I bought a new sweater, and it’s all I can do not to wear it every day.
It’s long—down to my knees with full length sleeves—open in front with a single button. It’s soft, softer than anything else I own. Cream colored: even the color feels like a gentle hand resting on my back.
It’s so soft that it clings to any shirt I’m wearing underneath. None of that flapping open business that sometimes happens with long cardigans.
It’s perfect.
When I pull it on over whatever variety of jeans I’m wearing for the day—and I have unapologetically worn jeans every single day so far this school year—I feel warmth down in my bones.
I don’t think I’ve ever noticed sensory details the way I’m noticing them now.
The smell of cinnamon as my coffee brews.
The moon in the morning, resting high in the extra blue sky.
That daylight—like an autumn filter channeling the sun—unique to October.
The rustle of fallen leaves tumbling over each other in their rush to somewhere.
The weight of more than one blanket as the nights have begun to cool.
I appreciate all these small things that feel like soothing words, kindnesses from somewhere to ease all the parts of the day that jar like stubbed toes as we fumble our way through what school looks like now. In this time when things are not as they should (or could) be, I’m taking comfort in comfort.
(And if that sweater comes in any other colors, I’m picking them up, stat!)
Running to School 
I agree with you wholeheartedly, this pandemic has led to much more feeling. I loved this line and your many examples, “I don’t think I’ve ever noticed sensory details the way I’m noticing them now. ” Yes! Treat yourself to another sweater! It will help you through the winter!
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Thanks, Maureen!
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I want that sweater!! I love all those sensory details. To me, it’s really showing gratitude for all the good in each day.
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I’m working hard to find those silver linings right now. 🙂
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The perfect description of the sweater sets this line up beautifully:
I appreciate all these small things that feel like soothing words, kindnesses from somewhere to ease all the parts of the day that jar like stubbed toes as we fumble our way through what school looks like now.
May we all find this comfort in these trying times.
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Thank you! And, yes, I hope we all can. Slice of life helps.
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Your words bring me comfort on a stubbed-toe kind of afternoon!
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I’m glad, and I’m sorry about your afternoon. I miss talking to you! I hope things are going okay.
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I would totally be buying it in other colors if you can find it in them. It sounds perfect! And if it doesn’t, just enjoy this one unapologetically!
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Yep!
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Ahhhh, yes. Take comfort in comfort. Such excellent advice for these uncomfortable days. Thanks for this gem!
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This post makes me so happy. I want the sweater! And the writing is just beautiful.
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Such a great post! As a fellow teacher, I really enjoyed reading about how you’re managing teaching these days by focusing on the things that make you happy. Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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So many beautiful images around that lovely new sweater and the season – I think my favorite is your description of cream – “even the color feels like a gentle hand on my back.” How we need more comfort these days – to find it or take it in such simple and pure ways. No wonder you want to wear it every day! And I’d go back for other colors, too!
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