Our road is relatively quiet, not that many live on this dead end street. The windows are open. The birds are singing this morning. The sounds they make are joyful, soothing. Autumn and early Spring allow for listening. Occasionally winter weather is mild enough for a morning coffee in the yard.
Summer has its own spectacular moments. We can see the stars quite clearly. Floating in the pool and staring at the night sky is a treat. It is a peaceful oasis in a hurried world. What’s the big rush?
There is an overgrown Holly directly outside the window.

I believe I planted it. Bob thinks he did. We can’t agree. The Holly is proof of my term here in this house. It’s reaching for the roof with spindly legs beneath and glossy leaves above. There are a few dead leaves trapped in its thick, spiky leaves. They fell from the Sycamore. A testament to Autumnal changes.

So many things go unnoticed in this rushed life. Perhaps it is time to slow down.
The Cedar tree is also evidence of our life here. My daughter brought it home from a college retreat. The little thing was in a Walmart bag. She had dug it up in the woods.
Bob and I planted it 10 years ago. He nurtured and pruned it regularly. It now towers over the center garden. Time has passed.

Enjoying the beauty right outside my door and truly appreciating it, is something rather new to me. We worked hard to create a retreat. Maintaining it is almost more difficult. Sometimes it becomes overgrown for lack of time. Sometimes it becomes bushy and weedy from apathy. Or weariness. Learning to enjoy it has been a slow go. I’m finding now that even in a state of chaos I find it beautiful. I’m seeing a bit better. Not just looking.
Cheesy insights from the senior section. Go Me!
I got my popcorn fix at the movies last night. It was soooooo good. The refill sits in the car, forgotten. Poor Zach didn’t get his fix. He doesn’t know it.
Is ignorance bliss?
If so, I know some really blissful people.