10 Things I Could Possibly Live a Bleak and Empty Life Without

I recently found the wonderful words of writer Danielle Loewen on Medium. I’d strongly recommend you dive in to her posts, fiction and otherwise

In her post, 10 Things I Could Possibly Live a Bleak and Empty Life Without she challenged folks to write a post in a similar vein and you know me, I love a challenge, often to my detriment, but here goes nothing.

Oh, and of course this isn’t a people post, so take those for granted. A few well-chosen ones, in person or on a Facetime call. I’m an introvert after all. So, back to the topic.

A big mug

I’m from Yorkshire, what can I say. Tea drinking is the law. Death, trauma, love and loss are all marked with a good, strong brew. That means a colour that proves you didn’t just show the milk the tea bag. Not for me, a tiny china cup rattling on an uneven saucer. Talking of which I recall some years back, an old boss used to serve interviewees tea in a cup and saucer to test their nerve. If they could hold it and drink it without a tremble, they went up in his estimation. Savage.

I want a big mug, not huge, but enough to take more than a few measly mouthfuls. It needs to be the right shape too. Not for me a fancy quirky style. Have you ever tried to drink from a square mug? Craziness and dribbles lie there.

Also, see item six, this is a key element of the lifestyle.

Paper and a pen

When I was a new writer way back in the day, the two things I always invested in were good quality coffee and writing paper. I had pen friends, remember them? You used to write missives (yes, it’s a word, look it up) on A5 Basildon Bond, with matching envelopes. And yes, you had to make sure the postage stamp sat nice and neatly in the top corner. My grand babies still love to receive an envelope on the doormat with their name on, small pleasures.

I got fairly handy at writing on airmail letters too, that thin to breaking paper. The military had preprinted ones with free postage. Oh, the memories. An email just isn’t the same, it’s not.

I’m glad to see so many writers still insist on hard copy journals and notebooks. Although as a budding minimalist, I’m really trying hard to embrace Goodnotes, but I think better on a piece of old school paper. I just do.

An ortho mattress

I love my bed. As someone who has an intermittent dodgy back, name me a human who doesn’t, I need a good sleeping system. Yes, I can sleep on a floor, in a tent, on an air-bed but I just love a good mattress, cool clean bedding and soft pillow. As a writer of erotica and thrillers, my bed can inspire in other ways, too. Yes, I know writing in bed will kill my back, but hey life is a constant challenge.

A bed bug proof mattress cover is also on the essential list. I’ve had bed bugs thanks to a hotel and do not want to go there again. Ever. Never ever.

A garden chair

Even if it’s only on a balcony, I love to sit outside. Reading, writing, doing a crossword, watching the birds, just taking a moment. Not for me a rickety stool. I know a garden step has its worth, but this is my list and I want a good chair. My current favourite is a huge Ikea model but one day I want a solid wood, hand carved adirondeck chair. Or is it arondeck? You tell me!

Patchwork throws

I don’t mind if these are ones I made, I just love the tactile nature and skilled application that goes with a good patchwork. Hand stitched or machined, I’m no snob. I just feel content with them around. Give me your old jeans or tee shirts and I’ll make one on my own. Just replace patchworks with a sewing machine and I’m ready to go.

Coasters

You’ll recall I mentioned this one earlier. I’m from that era where we had crocheted circles on every surface. I adore wood, so yes, I protect my furniture with coasters. The multitude of big mugs can rest on tiles, glass, holiday souvenirs, the choice is many and varied. They also provide a double benefit of being mysteriously, highly attractive fun toys for toddlers who visit.

Art

I adore art. As the daughter of an artist, I was brought up with it. If only I’d kept my Star Wars posters that first adorned my teenage bedroom walls. My tastes changed. Damn. I studied art history and absorbed every moment with a passion. Who knew! I’ve been lucky enough to see many of my favourite pieces in person, and feel privileged. From Hirst and Hepworth, Koons to Caravaggio and Kahlo. I adore it all. Current favourites Banksy and Picasso, I reserve the right to change that opinion at any time, usually just after a visit to a gallery or a random browse through a coffee-table book. Whilst sitting in the aforementioned garden chair or bed.

Knitting wool, needles and maybe a crochet hook

I’m a crafter. There I admit it. I had a knitting business back in the day. I’m from a family of needle clackers and I’m loud and proud. I try now and again with the quieter, more portable option of circular needles, but it’s a chore. To get technical for a minute, my tension goes t*ts up. I have high respect for Tom Daly not only able to knit on circular needles but to do it in a sweaty damp swimming pool environment. His Olympic gold medal well deserved.

Comfy but cool looking footwear

To be honest, I’ve never been a high heels kinda girl. As someone who used to tower over boys at school, I just felt better in flats. I have reverted permanently to that much maligned but way more sensible option. I once broke my foot, a rebellious handbag strap to blame, but that’s another story. Since then, when I discovered a broken bone heals much quicker than a slight muscle sprain, I just like flats. Not flimsy dolly shoes, but Doc Martin’s, trainers, hiking boots and the ubiquitous flip flops in between. House slippers are not on my list. They kill people, they do, really. I’ve fallen down stairs way too many times to risk those now. Plus, they stink!

Books and bookcases

Saved the best until last. That smell, that feel, the joy of the spines declaring names I have studied and those I just picked up for fun. Books deserve an upright position. Once they lie sideways, it’s time to get more shelves or have one of those rare events, a clear out.

Yes, I have a vanity shelf in my office. I’m a writer, I’m allowed. But anyone who hasn’t enjoyed a good book is not to be trusted.

If you want to join in on this challenge, go over to Medium, tag your post 10EssentialThings and mention Danielle Loewen.