This morning I sit here with my coffee, the pupsters asleep on the chair ottoman, and think about my Saturday.
I will go to lunch with my daughter and Andrew soon. I am taking some seedless grapes for him.
He will be the highlight of my day.
I stare out the patio doors at the tree branches hovering over the gazebo top, shadows that dance in the wind.
I didn’t think that my moon flower seeds had taken hold.
But just before dusk the other day, there in front of me was a dazzlingly beautiful white flower.
A surprise that made me smile.
It will be stunning in the moonlight.
These little things I look forward to.
The little wren that has been hopping along the fence lately. My huge metal sun that greets me each morning on the patio.
There is a softness about morning. A yawning slow softness that covers me like the layers of a spider’s web. Holding me still so that I pause to enjoy all the little things.
Like the sipping of coffee, steam curling in the air above my favorite mug.
Sitting here gazing at my gallery wall full of nature at its best. Horses and cows and a field full of blue bonnets.
This gallery wall relaxes me, while the one before it energized me.
My bamboo blinds in the front window filters out the sun that shines so brightly this time of year. It is like sitting in a semi-dark cocoon, the only sound that of the air conditioning going off and on.
How I love mornings!
Walking into my colorful kitchen to prepare breakfast, slicing a few strawberries.
Looking out the kitchen window at the patio full of plants. The setting that I alone created and that gives me such undeniable pleasure.
I can see the pepper plant which is growing so tall, the strawberry plant that has spreaders reaching down through the holes in the metal plant stand.
I find myself being so reflective this time of day. I think about how my life has shaped up so nicely after all.
I think about how I will turn 60 next year. And how I wouldn’t trade where I am now to go back to 50 or 40 because I have so much more wisdom at this time in my life.
I now fit into myself like a hand in glove.
There is something to be said for growing older. I guess the best thing about it is that you are indeed still “growing.”
Like the moon flowers that wink at me in the darkness. The vine that wraps and twines itself higher and higher up the fence, growing as I write this.
Did you know that the flower is only good for one night? Then it folds into itself, and the bloom above it will open next.
An orchestration that only Mother Nature could plan.
So many things to look forward to. So many possibilities.
Here, inside my little apartment, there is such life-affirming peace.
Better grab those grapes before I forget. I’m going to see my little blond-headed Andrew.
And I’m going to grab hold of his delightful laughter to bring home with me to enjoy later.
“I owe no explanations for my flaws. I don’t have to justify my mistakes, my past, or my insecurities. I am growing and learning. Let me live.” – Author Unknown
There is so much to be said about inner peace. Life is sweeter. Wishing you a wonderful week and more sweet moments of happy reflection.
Hugs from Texas!
-Heather
Stringtown Home
I love reading your posts, this one is especially poignant. I feel my blood pressure going down when I read your writings. I wish you could write a book. I love how you have turned your apartment into such an oasis for you and the pupsters. Your patio looks like something out of a nursery advertisement!! Hope you had a great day with Andrew.
That flower is beautiful. What happened to the tiles you had in your kitchen. I must have missed another redo. It's always cute no matter what you do.
So glad you spend this time with Andrew. Hugs
I loved reading this post. Your peace and happiness just filled me up. You have a wonderful way with words, and they always bring joy to my heart!
The morning is my favorite time of the day. I love rising just before the sun comes up, to fully embrace the dawn of each new beginning. I turn 60 in February, and am the happiest I have ever been! Mostly thanks to your wisdom, inspirational writing and posts such as this…
I have not commented in a while, Brenda, life just seems to have gotten so busy lately. I have been following you through many moves, lifestyle changes and health changes and all I can say is you are an amazing, inspiration woman. You have come through the fire to the other side, whole, happy and absolutely FABULOUS! I am so proud of you. You move forward, you grow and you learn. You are a wonderful example of strength to us all!
Have a wonderful day today with your family and just keep blogging because you truly do inspire many of us.
hugs and blessings
Sue
Turning 30 was worse than turning 60! When I turned 30 I was in a bad marriage, and I was miserable. I got divorced a few years later, and things did not become all sunshine and roses by any means. There have been some hard times. But at least I have gotten to be me, rather than always trying to figure out who my ex-husband wanted me to be.
Lovely post, Brenda, I feel as if I am with you, sitting in your peaceful apartment, enjoying the quiet of the morning.
It's so nice that you have tapped into what makes you happy and have found that in your life now. You certainly deserve it after all you've experienced! I believe a person's experiences make them more mature than their age. I still know some older people that need to grow up! Ha Ha! I do agree that age alone, though, can help you feel more comfortable in your skin. I like quiet mornings too. Hope you had a fun day today with Andrew.
Oh, Brenda, I'm so happy to know you're feeling good about yourself now! I know you've been through so much but again, you're very strong and you've been an inspiration to many, I'm sure of it. Your flower is so pretty and I still love your little kitchen. I don't remember seeing your countertops after you faux marbled them! They look wonderful.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
You have made your apartment such a great place for you and it is so inviting. Have fun with your daughter and Andrew.
Brenda, you have such an amazing gift for writing. This is beautiful.
Mary
Your post and pictures resonate with peace and contentment! Like you, I will be 60 next year and, instead of feeling "old", I feel more content with who I am and how my life has turned out, than I have ever felt in my life. I am finally able to allow myself to sit and reflect, go with my flow and enjoy the simple pleasures. Enjoy your family today!
Brenda, very thoughtful post. I too have come to love my life at this age and enjoy peace and quiet so very much. I love the time with my family, the laughs of my Grands and noise and constant movement, but I also need calm to let me rejuvenate! I envy your garden and its water features and sweet flowers. Enjoy your day.
A very reflective post Brenda, as I sit with one of my little ones. Grab hold of your Grandsons laughter, the innocence of the young and wrap it around your heart. A perfect post for the new day to embrace, Kathleen in Az
What a beautiful post Brenda. Love your kitchen, so bright and inviting, as is, all your house.
SO happy you are happy with where you are in your life. I too , think as we age, we settle into the important things. I will be 62 in October. I can see the important things. and the beauty around me.
Have fun with that adorable Andrew..
I have no plans for today, but am hoping that our daughter and those lovely 2 girls of hers ,pop in. smile.
Have a blessed weekend.
I think the happiest people are those who find joy in the simple things.
I love when I spot a new flower in the garden. Somehow, I have lovely purple daisies – thank you birds!