Things I keep close

It would be amazing if I could keep those I love most close to me all the time but that is impossible and very, unrealistic. So these items do me good and provide me comfort in the times in-between.

In winter 2021 I packed up my life in Michigan and moved to Los Angeles. It was a far journey to travel and although the people I love most in this world are now geographically further away, some of the things I love a lot and hold dear, transcend state lines and can be paid for. These items provide me with a lot of joy and sanity during my daily routines. They have grounded, comforted and gave me the best metaphorical shoulders to lean on. Please enjoy my list of essential items I always have stocked or stashed.

First up, Miss Joni Mitchell. I could listen to her voice for hours on end and honestly if that was socially acceptable I probably would. I’m so thankful she is alive and creating. I don’t think I’d have as much nerve to create if it wasn’t for Joni. She is performing this year and I’ll forever be in awe. She sings beautiful invaluable lessons about the cyclical patterns of life and love.

I haven’t lived on my own for very long but I’ve come to really understand the items I keep close to me during the day matter because they can provide me with a personal sense of stability. My work often changes but my notes don’t and that is so reassuring to me. Shorthand notebooks are my favorite safe keeping spot for my words. You can even watch them get assembled from behind the check out counter at their Highland Park store. I love how simple they are, each notebook I’ve brought with me to my ever changing work station has never failed to give me the space I need to jot and think.

Shortly after I moved to Los Angeles I started developing severe cystic acne on my cheeks. I encouraged myself to continue to see friends and didn’t turn down a social plan just because I was anxious about my appearance. Aquaphor was the only form of makeup I wore for a very long time and is still the only balm I need to feel like a queen. I’ll never underestimate the luxury of soft lips again after taking Accutane, and I’m thrilled to report that you’ll never find me without this magical substance ever again.

I moved away for my second semester of my junior year at college to work an internship. During my semester at work, I developed an intense love for Bigelow Mint Medley Herbal Tea. Thank you Mr. Disney for bringing this joy of a beverage into my routine. I’m so thankful to its aromas and flavors for their help in getting me through some wild work moments.

Books and I haven’t always been super close. I was never a big reader in my youth. I am so envious of those who devoured pages with ease during childhood. Not sure why I couldn’t escape my thoughts and dive into alternate realities as a young child but regardless The Color Purple by Alice Walker is my favorite book. Sisterhood is everything. Those who know this, know.

And finally, I wouldn’t be a whole human being without Dr. Bronner’s soap. I am still a little curious though, I recently started using their 4-in-1 Sugar Soap as a shampoo (and their corresponding rinse) and my hair has definitely been in a ~transitional~ period. If anyone reading has been through this, I’d be very interested to hear how it went for you. Internet reviews have mentioned it takes a month to make the transition and I’m almost there. Their bar soap is and smells phenomenal and I’ll never fill another soap dispenser again in my life.

And there you have it. The list of things I simply cannot live without. I hope you learned something new or maybe even have a new product to try, story to read or song to listen. I’m so happy you made it this far and I’m so glad you’re right here, thank you.

Songs for enjoyment

Questions to take with you

• Who is the most unlikely person that you’ve ever become friends with?

• What’s the most exotic place you’ve visited?

• What color do you never wear? Why?

Take really good care,

Michelle