Sunday, June 28, 2009

Early morning in late June

At the risk of sounding overly sentimental, I’m writing about how I feel in my heart today.

I apologize, in advance, to those of you who live in areas where it’s already hot and muggy in the early morning hours. Please accept my sincere condolences.

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I awoke before 7 this morning and I so very much wanted to roll over and just go back to sleep. But there was such a beautiful, sweetly scented breeze flowing into the bedroom that combined with the smell of coffee wafting up the stairs, I simply had to get up.

This morning in Maryland is the kind of day that makes me thank the Lord that I am on this earth. In fact, I looked out the window at the beautiful light and I thanked Him out loud. I then saw my husband in the distance, taking his daily walk with George around the perimeter of the property and I remembered something I’d read yesterday that Thomas Jefferson had once said.

He said, “The object of walking is to relax the mind. You should therefore not permit yourself even to think while you walk; but divert yourself by the objects surrounding you. Walking is the best possible exercise.”

I want to thank the Lord that I still have my husband. And that he’s still able to walk.

I made my way downstairs and poured a cup of my husband’s delicious coffee. I have it with half and half. And when I sip it, all is right with the world. Today, at least.

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Hello, kitty.

Blackie is sitting here with me as I enjoy my coffee on the front porch.

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And hello, you beautiful dog.

When George saw that I was awake, he came running from his morning walk to greet me.

My eldest son is in town for a friend’s 25th birthday. I feel honored to have been invited to dinner last night, along with our art teacher, Margie, and her husband Charles. It’s wonderful when children grow up and include the adults they’ve known as teachers and friends when they get together. All of the young men and women in the photo below (with the exception of one) are graduates of the school where I’m employed. I’m honored to be considered a friend to them.

 

That’s my son on the far right. And you’ve seen Mary Ellen and Kate on this blog before. Mary Ellen, I’m sorry about the picture and the face you’re making but I’ll make it up to you somehow. Don’t be hatin’. That’s the birthday boy in the center. God only knows what he’s doing but it’s why Mary Ellen is making that face.

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I may sound like a sentimental fool this morning, but I’m fine with that.

Hope the remainder of your weekend is all smiles, too. Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

42 comments:

Country Girl said...

Reading this back, I sound like such a sap. Gah!

~ C.G.

A New England Life said...

Oh for goodness sakes, you don't sound like a sap at all! In fact you sound more like a real person Kate!

I love the mornings and am usually up between 5:30-6:00. Between kids and animals my whole sleep-wake cycle has been altered but I don't mind : )

Mary Ellen will surely hate the picture but to me it shows she has a good sense of humor and I like that in a person. Your son is a handsome young man. Happy Birthday to him!!!

I sure wish we had some of that nice weather. Here in New Hampshire it's been a terrible summer so far.

Mental P Mama said...

You are hardly a sap. And I am feeling the very same way this fine morning. And I love that quote.... Big surprise there.

JC said...

No you do not !!!

With all that's happened to me and my family in the last years, I too appreciate the simply joys in life.

My cats and dogs give me such pleasure. Even on a very bad day, I can't be sad too long, cause they need me. To go outside and watch them play or to just pet them while they sit by my feet.

Life is scary and those quiet moments ... oh, I wish they could be the forever moments.

Deb said...

OK, what is it now that I feel compelled to read everything I can get my hands on Thomas Jefferson? Looks like I'll be visiting the library tomorrow.
Thanks for the lovely depiction of your morning and day with your son. I thought about you yesterday, having family around and wanted to email, but on second thought, didn't want to distract from that special time.

Anonymous said...

Oh. You are not a sap. You just appreciate the world around you. That's a very good thing.

Jill of All Trades said...

I so love this post. It is a joy to be allowed into your love of your life and those around you. Thank you for allowing, us, into your little corner of your world. Carla

RURAL said...

Not at all, don't feel anything but satisfaction that you managed to describe and be thankful for what you have experienced.

There are moments when we actually stop, and give thanks, realize how much we have, and it is good to share those times.

Someone else might be in the throes of unhappiness, or despair, who knows how much good your words can do.

Jen

Anonymous said...

Oh, look at Kitty peeking up at you. We are morning people too and it was cool enough last night that we slept with all the windows open and could hear the train waaay off in the distance.

Country life is a good thing.

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Char said...

I'm always a sap about loved ones...that's the way it should be. and the morning sounds perfect.

Leenie said...

The whole happy post and the comments made me smile. :D :D. We all deserve a few days like this. Enjoy!

Jo said...

Kate, you don't sound like a sap at all. Everyone should wake up every day feeling the way you described in this post. Summer mornings are are a gift from God. Sometimes on summer mornings, when the sun is shining through my windows, I feel like dancing.

Jo Whitehurst said...

I truly believe that God gives us these perfect moments, to help us through the tough times! A memory of the "peace that passes all understanding" (that is how I feel when I have one of these moments) is often what helps us cope, when our world is askew. Savor the moment.

Megs said...

Ha ha ha - we all sound like saps when we are thankful! Mostly, because we're not used to hearing (or reading) others say it out loud!
My blog must be the sappiest out there - I'm thankful everyday - ON PURPOSE! Ha ha ha.
Here's to recognizing the beauty and wonder in life - and saying "thank you!"

The Weaver of Grass said...

Kate - you are not a sap - the sort of morning you experienced is quite rare and you are quite right to feel so elated by it. In a situation like yours, where you have had to deal with serious illness in someone you love dearly, I really believe your senses are heightened and you get even more from a morning like yours. Add to that the black cat - dear George and a husband who makes wonderful coffee and I think you have a right to feel wonderful.

Andrea said...

No you don't sound like a sap. I too have been enjoying the Maryland weather lately - afterall we did have a very soggy spring! Looks like next week will be nice too! The weather affects us all and it's wonderful to recognize it when it's cooperating!

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

It made me smile. Thanks. - C

Daryl said...

SHUT UP! You are not a sap.

I am sitting up but not for long .. of course I had to stop by and see you before I am told to 'get back to bed and ICE your butt' .. xo

BB said...

Lovely... nice to see some of the real 'you' slip through all that gorgeous photography!!! And your cat is a DEAD RINGER for mine - ours is called Middy (for Midnight) and she is half wild. And hard to get photos of. I tried here:
http://bushbabe.blogspot.com/2008/06/meet-midnight.html

;and how she rules the roost here:
http://bushbabe.blogspot.com/2009/06/scooby-doo-factor.html

:-)
BB

Jeannelle said...

I love your post's title, and the photos, and the Jefferson quote about advice for the mindset during a walk! I agree.

Oh, we had a refreshing break today from the heat and humidity. Breezes from the north have kept us cool and comfortable all day!

Kerri Farley said...

Not a sap....just a woman taking the time to appreciate life! And sharing that with us! I am so happy you posted this!!

Annie said...

Isn't it just great when you have mornings like that?

I was enjoying my morning, well, until I nearly fell off the ladder trying to chop back my fiddlewood to let some light into the patio. And then I managed to break the tv aerial when a large branch came crashing down...oh well, at least it didn't break the tiles on the roof! I hope.

Some mornings are definitely very funny ones!

T said...

Have we not been blessed with beautiful weather!!!

Lovely post - not sappy at all.

Aimz said...

Nice photos you've shared, no you don't sound like a sap at all, it's nice to read someone who is real :-)

Donalyn said...

You can hardly top a day like this. Driving a couple hours north to celebrate your granddaughter's 2nd birthday isn't bad either though :)

bv said...

i think you have had to be too brave. for too long. i know what a great visit with kids and friends can do for one...makes you relaxed and-dare i say-happy. sap=sweet and relaxed...its all good.
bv

GailO said...

So glad you are having a good day Kate!....I know what you mean about having the children grown into friends as well as children...it is an unexpected, extra pleasure!

Sweetpea said...

Saps ROCK! SAP ON!!!!!

Flea said...

I'm incredibly jealous of your lovely weather. :) But your pictures more than make up for it. Glad you're both alive and kicking!

Anonymous said...

I love sentimental, it's heartfelt and homely. Isn't it wonderful when dogs bound towards you to greet you.

Lovely pictures,
CJ xx

Leif: A Voyage said...

Shut UPPPPP!

I LOVED this. It is classic COACG...making the simple sublime. Reminding me how possible and fulfilling doing that is.

Katie Aiken Ritter

Unknown said...

I had the exact same sentiments all weekend long. It was absolutely glorious, wasn't it? I am still on a "high" from the weather the past couple of days.

becky up the hill said...

A thankful heart is the best medicine. God Bless and keep you! Hey I love my coffee just like you do. I rarely run out of coffee or half-half!
Old T.J. was a wise man! Have you visited his home?

Terri said...

You don't sound like a sap at all...I start every morning off with Thanking the Lord for another day and all he has blessed me with... it is great to be thankful and recognize our blessings :)

Love the pics of your doggie and kitty...so precious!

Hope your having a wonderful day!

Glad you enjoyed dinner out with your son and friends..great pic..lol

Hugs
Terri

Shelley said...

You are not a sap!! You sound more like a reflective, appreciative and caring person!

Anonymous said...

I loved this sappy post. It made me feel that I was sitting on your porch watching your dog and cat and enjoying an early morning coffee with you. What could be better than that.(By the way - you have a nice looking son)

My name is Christine said...

Hi Kate, There's nothing wrong with feeling for your family, and sharing it, if you feel like it. Happiness is contagious, thanks for spreading it around.
Cheers,
C

Hilary said...

Sounds and looks like a great summer day. I'll take your kind of sap anytime. :)

abb said...

Well that was all kinds of lovely. If this is sappy, it's a very good thing!

Golden West said...

Life's simple pleasures are its greatest treasures.

Woman in a Window said...

Revel in those small treasures that all add up to magnificence. THAT is what it is all about.

Not sappy at all. Grateful.

MaggieGem said...

Sap? I think your blog is wonderful and this type of wonder and excitement is something we could all use more of!

Keep it up!