Good Morning, Swamp Side: An Early Rising and the Extended Porch Call

 

Good Morning, Swamp Side: An Early Rising and the Extended Porch Call

Good Monday morning, dear readers! The cypress swamp outside is still draped in that magical predawn hush, promising another beautiful day here in Shreveport, Louisiana. The air is cool, carrying the faint, earthy scent of the bayou, a perfect backdrop to the gentle hum of the coffee maker. This morning, however, my usual routine is already taking on a slightly different cadence, one dedicated primarily to the quiet rhythms of care.

Today, my focus will be largely dedicated to hanging out with the uncles and ensuring they're comfortable and cared for. This means my usual flurry of blog posts and creative dives might be a bit curtailed this morning. Think of it as a day where the behind-the-scenes work is the main show, a testament to the quiet, yet profound, tasks that fill our lives.

But even with this shifted focus, I wanted to take a moment, coffee in hand, to share a wish with all of you who might be experiencing your own early morning rising. Whether you're greeting the sun from a city apartment, a suburban kitchen, or perhaps your own peaceful patch of nature, there’s a unique energy to these early hours. It's a time when the world feels like it's holding its breath, just before the full symphony of the day begins. It’s a sacred window, often overlooked in the rush to 'get started,' but profoundly rich for those who embrace it.

For me, these early moments are almost exclusively spent on our front porch. It’s more than just a porch; it’s a sanctuary. As the first tendrils of light pierce through the moss-draped cypress trees, casting long, shifting shadows across the water, I settle into my favorite spot. The air, initially cool, begins to soften, promising the warmth of the coming day. The only sounds are the chirping of awakening birds, the distant splash of a fish, and the gentle gurgle of my coffee mug. It’s a time for quiet reflection, for simply being before the world demands doing. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, dark and rich, is almost a meditation in itself. Each sip is a small, warm anchor, grounding me in the present moment, preparing me not just for the day’s tasks, but for whatever unexpected currents it might bring. It's a chance to gather my thoughts, to appreciate the simple blessing of another dawn, and to mentally prepare for the responsibilities that loom. In the stillness, clarity can emerge, and gratitude often finds its way to the forefront. This morning ritual, extended to its fullest, is where I fortify myself. It's a mental and spiritual recalibration, a quiet conversation with the unfolding day, acknowledging both its beauty and its demands. It's where I remind myself that even when my schedule is dictated by the needs of others, I still possess these precious, personal moments of communion with the quietude and with myself.

Today, as I mentioned, much of my time will be dedicated to ensuring the uncles are comfortable and well-cared for. This means my presence online might be somewhat limited, and my usual long-form thoughts will likely take a backseat to more immediate and personal priorities.

But I wanted to extend this invitation to all of you: find your own version of the front porch. Discover that quiet moment, that early rising, that ritual that grounds you before the Monday momentum sweeps you away. May you all experience an early morning rising that fills you with peace and preparedness, a moment of stillness that sustains you through whatever your day holds.

Wishing you all a truly blessed start to your week. I'll catch you when I can!