Through the Kitchen Window...

  I usually shake myself out of bed before sunrise just because of habit.  I have been doing this for as long as I can remember.  Back on the farm, Pop would roust us all out to do chores before school.  During the winter months, I recall how cold my feet would be when trying to gather turnips and collard greens for Pop's early morning route to local stores. Then in summer, that sweltering heat showed us no favors.  It was all good, though, and farm life taught us to be strong and to work hard. Now, however, my mornings start with watching the sunrise with a nice mug of coffee.  After a bit of contemplation, I start my day.  I am raring to go!  

  This morning, I skipped the sunrise and sat at the kitchen table with that coffee.  The scene just outside the open windows was far to nice to leave.  The rising sun filtered through the wisteria vines with just a trickle of light.  Beyond that, the citrus trees, Boysenberry vines and peach trees were all in bloom.  A slight north wind brought all of those delicious aromas into kitchen.  A sweet mockingbird was singing in the arbor and the crickets were still chirping in the shadows.  In the midst of all of this, the tiny pond reflected the blue skies.  Wow!  I do believe I could have sat there all morning.

  We all need to have our own peaceful place to spend a few moments before we face the day.  A bit of meditation can do wonders in preparing the mind for challenges to be faced.  While growing up on the farm, there was little time to meditate.  It was "up and at 'em".  I am glad that now I have the time even if it is at the crack of dawn.