a quiet friday night

I got a chance tonight to enjoy some of the Blessings in my life. After dinner with family, I weeded the garden, enjoyed some fresh peas (is there any better taste?), and ventured inside. The last few days have been off and on with storms, and the sky seemed unpredictable at the least - large black clouds interspersed with beautiful blue.

Being only 8oclock, I brewed a cup of raspberry tea, grabbed my new book, and headed out to the deck to enjoy the evening. The air had cooled down, bringing a strong wind. In my mind, the wind was my mom, letting me know she was there, giving me a hug. I have been thinking about her so much again lately. No particular reason, but I do like to think she was sitting on the deck with me tonight.

Lots of different birds added their songs to my night. The little house wren was out and about, as well as some robins, and some beautiful orioles new to my yard this year. It was good to see the absence of the jays, as they always seem to bully the others out.

I don't know a better way to spend a Friday night. The cool breeze, the clear air, the smell of the no-longer-thirsty lawn and flowers, a wonderful cup of tea, and a great book. All surrounded by my yard noises, the neighborhood noises, and mom.

I stayed out until I could read no longer. The darkness of night turning me in. 70 pages of my wonderful read, and a cup of tea later, I'd had a perfect quiet Friday night.

Independence Day...

Sitting on the hillside watching our town's fireworks on Saturday, it came to me. People all over our amazing country were doing the exact same thing.. Towns big and small, gathered for one night, gazing into the night, watching the explosions of light. I could picture families sitting at lakes, in bleachers, all coming together to celebrate our independence. It's the one thing that ties all of us Americans together. It's part of our identity.

solitude

I found myself this evening with an unexpected surprise..solitude. With my husband at work, and the carnival downtown luring my kids, I have the house to myself.

My oldest child is now a senior, one year before she leaves the nest. My son, five years later. I've gotten several glimpses at "empty nest" like tonight, and I have to say that solitude is not a bad thing to me.

I finished decorating for my party tomorrow. I weeded the garden. I weeded the flower bed. I took breaks reading my book and enjoying an iced latte. And then, I cut fresh lettuce and spinach from the garden for my dinner.

Solitude in itself is such a gift. In today's world, so many of us rush around day in and day out, from one thing to another. Transporting kids, watching them perform, going to work, doing the shopping, and all of the other countless things we do.

It's not easy to find down time, time to just exist. To enjoy a fresh salad, to read a good book, or to just sit. I challenge you each to find some time to enjoy the solitude. Regain that gift of time to yourself. It is truly a gift.