty scummy, and in some parts yellow, snow that is all holey from desperately trying to melt.  And ya know, isn't it enough that I have to rip myself out of bed to get to my early morning classes?  Does my front door have to be frozen shut every morning?  Is the negative nine degrees really necessary?  I swear my moods correlate with the weather.  Do yours?  Am I nuts?  Probably just not enough good ol' vitamin D from the sun.  Mmm sun.  *small whimper* 

I like to think that I'm an optimistic person.  But sometimes I need a little push.  A little shove.  A little reminder of the sunshine through the smog.   

So I'm biting back!  And inviting you to do the same.  Fraulein Maria style.
What are your favorite things right now?  What makes you smile?  What inspires you?  What lifts you up and reminds you to begin living again?

Some of mine:

--Laughing.

-- Cooking/baking new things.

A cauliflower potato casserole.  A Jamie Oliver recipe

Ooh... and my favorite new find is THIS cookie recipe.  Best homemade cookies I've ever had.

-- Phone-calls from family & friends

(and letters for that matter!)

--Discovering that new song that you can't get enough of 

 At the moment: Boat Behind by Kings of Convenience



--That old song you rediscover and find a new love for
Right now:  I'm only Sleeping by the Beatles.

--The smell of homemade bread.

--My notebooks. 

Filled with experiences, quotes, thoughts and mostly nonsense. 

--A line from the song Folding Chair By Regina Spektor:  "I've got a perfect body but sometimes I forget.  I've got a perfect body 'cause my eyelashes catch my sweat." 

 --Sewing.  

 (Thanks Mom for letting me borrow your machine!)  

Isn't it wonderful to create something out of nothing?

--Getting lost in a hobby

I like to collage.  On pretty much anything.

--That point in a good book where it's too interesting to put down

--Watching that favorite movie again for the billionth time

 -Sound of Music

  -Princess Bride

  -Enchanted April

  -Mostly Martha

  -Penelope

  -It's A Wonderful Life

  -Etc., Etc., Etc.

--Having the crummiest day soothed in just five minutes when Ian comes home.

 Oh, come on.  I had to throw just one cheesy one in there.

 

 So these were just a few things, but it feels better to think of them.  I have a lot to be happy about.  We have lots to be happy about.  What are some of your favorites? 

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now." --President Thomas S. Monson

CARPE DIEM my friends.