Following the holiday season, January seems like the longest and dreariest month of the year to me.

However, in the past few weeks, focusing on small joys close to home has been cheering.

The Sound of Music was my late mother’s favourite musical, and we often watched the iconic 1965 film together.

Given my recent prolonged bout of Covid, “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” from that playlist feels apt, but I’m instead looking to “My Favourite Things” for a morale boost.

To help you get to know me better, and except for obvious things like family and friends, here are five other “favourites.”

Favourite colour: Pink. Soothing, nurturing and calm, pink is also associated with romance so it’s fitting for a romance author. From teacups to socks, sweaters and everything in between, rosy hues feature prominently in my life.

Favourite ice cream flavour: Chocolate chip or, when I’m visiting my hometown of Winnipeg, Canada, a Bridge Drive-In (BDI) special “Twist cone” (soft serve chocolate and vanilla ice cream “twisted” together).

Favourite holiday: UK Mothering Sunday. While North American Mother’s Day in May is bittersweet and a poignant reminder of losing my own mom too soon, British Mother’s Day in March celebrates my joy in becoming a mum to English Rose.

Favourite month: September because it feels like a fresh start. I also love sapphire, the official September birthstone. Although not my birth month (that’s July), my engagement ring from Tech Guy is a beautiful sapphire.

Favourite season: Spring in England, when new blooms seem to pop out weekly, and Fall (autumn) in Canada when trees are draped in vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves.

Does remembering favourite things bring you cheer?

If, like me, you now have the song “My Favorite Things” running through your head, watch and listen to this clip from the movie on YouTube here.