100 things: a list

I was going to start this out by saying that things aren’t that important to me. But, in the same week as I’ve been carrying stuff from my mother’s home in through the door to our small apartment, and have spied Himself’s evident horror at the clutter potential, I’m not sure I can authentically claim this! 😉

Nevertheless, inspired by LA’s list, who was inspired by another list, here’s a list of 100 things I love….

1. Hearts – even before I got into being a dating coach, I had heart shaped stuff all over the place. The universe may’ve been sending me a message, which it appears I’ve taken a long time to hear 😀
2. Two armchairs from the fifties that my father rescued from his old office and which I’ve had re-covered in a gorgeous modern take on a fifties pattern.
3. My collection of blankets and quilts (especially those handmade by my daughter) for cozy evenings and nights.
4. A pastel drawing of my much loved and favourite grandmother.
5. The quartet of flowers painted in watercolour by my daughter.
6. My gold Lakshmi ring (a wedding gift to my mother which was given to me on my 21st birthday, and which I used to wear every day but, because it’s large and falls off my finger, I rarely do now).
7. My Maui Jim sunglasses – two pairs, one for photography (because they cling to my head and don’t drop off when I look down), and one for posing everyday wear, as they’ve got fabulous quality lenses).
8. The antique writing slope Himself bought me for Christmas. It’s simply gorgeous, but I need a small table to put it on so I can use it, rather than have it be simply decorative.
9. My photo printer – tiny, portable, I can print up quality photos at home (another Christmas gift from Himself – yup, he’s really good at this stuff).
10. My Lamy fountain pens and coloured inks – they make me smile every time I write with them.
11. The tiny bookcase/desk which was hand decorated by my dear friend – I adore it.
12. The box of ‘treasures’ under my bed – drawings, notes, and other stuff from when my daughter was small.
13. My grandfather’s pipe.
14. My father’s two old, hole-filled woollen cardigans which I wear at my desk every day when the weather turns cold.
15. My Emma Bridgewater teapots (I’ve decided to get back into a proper tea habit, with teapot, milk jug, cup and saucer, all on a tray).
16. Himself’s coffee kit (it makes the best coffee ever, but I’ve no idea how to use any of it, so he has to do it for me, making it extra special).
17. Four antique green glass champagne/cocktail glasses which were bought as a birthday gift by my ex (he got the kudos, but I choose them! 😉 ).
18. Listening to the cello.
19. Italian opera.
20. The Calm app’s sleep stories.
21. My earbuds which allow me to listen in bed without disturbing Himself.
22. Geranium essential oil (it makes me feel held and safe).
23. The planter in my local park where I stroke herbs as I walk past.
24. Idlis, samba and masala dosai (the perfect South Indian breakfast/brunch food).
25. A vegetarian thali.
26. Himself’s cheesy dumplings (especially when served with stew).
27. Good sausages, mashed potato and onion gravy.
28. Laurent Perrier Rosé champagne.
29. Jameson Irish whiskey.
30. Tanqueray gin (with good tonic).
31. Earl grey tea (Marks & Spencer teabags preferred for their pungent smell of Bergamot).
32. Chai tea (leaves preferred).
33. Afternoon tea with a girlfriend (the full works, with fizz preferably!)
34. Crispy, streaky bacon.
35. Pancakes with maple syrup.
36. Cheese, cheese and more cheese.
37. Good quality biscuits – for all that cheese!
38. Sourdough bread.
39. The English seaside – the salty air, the fishy smell, the shingle ‘n all.
40. Rivers, lakes, canals – waterways of all kinds.
41. Italian pastries (ideally with good coffee).
42. Christmas – trees, decorations, lights, wrapping, ribbons, the works!
43. Harlequins rugby club.
44. A vase of fresh flowers.
45. A daily “I’m home” hug from Himself.
46. My grandson’s smile.
47. My granddaughter climbing onto my lap to read or tell me a story.
48. My daughter saying lots of love at the end of each phone call.
49. The Tuscan countryside.
50. Piazza del Campo in Siena.
51. Florence viewed across the river from the Boboli gardens.
52. London’s parks.
53. The Musee de l’Orangerie in Paris.
54. A walk through the Tuileries gardens in Paris.
55. Autumn (or Fall for readers across the pond) as I simply love any excuse to get out jumpers and boots.
56. Despite what I said about the English seaside, a sandy beach for feeling the sand between my toes.
57. Jazz – preferably live and in a small club.
58. My neighbour’s homemade Victoria sponge cake – oh so light!
59. Mindful meditation.
60. My cameras.
61. Black & white photography.
62. Reading – my happy time.
63. My chiropractor – who keeps me upright and mobile.
64. Fresh bedlinen.
65. My Kindle, especially in it’s turquoise cover.
66. My comfortable black slip-ons from Allbirds.
67. Photography road trips with Himself.
68. Old family photograph albums.
69. Comfortable cotton clothing from Seasalt in Cornwall – especially when I come across the little handsewn label tucked away saying “from your friends in Cornwall”
70. A Booker prize longlist.
71. A new release from a favourite author.
72. My father’s old Omega watches, being refurbished for my grandchildren who he – sadly – never met.
73. My grandfather’s old watch, being refurbished for my daughter who spent her early years as his constant companion.
74. A cookbook to read.
75. A cooling fan on a hot day (or night).
76. Air conditioning in the car during a hot summer.
77. My reliable Honda, although I loved my old VW Lupo way more (I still mourn it’s loss.
78. Bookcases filled with books.
79. High-thread count cotton bedlinen.
80. Snuggly flannel bedlinen.
81. New notebooks.
82. A metal sculpture of a racehorse, panted in enamel with my grandparents racing colours, which was removed from the bonnet of their old car.
83. My nativity set in a mix of Lladró and Nao figurines.
84. People watching at a pavement cafe.
85. Christmas magazines.
86. Discovering new (to me) old music.
87. Walking (but not hiking!)
88. Finding the perfect gift for someone I love.
89. My small Bose speakers – great quality and just the right volume for our little apartment.
90. Carols from Kings College Cambridge on Christmas Eve.
91. Mulled apple juice in winter.
92. My cashmere socks, gloves, hat & scarf.
93. Annual trips to hear the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
94. My inspiration board.
95. Scarves keeping my neck warm (I have short hair).
96. My business coach.
97. My new all female network where the strapline is “be a flamingo amongst the flock of pigeons”.
98. Beautiful old Sussex villages.
99. Misty mornings for moody photography.
100. Good quality hot chocolate – to steal the strapline of a soup ad: it’s like a hug in a mug.

What are some of your favourite things? If you decide to do a list, please do tag me so I can have a read!

© Debra Carey, 2022