Fall Feelings

 I am definitely not out in the kayak this morning.

It's more of a morning to snuggle under the blankets for a few minutes longer, because....I can.  And while the rising sun still made an angled appearance under the clouds to make for a dramatic sky, that wind is strong, and the next band of showers are definitely on their way.  It's supposed to be on and off rain all day.

Ken has started a fire, one of very few we've had all summer.  This morning is very August, unlike August has been up to now.

I'm all good with this.  I don't mind trading my usual work station out on the deck for the indoors set up at the table, facing the wrap around windows that look out on the water.  It's actually nice to be 'cozy' after such a long hot and dry summer.  

Starting this last week of August with a rainy day suits what I am hoping for from this week anyways.  As crazy as this may sound, I have not been able to arrange one string of five days (one solid work week) since arriving in June where I haven't been hosting, meeting, preaching, dedicating, Zooming, visiting, or otherwise connecting.   As such, I have declared this week a 'no meeting week' where I hope to be able to finish off some lingering projects that I had high hopes for when the summer began, and which require the kind of long and unhurried concentration usually available when I'm away from the city.  

Don't get me wrong.  The connections are very important, nurturing my soul in different ways.  And largely all of it is my own doing.  

Also, it should be said that truly, I am beyond grateful and do not for a moment take for granted the incredible gift it is, in this era of my life, to have this much time here each season. 

And.

I did notice yesterday that my thoughts are more and more about getting back and resuming city life.  Cooler temperatures has something to do with that.  And also...we have such a cute house to return to!

But for now, this Monday, I'm staying cozy watching the sky and enjoying the space that provides a quiet place to hunker down and focus on good work.  Let's see what I can tuck away before fall is really here.

A little, totally unrelated bonus.  While I was writing this post, my new friend I call Buddy, a very young blue jay who hasn't figured out he's supposed to be afraid of me, just sat on the deck rail and bawled for his breakfast.  So I've put out some peanuts and come back inside.  We'll see if I can get a good pic of him to post later.  

Whatever Monday means to you, have a good one!