A friend recently issued a blog challenge to me to write about 10 things I can’t live without. I thought it might be fun, so here are mine, not necessarily in order of importance…

1. MY MACBOOK
I’ve had my laptop for 3 years now, or maybe it’s had me?! Photos, song ideas, schedule, databases, friends’ contact info, letters, artwork, movies, poems that inspire me…..oh, I could go on. It got sick a couple of months ago and had to go away for a week. I was lost, I tell you, LOST!

2. MY GUITAR
I have friends who own finely crafted guitars worth tens of thousands of dollars, and honestly, I love my Taylor but it’s not the brand I can’t live without. I love that it gives me the ability to create music for the melodies and lyrics that show up in my head.

3. AVEDA
I have used these organic, botanicals-based products for about 15 years, and any time I use another brand, no matter how highly recommended or expensive, I break out in dry spots and red blotches. I use their facial cleanser, hydrating lotion, exfoliating mask and eye cream. Everything they make smells gorgeous.

4. PEET’S COFFEEe
I come from Strong Coffee People. I simply cannot do weak, watery coffee. If I’m traveling, I will keep driving until I find something robust and fresh and preferably dark roast. If it doesn’t put hair on your chest, why bother? Peet’s is the best I’ve found.

5. PINOT NOIR
I’m a late convert to the world of red wine, but once I entered the fold, there was no turning back. Watch the scene in Sideways where Paul Giamatti explains the process of the pinot grape to Virginia Madsen. If you have no desire to taste a good Pinot Noir after that scene, I’m not sure we can be friends. ☺

6. BOOKS
I was an English major in college, and I’m a lifelong bookworm. I can’t help it; words are my love language. I’m usually reading about four books at once. I host a book club once a month and they tease me because I usually end up unilaterally choosing the books. I find it painful leaving bookstores.

7. THE OCEAN
I’ve lived in California since I was 12. The ocean is therapeutic for me; its vastness reminds me of my place in the world. It’s as close as I get to understanding the boundless love of God.

8. CHOCOLATE
I’ve noticed that some people go for the fruity desserts or ice cream when they order dessert. I don’t understand this at all. Chocolate is the only thing worth blowing all those ridiculous calories on…..right?

9. EXERCISE
I’m not a workout fanatic; I’m not in great shape. I could never train for a race because I don’t have a competitive bone in my body. But I’ve never gone more than a few weeks without engaging in some sort of regular exercise. I run, I walk, do yoga, pilates, I bike, whatever. I get restless and irritable when I don’t do something physical.

10. BUBBLE BATHS
In the winter, on those bone-chilling days when I can’t seem to put on enough layers to stay warm, there’s nothing like a bath to make me feel toasty from head to toe. I sometimes think of the old days when they had to heat several kettles of water on the stove to fill a tub for the “family bath,” and I thank God dearly for modern conveniences.

…so, in the spirit of the challenge I was given, if you’re a blogger, why not post YOUR Ten? Leave your blog link here in a comment so we can read it!