I've always been an early riser, but as I get older it seems that I don't need as much sleep. Most mornings I awaken between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., and I love the peace and quiet and knowing that I have an hour or two just to myself. The picture of the sunrise above is one I took on just such a morning.
These days, my pre-dawn mornings are usually when I work on my blog or visit my favorite bloggers to see what's going on in their worlds. I love sitting at my computer and listening to the birds wake up and the soft tinkling of wind chimes outside my window when there's a breeze blowing.
Sometimes I'll tackle a chore I've been procrastinating on doing, like laundry, "swiffering," making out a grocery list, watering plants, or balancing my checkbook. I also plan my day and make lists of errands to run or phone calls to make. I can accomplish more in that hour or two before my husband wakes up than I can the rest of the day.
Other mornings, I just "piddle," which is what we call "dawdling" here in the South. I can't count the times my mama has called and asked what I'm doing, and I've said, "Oh, just piddling," ... and she knows exactly what I mean.
To "piddle," according to the dictionary, means "to spend time idly," and I have it down to an art. I don't think of it as spending my time "idly," though. Sometimes I may work on a decorating project ... or create one. Or organize a kitchen "junk drawer," or clean out the refrigerator. And some mornings I just walk around my house admiring some of the things I've collected over the years, recalling how and where I acquired them. I may arrange or rearrange a vignette on a sideboard or chest, or put an arrangement of flowers in a different vase to give it a totally new look. Of course, I'm probably the only one who notices the new look, but that's okay.
And as the new day breaks, I gaze out the windows to check the weather and enjoy seeing my flowers and plants that seem to have grown overnight. Life is good, and these early morning hours are a perfect time for reflection, and for counting my blessings and thanking God for them and my sweet family.
If you wake up earlier than usual one morning, try getting up instead of turning over and going back to sleep. I think you'll enjoy the solitude and luxury of some quality time just for yourself.
These days, my pre-dawn mornings are usually when I work on my blog or visit my favorite bloggers to see what's going on in their worlds. I love sitting at my computer and listening to the birds wake up and the soft tinkling of wind chimes outside my window when there's a breeze blowing.
Sometimes I'll tackle a chore I've been procrastinating on doing, like laundry, "swiffering," making out a grocery list, watering plants, or balancing my checkbook. I also plan my day and make lists of errands to run or phone calls to make. I can accomplish more in that hour or two before my husband wakes up than I can the rest of the day.
Other mornings, I just "piddle," which is what we call "dawdling" here in the South. I can't count the times my mama has called and asked what I'm doing, and I've said, "Oh, just piddling," ... and she knows exactly what I mean.
To "piddle," according to the dictionary, means "to spend time idly," and I have it down to an art. I don't think of it as spending my time "idly," though. Sometimes I may work on a decorating project ... or create one. Or organize a kitchen "junk drawer," or clean out the refrigerator. And some mornings I just walk around my house admiring some of the things I've collected over the years, recalling how and where I acquired them. I may arrange or rearrange a vignette on a sideboard or chest, or put an arrangement of flowers in a different vase to give it a totally new look. Of course, I'm probably the only one who notices the new look, but that's okay.
And as the new day breaks, I gaze out the windows to check the weather and enjoy seeing my flowers and plants that seem to have grown overnight. Life is good, and these early morning hours are a perfect time for reflection, and for counting my blessings and thanking God for them and my sweet family.
If you wake up earlier than usual one morning, try getting up instead of turning over and going back to sleep. I think you'll enjoy the solitude and luxury of some quality time just for yourself.
9 comments:
Hi Janie,
Thought I would drop by again to visit you. I really love the way you express your thoughts so openly. Something I need to work on with my posting. It really helps to get to know others doesn't it?
Every now and then I get lonely since I retired, but never early in the morning. That is the best part of retirement....having all that TIME in the morning! Well, one of the best parts.
Diane
Hi Janie, I got so tickled when I read your post and the reference to "piddling!" My husband often ask me what I did at the end of the day, and I don't want to bore him with the tales of mundane household chores....so I always say, just piddled all day! But it is not idle by no means! LOL! My other reference is "I've been just stirring in it, all day!"
Hugs, ~Rhonda ;)
Hee Hee...I'm a piddler too. I love to piddle and putter around my house I also call it fru fruing!
~Jill
Janie, I, too, wake up early..and I am such a morning person that I always take advantage of those extra hours in the early mornings. I am one that never goes back to sleep (unless I am sick) and I HATE snooze alarms with a passion!
Oh, and I can NOT believe that YOU even have a JUNK drawer in your entire beautiful cottage !!
hugs, bj
i love the early mornings, too! thank you for sharing so eloquently!
I too have found that I wake up earlier than I ever did. I live on a lake so I love to watch the sun coming up on the water. It's easier to hear God in the quiet of the early morning. I enjoyed your blog. Blessings, marlene
Hi, Janie...I have an award for you at my place...hugs, bj
Hi Janie! Love your new page!!! I too love my early morning. I have my coffee on a timer so it is ready and waiting for me to watch the sunrise from my living room which is the only way it really gets used! After enjoying that then I "putter" is what we northerners call it; "piddle" was something the dog did!!! (I am quickly becoming a southern girl but since I am in WV I feel caught between the 2!lol) Glad I'm not the only one up at the crack of dawn! Have a great night - will think of you tomorrow at 5:00am!- Jeannette
Hi janie, I have sooo been enjoying your blog! I too love the quiet time in the morning before everything gets so busy! You have a gift for putting your thoughts into words!ksarra(RMS)
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