Lea Wait, here. One of the magazines that appears regularly at our house (for some reason I can’t quite fathom) is Elle Decor. I usually glance through it, drool a little over the homes pictured, and then it goes in the recyclable pile.
But one column I always read. It’s titled “12 Things He (or She) Can’t Live Without,” and in it famous people — usually those in the arts — list such critical items as their favorite champagnes or kid gloves or small restaurants in Paris or … And I drool again.
But, after all, we all have our favorites. So today I’m sharing the 12 things (note: this excludes people, which is sad, but, after all, they’re not THINGS) I can’t live without.
- LL Bean flannel shirts. I wear them ten months of the year. In winter, I especially love those that are fleece lined.
- “World’s Softest Socks”. Yes — there is such a thing. They come in lots of colors, and, again, with my “problem feet” I wear them every time I’m not wearing sandals.
- Massages. Because people aren’t supposed to be on this list, I won’t mention Darlene Terry’s name, but having a massage in the comfort of my own living room at least once a month helps keep stiff necks and migraines at bay after days of sitting at a computer. Plus — did I mention how good a message feels??
- Cayenne and cinnamon. (Not usually together.) Cayenne jazzes up almost anything that doesn’t involve sugar – and then cinnamon takes over. Plus, cayenne is supposed to raise your metabolism a tiny bit, and cinnamon fights glucose levels. Have I mentioned this old body needs all the help it can get?
- Bookcases. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases are in every room (except the bathroom) and most hallways in my home. Filled bookcases, of course. For obvious reasons.
- Sunsets over the river I can see from most rooms in my house. In all seasons, they give hope and beauty.
- The smell of salt water mudflats at low tide. I’ve always loved it. When I was a teenager I wondered how to bottle it …
- Birds. Growing up, I had parakeets as pets. Today my favorite birds flock to the feeders close to the house. I especially love hummingbirds and woodpeckers and cardinals and goldfinches and chickadees … and the great blue herons and cormorants who live nearby and fly over.
- Scented hot baths. They’re my cure-all.
- Water: the sea, rivers, waterfalls, lakes. Love them all. But especially the ocean. (And hot baths.)
- Independent bookstores. Of course. Where else do they know you by name and suggest books … and sell the ones my friends and I write?
- Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday, and just thinking about it makes me smile.
What can’t YOU live without?
Kait Carson
Charlene D’Avanzo 
Ice water, my reading glasses, books, SmartWool socks, and blankets to wrap up in.
1. Smartwool socks 2. A down comforter 3. Pie
Thanks for sharing! Love that we all have our favorite socks!! Lea
Cashmere sweaters, scored at secondhand shops for under $10.
Gardens
Strong coffee
Paintings (like my treasured two by Bob Thomas)
and most decadent of all: the heated seats in my secondhand car
Kate Flora
Just 12??? 🙂
What a wonderful list and idea, Lea! Love it, and totally relate to your flannel shirts. Right now I’m into a down vest John got me. I’ve never worn a vest in my life, but Maine winters have convinced me. I’m toasty now!
Gayle Lynds: I am currently coveting one of those ultra thin, ultra light packable down vests.
Forests. That’s a cheat, I suppose, because forests include trees, other plants, animals, water, sounds–all stuff I can’t do without.
Privacy/solitude
Chocolate
Handknit wool socks for the twin pleasures of making and wearing socks that actually fit.
Horses
Books and all their accoutrements–light, scent, libraries, bookstores…
Loving all these lists! And sure they could be longer. But they’re fun, just the same! (and especially love that Kate uncluded Bob’s paintings! I didn’t — although I do love them – but since our first floor looks like a gallery — I’m hoping some other people will put a Bob Thomas original under their tree this season!)
A
1. Coffee! But I also love soft socks and could definitely use more bookcases!
Good heavens! What is up with these socks? Must investigate…
Books, ones I’ve read that are old friends and new ones that I haven’t read yet. Coffee and tea, warm baths on cold days and sunny autumn days.
My faith
chocolate
books
music
iced tea
my blue jeans
my sweats in winter
pets
friends
my computer
Oh, Lea, I loved this glimpse into your favorite things! So many I share…so many I could duplicate one in particular comes to mind…author events would be on my high priority list of favored things!
Your house sounds awesome! All those bookcases! As a kid I imagined my house would be 90% books, but my husband has made me swear to keep my collection to the library.
Books, of course, but long johns (smart wool) are a close second!
My cat to keep me company and
waterfalls!
Love the lists!