Reflections of an Early Morning Riser and Piddler ...

{Picture borrowed from the internet}

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.

This picture of the sunrise is one I took on just such a morning ...

These days, my pre-dawn mornings are usually spent working on my blog or visiting my favorite bloggers. 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 usually the only one who notices the new look, but that's okay.

And as the new day breaks, I look out the windows to check the weather and enjoy the solitude and serenity of the pre-dawn sky. 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 ... especially during the holidays.

[Note: This post is one of the first ones I wrote after I created my blog. I didn't have many readers then, so I thought I would re-post it.]