My Favorites

When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy. - Rumi

Here are ten of my favorite things in life, the things that bring me more happy, happy, joy, joy.

1. Books. Since childhood, reading has been my favorite way to spend free time. I love browsing in bookstores, sitting in libraries, and organizing my books. I love the weight of a book in my hands, the way new books smell when you first crack them open, the way my colorful bookshelves cozy up a room. I never go anywhere without a book and usually prefer to have two, in case I finish one. I love contemporary fiction, classics, poetry, memoir, books about fashion, interior design. My to-read pile is exceedingly high and it frequently tips over.

2. Cooking. When I first got married I didn't really know much about cooking and did very basic things. We ate a lot of tortellini and a lot of baked chicken. When my husband, daughter and I lived overseas, I became interested in classical cooking. I bought a few cookbooks, took some classes and tried many different recipes. I discovered the utter joy of spending time in the kitchen and serving (and of course eating) a delicious meal.

3. Poetry. I've been drawn to poetry since I was very young. I adore the words, the words, the beautiful words. Isn't it gorgeous the way the words in poems seem to dance right off the page? I love that a poet can express so much with spare language. Poetry is both energizing and soothing to me; it is the perfect way to move into the present moment and stay there.

4. Writing. My poems, my notebooks and journal, correspondence, lists, Twitter, the blog, scratch pads, stories. All of it.

5. Everything French. I love Paris, the countryside, the language, the films, the music.

6. Classics. Diamond stud earrings, a string of Mikimoto pearls, gold and silver hoops both small and large. The jangling silver charm bracelet I started as a teenager - complete with telephone, cheerleader and horse charms. A timeless Cartier tank watch. Trouser suits, cashmere sweaters, black slingback heels. Kate Spade. Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses. Basics from J. Crew.

7. Scarves. I started wearing scarves in high school. I love different patterns and colors and fabrics. The way they add a bit of zip to an outfit. Like any proper NYC girl, I wear a lot of black. Scarves are perfect for adding color and texture to a monochromatic look. I have gorgeous Hermes scarves I bought in Paris and long to wear them effortlessly, the way French women do, as I stroll the Boulevard San-Germain.

8. Blue and White. I love the boldness of these colors together, especially for home decorating. When I lived in Japan, I became drawn to blue and white patterns that are prevalent there in indigo textiles and contemporary ceramics. With a set of plain white dinnerware, accent plates and platters in blue and white are the perfect thing. Blue and white at home are perfectly classic, comfortable and casually elegant.

9. Stationery. I have a cabinet filled with paper, note cards, colored pencils, file cards. Don't get me started on Moleskine notebooks - I have many sizes and versions at the ready when inspiration strikes. And I love to write letters to friends and send postcards to my nieces and nephews. I want to do my part to make sure these technology savvy kids know what snail mail is.

10. Woody Allen films. Annie Hall. Manhattan. Crimes and Misdemeanors. Zelig. Alice. Husbands and Wives. They are perfect for a NYC girl like me.

What are your top ten favorite things? Or just a few of your favorite things. I'd love to know.