I’m sitting here with Charlie. He’s sound asleep against my left leg. This is what we do each morning without fail.
Music is playing and I also hear the sound of the washer washing a couple of blanket throws.
The lamp light casts a yellowish glow across my house plants on the shelf I rescued years ago from the trash heap.
And All Is Well:
All is well with my little world in my one bedroom apartment. The one I’ve lived in seven years come April.
It is cold. Seems to me this year has been colder than it’s been in the recent past. Plus we’ve already had three snow events. Small ones, but still.
I sit among my plants and my books lined up in the bookshelf and with music playing in the background.
Ivy is sleeping at the top of her tower by the French doors.
Ivy & Her Q-Tips:
Last night she wanted me to throw those ridiculous Q-tips she favors. After I toss it she scampers after it like a kitten. If I ever wondered what “scampered” looked like, now I know.
Ivy hops along like a little rabbit. I find myself smiling because in her head she is probably still that little kitten left with her siblings and no mother in sight.
Maybe her mother was run over by a car, or something else happened to her.
But Ivy and her siblings were taken in by Animal Rescue where I found her five months later. Only a few of the kittens lived, as they were only a few weeks old when they were found abandoned.
I’m so grateful for my sweet Ivy. She is so adventurous and curious and funny. Whereas Charlie is quiet and stays close to me.
Of course I’m grateful for him as well. For the fourteen years he has slept at the foot of my bed every single night.
So Grateful:
So on this Sunday morning, especially after the week’s events, I feel so thankful that I am warm and safe and sound.
I will do several loads of laundry and hang sheets around the apartment, as I have no way to dry them. It is a small hindrance. I just layer them about till they dry.
I don’t plan to go out today. I’m thinking about making tuna salad for lunch and there would then be enough for supper. Haven’t had that in quite a while.
I’ll mix mayonnaise and pickles, chopped up red onion and an egg, add a bit of spice and eat it on toast.
The Music Warms Me:
The music, soft and slow, warms me too. Paul Cardall and his piano has beat its rhythm into my heart. Finally the man has a whole heart, as he was born with only half a heart at birth.
The beat of his heart goes into his music.
One can almost see him sitting there, his fingers moving along in a slow dance, creating a melody that stays with you.
Oh, The Words:
I find myself humming his music as I go about my day.
To have such talent is remarkable to me. I was never good at playing instruments. But then I never had the urge to learn how.
Words are my playground.
Always have been from early on in my life.
I hope they speak to you in some way. Whisper something sweet into your ear from time to time.
A Dream:
I had a dream the other night. A dream where I was not out on my own yet. Still wishing for a place to call mine.
I felt the fear within the confines of my dream, the fear of thinking I could never do it on my own.
Then I woke up, a bit confused for a moment as to where I was, and realized that the dream got it wrong. I am in my own little space.
Happy, content and grateful. Right where I want to be.
I love Paul Cardall’s music. I lite this to it almost everyday.
Your words are like a warm blanket and a hug all rolled into one. Thank you.
Peace and tranquillity- it’s a blessing when we feel those qualities during our days. So many people don’t have that ability so like you, I don’t take it for granted one bit. We are so lucky to feel safe and content in our spaces. Thanks for the reminder though as it was an ugly week to watch.
Marilynn was spot on! Those of us homebodies (or not) are blessed to feel peace and contentment in our homes. Goes to show you don’t need a ton of things to make you happy. Surround yourself with what makes you happy. Our pets are great companions and they are so happy we are home more with them! Stay safe and have a wonderful week.
Our homes become our sanctuaries when we close our doors.
There’s very little that brings my contentment level up higher than the soft purring of my 2 little fur babies whether we’re snuggled under a cozy throw or they’re waiting for their treats.
Give me this,a lighted candle and a cup of something.
Great post,happy Sunday
Brenda,
You are among the richest among us. True peace and contentment together equal joy. So few are able to find it.
Brenda, Charley, and Ivy; I love you all.
Marilynn
Thank you for sharing Paul Cardell a few days ago… I spent the afternoon reading my book and listening to his lovely music xoxo
Spot on (as usual). I seldom comment – however I am here every day. You bring a comforting perspective to these sometimes trying times. As an amateur photographer, I enjoy your photos. You really are creative in your home and in the presentation in your pictures!
Sounds like a perfect Sunday. Have a great new week. xoxo
Beautiful post Brenda. It was soothing to read. Makes me happy you
are so happy in your space. Of course these furry babies of yours have such a hard life! LOL
I also am feeling thankful today.
You paint a cozy pleasant life with your words and your pictures. Enjoy the warmth of the fire and the love of your babies.
I always, from childhood, was a “home body” I just wanted to stay in the confines of my family. I had a wonderful childhood, my parents were so loving and I think my children feel the same way about me! We are having tuna melts and mac and cheese for dinner tonight and I will make extra tuna for sandwiches for myself and my daughter tomorrow!
I just had to tell you I bought myself a
t shirt yesterday that has “homebody” across the front, which is exactly what I am!
Thanks for replying! Nice to hear from another “homebody”!
Another home body here! Probably why so many of us love Brenda’s blog.
Yes! I think you’re right!
Our homes are our sanctuaries, our personal space, where we, I hope, feel comfortable, safe and secure. As each of us are unique unto ourselves, so are our homes. I’m trying to picture just how far you can throw a Q-tip, LOL. I can’t imagine that they would go very far, not like a ball or a weighted sock or toy.
What a wonderful post, Brenda!
Often times I sit here in my little home with my fur baby, Cooper, and feel as you’ve described in your post. I start my day with a two cups of coffee and hopping my way through my favorite internet spots, such as yours. A couple of times a week I take care of chores throughout my home.
And, then I spend the rest of my day with my beloved handwork i.e. counted x-stitch, hand embroidery, etc
I am very thankful that all is well within my home and my soul.
All is well with in my home and my soul.
Your writing is descriptive, and along with the photos you post, I feel as if we are visiting each morning in your home, perhaps sharing a pot of tea or coffee. You’ve had quite a week…several people not understanding what a blog is, and taking you to task for expressing your opinions. It was difficult to read those comments because you have been open and caring in your words for years. I always look forward to reading about Ivy and your dear Charlie and seeing their pics. These last 10 months have curtailed our (husband and I) usual activities and your blog gives me a different perspective.
Here in Eastern Massachusetts/Cape Cod, our weather is in the 30’s again today…birds did not venture out until it warmed a bit, although the wild turkeys walk the long driveway early mornings. We usually have mild winters, but have gotten surprise snows the last few years.
Your words, and pictures make me realize I am not alone in how I feel. Like you I am happy and content in my little apartment with my beloved pets and appreciative of the simple joys.
Music … try Yanni, Jim Brickman, George Winston, and Enya. All are beautiful.
What a priceless post! Thank you. This blog is meaningful and so needed. Have a wonderful day.
Lovely. The snow has fallen last night in Colorado and I haven’t been out except to collect the mail in several days. I have candles going and it’s lovely. I have my own world here and it’s lovely, too.
Beautiful post.
Your words are always so comforting and I thank you for that.
Your words are always so comforting and I thank you.