By SUSAN DROMEY HEETER, InDepthNH.org
In a year where so much has been in flux, I muse joyfully on what has worked, what is good, what has remained a beautiful constant in my life and perhaps yours.
- Waking up to a cuppa Barry’s Tea
Every morning, I make a pot of tea and delight in a few cups before my day begins. Barry’s Irish tea makes Lipton look like dirty dishwater and provides a stellar start to any day.
- Walking in the dawn.
I’m a total Ben Franklin when it comes to the morning – “early to bed, early to rise…” I don’t know about the wealthy and wise part, but I’ve seen the sunrise for the past year just about every morning. I’ve walked in the frigid, dark air and it’s a beautiful way to begin a day. My Fitbit told me recently I’d walked the length of India – or something to do with India. Maybe it was Indiana. I’m not sure, but walking, outdoors, in the morning – brilliant.
- Playing Words with Friends
Judy and I have had an ongoing game for years. She’s been with me throughout this pandemic, has given me a good run for my money with stellar competition. I know nothing about her except for her name. Judy. My daughters ask why I don’t chat with her. I respond, “I like the simplicity of our relationship; it’s only Words with Friends. That’s it – nothing else. It’s pure, it’s easy, it’s all about who can use that “X” most effectively.
- Having an Affair
Yes, really. And it’s with myself. During this past year of lockdown and masks, I have found it not only necessary but vital to get away – alone. To find myself out of earshot of “Have you seen my…?” to a sink without dishes. I’ve found the South Shore of Massachusetts and Northern Maine convenient and economical. I love my family but they appreciate a reprieve from me. Bliss.
- Wearing really Great Slippers
Anything with sheepskin has been a go-to this past year, a great cozy foot makes me happy, gives me gratitude to have a roof beneath to walk. Cozy slippers – they always work.
And, dear Joyful Musers, it’s a good time to remember what works, what delights, what gets you out of bed with a bit of hope. As for me, at this very moment, I am sipping Barry’s tea, in my slippers, down at the South Shore of Massachusetts after watching the sunrise. And I’m in the middle of a game with Judy. Not a bad day and it’s not yet 8 a.m.
Stay safe, Joyful Musers and do tell what has been one of your constants this year.
Susan Dromey Heeter is a writer from Dover who recently let her hair go au natural white. Writing has been her passion since her English majoring days at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Dromey Heeter has lived in The Netherlands, Alaska and currently basks in all things New England, including the frigid winters. An avid swimmer, Dromey Heeter’s great passion is to bring back body surfing as most children have no idea how to ride waves without ridiculous boogie boards.