The smell of books

Constancy. Comfort. Ritual.

I imagine everyone has certain things that make them feel calm...something that gives them a sense of "normalcy" in their lives. The things you do to feel balanced from time to time.

My list:

Horseback riding - human/animal bonds are a strong thing...I've had my horse for 12 years, and there are days that I think he understands me more than any human ever could...he's been there, good days and bad.

Sitting on the back porch steps at my parents' house - I used to sit on these concrete steps every summer morning in the sunshine, just trying to wake up. But, I more often found them when I was having a bad day, when the house was too much, the steps were my sanctuary.

Country music - brings me back to my roots. "Resets" me. Makes life seem simpler.

Old photo albums - make me proud of myself. I look back on happy memories and know I haven't wasted my life. I've had an impact on others, and they've had an impact on me.

The taste of sweet tea - my mother makes the best sweet tea. I went on a tea hiatus for many years, but found my way back. If it weren't for the cavities I would get from the sweet stuff, I would probably drink it like water.

The smell of books - reading winds down my days. I always find myself sniffing the edge of the pages, fluttering them over my face. The different kinds of paper. Being able to stack a finished one onto my bookshelf, learning a new story, a new point of view.

Lazy Sundays - sleeping in, being a bum, pizza, candy, and old movies. More fun to spend with someone you love, but until then, I'll spend them with my dog.

Fishing - I miss it. Me, the pole, the pond, and the fish. Quietness....and waiting.

Turtles - the chocolate candy, not the animal. They make it all better, if only for a little while.

The feel of cold sheets - I always sleep like a fetus, all curled up on my side, with the covers pulled up to my chin. I have a tendency to radiate a lot of body heat, and the sheets get hot...feels so good to roll over to the other side, where they are cool again.

Song of the day: "Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors" Editors