Week 5

This is week 5. I think. Yes, week 5 post employment. What that means is I am still enjoying being off. Here I sit this am with coffee in hand contemplating my day and had to actually think about how long I have been off. I don't consider this a brag. Just an observation of how easy it is transitioning to calmness.

It is quiet in the house. Outside my former work-space window, the sun is coming up (again) with a few clouds, ripples on the lake water, a small breeze moving the still attached oak leaves back and forth...and I am very glad to be here in this place at this time.

I remember these sights, smells and sounds. The smell of autumn. The warmth of the sun rays coming through the window panes. Cicadas and other singing I haven't identified yet. Growing up in the south, I don't remember wondering what that noise was. I suppose most young kids just take it for granted. Now I want to know. Was it a cricket or a praying mantis.

When we left Georgia for Alaska in 1997, the one thing I missed the most was waking up in the mornings (that I had off) and smelling the breeze that came across the swamp water creek in front of our cabin on Penholloway creek. Opening my eyes, my first views were calming. As we settled into the Alaska life, I thought I would never have that again. I remember once in a Chugiak cottage we rented, waking up and before I opened my eyes, I could almost see and smell the remains of the watery fragrance my memories still held on to. The moment lasted only a second or two as opening my eyes lifted the dreamy state. I can't deny that by the time I left Alaska, I lived in a most beautiful hillside spot overlooking Anchorage, the inlet, the mountains and volcanoes across but I have yet to have that dreamy state of missing it. Maybe later. For now, I live and breath warmth. It is amazing how calming it feels for now.

I was listening to a song this morning that my daughter posted on FB. She is attending a concert by the artist this weekend. This is a good time for her and she is in a good place for concerts, wine, and work. Kudos. What did I like about the song? The upbeat music, the artsy dance on the video, and the words.

"Happiness, hit her like a train on a track

Coming towards her, stuck still no turning back

She hid around corners and she hid under beds

She killed it with kisses and from it she fled

With every bubble she sank with a drink

And washed it away down the kitchen sink"

....Florence and The Machine.

 I am not sure if everyone interprets the lyrics the same, but it made me feel this way. When happiness hits you, embrace it.... don't fight it. Smell the dream again.